A theoretical model for collaborative inquiry as a research methodology in adult education has been proposed. The model, which likens collaborative inquiry to the process of organic gardening, depicts a sphere in motion where the cycles of collaborative inquiry revolve in continuous motion. In the center of the sphere is a collaborative self that…

Most youth in America have a good chance of becoming productive members of adult society. However, for a particular group of young people, at-risk youth, the probability of maturing into responsible adulthood is less certain. "At-risk youth" is a term commonly used to describe those adolescents for whom there is a high probability (risk)…

In this paper, an attempt has been made to synthesize some of the current thinking in the area of criterion-referenced testing as well as to provide the beginning of an integration of theory and method for such testing. (Editor)

This study is seen as offering part of a necessary empirical base for constructing a middle range theory of cooperation between educational institutions as well as teachers involved in such cooperation. (Authr/RK)

Discusses needs assessment as a problem-focusing strategy and examines several definitions of need. Considers five purposes for assessing needs, and presents six guiding principles for the work of a needs assessment team. (RC)

The definition of primary care is developed and a way is suggested to measure whether it is being achieved. Evaluative questions are identified that can determine whether a system of care is oriented toward primary care. They include assessing first-contact care, coordination of care, comprehensiveness, and longitudinality. (LBH)

Discusses the revised definition of mental retardation in a 1992 manual by the American Association on Mental Retardation. The key principles that provided the foundation for the development of the new definition are described, including the paradigm shift from facility-based to services-based to supports-based models. (CR)

This paper responds to criticisms concerning the applicability of the 1992 American Association on Mental Retardation definition of mental retardation to preschool children. Criticisms focusing on the elimination of classification levels, limited relevance of adaptive behavior areas, and difficulties delineating kinds and intensities of supports…

Developed a multifaceted definition of the intrapersonal component of empowerment, based on a review and synthesis of selected expository and empirical literature. Consisting of 20 dimensions, each with a standard definition of the construct, the model may be useful in facilitating discussions, developing training programs, and constructing…

Argues that the definition of teaching content for imaginative writing in Scotland's national curriculum guidelines is problematic and that the definitions of process and context are not sufficiently coherent to provide a sound basis for planning and teaching story writing. Indicates how the writing criteria applied to national tests of writing…

Discusses an activity-based approach to working with children with disabilities. Suggests that the strategies and planning involved in including a special needs child in an early childhood setting are the same as those used for planning programs for any child, but require a greater amount of detail. (HTH)

Discusses hierarchical complexity of tasks as a way of conceptualizing information in terms of the power required to complete a task, and its implications for developmental psychology and information science. Provides an analytic solution to the definition of developmental stages and allows for the possibility within the science of scaling the…

Reviews three current approaches to preventing child abuse in Great Britain: clinical health-led risk-assessment model, broader social-reform strategies, and criminal justice youth victimization models. Explores sources of contradiction through definitions of child abuse underpinning different strategies. Proposes change in language of child…

The purpose of the study reported in this paper was to develop a working definition of service-learning, identify the best practices of service-learning in the context of Christian colleges and universities and, based upon that information, develop a model for replication. The study undertaken included: (a) examination of the findings of…