Competency-based models such as Britain's National Vocational Qualifications should not be adopted for adult education professional development. The values underlying competency models are incompatible with the values of reflective practice, such as ownership of curriculum and entitlement to lifelong learning. (SK)

Self-directed learning should be interpreted as part of a cultural tradition emphasizing individuals' standing against oppression. This involves recognizing that (1) political issues of control and power are at its heart and (2) authentic practice of self-directedness requires certain political conditions (access to resources). (SK)

This study of 164 adults with physical disabilities living in institutional care in Newcastle (United Kingdom) found an overall incidence figure of 59 such adults per 100,000 population. The study also found that less than 20% were able to exercise their right to a free choice and independent decision concerning their residential placement. (DB)

Mothers' reports of toddlers' behavior were used to determine groupings and the sequence of behaviors associated with self-concept development. The following sequence was determined: (1) physical self-recognition; (2) neutral and evaluative self-description; and (3) emotional responses to wrongdoing. (BC)

Examined age differences in 9- to 15-year-olds' experiences with families and friends, and by themselves. Amount of time spent with family decreased with age. Affect with family became less positive through seventh grade; affect with friends became more favorable with age; affect when alone did not vary. (BC)

A study examined the relationship between (1) internal medicine patients' total charges and lengths of stay and (2) the degree of autonomy that attending physicians (n=65) permitted their residents (n=40). Results suggest that internal medicine residents have an inherently conservative practice style valuing low-intensity workups and rapid patient…

Responds to Werth's (1992) arguing for rational suicide for individuals diagnosed with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Commends Werth's willingness to address issue of rational suicide for individuals diagnosed with AIDS, but expresses concerns about data supporting his rationale and implications for counseling psychology and society…

Study assessed the moderating effects of leisure-based social support and leisure dispositions on life stress and health. Surveys of 104 adults indicated that leisure dispositions, particularly perceived leisure freedom, interacted with life stress to explain some severity of illness variance. Leisure-based social support was not related to…

Addresses shift from deficit to empowerment model in work with families. Describes shift in human services "assistance" model from "doing to" to "doing with," from "power over" to "power with," and from "teaching the client" to "collaborative learning." Contends that new model will replace fragmented, deficit-oriented crisis intervention with…

This study compared results of supported living services for 20 adults with mental retardation and 20 adults receiving traditional residential support. Results indicated that supported living participants experienced significantly more and varied community activity, did both community activities and preferred community activities more frequently,…

The experiences of Hispanos (Mexican Americans) in four Colorado school systems from 1920 to 1963 show that the presence or absence of Hispano autonomy was a powerful determinant of school success or failure. Those in control of schools determined the teaching and administrative staff, the social and academic environment, and which students were…

Two studies examined preschool teacher and child interactions regarding personal, moral, and socioconventional issues in the classroom and the development of personal concepts. Findings suggested that in both judgments and social interactions, teachers and children identified a personal domain in which children can and should make choices about…

An intervention project introduced metacognition techniques to compensate for educational deficiencies in young adults. The project, based on the Instrumental Enrichment cognitive training program, led to improvement in students' motivation, awareness of their own learning strategies, more rapid and sustained academic progress, and increased…

Examines the construct validity of the Adaptive Behavior Scale-School: 2 (ABS-S: 2) through exploratory factor analysis. Results indicate that the ABS-S: 2 is best understood as a two-factor instrument for both children with mental retardation and for those without mental retardation. The test does seem to reflect personal independence and social…

This article chronicles the struggles of a student who is profoundly deaf and his relationship with a home tutor. His rejection of offered traditional supports (such as hearing aids, employment, placement in a community college) are discussed, along with the contributions of the disability movement in shaping his view of himself as…