Describes an assessment process and its use in planning early childhood programs. Information from parents and from observations of children was used to develop a comprehensive assessment of each child. The assessment was used to note the needs and interests of the children and extend their learning experiences. (SH)

Describes the case study method as a form of simulation and presents guidelines for their use in professional training situations. Skill development in problem solving is highlighted as a reason to use case studies; steps in creating a case are outlined; and the effectiveness of case studies is discussed. (LRW)

Examines the contributions of creativity and imagination to the total learning of the young child. Offers arguments against the myths that lead to deemphasis of the arts in curriculum. Recommends ways of refashioning schools to promote the expressive arts. (BB)

Teachers must learn to distinguish among performance assessments of different quality and appropriateness. Design criteria (cognitive complexity, linguistic appropriateness, content quality and coverage, and meaningfulness) are judged by examining assessment tasks and scoring rubrics. Effects criteria (transfer, generalizability, instructional…

Examines computer use and repetitive strain injury (RSI) among children and young adults, emphasizing body-awareness training that teaches people to notice and feel body components; understand principles of relaxation, balance, and movement efficiency; and use economical and strain-free ways of accomplishing movements. Outlines elements of safety…

Describes a chemistry information course developed at Oberlin College (Ohio) including team teaching by chemistry faculty and the science librarian, changes in course content, and guidelines set by the American Chemical Society. Course syllabus and sample assignments are appended. (LRW)

Describes book ordering procedures at a German pharmaceutical library using the Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce and Transport (EDIFACT) guidelines developed by the United Nations. Topics include advantages for libraries and for the book trade, changes needed in software, productivity gains, and EDIFACT versus the Internet.…

Two types of personalized instruction, interaction and thoughtfulness, transcend the behavioral paradigm to include experiences building on individual student differences. Teachers can facilitate learners' progress from cognitive skill development to mastery and real-life problem solving by stressing experiential and inquiry learning, independent…

Mentoring programs cannot always obliterate deficiencies in adult/child relationships or better student achievement. Two successful programs are the Big Brother/Big Sister program and the Office of Juvenile Justice's Juvenile Mentoring Program. (JUMP). Social support, not social control, is essential. Sidebars contain program tips and selected…

Traces the evolution of ethical norms, principles, and standards in social work during four stages in the profession's history: (1) morality period, (2) values period, (3) ethical theory and decision-making period, and (4) ethical standards and risk-management period. Recent developments in the profession include complex conceptual frameworks and…

Provides the criteria for the virtual reality (VR) system to deliver a new model of instruction, i.e,. synthetic experiences that learners remember as their own. Guidelines and recommendations to aid developers and instructional technology are presented. (AEF)

Presents guidelines for effective distance education planning that confront the issues of planning/organization, technology, and faculty development/academic policies. Concludes that understanding the unique characteristics and constraints of any particular program or target audience is the first step in selecting appropriate distance education…

This article provides guidelines and examples of effective use of inclusive language to empower students. Recommendations include focusing on the individual rather than the disability, articulating high expectations for all students, describing students in terms of academic achievements, and providing opportunities for all students to assume…

The real enemy is not working mothers, but a society that undervalues parenting. Schools can help parents address and manage their guilt and stress, stop the mommy wars (between working and nonworking parents), work to improve community childcare, include fathers in outreach efforts, and help employers become family-friendly. (MLH)

The task of planning, negotiating, and implementing an international training project differs according to setting. This article provides a checklist for international project facilitators that suggests thoroughly assessing in advance: objectives, sponsors, skill levels, evaluation methods, equipment needs, software language, copying services,…