A stratified probability sample of 4,745 adults in Colorado was surveyed to determine the need for alcohol, drug abuse, and mental health services. Findings that variation in need prevalence across 48 subareas of the state substantially challenge the assumptions of a uniform rate of need in a state. (SLD)

Studies female engineers' characteristics, how they were socialized into engineering, and coping mechanisms for a male-dominated work world. Interviews with 29 women and 3 men suggest that women choose engineering because of the challenge, interest, and parental influence. Many female engineers experience gender discrimination and problems with…

In a study of instructional actions and decision making, videotapes and interviews of six preservice English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) teachers were used to determine the ways in which teachers received and responded to student input during second-language instruction. The findings highlight the cognitive demands on preservice ESL teachers. (27…

Reviews the concept of learning in distance education; explains a model that lays the conceptual foundation for successfully integrating computer-based instruction with computer conferencing for interactive distance delivery; describes a pilot project at the University of Guelph that used the model; and discusses the project's evaluation. (21…

Interviews were conducted with 22 secondary-level special education teachers of students with mild mental handicaps, concerning family life and sexuality education. Although teachers believed students would benefit from comprehensive and realistic training, they feared adverse reactions from students, parents, and administrators. (Author/DB)

The Consent Screening Interview was developed to enable consumers with mental retardation to express views and preferences about community residential placements and indicate to service providers their ability to give informed consent. Analysis of content and construct validity and interrater reliability, involving 69 subjects, revealed that the…

The executive director of the Foxfire Fund and the codirector of the Institute for Democracy in Education discuss collaborative strategies for promoting democratic approaches to education, the history and current context of democratic education, and the importance of empowering teachers to implement student-centered democratic education. (LP)

A discussion of concerns of gay and lesbian college students, based on interviews on one campus, focuses on these issues: understanding and articulating sexual identity; campus and classroom experiences; communication with faculty; and the effects of learning style, classroom content, and research on their lives. Recommendations are made for…

Describes a study that investigated the information needs of rural health workers in Hawaii and their current means of information access. Highlights include ranking of information needs, ranked sources of information, hardware ownership, use of electronic sources, use of document delivery services, and perceived barriers to information use.…

Twenty-eight adolescent girls were questioned about their life concerns and the role of information in helping with these concerns. They were able to identify a number of information needs. Most thought that information was available to assist them but not from school and public libraries. The findings suggested possible reasons for this.…

Describes a telecommunications session that enabled a class of fifth-grade students to interview international visitors at a distance. Topics addressed include the collaborative effort between Appalachian State University, public schools, and businesses to form a telecommunications network using Integrated Services Digital Network; and student…

Describes a study that examined women's distance learning experiences at Athabasca University (Canada) based on qualitative research methodology, including interviews, and a feminist framework. Highlights include educational access issues; course materials; telephone tutorials and teleconferencing; the flexibility of technology; suggestions for…

Presents narratives from Asian American parents about their lesbian daughters or gay sons. The chapter focuses on four emerging themes: (1) the attitudes of parents before disclosure or discovery; (2) the attitudes and reactions of parents after disclosure or discovery; (3) disclosure to friends and their communities; and (4) advice for other…

Australian study analyzed how feminists in high administrative positions conceptualized and practiced administrative leadership in education, focusing on the way they reconciled their feminist stance to formal authority and power in a dominant masculine culture. Interviews indicated they prioritized educational practices and people values over…

The process used to select candidates for teacher training at a university department of education in the United Kingdom is described. Selection criteria, interview techniques, and essay requirements are reviewed for applicants for the training program. Tutors make assessments of candidates' personality during interviews, and these assessments…