This study provided descriptive data on the typical population in Colorado (n=133) using a modified questionnaire (The Consumer Satisfaction Survey) used to evaluate services to individuals with developmental disabilities. Results suggest the importance of distinguishing between factors necessary for basic levels of satisfaction and those which…

A survey of 752 families of individuals with intellectual disabilities in Wales collected data on personal characteristics of service system users, service process factors, and appraisals of service quality. Service satisfaction was related to empathy of service providers, existence of a key worker, involvement in case meetings, and other factors.…

Discusses the evaluation of workshops and conferences and presents an application of Kirkpatrick's four-stage evaluation model, an accepted model for measuring performance and instructional interventions. Highlights include presurveys and postsurveys; participant reaction forms during the meetings; and assessing previous participants. (10…

Group problem-solving activities were conducted with 58 secondary agriculture students. Interviews with 20 students and 4 teachers found (1) students preferred equal or transactional student/teacher interaction, decision making, and discussion; (2) both preferred consensus and valued mutual respect; and (3) most students were satisfied with their…

This study examined attitudes toward the Special Olympics of 41 experts in mental retardation and 40 parents of Special Olympics participants. Generally, both groups viewed the program as highly beneficial, particularly in terms of social adjustment and life satisfaction. However, some experts noted segregative aspects of the program and parents…

Evaluated relative effects of two enhancement programs for minority and white first-year students entering university (n=175). Minorities had greater satisfaction ratings and awareness of individual differences. Students showed improved adjustment regardless of treatment condition, suggesting comparable effects for 10-week classroom-structured…

Maintains that children's books such as "The Secret Garden" can have a strong influence on one's life. Such books offer emotionally satisfying adventures and serve as the touchstones by which we measure all literary experience. (BB)

A study of the attitudes of 29 graduate students enrolled in their first Web-based class indicated a high degree of student-to-teacher and student-to-student interaction and high levels of satisfaction. (JOW)

Students were surveyed regarding cultural attitudes and campus climate. Comfort in cross-cultural situations and respect for other cultures correlated with overall satisfaction. The more Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Whites were aware of diversity and changing their behavior accordingly, the less satisfied they were with school.…

Describes the Family-Centered Program Rating Scale (FamPRS), a 59-item instrument with parallel forms for family members and service providers to rate satisfaction with and importance of various early-intervention program characteristics. An example of using the instrument to improve family-centered practice is detailed. (DB)

Instruments were developed to test the following elements of Cervero's model of continuing professional-education effectiveness in achieving behavior change: motivation, social system, perceptions of the nature of change, and satisfaction with continuing professional education. Four studies and an expert panel confirmed the validity and…

Compared self-guided slide/tape (ST) and Web page (WP) instruction in normal radiographic anatomy of periapical and panoramic images using objective test performance and subjective preferences of 74 freshman dental students. Test performance was not different between image types or presentation technologies, but students preferred WP for…

Describes a conflict management workshop for graduate teaching assistants, including the workshop's rationale, a detailed plan of such a workshop, and results of a survey of participants (n=20) that shows improved perceived ability to deal effectively with conflict. Workshop handouts are appended. (DB)

Describes the national application systems of Ireland and the United Kingdom and identifies elements of satisfaction that might be introduced into the United States admission environment. Suggestions that could ameliorate problems include all college aspirants meeting an early decision schedule and declaring, in order of preference, a set of six…

Evaluations of visitors' reactions to interpretation in Australian national parks found that guided activities provided more immediate responses to visitors' questions on Aboriginal culture than on-site signs; a well-designed interpretive mural mitigated people's disappointment at visiting wetlands when no birds were present; and ranger-guided…