Paper examines the enhancement of teacher preparation courses through augmenting field experiences to promote self- confidence and improve self-image, thus increasing the likelihood for professional satisfaction and reducing the incidence of burnout. Educators are cautioned that there can be drawbacks to increasing field experiences. (Author/SM)

This case study of families of normal private preparatory school students and families of substance abusing/mood disordered students examines the relationship between substance abuse and mood disorders and the following factors: parental marital discord, degree of family satisfaction, and family problem-solving styles. Results showed that all…

No significant differences in academic achievement or problem-solving ability were found when 212 undergraduate and graduate students in an introductory special education course received class lecture alone or class lecture and either a hypertext-based instructional program or a linear drill-practice computer-assisted instructional program.…

The proposition that teacher perceptions of the fairness of their workloads are related to varying levels of commitment, job satisfaction, and morale was studied for 472 high school teachers. Results from the mail survey support the proposition. Implications for administrative practice are discussed. (SLD)

A University of Georgia program developed by several departments and programs offers a fieldwork program in archaeology and American Indian history and culture to elementary and secondary school teachers. Teachers developed their own instructional materials for home classroom use. Workshops incorporated principles of adult and experiential…

A retired academic describes the process by which he became interested in the profession of teaching and comments on college teaching as a career, focusing on the satisfactions of the college environment, rewards of academic work, and the pleasure of sharing intellectual excitement with peers. (MSE)

Discusses policies and attitudes prevalent in public libraries that encourage female users and discourage male users. The lack of technical books that may appeal more to men is examined, the lack of appropriate reviews is described, subconscious classism is suggested, and differences in fiction preferences are discussed. (two references) (LRW)

Examines the economic rationale for vocationalizing secondary education in China by comparing vocational education graduates' and general education graduates' performance in the workplace. Using Beijing Auto Industry Company data, the study found that vocational-technical education graduates engaged in factory work relevant to their previous…

Comparison of 21 faculty facilitators at the University of Michigan Medical School, with or without content expertise, during small-group teaching sessions in a medical school microbiology course found that students in groups led by content experts had higher levels of satisfaction and higher examination scores. Significant differences in…

A study of 678 unskilled and semiskilled workers found that (1) those receiving on-the-job training were paid less and had less seniority; (2) those with off-the-job training (OFJT) or refresher courses had more seniority and more promotions; (3) OFJT related to lower projected longevity; and (4) educational level was related to pay. (SK)

A questionnaire was completed by 463 special educators and 493 general educators in Virginia. Analysis indicated that work-related variables, such as leadership support, role conflict, role ambiguity, and stress, are better predictors of commitment and job satisfaction than are demographic variables. Findings were similar for general and special…

Among 4,931 young physicians, those most likely to question career choice had higher proportions of white women, African Americans, and Hispanics. These had lower incomes, higher educational debt, more hours and patient visits, and were more likely to report inappropriate use of tests and procedures and lack of autonomy. Implications are…

Based on a survey of American Indian four-year college faculty, recommendations are made for colleges to enhance the environment for and retain this population. The following issues are discussed: the need for institutional commitment to hiring of American Indians; mentoring; and perceptions of research by American Indians. (MSE)

Describes a study that examined the search behavior of remote users of the University of California MELVYL online public access catalog by analyzing the transaction logs. Highlights include the number of searches, databases searched, number of retrievals, constructing search commands, problems with search terms, and effectiveness of searches.…

The University of Minnesota's Integrated Information Center focused on both technical and organizational integration to bring coherence and unity to support and delivery of information services. After six years, while unexpected progress has been made with end users and technological issues have progressed well, organizational issues continue to…