Explains the concept of autonomy and its significance in young children's development. Includes suggestions for teachers who want to provide a classroom environment supportive of autonomy. Also discusses the benefit of autonomy-based instruction for school performance. (JPB)

Describes the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation National Program in Self-Determination, a program facilitating change through the support of "learning community" grants to self-advocacy organizations and others. Local implementation is demonstrating creativity in establishing new tools of self-directed management of resources, listening to…

Discusses the need for dialog in distance education programs, based on the results of empirical research. Highlights include dialog and the construction of meaning; dialog and text design; student characteristics and preferences for dialog; dialog through tutorial support; and the relationship between autonomy, learner characteristics, materials…

Proposes that ambivalence is a useful organizing concept for understanding intergenerational relations. Argues that relationships between the generations in families are structured such that they generate various types of ambivalence. Discusses three aspects of intergenerational relationships that are likely to be ambivalent and proposes an agenda…

Investigates students' identity formation and perceptions of parental acceptance and encouragement of independence as predictors of career indecision. Four measurements were administered to 169 undergraduate students for the study. Results show career indecision was predicted by higher identity moratorium, less maternal acceptance, and fewer years…

Examines the consequences of emotional and behavioral autonomy for different aspects of psychosocial adjustment in the context of the parenting process as perceived by the adolescent with a sample of Belgian adolescents (N=558). Results reveal that it is useful to study autonomy and its developmental outcomes in the broader family context.…

Professional expertise and authority are increasingly eroded by the demands of the institutional delivery system in which they practice. Professional services are now typically delivered by expert systems not individuals. Continuing educators must reframe their understanding of context in order to address the new conditions of practice. (SK)

This article explores the meaning of efficiency and equity in the context of independent living programs for people with disabilities. Conflicts in costs and trade-offs in various scenarios of the efficiency/equity equation are examined in terms of theories of utilitarianism, contractarianism, justice and mutual advantage, and justice as…

Interviews with 27 adults with multiple sclerosis living in their own homes found that they had little choice about who, how, or when help with daily living activities was given. This was especially true as the individuals needed more assistance in toileting and moving around the home. (DB)

Claims that Matthews sees independence as moving freely and being able to function apart from the adult, leading to competence and cognitive development for life. Reiterates the importance of emotion, relationships, and the mother as the central part of the child's prepared environment. (MOK)

An expert panel and consensus workshops identified eight general hallmarks and 23 related indicators of person-centered approaches in planning and providing services and supports to individuals with mental retardation. The applicability of person-centered features and indicators to improving services and supports is discussed. (Contains…

Considers homework as an issue in the effort to define children's role as active participants in their lives. Notes the tension created as children attempt to find a place for themselves in their families and schools, the debates about children's rights, and the prescriptive approach of public policy toward homework. (JPB)

The concept of the autonomous learner underlies discourse in self-directed, experiential, transformative, and lifelong learning. However, full autonomy is rarely possible for reasons of culture, gender, and class. Extensive accountability requirements also limit the autonomy of learners, teachers, and institutions. (Contains 54 references.) (SK)

Explores the economic and political contexts of assessment in New Zealand adult education. Discusses assessment in relation to power, objectivity, reliability, and validity, suggesting that accountability prevails over autonomy. Advocates a context-dependent learner-teacher partnership for assessment in adult education. (Contains 54 references.)…

A national survey of Extension employees identified the most critical work/life challenges as a heavy workload, evening and weekend commitments, and lack of control or job autonomy. Only 40% were aware of benefits and programs offered concerning work/life balance. Recommendations included reducing the workload and time requirements of county-based…