Describes a social development program for elementary school children that was developed using systems methodology. All school members were involved. Both students and teachers reported positive changes, as well as improved school attendance. The problem-solving approach included: needs assessment, specifying objectives, generating alternative…

Excerpts from a recent landmark study of American higher education focus on goals of higher education, cognitive outcomes of college and impact on practical competence, and some conclusions about consequences of higher education. It is shown that in both monetary, but especially in nonmonetary terms, higher education is well worth the cost. (AF)

This article attempts to stimulate school psychologists to determine whether their teachers have the competencies necessary to produce positive pupil growth and to train those teachers who lack these skills. A brief review of research on selected aspects of teacher behavior is presented. (Author)

Describes the use of portfolio assessment in preservice teacher education, specifically elementary science methods courses. Presents both theoretical and practical considerations relative to ensuring the highest possible levels of validity. Includes a set of practical validation focus questions and comments from student portfolios. Contains 33…

Seven college students at Florida State University recognized on campus for exemplary character and service were interviewed about how college student peer groups function both to inhibit and to encourage development of character and civic responsibility. Their responses are summarized, and strategies that institutions can use to promote moral and…

Colleges and universities have not produced many leaders with the courage to face the moral dilemmas raised by racism but is well placed to do so. The obligation to produce such leaders carries responsibilities, first among them the obligation to tell the truth in all its complexities and discomfort. (MSE)

TERRA (Teaching Ecological Responsibility, Recreation, and Adventure) is an integrated, one-semester, four-course program in environmental science, environmental English, independent geography, and outdoor education for grades 11 and 12 in New Liskeard, Ontario. Program activities include outdoor adventure, environmental research projects,…

Analyzes the sequence of decisions students make in their transition to college, and finds six distinct time periods in the formal process that students go through. This decision-making process can be described using information management strategies of "prototype-matching" and "striving-for-future-selves." Argues colleges can use this information…

Describes the Scale of Service Learning Involvement, developed to validate a service-learning model of developmental processes experienced by students engaged in community volunteer work, from sporadic involvement to internalization of social responsibility, and to assess student outcomes. Reliability, concurrent validity, and contrasting group…

Reflection on religious issues is an essential part of education. In secular colleges and universities, religious topics under study should be highlighted, with discussion, challenges, and critique encouraged, not dismissed or ignored. Faculty should openly express their convictions when relevant to the subject or a student's concern. Dialogue can…

Outlines a step-by-step process through which students can construct, defend, and test historical arguments. These include to support the claim with facts and analyze their relevance, to oppose the claim with additional facts, to rebut this claim with additional facts, and to ask for new information to test the claim. (MJP)

Sources of stress in Hong Kong teachers were investigated, with specific reference to guidance work as a potential source of stress. A survey of 415 secondary school teachers revealed guidance-related aspects of work constituted a major dimension of stress, with guidance teachers, female teachers, younger teachers and junior teachers perceiving…

Describes a teacher-generated case study on the effectiveness of a Virtual Field Station for teaching an A Level biology topic. Argues that a Virtual Field Centre is an effective substitute for actuality in terms of the development of student knowledge and understanding for examination purposes. Discuses how science education is rapidly developing…

Investigated the impact of Greek affiliation of 4,119 college students on freshman-to-senior ratings of four educational philosophies (vocational, academic, collegiate, nonconformist) differentiated in the Clark-Trow model. Small, significant degrees of change in collegiate and non-conformist philosophies suggest Greek affiliation increased social…

The "critical viewing" model for teaching media studies is based on the assumptions that mass media spread evil influences and viewers are mindless and passive media consumers. In contrast, a "cultural reflective" model of media studies would enhance cultural understanding by enabling students to seek alternative ways to think…