A study with 210 college freshmen investigated the effect of 3 aspects of the college experience (curricular exposure, formal classroom and instructional experiences, and out-of-class experiences). Results suggest that both classroom/instructional and out-of-class experiences make positive, statistically significant, unique contributions to gains…

This position statement of the Council for Exceptional Children's Division on Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities addresses the importance of equal opportunities for adolescents and young adults with mental retardation and developmental disabilities and the need to support the independent functioning of these individuals. Specific…

Compares educational practices in Japan that involve educating the "whole child" by teaching values and behaviors through small group activities, to U.S. practices that focus mainly on academics. Japanese practices involve extensive and clear roles and procedures, routinization of activities, and peer pressure, all aimed at developing…

Through a national survey (n=219), this study explores how gay, lesbian, and bisexual students view discrimination on campus. Students concluded that on many campuses, existing ethical guidelines concerning discrimination are not equally applied to gay, lesbian, and bisexual students. Considers possible causes for this divergence between ethical…

Examines three factors that influence student learning and motivation of beginner foreign-language listening skills: text, context, and gender. Studies responses of fifth graders to computer-based foreign-language learning. Results indicate that providing text with spoken words facilitates the acquisition of listening skills, increases student…

Late adolescents' precollege concerns (n=70) about losing existing relationships and making new friendships were found to be significant mediating variables between self-esteem and the satisfaction of involvement in precollege and new college friendships 10 weeks into the first semester of college. (JBJ)

Describes a study involving a set of 3 interviews conducted with 11 community college developmental reading students at the beginning, end, and 2 months after instruction in reading strategies to determine how the students defined their views of reading and of themselves as readers. Reports improvements in reading skills, self-efficacy, and…

Twenty-two gifted students (ages 18-25) were interviewed concerning their views of their high school years, specifically focusing on the kinds of support received from parents and teachers. The importance of parents' emotional support and their attendance at the child's activities are emphasized. Suggestions are offered for parents, teachers, and…

This survey of 149 students explored learning from out-of-class college experiences such as leadership, peer interaction, faculty contact, work, and travel. It found that many different experiences potentially contribute to valued college outcomes, that sex and ethnicity did not explain differences in students' activities and outcomes, and that…

An experiential education project at Edinboro University (Pennsylvania) trains undergraduate students to be literacy tutors and requires students to complete 60 volunteer hours tutoring at a community service agency in exchange for academic credit. Examines mutual benefits of volunteer service including breakdown of social stereotypes and…

A graduate student in environmental education reflects on her experiences traveling throughout the United States on a converted school bus with 20 other people in an effort to gain insight into social issues and problems. This experience helped her realize how listening to others, respecting their opinions, and discovering common goals promotes…

Investigated three approaches to brief counseling: problem-focused with task, problem-focused without task, and solution-focused with task. Results suggested high school students made significant changes from the second-week follow-up to the sixth-week follow-up in alleviating their concerns and increasing the percentage of goal achieved. (RJM)

Students who participated in the Bronte Creek Project, an integrated outdoor education program in Ontario that involves 11th-grade students in outdoor experiences and leadership opportunities, found the program to be authentic, felt empowered as a result of the program, became more responsible, and reported improved personal relations. (LP)

Suggests that educational reform efforts, such as the back-to-basics movement, leave art educators wondering whether visual arts instruction will survive the reforms. Argues that the three Rs are insufficient for a balanced education. Asserts that the arts foster both affective and cognitive development. (KM)

Reviews theory and research on the relationship between classroom climate and citizenship outcomes in elementary settings. Compares democratic learning environments described by three studies. Suggests that free expression, peer interaction in cooperative activities, respect for diverse viewpoints, and student participation in decision making…