Discusses basic characteristics of distance education and suggests areas for further development. Topics discussed include distance education as a substitute for conventional education versus a mode of education in its own right; non-contiguous communications; learning content; target groups; course development; and the need to support student…

Proposes a model of teacher training that emphasizes the personal growth and professional development of the teacher. Stresses intellectual autonomy and a realization of social responsibilities. Considers the implications of the model for courses dealing with the psychological and philosophical foundations of teaching. (DMM)

Discusses learner autonomy in traditional adult education and in adult distance education. Learning strategies are described, the teacher's role in each educational setting is examined, and examples of autonomy learning at a distance are given, one at the University of Surrey and one at the Open University in Great Britain. (32 references) (LRW)

Increasingly, colleges and universities are using procurement cards, which are credit cards with limited usage, for institutional faculty and staff to make small purchases without going through costly and inefficient purchasing channels. Some concerns include distribution of cards, increased liability, and monitoring of expenditures. (MSE)

Views education as vital in reducing violence. Emphasizes Piaget's view of the aim of education--moral and intellectual autonomy--as the way to teach children to resolve conflicts without resorting to violence. Discusses what Piaget means by autonomy, the changes it entails in classroom practices, and how these changes are likely to reduce…

Examined circumstances in the last 3 days of life for a sample of 1,227 elderly decedents. Interviews were with a surviving next-of-kin or a nonrelative about three months after the event of death. Around 34% of the decedents knew that death was impending, while about 40% had difficulty recognizing family members. (RJM)

This study explored the use of a computer-based requesting system, employing animated graphics and touch-sensitive screen input, with three girls with Rett syndrome (characterized by severe motor disorder, impaired cognitive function, and language disorder). All three girls displayed increased item requesting when provided computer-based…

Choice making by people with an intellectual disability was studied through observation in three settings: a private family home, a community group home, and an independent living situation. Factors that affect choice making are identified, including experience at making choices and the role of support people. Suggestions are offered for service…

Examines the relationship between stress and diabetes with data provided by a recent nationwide survey of older adults. Two main findings emerged. First, stressors arising in social roles that are highly important to older adults are more strongly related to diabetes than events associated with less important roles. Second, social support buffers…

Intense scrutiny of research university faculty by legislators, college presidents and deans, and others is focusing on professors' autonomy, evaluation, and the balance between research and teaching responsibilities. Economic pressures are compounding the concern over professional and institutional autonomy. (MSE)

Presents a Russian mother's thoughts on her child's entry into school. Argues that education must promote the development of a free person. Discusses the institutional barriers to freedom and individuality for student and teacher alike. Recommends a radical restructuring of adults' relations with children. Expresses the belief that perestroika…

A study in the United Kingdom assessed the lifestyles of 19 elderly people with developmental disabilities residing in two community-based homes after living for many years in large institutions. A questionnaire assessing daily life, community-based activities, domestic tasks, and areas of personal responsibility found a generally good quality of…

This paper offers a New Zealand perspective on disability and rehabilitation, as seen by an American resident. Three major themes are noted: the importance of the concept of accidents in New Zealand society, Maori ideas about interdependence, and the social systems and social change approach as compared with the clinical treatment approach to…

Sees risk/resilience research providing transition for professionals in field of emotional/behavioral problems, moving from management of existing problems to addressing risk factors before problems arise. Identifies recurring themes from studies of resilient children/adolescents, describes protective factors related to resilience, and offers…

This study found consistently reduced levels of problem behaviors with three students (ages 5-11) with severe autism and/or mental retardation when the students were given opportunities, during a session, to make choices among instructional tasks and reinforcers. Choice-making opportunities did not impact the rate of correct responding on…