A needs assessment program can help recreation managers recognize new and changing leisure interests and needs of the people they serve. This article reviews strategies that military services use in needs assessment programs. Issues encountered when conducting an assessment are discussed. (DF)

Over the course of half of the last century, psychologists have had a particular focus on creativity abilities training. Developing educational programs that help to enhance students' creativity is among the most important goals of our educational system. The present study was undertaken to explore: (1) the university student's creativity ability;…

This report describes work by Public/Private Ventures to mount a faith-based initiative that would produce credible evidence and lessons concerning the capacity, limits, and practices of faith-based organizations in working with high-risk youth. Organizations in 15 cities agreed to participate in the National Faith Based Initiative for High-Risk…

This document discusses the graduate programs in civil engineering at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the oldest Brazilian private university. The report features discussions of faculty member backgrounds, trends in student enrollment, women's participation in the program, degree completion, student origins,…

This paper discusses problems with the theoretical basis and conditions for implementing the quality insurance model for engineering programs. An analysis of a program of development and educational quality implemented in the Engineering Faculty of the National University of Lomas de Zamora in Argentina is presented. The minimum conditions are…

Author discusses guidelines on objectives, evaluation, and cooperative planning essential to good educational practice. (GB)

An approach to faculty development activities that combines individual initiative with program needs in order to effect a more cost efficient and program effective system is described. The rationale for the convergence of developmental activities is given and a plan for the implementation of a feasible working model is described. (Author/MLW)

Presents and explains how to use a checklist for helping principals determine the presence of effective elements in their schools' staff development programs. The checklist process involves testing such program factors as school commitment levels, needs assessment components, program development activities, program implementation and evaluation,…

Discusses the planning and preparation necessary to make field trips economically justifiable and educationally worthwhile. Student orientations and positive motivation are essential for successful fieldtrips. A description of a well-planned field trip to Rockport, Massachusetts, for a high school portfolio art class is included. (AM)

An experimental study of the impact of a prevocational literacy program on subsequent occupational education for military personnel yielded findings that led to a major redesign of the literacy program. (CT)

An intensive weekend workshop for teachers focusing on foundations of health education, drug education, emotional health, and human sexuality demonstrated that a well-planned and implemented in-service training program can effectively improve teachers' competency in health education. (JD)

Provides an overview of personal and situational influences on health professionals' participation in systematic learning activities that reflect gaps between learner's current and desired proficiencies. Concludes with suggestions for planning, conducting, and assessing effective learning activities. (JOW)

Contends that strengthening the relationship between university departments or schools of music and K-12 music programs will improve music programs at all levels. Discusses the goals and structure of the Partnership in Musical Excellence program that has linked the School of Music at Ohio State University and several Ohio school systems. (DB)

This editorial describes the role of early intervention programs in helping children with disabilities, focusing on parents' and infants' needs, the Family Service Plan, and the role of case managers. The editorial cautions that: early intervention's effectiveness is unproven, early is not always better, and more is not always better. (JDD)

Outlines characteristics of effective technology-based distance-learning programs that meet specific local needs, incorporate current educational theory and practice, and satisfy the social and emotional needs of the students. Presents guidelines for program development in rural schools. (SV)