Elucidates relationship between historical and philosophical foundations of family life education influences and paradigms of knowledge and action commonly used within family life profession. Examines paradigms (instrumental/technical, interpretative, and critical/emancipatory) as to their applicability in family life education. Explores…

Developed intervention to decrease number of inappropriate activity changes in Head Start classroom. Measurement of rate of activity changes was taken for two target children and comparison children. Intervention was able to reduce inappropriate activity changes by adding relatively unobtrusive classroom structure to activities. (Author/NB)

Provides a framework for examining problems where the solution involves changing human behavior. Topics addressed include the perspective of content versus the perspective of process; force field analysis; problems of omission and commission; and determinants of behavior, i.e., perceived effects and consequences. (LRW)

More effective evaluation of training requires an integrated approach and an appropriate organizational culture that recognizes the value of evaluation and links it to organizational objectives. (SK)

Suggests considerations and strategies for identifying and modifying a client's defense mechanisms in counseling. Provides definitions of individual defenses and indicators for identifying the mechanisms. Literature review focuses on counseling implications of defenses. Process of defense mechanism modification is illustrated through case example.…

A century of debate over the reform of French spelling is criticized for focusing too much on dictionary issues and too little on grammar and clarity of expression. Four guidelines for the formulation of new spelling rules are suggested. (MSE)

Conducted week-long course of study in counseling skills for individuals (n=73) working with juvenile offenders. Participants evidenced significant changes in certain behavior categories as measured by the Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation-Behavior Scales (FIRO-B). Compared to controls, participants made certain movements in positive…

John Goodlad's article in the same "Kappan" issue ignores the most promising approach to teacher preparation woes: alternative certification. As a collaboratively developed, thorough teacher preparation program, alternative certification (such as in Texas) demonstrates that universities need not be the primary purveyors of pedagogical…

Seven key questions for implementing change are as follows: burden or challenge? worthwhile? will benefits appear quickly? limited to one function? impact on existing relationships? will it fit in existing organizational culture? and is the change certain to happen? (JOW)

Changes in educational administration over the past 30 years have been viewed as paradigm shifts or historical changes. These changes are actually revitalization movements--deliberate attempts by individuals to create a more satisfying culture. The stages of these movements (from steady state to periods of individual stress, cultural distortion,…

The use of metaphors to reshape both the perceptions and the climate of organizations is applied to the college/university context (e.g., the university as ecosystem, village, neighborhood). Organizational metaphor can be used in place of more formal, predictable management strategies to make organizational change more appealing to a diverse group…

The learning organization is a vital strategy for organizational survival and development, not a quick-fix solution. It can help create sustainable knowledge and make organizations more productive, profitable, and humane places. (SK)

Evaluation of effects of the W.K.Kellogg Foundation's five-year (1991-1996) primary care curricular change initiative involving 27 medical schools found 199 courses were revised or developed, involving 141 interdisciplinary faculty. There were significant increases in the number of students choosing to specialize in primary care. Results support…

Suggests how training and human resource development professionals can play a pivotal role in helping shape and communicate an executive-driven change message and help employees understand the message from the beginning. (Author)

Discussion of the editorial process for journals in library and information science focuses on problems presented by qualitative research, including definition, structure, voice, and meaning, that can influence the reactions of editors and referees. Topics include why authors should understand the editorial process, and strategies for changing the…