In terms of personal characteristics and campus perceptions, adult students are a diverse group. In general they do not perceive the college environment to be supportive or to encourage personal development. Student affairs personnel must encourage self-identification of desired dimensions of growth. (Author/JAC)

Although the general attitude toward Magic Circle was positive, there was sufficient dissatisfaction by students with the Human Development Program to question the appropriateness of the program for all students. Student attitudes, interests, and motivations can play a major role in the success or failure of these activities. (Author)

Describes an experimental mass lecture presentation method at Cayuga County Community College, Auburn, New York, to prepare accounting students for the type of instruction in four-year institutions. Although some students chose not to enroll in the mass lecture accounting section, those who participated made better progress and were favorable…

The success of proprietary schools in training and job placement of students, including many college dropouts, is discussed. Note is taken of student interest and motivation, public acceptance, holding power, upgraded faculty, and a justification of profit-making. (JMF)

A process for the assessment of students' clinical competence introduced for medical undergraduates in their first year at the University of Newcastle is discussed. The assessment enables students to demonstrate competence, review peers' performance, and receive early diagnostic advice. Student evaluation of the assessment programs is discussed.…

Open University courses are defined as processes of interaction between students, the materials, and the tutors. Using this definition, the stages of course development, major purposes of feedback, and major audiences for feedback are discussed with particular emphasis on the role of the tutor and student in course development. (JMF)

A three-day school-based in-service course for heads of secondary German department is described. Participants' reactions are noted. (SJL)

A successful approach to orienting new vocational teachers coming directly from business and industry is the New Teacher Workshop at Pennsylvania State University. Intensive guidance and practice in preparing lessons is climaxed by the novice teacher's presentation (and peer evaluation) on closed circuit television. (MF)

Stating that comic books are an effective way to present instructional materials, the authors sent food and nutrition subject matter using characters in a daytime television serial in a set of comic books to a sample of extension homemakers. Survey results and implications for extension education are discussed. (MF)

A description of the design, achievements, and future directions of the in-service component of Scarborough's Values Education Project. (SJL)

A library user exposed to immediate communication with a librarian is more satisfied with the reference interview and question negotiation than when communication is nonimmediate, but there is no difference in satisfaction with information transfer. "Immediacy" evolves from the relatively positive feelings generated in the user by the librarian's…

A study involving 97 participants (ages 9-43) in the Ontario Special Olympics (SO) and their parents, found the more athletes participated in competition the more positive their general self-worth. The length of time in SO and the total number of sports were found to predict self-concept of physical competence. (Contains references.) (CR)

A study compared parents' perceptions of the benefits and risks of reverse inclusion, where a small group of typically developing children (usually 25% to 40%) is added to a specialized program for children with disabilities. Parents (n=244) reported strong support for inclusion, although parents perceived greater risks for typical children and…

Six students in a teacher preparation program for students with visual impairments were taught via an interactive video, audio, and data network system and a Web-based course-management software package. Students were positive about the interactive video system, and those with moderate/high technology skills reported positive outcomes from the…

Client satisfaction of 57 mentally retarded adults living in 12 group homes was examined in relationship to measures of their managers' competence and program normalization. Satisfaction with group home placement was related to manager competence and to the degree of community use for group home residents. (Author/JDD)