A study was conducted to obtain measurements of adult student attitudes using the Mattering Scales for Adult Students in Higher Education (MHE). The MHE is designed to assess the perceptions of adult learners about their learning environment. The purpose of the scale is to learn more about the different ways in which adult learners feel they…

This paper examines the role of international teaching assistant (ITA) trainers within American universities, focusing on their interaction with university administrators, faculty, and students. Through the presentation of research findings and scenarios, it argues that administrators often blame ITA trainers when a problem arises between an ITA…

These proceedings present summaries of presentations and roundtable discussion sessions from a Missouri Conference on Blacks in Higher Education. Session summaries are: (1) "Measuring Inter-Racial Differences and Attitudes" (O.C. Bobby Daniels); (2) "Flight of the Maple Leaf Canada Economic Outlook: Impact on Women" (James E.…

This study surveyed college faculty about the establishment of professional development schools (PDSs) to raise the status of teaching as a profession and transform teacher education. A total of 58 faculty attending a conference sponsored by the Holmes Group Initiative on the development and implementation of PDSs completed a survey on the…

This paper addresses civic educators on the left, who "babble" about liberation and empowerment by transformative intellectuals. The paper argues that many of those "leftists" belong to the group that could be called "boss" compositionists, comfortable lower managers of a corrupt system, who never tire of denouncing…

A culturally-based approach to learning adopted by many Japanese students is hypothesized, and it is proposed that while it is effective in many areas of learning, it may hinder second language learning. Japan's politico-economic structures, geared toward efficiently manufacturing competent workers, encourages a psychology of procedure that tends…

Two major research and development initiatives have been undertaken at Temple University's Center for Vocational Education Professional Personnel Development. The first focused on student learning outcomes and delivery configurations relating to the integration of academic and vocational education. The second focused on building the capacity of…

This practicum sought to address the need for increased opportunities for prospective adoptive parents to gain introductory knowledge regarding adoption issues and processes in a rural state in the northeastern United States. A multimedia educational unit containing a 45-minute videotaped presentation and various written materials were developed…

This paper explores the ideas of six adult educators from the 1920s to determine the relevance of their thinking to modern adult educators. Three were chose from Britain: Albert Mansbridge, Basil Yeaxlee, and Richard Tawney. From the United States, three influential theorists in the area were Edward Thorndike, John Dewey, and Eduard Lindeman.…

These hearing transcripts present testimony concerning the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Much of the testimony was from members of congress, educators, and representatives of education organizations concerning the efficacy of specific programs and activities funded by the Act, particularly those items that they…

The third annual survey of the Illinois Rural Life Panel included questions on school taxes, improvements to strengthen local schools, satellite technology, extracurricular activities, and career opportunities after high school. Results from a sample of approximately 2,000 residents in the 76 Illinois nonmetropolitan counties included: (1) 54…

This study examined the effectiveness of the Preparing Future Faculty (PFF) program, initiated in 1994 to bring together clusters of doctoral institutions and partner undergraduate colleges to plan programs that introduce graduate students to faculty life in a variety of campus environments and help them become better instructors. Follow-up…

To determine how Hispanic Americans in various professional roles prioritize the importance of school desegregation and its continuation, a brief survey was conducted with approximately 20 people in January 1998. The school segregation of Hispanic students has a long history in the United States, and Hispanics have waged efforts comparable to…

This study examined the relationship among beliefs about grades and teaching goals of college faculty, along with the extent to which there exist systematic differences among the academic disciplines with respect to these beliefs and goals. A national sample of 442 undergraduate teaching faculty responded to a survey asking them to rate the…

This essay discusses changes in higher education management over the last several decades, focusing on the "mystiques" of the 1990s, total quality management (TQM) and diversity. It notes that since the 1950s, higher education has witnessed many fads in institutional management, from management by technique to management by style to management by…