In January 1986, the Learning Resource Center (LRC) of New River Community College in Virginia initiated efforts to increase the level, quality, responsiveness, and adaptability of LRC services. Central to these efforts was an emphasis on employee involvement and empowerment intended to create an atmosphere of trust and teamwork; enhance employee…

This literature review considers definitions of strategic planning as well as historical and operational aspects of its use at community colleges. First, a number of definitions of strategic planning are presented, indicating that, compared to long-range planning, strategic planning is more action-oriented and more concerned with issues, the…

Research has suggested that didactic and values discussions, life skills training, social skills training, and family intervention can reduce heavy drug use. Because subjects display variability in patterns of behavior change, increased understanding of these individual differences could be beneficial to interventions. A preventive intervention…

An emphasis needs to be placed on the use and development of critical thinking skills at the elementary, secondary, and higher education levels. Critical learning that fosters active student participation, goal setting, and probing into concerns through dialogue with other students and the teacher is particularly needed to help students learn to…

Weaknesses in educational software currently available in the domain of mathematics are discussed. A technique that was used for the design and production of mathematics software aimed at improving problem-solving skills which combines sound pedagogy and innovative programming is presented. To illustrate the design portion of this technique, a…

An advanced public speaking class at the Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, was specifically designed not only to improve the overall quality of a speech communication program but also to increase the number of majors that an excellent program would attract. Only students who have demonstrated superior speaking skills in basic public speaking…

The Bay Area and The World (BAATW) Project and the Bay Area Global Education Program (BAGEP), two formal structures that form part of a coalition to make citizens more aware of the world's interdependence, are discussed. The historical background of these organizations and the initiation of the coalition are recounted. A listing is provided of the…

Systematic cognitive development, through planned experiences in the context of course work, should be a component of teacher education programs, together with opportunities to apply that learning in practicum settings. Training in cognitive skills (analysis of error, comparison and contrast, categorization, identifying relationships among…

This is the second in a series of four booklets describing the Child Development Associate (CDA) Project at the California State College in Pennsylvania, one of the 13 original CDA pilot programs. The focus of this booklet is on the problem solving approach used in the project. Topics discussed include: (1) the necessity for change in behavior…

After experiencing a drop in enrollment of over 25 percent in 10 years, the Cincinnati (Ohio) Public Schools instituted a decentralization program. The program gives local schools greater autonomy, places greater emphasis on the principal's leadership role, and depends for some decision-making on Local School Advisory Committees (LSACs) composed…

An inservice program for teachers involves a peer group strategy for helping them set goals and experiment with new teaching behaviors. This supportive inservice model proceeds from the premise that meaningful change occurs when the individual perceives a need for change. The major component of this program is a support group of tenured teachers…

Volume II of the Education and Experience in Engineering E3 Program is a collection of 21 appendices related to this program which provide information on funding, participants, meetings, and communications among participants. Appendix V, an E3 Handbook for students, contains information on student advising, placement, and evaluation. Appendix VI…

This document addresses the problem faced by stress management programs in their attempts to increase self-awareness of stress response patterns and sources of stress. Drawbacks to the techniques of daily diaries and stress logs are noted and the use of computer-analyzed stress episode cards as a self-awareness feedback technique is explained. The…

Presented is a discussion on the value of science and technology centers in providing learning experiences for visitors. The discussion is not limited to science centers but includes applications possible to any museum interested in providing interactive experiences. (SA)

Gal'perin's instructional theory of problem solving is described. This theory of stage-by-stage formation of mental actions was chosen as a theoretical basis for the construction and evaluation of courses in higher education, particularly in science and technology. A Programme of Actions and Methods (PAM) for problem solving in science,…