Describes a study of elementary school teachers that examined learner perceptions of interaction--both personal and overall--and satisfaction in an inservice education course delivered by interactive television. Cognitive speed theory is explained; interactivity in distance education is discussed; implications for course design are considered; and…

This article explains how key principles of holistic constructivism were used to revise a graduate teacher education program in behavior disorders and develop a portfolio model of evaluation, involving individualized portfolios, applied projects, collaborative work, and student evaluation, to demonstrate competency in eight areas. Three students…

This study of the effects of work-related variables on 658 special educators, including 159 teachers of students with emotional disorders, found that workplace conditions, job satisfaction, and principal support had positive effects on intent to stay in teaching, whereas role-related problems had negative effects on intent to stay. (DB)

A 10-year study of the major career choice factors of social work undergraduates (n=746) found that, although altruism remains important, students are motivated by both service to others and job self-interest. Dimensions of motivation for choosing social work have not changed significantly over this period. (Author/MSE)

This study examined the relationships between teacher autonomy and certain attitudinal and work-related variables. Public school teachers completed the Survey of Teacher Characteristics and Activities. Autonomous teachers were more satisfied with their profession, perceived a lighter paperwork load, had a more positive attitude toward students,…

Outlines a theoretical framework for studying turnover among family child care providers. The model proposes four components which interact along the path to turnover: (1) potential sources of stress; (2) moderators of stress; (3) outcomes of a cognitive appraisal process; and (4) actions on those outcomes. (MDM)

In a letter to her children, Denise O'Brien discusses her and her husband's experiences farming in Iowa and her role as a farm activist. Stresses the importance of changing farm policy in order for her children to have the opportunity to experience the satisfaction of rural farm life. (LP)

The essay examines what an interest in teaching might comprise if the teacher believes it to be a vocation, arguing that the concept of vocation embodies both a public and a personal dimension and describes work with a social value and enduring personal meaning. (SM)

Interviews with secondary school teachers from the United States, England, Germany, Japan, Singapore, Canada, and Poland indicate that student responsiveness and enthusiasm contributed the most to teacher enthusiasm, while poorly motivated students contributed to a high level of discouragement. Responses were consistent across cultures, except for…

Implementation of a pyramid model to teach behavior management strategies to the staff of an integrated childcare center found improvements in performance of the three trained "specialists," improvements in other staff trained by the specialists, changes in child behavior, and general satisfaction with the training procedures. (DB)

Measures of occupational stress were completed by 16 vocational rehabilitation placement officers in New Zealand. There were high negative correlations between job stress and life satisfaction, and subjects reported particularly high levels of role conflict in their work. Strategies for stress reduction focused on improving communication and…

Israeli researchers investigated the relationship between dimensions of teachers' self-concept and burnout and between teachers' perceptions of how significant others viewed them and burnout. Surveys indicated teachers needed job satisfaction to avoid burnout. Teachers believed their job was complicated by others failing to understand the…

Observes that master music teachers' intensity and commitment make them good candidates for burnout. Reports on contributing factors mentioned by music teachers: lack of recognition and support, unclear goals, poor curricular coordination, and poor working conditions. Offers suggestions for combating burnout including exercise, networking with…

This study examined relationships between parenting, severity of disability, and 5 aspects of family ecology for 83 preschool and 69 elementary school children with disabilities. Family ecology variables included socioeconomic status, coping styles, social support, stressful life events, and marital quality. Results showed positive correlations…

Describes a study of full-time library school faculty members that examined the extent to which four dimensions of job satisfaction were related to overall job satisfaction, as well as how other variables, including sex and age, affect job satisfaction. Use of the Job Descriptive Index is discussed. (17 references) (LRW)