This article reviews the history of self-directed learning for the gifted and describes the Autonomous Learner Model (Betts, 1985) which includes a strong affective component, career development, and guidelines for a process-based scope and sequence. Guidelines are provided for developing independent study programs for gifted learners. (Author/CB)

In the 1970s, the Federal Republic of Germany embarked on a national program of using computers in education. Examines the impact of implementing the program, focusing on: results of curriculum development efforts; programing and teacher training; and computing related to vocational education. (JN)

A basic weakness of many national educational reports is that they focus on what is wrong with the education system and overlook how the schools can be improved. Research-based guidelines to be used in change efforts are offered. (DF)

Educators and the public must study recommendations from national educational reports to discover strengths and weaknesses and then select those that match their needs. An example of this process is provided. (DF)

This article reviews the quality circle concept, shows why its characteristics appeal to American executives, and examines some of its limitations. It looks at self-managing teams and discusses the reasons that adoptions have been relatively few. It then shows what organizational conditions are necessary for quality circles to evolve into teams.…

The author discusses aspects of the implementation phase of quality circles. He examines participant selection, participation of part-time or temporary workers, minority representation, voluntary aspect of circle programs, secrecy, and problem resolution versus politics. (CT)

Examines the three-pronged approach of the theme-centered interactional model that was adapted for use in a faculty clinician peer review group. The model involves the cognitive focus, the affective focus, and the interactional focus. Each approach is examined in detail. (CT)

The authors state that limited resources should be provided to develop, implement, and evaluate programs that have as their primary purpose the rehabilitation of offenders; and that employment programs will be best developed through the coordinated efforts of social scientists, employment professionals, and correctional officials. (CT)

Vocational education teachers' stages of concern over the implementation of competency-based instruction were analyzed in this study. A seven-stage model was used to assess changes in teachers' concerns over time and after instruction about the innovation. Results and recommendations are discussed with implications for educational change agents.…

Suggests various ways to improve business education: key environment variables that influence the thinking of the authors are specified; selected characteristics of business schools are offered; indirect influences of business schools on other academic units are outlined; difficulties in implementing change in academia are discussed; and…

Describes development and utilization of microcomputer center at Nyack Hospital which decentralized information processing and implemented small-scale automation. Highlights include microcenter's role in: (1) training hospital staff in using database management; (2) providing advice, software/hardware evaluations, and purchasing assistance; and…

Five prominent consultants--Richard Boss, Susan Baerg Epstein, Rob McGee, Joseph Matthews, James E. Rush--discuss the most common mistakes vendors make in implementing library automated systems. Suggestions are made for correcting basic problems relating to identification of library needs, communications, delivery dates, inadequate systems, and…

A retrospective look at the Preservice Teacher Education Project shows both the benefits and shortcomings of the program. Involvement of institutions in this program indicates interest and need for support systems to help facilitate change in teacher education programs. (DF)

Two views of social studies curriculum development are discussed. The technical project view assumes a linear sequence of discrete events; the social process view assumes a dynamic, interactive relationship among policy, planning, enactment, and their sociocultural context. An alternative conception that integrates technical, social, and critical…

Research was conducted to determine the benefits derived from agribusiness supervised occupational experience programs and to identify factors important in planning and/or conducting students' agribusiness employment experiences as perceived by employers of vocational agriculture students. (CT)