Describes inadequacies of three policies intended to enhance child readiness for education: raising the age of school entry, retaining students in kindergarten, and extra-year programs. Argues that they are inconsistent with educational research and potentially harmful. Suggests the use of curriculum-based performance tests to help teachers and…

A high school teacher of language and reading in a school for the deaf shares her growth in developing her own writing workshop model. Stressed are the importance of trust, of modeling, and of students and teachers making learning their own. (DB)

Reports on a 6-year study of 10 Open University students that examined their development as learners. Findings based on a series of interviews showed an increase in self-confidence, effectiveness in coping with the system, and self-reliance and a deeper understanding of the nature of knowledge and what constitutes learning. (17 references) (EA)

A discussion of college faculty development and its role in improving college instruction focuses on current trends in several related areas (faculty development, instructional development, organizational development, and personal development for teachers), emerging needs and priorities, development program staffing, and obstacles to program…

Implementation of the Human Development and Family Life Course for adolescent and young adult students with moderate mental retardation is described. The program includes teacher training and parent involvement, a focus on building trust and self-esteem, connection to a network of support, a counseling approach, weekly meetings, and repetition.…

Recently, numerous larger schools have tried to capture the potential advantages of a wide age range in their classrooms. The nongraded organizational system recognizes and plans for varied student abilities, provides for different rates of progress, and adjusts to individual emotional and social needs. Both advantages and disadvantages are…

Because teachers teach who they are, teacher formation should encourage them to become whole by developing into wise, mature, competent, and humane adults. Training programs that focus on "teaching" teachers and the isolation and constraints of the teaching experience itself inhibit teachers from becoming whole human beings. (LP)

A survey of 665 fourth-year medical students in 6 schools investigated whether students had encountered ethically problematic situations, their attitudes about them, and their perceptions of their personal ethical development. Results suggest that ethical dilemmas are commonly encountered and often detrimental, warranting attention of physicians,…

Presents arrow pattern activities to highlight geometry and spatial sense and includes discussion of using evaluation to aid instructional planning, recording each student's developmental level, how to use observations to plan follow-up lessons, and suggestions for implementation. Includes patterns to be copied onto transparencies and student…

Review of nursing literature from 1924-39 found the belief that the purpose of liberal education for nurses was development of the individual and the citizen, acquisition of cultural knowledge, and development of critical thinking and a strong science background. Nursing education was felt to be of professional level and built on at least two…

Data from two independent Canadian research studies found that university education produced added value on such dimensions of student development as reasoning, time management, and quantitative skills but not on social skills, supervisory skills, conflict management, and creativity. Universities are urged to develop more than mere competence in…

Describes features of organized camping that are conducive to social learning, including the continuity and variety of the camping experience; planned, goal-oriented experiences; qualified adult leadership; and the informal atmosphere of camping. Stresses the role of small-group experiences as the most important aspect of camplife and social…

Focuses on the experiences of African-American women; and considers the interaction of sex and race in the development of sense of self, sense of self in relation to others, and ontology through interviews with 12 African-American women. Similarities among women across race are suggested. (SLD)

Describes meaning that sport involvement may have for athlete, and indicates how affiliation with identity as athlete may influence adjustment to retirement. Presents suggestions for various programs to assist athletes before, during, and after their retirement from competition, with special attention given to the application of life development…

A teacher of gifted students recounts the story of Genna, a gifted but depressed high school student who attempted suicide but was later able to confront her problems realistically and provide insights to other students, teachers, and counselors. (DB)