States when Chicana feminists refuse to accept mainstream definitions of themselves and insist that they establish and affirm their own identity, they build a space through discourse. Describes the three-step process by which they do this: carving out their own space, turning this space into a home with connections to family, and building…

Reviews several popular definitions of public relations; explicates the shared elements and assumptions inherent in these definitions. Presents an alternative conceptualization of public relations based upon Herbert Blumer's symbolic interactionism. Looks to stimulate questioning and self assessment and to introduce alternative goals, ideas, and…

Provides a conceptual framework for considering the distinction between evaluation use and evaluation influence and the relationship between evaluation use and knowledge use. Clarifies and expands some of the established definitions of concepts related to evaluation use. (SLD)

Study analyzed 224 product announcements from 69 hardware and software companies to detail computer-related words that are in common usage and compare the words and definitions with those in the Merriam-Webster dictionary. It was found that 67.3 percent of the words were not included in the dictionary, pointing out the need for teachers to help…

The debate between Renzulli and Jarrel and Borland concerning the nature of giftedness is addressed. Three criteria are proposed for evaluating any definition: (1) its actual reflection of how the construct is perceived; (2) its ability to generate empirical research; and (3) its practical usefulness. Multiple kinds of giftedness as well as…

Provides responses from Patrick Shannon and Allan Luke on a question concerning critical literacy. Defines and discusses the term "critical literacy." (MG)

Curriculum theories are necessary to help researchers and practitioners deal with different purposes, forms, and functions. Theories should be logical; consider curriculum sources, systems, technical aspects, planning levels; incorporate subject matter and student experiences; help practitioners use whatever is being theorized. (MLH)

Notes that the many forms of suicidal phenomena (contemplated, attempted, and completed suicide) present significant problems to researchers and practitioners. Reviews theoretical and empirical efforts to define types of suicidal individuals and attempts to integrate them by means of higher-order categories of variables: (1) descriptive; (2)…

Defines action research and discusses its application to training. (JOW)

The author discusses the various definitions of the term "mentor" as revealed in the literature. Functions of mentors are listed and the mentor-protege relationship is discussed. (CH)

To enlarge principals' professional vocabulary, this article defines general reading terms and terms pertaining to reading approaches and instructional reading strategies. Includes 20 references and an extensive "further information" bibliography classified according to 18 specialized topics. (MLH)

Discusses four definitions of literacy: literacy as a skill comprised of a set of subskills to be mastered; being literate is a way of thinking that is more abstract and analytical; literacy is a set of social practices; and literacy is a body of knowledge. (RS)

Gives the dictionary definition of "communications," and then suggests that communications is the last act in the process of public relations. Presents hypothetical situations to show that PR is the final implementation step in a management process rather than just "communications." Argues that some companies, however, use…

Questions whether ethical behavior within field of career services and employment can be defined and, if defined, whether professionals can follow its principles in their practices. Seeks to clarify concept of ethics and to distinguish ethical from legal. Includes figures that illustrate the relationship of principles to ethical standards, sources…

The literature reveals two flawed approaches to mentoring: (1) popular consensus, in which each group defines mentoring for itself; and (2) the continuum approach, a range of professional patronage relationships. A more comparative approach across occupations may elicit themes and cross-disciplinary ideas to improve practice. (SK)