The development of a simulation technique to evaluate performance of psychomotor skills in an undergraduate nursing program is described. This method is used as one admission requirement to an alternate route nursing program. With modifications, any health profession could use this technique where psychomotor skills performance is important.…

Describes Tolstoy's experimental school program as a forerunner of modern, open-education programs. In a radical departure from conventional, nineteenth century Russian educational practice, Tolstoy stressed individualized, independent learning with meaningful instructional materials. In his non-coercive classroom, self-discipline was founded on…

This photo-essay describes a Waldorf School. Developed by Austrian Rudolf Steiner, the Waldorf plan is dedicated to allowing the child a childlike environment. It emphasizes storytelling, creative dramatics, flexibility, improvisation, crafts, and movement. (SJL)

Citing William Spady's distinction between capacity and competence, the author asserts that current competency tests mainly measure academic (capacity) not life (competency) skills. He then considers problems inherent in delineating, teaching, and testing essential practical living competencies and presents some alternatives. Part of a theme issue…

Identifies five factors that appear to have contributed to the survival of several firmly established programs in the alternative school movement. (Author/WD)

To realize its potential, the experiential learning movement must develop a balance between traditional and experiential methods and philosophy. As an approach to developing this synthesis, three dilemmas created when experiential learning is developed as a reaction to the shortcomings of traditional methods are identified and analyzed.…

Describes and evaluates a program, the Serowe Brigades, which has given many underprivileged high school students in Botswana, Africa basic education and training and has helped them understand the means of production in a developing nation. Concludes that the program has succeeded as a first step in extending technical training on a massive scale…

Latvian education efforts for culture preservation and language maintenance in the United States can be seen mainly in the form of supplementary schools. The origin of these schools and the growth of the central organization of Latvian education is traced in this paper. (Author/EB)

The Leaving School Early (LSE) Program, established in 1975, is designed for 14- and 15-year-olds who find none of the public school programs suitable. Applicants are assessed by a social worker and an individualized work or education contract written. LSE participants are monitored by teacher advisors. (SJL)

This article briefly describes Live Oak School, a nongraded, parent-run alternative for ages 4-13, whose main concern is providing a positive and supportive learning environment. Its affective objectives for learners and teachers in the areas of self-concept, responsibility, and positive social interaction are outlined. (SJL)

The University of Maryland School of Medicine, in cooperation with the five other campus professional schools, has developed a comprehensive, interdisciplinary geriatrics training program for students entering the health care professions. A model is offered for medical educators interested in geriatric curriculum design. (Author/MLW)

Student advising at the University without Walls at the University of Minnesota focuses on developing cognitive skills outlined in Bloom's taxonomy by overseeing student programs and progress through graduation and by early assessment of student skills. Each phase of student advising incorporates one or more specific cognitive skill. (MSE)

Describes the program at Alabama's Huntsville Alternative School, where severe behavioral problems are dealt with by promoting positive self-concepts in students through acceptance, trust, warmth, concern, firmness, consistency, humor, and the meeting of human needs as identified by Abraham Maslow. (Author/PGD)

Changes in scope and subject matter of law make necessary substantial change in the way the law is taught. It is the responsibility of new law schools to build upon traditional instruction with new traditions that accommodate new needs. (Journal availability: William S. Hein & Co., 1285 Main St., Buffalo, NY 14209, $3.00 entire issue.) (MSE)

Results of a 1978 survey of women summer school technology students are reported. It is found that these women did not have early scientific education, enjoyed the new kind of intellectual stimulation technology offered, and early study difficulties caused by lack of scientific education did not impede their success. (MSE)