Effects of a commercial self-improvement program on the self-concept, human relations skills, and work attitude of marketing education students were examined. Results of the study indicated that the program was effective in improving human relations skills and work attitude. No significant gain in self-concept was evident. (Author/CH)

A survey of 48 faculty advisors at 2 colleges investigated specific advising attitudes and practices that students characterized as developmental in a previous study. Results suggest advisors use the relationship to involve students in their individual college experiences, to explore factors contributing to success, and to show interest in student…

Investigates preschoolers' acquisition of oral narrative skills in Venezuela. Finds that, very early on, children from diverse social backgrounds produce narratives that differ in structure and evaluation; that these differences become more marked at the age of five than at the age of four; and that these skills do not follow a single…

Seventeen gifted underachieving students (ages 8-13) were guided through a creative productivity study based on the Enrichment Triad Model. Although a variety of factors contributed to their underachievement, positive gains were made by 82% of the students and most were no longer underachieving in their school setting at the end of the…

Contrasts the spontaneity and magic of remembered childhood adventures with artificial irrelevant professionalized adventure activities that result in the disempowerment of young people. Calls for a different style of outdoor leadership focused on coaching and facilitating young people as they apply their own strategies to high-risk areas of their…

Three brief articles by teachers in Foxfire's East Tennessee Teachers' Network discuss developmentally appropriate practices for high school students and young adults, and describe the use of group work in a high school English class and class projects concerned with local history and wetlands ecology. (SV)

The direct influence of student affairs professionals is not being assessed in student outcomes research nor is it being differentiated from peer influences. Conceptual arguments based on current theories, evidence of direct influence, and approaches to the inherent methodological challenges are presented to encourage researchers to consider the…

This paper discusses the use of bibliotherapy with gifted students and introduces "cinematherapy," the use of movies to help students explore important issues in their lives. Plot summaries, post-viewing discussion questions, and questions relating movies to gifted students' lives are presented for "Stand and Deliver" and "Wargames." A list of…

Presents steps taken in designing, justifying, and implementing an experimental study designed to investigate the effectiveness of distance education as a methodology for developing thinking skills. A discussion reviews major findings of the study by comparing student experiences from multimedia distance education and student experiences from…

Presents the conclusions of the Economics Association's Primary Economic Awareness Working Group. Discusses the need for economic awareness instruction in the British elementary schools. Offers examples and identifies sources of support for economic awareness instruction. Argues that economics education can be developed as a continuum in the…

Discusses the status and future of the rural former Soviet school. Reports that rural education has been restructured to influence students' lives, even outside school. Argues that the rural school schedule must promote comprehensive, harmonious individual development. Describes the schedule and some of the problems with rural education. (SG)

Discusses the work and philosophy of Italian physician and educator Maria Montessori. Examines her belief in students' need to exercise correct thinking through sensory experience. Describes Montessori's views on the development of children's moral values through interaction. Identifies the upbringer's role as the active supervisor of children's…

Presents a Russian mother's thoughts on her child's entry into school. Argues that education must promote the development of a free person. Discusses the institutional barriers to freedom and individuality for student and teacher alike. Recommends a radical restructuring of adults' relations with children. Expresses the belief that perestroika…

Presents a middle school teacher's observations concerning young adolescents (e.g., inconsistency is consistent, identification with others affords continuity, and they see others seeing them and seek ways to expend energy). Offers guidelines for promoting adolescents' moral growth (e.g., provide parent education and promote thoughtful critique of…

Assessed college students near beginning and end of first college semester and near end of second year of college to determine changes in attitudes and self-perceptions. Findings from 95 students who completed all assessments revealed that respondents decreased prejudices and increased concern about political and environmental issues over time.…