Addresses the issue of whether the child must be presented with a lesson before choosing it, or should be allowed to choose any work desired. Presents arguments for each philosophy, and the pros and cons of each choice. Asserts that the free choice option is most consistent with Montessori philosophy. (SD)

Describes an urban high school's homeroom classroom calendar that is maintained by students who are deaf and hard of hearing. The calendar is used to record students' schedules, including individualized education program meetings, assemblies, doctor appointments, and other events. It assists students in taking responsibility for their own…

Cites empirical evidence contrary to Goodman's assertion that preschool children are egocentric and incapable of moral reflection. Offers evidence that heteronomous regulation of children leads to numerous undesirable outcomes and that encouragement of children's autonomy leads to positive outcomes. Points out numerous misconceptions of…

Investigates possible differences in need for control, attachment style, and relationship satisfaction between a sample of adult children of alcoholics (ACOAs) and adult children of nonalcoholics. Analyses reveals that ACOAs reported a significantly higher need for control and significantly lower relationship satisfaction. Includes a discussion of…

This study examined ways in which adolescent attachment security is manifest in qualities of the secure base provided by mother-adolescent relationships among at-risk ninth- and tenth-graders. Findings suggest that security is closely connected to the mother-adolescent relationship via a secure-base phenomenon, in which the teen can explore…

This study assessed a microswitch-based program in which three request and one choice microswitches were used for two participants with multiple disabilities. Each request switch was linked to different stimulation opportunities. Both participants learned to use the microswitches very rapidly. Responding levels were high during intervention and…

Measured the psychosocial development of college students with and without learning disabilities using the Student Developmental Task and Lifestyle Inventory. Found significant differences between groups in terms of their academic autonomy and mature interpersonal relationships. (EV)

Among 316 Canadian educational institutions and agencies engaged in educational research with child subjects, most acknowledged the existence of risks and ethical issues and expressed concern for the personal autonomy and welfare of child subjects. However, this concern was neither universal nor consistently reflected in actual research review…

Discusses, from a feminist perspective, issues of anger, power, autonomy, and gender role stereotyping and their importance for women in counseling relationships. Reviews recommendations for training counselors in feminist or nonsexist therapy. (Author)

Examined relationship between career indecision and family-of-origin enmeshment. Administered Career Decision Scale and 2 scales (Intergenerational Individuation and Triangulation) from Personal Authority in Family System Questionnaire to 557 college students. Found that graduate students were more decided than undergraduate students and that…

A new concept of post-literacy involves the ability to participate in decision making. Four Latin American programs, linked to four educational needs (fundamental, productivity, social service, and community organization), illustrate the concept by using methods and techniques to give people a degree of autonomy and by respecting the cultures and…

Adolescence is described as a challenging and frightening time for parents of a child with a disability. The parents' role involves providing opportunities for the child to exhibit independence, developing the child's strengths, and working with professionals as a partner in developing plans for the child's future. (JDD)

A survey of one Australian university's faculty found that research activity is highly variable and influenced by a number of factors including personal characteristics; differences in research style, methods, and strategies within and between disciplines; and funding. Individual autonomy in topic selection was important. (Author/MSE)

Resistance to organ donation and the continuing shortage of donated organs is discussed and four legal approaches to organ acquisition are examined. A fifth, based on the principle of supported individual autonomy, is proposed. (MSE)

Discusses personal power in young children. Focuses on the balance of power in the classroom, the relation of power to pedagogy, and the nursery school as an enabling environment. Describes a self-enhancement program. (RJC)