Examines occupational and educational aspirations and expectations of 13-year olds as influenced by local opportunity structures. It is argued that differences in aspirations and expectations are largely explained by the socioeconomic location of families rather than by the structure of the local labor market. (FC)

Argues that four key assumptions about teaching and learning must be reevaluated to create a curriculum of the future: (1) learning is the result of individual activity; (2) teachers are consumers of theory; (3) assessment is concerned with evaluating learning outcomes; and (4) teaching and learning are primarily cognitive, ethical, or affective…

Summarizes John Wilson's account of authority in educational relationships by reconstructing his views on different types of authority. Explores the topic of parental authority arguing that parental authority differs from the authority of teachers. Comments on whether authoritative parental supervision is essential. Includes references. (CMK)

Many outdoor adventure educators are ignorant of the relevant literature and heritage. Books and tradition have become a waste of time for those who believe all learning must pay in the fast-time global mis-economy of fragments for sale. Yet many university students relish the classics and deeper knowledge, once they are given the opportunity. (TD)

The disciplinary hierarchy in which natural sciences take funding priority over the humanities, and the sometimes confrontational debate between academic cultures, are examined. It is concluded that no area of knowledge is more "useful" than another, and attempts to understand the universe must be broad, interactive, and cooperative, not…

Culturally derived barriers to participation--such as negative social-structural forces and culturally insensitive programs--hinder minority participation in literacy education. Effective programs empower learners to become critically reflective citizens aware of the structural forces affecting their lives while helping them acquire needed skills…

A survey of 140 adults who were completing requirements for a high school diploma or upgrading their business or academic skills reported past and present barriers to participation in educational programs. In contrast to other research, attitudinal barriers such as lack of self-confidence and lack of previous education were reported more…

Analyzes the anomaly of why women continue to seek higher education and excel even though future payoff is poor. Examines four hypotheses: reference-group theory; social powerlessness; belief that barriers to success have been removed; and sex-role socialization. Presents empirical evidence to assess each hypothesis. (SLM)

A survey of 222 obstetrics patients assisted by medical clerkship students from the University of Vermont and 78 who refused student participation found privacy the primary motivation for refusal and a desire to contribute to students' education a primary reason for accepting student participation. Patients frequently erroneously anticipated the…

A study identified potential experiences influencing teaching assistants (TAs) either negatively or positively as they perform their tasks and decide whether to pursue college teaching. Results indicate TAs who plan to pursue college teaching as a career regard high-quality supervision as the single most positive influence on their decision.…

This article argues that intellectual excitement and interpersonal rapport are important qualities that influence teaching effectiveness. It proposes a model of effective college teaching based on these qualities that utilizes a 39-item checklist evaluation form. The form was tested with students at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill…

This article discusses one college administrator's experiences with accreditation at the departmental, institutional, and national level, as well as his experiences as the head of the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation. Examines the future of accreditation and self-regulation in higher education and possible strategies for improving the…

This paper provides a historical account of the involvement of overseas students in United Kingdom universities and reviews the literature on student attitudes to their stay, relating this to the contemporary experiences of 11 overseas graduates of the University of Hull's master of arts program in social work. (MDM)

Discusses ways that whole-language teachers can address the concerns raised by parents and others about why they do not teach spelling and handwriting in isolation but as part of various reading and writing activities. Notes that teachers often need to explain and justify their expertise and teaching methods to individuals not familiar with the…

Discusses the evolution of what is meant by "good" English in the classroom, arguing that the overall model of English that is presented to students, and by which their English is evaluated, ought to be considered in pragmatic rather than a priori terms. (19 references) (MDM)