Discusses different points of view about the impact of media on learning, motivation, and efficiency gains from instruction. The author's arguments about research and theory of media effects are summarized; reactions to the claim that media do not influence learning are characterized; and responses are given to Robert Kozma's specific criticisms…

This article argues that issues in gifted education can be usefully categorized under three headings: definitions, ideologies, and hypotheses. Seven central issues are thus classified, including the gifted label; types of giftedness; individual versus societal perspectives on giftedness; giftedness in different ethnocultural backgrounds; origins…

Ambulatory care undergraduate medical education from 1979-91 is examined and two major problems are found: (1) difficulties in transfer of educational techniques from hospital to ambulatory care setting; and (2) problems in definition of ambulatory care, primary care, and community-oriented primary care. A framework for planning education and…

This article explores the use of the categorical label of learning disabled for determining eligibility for preschool special education programs. Specific concerns include definitional issues, the dangers of labeling and low expectation sets, failure to demonstrate movement through a continuum of services, and the efficacy of early intervention.…

Seven articles discuss aspects of transaction log analysis, including introduction and definitions; history and development; components of an ideal logging facility; research methodologies; applications to a variety of library functions; practical and logical limits of the methodology; and future developments needed to enhance successful use of…

Describes a model of adaptation to the environment across the life span. Proposes that an individual's performance in an activity is affected not only by cognitive capacity but also by perceptions and definitions of the activity. Empirical support for the model, based on a survey of individuals' everyday experiences and on laboratory studies, is…

Presents a role for indigenous knowledge in extension education and research programs. Defines indigenous knowledge and then predicts efforts to utilize indigenous knowledge to facilitate the development of agriculture systems that will be agronomically, environmentally, and economically sound and enhance acceptance by practitioners because of the…

This paper conceptualizes transition as an outcome-oriented process leading to quality of life for individuals with disabilities. The paper discusses theoretical issues pertaining to the definition and conceptualization of quality of life, research findings in this area, and issues that should be addressed in the future. (Author/JDD)

Analysis of 85 journal articles and 36 doctoral theses disseminated in Canada revealed that the functionalist definition of learning disability and the assumption of specific etiology remain fixed in Canadian special education research. This finding suggests the need to introduce an ecological perspective in future studies of learning disability.…

Presents the definition of transfer proposed by the Center for the Study of Community Colleges. Reviews research utilizing this definition to establish transfer rates from two- to four-year colleges. Underscores the value of a consistent definition of transfer, urging community colleges to collect and report their own transfer data. (DMM)

This paper considers cross-cultural definitional issues and research directions in the area of child maltreatment. Vulnerable categories of children and circumstances in which children are at greater risk of maltreatment are identified. The embeddedness of child rearing in social networks and the impact of rapid change are discussed. (JDD)

The report of the 1990 Joint Committee on Health Education Terminology provides a common interpretation of terms frequently used by health educators in many settings. Terminology is broken down into contextual definitions, primary health education definitions, definitions related to community settings, and definitions related to educational…

Conducted survey of state universities (N=13) offering comprehensive services for learning-disabled college students to determine learning disability program characteristics. Found most institutions offered basic support services but of varying quality. Found respondent inconsistencies in identification, assessment, and diagnosis of learning…

Asked 462 university students whether or not each of 16 scenarios represented "family" to ascertain their perceptions of "family." Found that all respondents considered traditional nuclear unit as family, and majority perceived marital status and parental status to be important features when defining family. Respondents tended to exclude…

Examines attitudes about and exposure to sexually explicit materials for 663 predominantly Caucasian college students (52.4% males and 47.6% females). Most agree on a general definition of pornography and think that sexually explicit materials should be available to adults. College students do not seem more liberal than the general population.…