Nine principles concerning calculators are identified and discussed. (DT)

How one teacher motivated students to learn about the stock market by allowing them to actually invest money. Class discussion covered inexpensive ways to buy stock, choosing securities, and buying and selling stock. Suggestions are offered for adapting this project for use at the secondary level. (TA)

A survey of middle and high school family and consumer sciences teachers (99 of 300 responded) about financial topics identified by the National Jump$tart Coalition indicated that most high schools provided more instruction time than middle schools. Problem solving and decision making were most frequent processes. Only 46 schools offered separate…

Asserts that as parents spend less time with their children and try to assuage their guilt by buying children things, the many effects of materialism must be prevented. Children need help understanding that spending time with friends and family is more rewarding than spending money. They need to be taught the strategies of media literacy while…

A study investigated the relationship between selected consumer and marketplace characteristics and consumers' prepurchase allocation of search time among information sources (product test reports; dealer sales representatives; advertisements; family and friends). The household production model proved useful; written educational materials appeared…

Two levels of vividness and three levels of motivation were measured in reactions to product label warnings. Vivid product warnings proved to be an effective tool to communicate the hazards associated with product use. (JOW)

The article describes new methodologies for teaching monetary skills to mentally retarded individuals. Procedures were designed to produce emergent new behavior through stimulus class formation, exclusion, and matching of stimulus components. Three case studies demonstrate the methods. (Author/DB)

Presents a script designed to teach students about the extent of global interdependence and the costs in human, environmental, social, and economic terms. Includes questions for discussion, brainstorming suggestions for action, and assessing action questions. (MKR)

A survey of 710 participants in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance program found that community education programs designed to use empowerment techniques are likely to be effective. Using information based on strong arguments and sound logic and empowering participants to use the information greatly enhances the probability that participants…

Discusses consumer researchers' and consumer practitioners' differing cultures, identifies practitioners' needs, and offers research priorities that support the improvement of consumer education. (Author)

Pay-per-call telephone services through 900 numbers have given rise to criticism of their content and complaints of consumer fraud. The Federal Communications Commission, legislative initiatives, industry self-regulation, and consumer educators are attempting to protect consumers. (SK)

Describes a university consumer affairs course using management tools to improve problem-solving skills. The Interaction Method teaches specific material and enables learning through participation. (SK)

A study of 220 users and 198 nonusers of manufacturers' rebates found 3 motivational factors that predicted use: (1) consumers' price consciousness; (2) perceived time and effort to redeem rebates; and (3) perceived satisfaction from saving money. Recommendations for more effective redemptions resulted. (SK)

Technological literacy is necessary to make informed decisions about personal and societal choices. The competitive global economy also requires more intelligent use of technology. (SK)

The distribution of food item prices was compared across Tucson-area stores and to a local newspaper's annual price survey. Price distributions for national brands and cheapest alternative brands coincided closely with the newspaper report, suggesting that comparative food-store price reports provide useful information to consumers. (SK)