Psychometric problems and potential design flaws must be considered as institutions attempt to document the influence of the college experience on student development. Problems related to conceptual issues, psychometric questions, or research designs are analyzed. (MLW)

Institutional researchers must bring measurement theorists and assessment practitioners together to develop new and more suitable methods for assessing developmental changes in groups of students. (Author/MLW)

An analysis of the Washington Center internship program suggests that powerful and appropriate learning results when internships give students an experience of intense involvement, coupled with sustained, systematic reflection. The Washington Center works in partnership with over 600 institutions and internship sites in Washington, D.C. (MLW)

Results of the second research project in the Oregon Developing Understanding of Self and Others (DUSO)-2-Revised Research Studies Series suggest that the DUSO-type programs may be imperfect tools for building a complete cognitive, affective, and behavioral structure for developing self-esteem and social skills. (ABL)

A five-year-old hearing impaired girl who arrives at a residential school for the deaf without having had the opportunity to learn to communicate goes through the early stages of writing development. Similarities between the developmental stages of oral and written language and the importance of providing behavior models are discussed. (VW)

The early field experience of three teachers is used to explore its potential and actual contribution to the development of the teacher. The potential benefits and limitations of this early experience are discussed. The article concludes with recommendations and questions for further study. (Author/MT)

Responds to Caple's self-organization paradigm of student development, where humans are viewed as open systems, unstable because of continuous exchange of energy with their environments. Corroborates the inevitability of disequilibrium in human existence but is disturbed by the notion of random determination of second-order change. Raises…

A moral development scale (Defining Issues Test) administered to students as entering freshmen and 4 years later indicated a significant decrease in conventional reasoning and an increase in principled reasoning. (Author)

Presents a conceptual model which focuses on goals of student government in residence halls. The model has two fundamental processes. One focuses on short term goals and activities catering to creation of environment. The second has long term effects referred to as lifelong personal development. (JAC)

Evaluated an assertion training program for adolescents (N=23) in a middle-school setting. Results showed the group who received the training significantly improved their scores on the Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale and the Intellectual Achievement Responsibility Questionnaire. The control group showed no change in their scores. (JAC)

The important impact of musical (aesthetic) education on developing a value system that maximizes the humanizing process of each individual is discussed. Music educators must act as purveyors of the culture and develop music curriculum in which students will participate. (BS)

Describes three programs implemented in the Providence, Rhode Island, elementary schools to improve students' self-image. These include a guidance/puppetry program, student of the week awards, and a behavioral management system. (JAC)

"Independent learning" has become a catchphrase in Britain's Open University, especially since a 1984 report recommending that courses be designed and taught so that students can become progressively independent as learners. Although the phrase means many things to different people, it also provides an opportunity to appraise teaching…

Results of a survey of 42 college students concerning their conceptions of learning, good teaching, studying, insight and understanding, and application of knowledge are discussed. (MSE)

Describes a peer tutoring remedial reading program established at the high school level. Reports marked improvement in reading for both students and tutors. (RBW)