This paper discusses the use of reflective learning in service-learning projects in three different undergraduate courses. In a small group communications course, groups of five or six students were assigned to work with a non-profit agency to assist them in solving a problem. The students reflected on their group meetings in journals and wrote…

This guide is a compilation of tips for administrators, particularly secondary school administrators, on a wide variety of topics. It includes all tips published in a National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) newsletter from 1981 to 1989. "How-to" information is provided in all the following areas: first-year teacher…

Students with disabilities often experience particular difficulties with handwriting, and these problems can hinder their development both in school and in postsecondary settings. This paper addresses three issues: (1) the possibility of a prejudicial and potentially lasting first impression, based on the individual's handwriting; (2) the lack of…

In its effort to meet the challenges of the National Education Goals, New Hampshire is emphasizing three major goals: develop an outcome-based assessment program; formulate major reforms in science and mathematics education; and support the "break the mold" schools program. All state policies and programs are guided by common themes:…

This paper reviews Lev Vygotsky's theories concerning optimizing of potential through assistance, support, or instruction. The paper notes that there is a "zone of proximal development" or a band around intelligence quotient (IQ) scores reflecting one's true potential. IQ tests are generally well-standardized and "static,"…

This paper provides a snapshot of the language used by two outdoor instructors and analyzes its therapeutic components. Following an experience of abseiling with an instructor friend (Tony), Tony's instructional dialogue with the author and his sons during the experience was written down and put aside. A year later, a surfing coach (Mark) was…

Adolescents today have to live with incoherence for longer periods than before, and that makes ambiguity tolerance a socially significant personality dimension. Studies of the development of ambiguity tolerance in adolescents are reported. The pilot study, "Adaptation of MAT-50 for Use with Bulgarian Population," involves translation and…

This paper explores what it means, and what it might mean, to "achieve" in literacy. The paper points out that, although there is considerable concern over the misrepresentation of literate achievement by standardized tests, there has been substantially less demonstration of what is being left out, that is, exactly what of significance is achieved…

This study used both quantitative and qualitative methodology to analyze whether mentoring is related to student satisfaction and whether different elements of mentoring are important to different groups, particularly African American and Anglo-American graduate students at predominantly white institutions. A survey completed by 96 students,…

The purpose of education in the United States has been linked to democracy throughout its history. An analysis of the tradition of linking education to democratic purpose and practice is presented here. The research was derived, in part, from an earlier study that postulated three conceptions of democracy: liberal, participatory, and community.…

Holocaust denial, like hate speech in general, is reaching far larger audiences on the World Wide Web that it was ever able to do in the past. The Internet is the most free press imaginable, and Holocaust deniers can publish their works as widely as they like and construct their message in any way they choose--they have great latitude when…

This report provides an analysis of academic achievement in Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) states. Findings show that more students in the South are taking more challenging courses to prepare for college and careers. The percentage of high school graduates completing 4 years of English and 3 years each of social studies, mathematics, and…

This study investigated hearing-impaired students' understanding of the mathematical concept of fractional numbers, as measured by their ability to determine the order and equivalence of fractional numbers. Twenty-one students (ages 10-16) with hearing impairments were compared with 26 students with normal hearing. The study concluded that…

Using identified factors that affect students' musical outcomes, this research study examined how instrumental music students attending "good" rural Appalachian high schools compared to other instrumental students. "Good" refers to those 12 Appalachian rural school districts identified as the best out of 46 rural county school…

This paper argues that neither of two views of post-baccalaureate training of professionals is adequate for understanding socialization into the learned professions and offers an alternative model. Both the idea of professional education as the transmission of professional knowledge and skills and the idea of professional education as a sorting or…