Describes a workshop providing tools for self-confrontation and for acquiring self-help methods of making the desired changes in participants' daily lives. Many participants came to the realization that they are not passive victims of life, that they do make choices, and that they shape their lives by those choices. (Author/BEF)

A model for implementing in-service education in a residential setting for mentally retarded students is discussed. (CL)

Data from 22 business graduate students on a team-building course were used to identify themes important for teamwork: getting to know one another, egalitarianism, team spirit, task achievement, and unfinished business. Teams appeared to be dynamic and constantly adapting to circumstances; therefore, evaluation should not view them as a finished…

This study evaluated Reiss's (2000) empirically derived system for understanding incompatibility of housemates in housing programs for people with mental retardation. Comparison of 57 dyads without significant conflict and 36 dyads with conflict found dissimilarity of basic motives and values was associated with housemate incompatibility as were…

Compared 120 full psychological tests and retest batteries of boys aged 11 and 17 years referred to Teen Ranch residential treatment program who had been in program for at least 1 year. Nine intellectual and academic change variables and nine personality change variables were significant. These changes were used to examine overall effectiveness of…

Adult learning in residential conference centers is enhanced when a philosophical basis underlies their design. Six integrated elements for the development of learning sanctuaries are historical context, educational program, physical environment, support services, technology, and human resources. (SK)

Questionnaires were completed by 103 staff and 76 parents of clients of a day training and residential agency for persons with mental handicaps. Although, in general, respondents felt part of their respective teams, differences of opinion arose with respect to team cohesiveness, and comprehensibility and participatory equality at conferences.…

Examines the relationship between resident characteristics and time participating in activities. For the 2,672 nursing home residents studied, measures of resource use, cognitive abilities, depression, sense of initiative/involvement, activity repertoire, location preferences, and gender were all found to be significant in explaining the amount of…

The national guidelines for curriculum in Norway require a residential outdoor experience between grades one and nine. Programs observed at four camp schools included activities to increase competence in maintaining one's safety and well being outdoors, to enhance social and personal skills, and to expose students to the nation's cultural heritage…

Soon there will be national occupational standards of competence for managers of outdoor education and recreation centers in the United Kingdom. Charlotte Mason Management Services has mounted a competence-based residential course for outdoor and environmental center managers. Fewer than half the participating managers have had any previous…

Assessed impact of comprehensive social service program on educational and psychological functioning of 152 adjudicated adolescents. Pretesting provided evidence of significant academic underachievement in all areas, as well as significant disturbances in psychosocial functioning. Posttesting documented improvements in all areas of academic…

The costs of providing residential services for persons with mental retardation in 160 group homes, 130 family homes, and 41 apartments in Michigan and Nebraska were found to vary more by type of living arrangement than by resident level of need. Within professionally staffed arrangements, costs varied largely as a function of staffing levels.…

Discusses Colchester (England) Sixth Form College's residential fieldwork program, in which students observe a business first hand. Argues that the students (1) learn the relevance of their coursework; (2) develop new ideas; (3) experience business and economic principle applications; and (4) practice data collection and analysis. Suggests that…

A former intern at Merrowvista Education Center reflects on her experiences learning to facilitate adventure programs, and discusses the value of interning at a residential center, changes in her attitudes as her skills developed, and the importance of reflection for staff as well as participants. (SV)