Uses data from a national sample of students (Grade 7 through fourth college year) to examine the relationship between students' personalities and educational self-direction (the use of initiative, thought, and independent judgment in schoolwork). Reports that greater self-direction in schoolwork increases the self-directedness of the students'…

Describes components of self-reliance and discusses three methods that can be used effectively to make children more self-reliant: behavioral patterning, expectation, and modeling. (HOD)

An interview with an experienced, inner-city elementary school principal. Discusses forms of creative-insubordination, a practice by which local administrators disobey district orders for the good of the school. Weighs the advantages and dangers of discretionary decision-making. (KH)

Educators concerned with promoting autonomy of high school dropouts face a dilemma between accepting the students' decision or trying to change the decision. A nontraditional program is described that offers dropouts alternative ways to learn while promoting self-autonomy. A case study of a potential high school dropout is described. (DF)

Assessed the impact of difficulty forming an occupational dream and relating to parents on depression among college students (N=64). Results suggested that having to give up a valued dream, viewing one's relation to mother as authority-obeyer, and doing little exploring of occupational choices are related significantly to depression. (LLL)

Teacher education programs should include methods of promoting self-awareness in prospective physical educators. Suggested guidelines to help develop potential are listed, including increased autonomy; more adequate assumptions about reality, possibility, and value; improved competencies; and increased awareness and openness to experience.…

Parental control, a focus in much of the parenting research over the past 50 years, involves pushes or pressures for children to think, feel, or behave in specific ways. Based on the view that when parents communicate in controlling ways, they undermine their children's ability to initiate their own actions and induce them to behave because of…

The thematic network "Early Literacy in Context" is funded by the European Commission to connect four research projects exploring innovative practice in literacy teaching in the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, and Greece. This paper, written by two of the network's four members, explores the different notions of autonomy in early literacy…

This report summarizes information from states that responded to a survey on the topic of age of majority for educational decision making. Information was gathered from 40 states during the months of March and April 1999. Results indicate: (1) in 33 of the 40 states, 18 is the age of majority for educational decision making; (2) 23 of the…

Noting that an examination of the historical and biographical context in which the Montessori educational theory and methods were developed can provide important insights into this educational approach, this 15-minute videotape explores the lives of Maria Montessori and her son Mario. Part 1 of the video, "Discovery: The Pioneering…

Compared employee affective and behavioral responses to four work schedules--a fixed-hour schedule and three variations of flexible working hours. Hypothesized systematic differences in employee responses reflecting increased flexibility were not supported. Employees generally responded more favorably to flexible hour systems as contrasted with…

Compared economically dependent college students (N=20) with independent nonstudents (N=20) to assess the impact of prolonged student status. Results of a test battery showed prolonged student status appeared to (1) foster emotional dependence; (2) negatively affect achievement of identity but not self-esteem; and (3) retard vocational identity…

Perspectives concerning William Rhodes' philosophy and his 1975 predictions about the mental health system are offered. Rhodes characterized the traditional mental health system as one that suppresses individuality in the interests of social control. On the other hand, in innovative progressional institutions, power is shared by providers with…

The diversity of audiences within the American reading public, the variety of reading materials available to these audiences, the ways in which these materials are distributed to the public, and the influence of distinctive American institutions that promote books and encourage reading are discussed by the Library of Congress. (MLW)

Research suggests that adults can help students become more responsible by teaching them new ways of thinking about self-control and new skills and strategies for self-control. (JM)