Clarifies role of insight in strategic therapy and distinguishes between therapist-ascribed meaning and interpretation, as well as client-ascribed meaning and insight. Argues that insight-oriented and strategic therapists share much in common and that insight has a role in the practice of strategic therapy. (Author/NB)

Conducted analysis of four cases of planned change in student affairs and three cases in curricular reform. Used meta-like procedure to determine strength of association of nine variables of Probability of the Adoption of Change (PAC) model to likelihood of adoption of change, and to estimate ability to generalize PAC model across student and…

Reviews the efficacy of maintenance enhancement procedures to prevent relapse in smoking cessation, weight control, and exercise programs. Presents models of maintenance enhancement, reviews studies that have used relapse prevention strategies, and discusses ways of incorporating relapse prevention techniques into health promotion programs.…

Three studies of public perceptions of higher education are summarized. Results show that while higher education enjoys elements of support from both the general public and community leaders, the support is shaky. In addition, the two groups differ substantially in their understanding of the academic world and in their evaluation of higher…

Argues that, as educators rush to reform their practices, they need to keep in mind the lesson of their past mistakes. Suggests that, if educators do not start paying more attention to being clear about assumptions and intentions as they design and promote new practices, the lack of clarity will contaminate and undermine all reform efforts. (RS)

All organizations can increase efficiency and quality, but academic institutions are unlikely to improve academic productivity by formulas, brute force, or threats of external intervention. Studies of two institutions suggest that several factors can make improved productivity possible. Ten ways to accomplish this are suggested. (Author/MSE)

Developed motivation training program which systematically employed four methods for changing self-efficacy (performance accomplishment, verbal persuasion, emotional arousal, vicarious learning/modeling) among 183 recipients of Aid to Families with Dependent Children who were referred to Hawaii's Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Programs.…

Discusses speaker panels as educational interventions in which lesbian women and gay men share their personal stories and respond to questions and comments. Presents practical information on effective speaker panel presentations for counselors, student development professionals, and other human service professionals. Discusses empirical findings…

Notes that research has indicated that career counseling produces positive effects similar to those brought about by psychological, educational, and behavioral interventions. States need for evaluative research to clarify why career counseling is effective, with whom, under what conditions, and on which outcome dimensions. Presents selected…

After replacing its basal readers with a literature series, Tucson (Arizona) schools piloted a study group approach supporting long-term, innovative changes in reading instruction. Study groups gave teachers the chance to consider their beliefs, share ideas, challenge current practices, blend theory and practice, identify professional and personal…

Highlights the initial restructuring efforts begun by a Pennsylvania high school participating in the Coalition of Essential Schools. After several years of discussion, the staff undertook summer inservice training featuring a reading project, an ideal/reality exercise, a shadowing project, and a school visitation process. Choosing an…

Provides an objective critique of Outcome-Based Education (OBE) as a reform strategy and a curriculum process, based on a literature review and experience in North Carolina schools. OBE is theoretically narrow, but charges concerning OBE's technocratic, uncaring orientation lack foundation. The curriculum process allows teacher participation. OBE…

Educational restructuring differs from previous reform efforts in its focus on improved learning for all students and its long-term commitment to fundamental, systemic change. The critical elements required for successful restructuring are a sincere invitation to change, authority and flexibility, access to knowledge, and time to plan. (MLH)

To help teachers at one California high school evaluate tracking and other practices, the principal developed a six-step process involving studying, defining, and delimiting the prevailing practice; studying the practice's heritage; reviewing and then operationalizing the research and theory; brainstorming practice implications; and discussing and…

Discusses the need for change in performance technology from a local orientation to a more global perspective. The role of training and instructional systems in performance technology is discussed, including instructional design and instructional system development; and environmentalists' concerns with the relationships between individual…