Describes a contracting workshop for couples which is designed to strengthen their relationship. The counselor helps the couple make explicit and implicit agreements and rules by which the relationship operates. Through experiential exercises, minilectures, and group work, the couple's style of communication and decision making skills are…

An individualized approach in an "aquatics learning lab" serves as the setting for swimming classes with students of varied abilities. The major goal of this methodology is elimination of the conventional, ritualistic, and autocratic quality of the average physical education class and its replacement with an individualized, humanistic method. (JN)

Two successive studies investigated teaching four memory training strategies and their effects on subjective memory complaints in the community- dwelling elderly. Evaluations revealed significant improvements in recall functioning among the memory training subjects. Results indicate concern about poor memory may reflect expectations about old age…

To clarify patterns in the rate of motor development, children observed between kindergarten and second grade were refilmed, performing an overarm throw, when they became seventh-grade students. Results were compared with predictions made earlier. Differences in the skill levels of boys and girls and differences in their throwing experience are…

Describes the underlying human development theory that supports developmental-learning as opposed to remedial-learning assistance. Outlines a model of learning assistance based on these principles. (Author)

Assessed the immediate and long-term impact of the Couple Communication Program. Married couples (N=17) were assigned to training groups. Change was assessed using self-report measures of marital adjustment and communication quality along with behavioral ratings of couple verbal interaction. Couples increased significantly on all measures at…

Points out that reading professionals are often encouraged and expected to write for publication and proposes a graduate level course that would improve the writing skills of such people. (FL)

The neglect of the study of pedagogy in teacher education programs is discussed. Excessive emphasis has been placed on the instruction of theory in the preparation of teachers. The practical application of general teaching skills and their effective application to practice is the central element in the study of pedagogy. (JN)

Presents three keynote speeches focusing on the topics of leadership development in mental health services administration and ethical dilemmas in the administration of mental health services. Suggests that didactic content and specific skill training activities must be provided for administrators at all levels. (HLM)

The promotion of basic skills need not conflict with present elective systems which seek to create interest and to address student concerns. The solution is not to narrow subject offerings to a "no-frills" level, but to design learning systems which ensure that current offerings cover the basic skills. (SJL)

Examines alcoholism and drug abuse counselors' skills and training needs as determined by experienced clinical supervisors. The results indicate the need for advanced training in a number of clinical competencies: group and family counseling, client assessment, and long-term therapy techniques. (Author)

Analyzed the biographies of twenty acknowledged experts without formal training beyond high school in search of commonalities that might suggest ways people become effectively self-directed in learning and accomplishment. Patterns of education and personality characteristics are discussed. (Author/CC)

Traditionally, methods for evaluating school dental health education projects have focused on student behavior change as the outcome of such programs. A more realistic evaluation plan is presented which examines skill acquisition among students. (JN)

In physical education, the emphasis on the performance component of teacher education programs has perpetuated the idea of preparing teachers whose competence is primarily in coaching team sports. A more balanced approach, with emphasis on all forms of physical activity and under the instruction of performing artists, is proposed. (JN)

Evaluated the effectiveness of a U.S. General Accounting Office communications training program. Employees who underwent training reported more positive attitudes about communication skills and performed better on knowledge and recognition assessments, otherwise the relative amount of change on the measures was not very large. (Author)