Investigated value priorities and autonomy expectations in 59 pairs of Caucasian and 66 pairs of Asian teenagers and their mothers in Hong Kong. Findings support models that predict persistent family interdependence despite adoption of many individualist values in modernizing collectivist cultures. (SLD)

Provides strategies for reducing the risk of youth retreating into depression when faced with adversities in life, by helping them develop the building blocks of resilience (trust, autonomy, initiative, industry, identity). Reports that these building blocks have proven effective in fostering and strengthening resilience. (Author/JDM)

Presents a theoretical framework that classifies autonomy as procedural/technical, personal/practical, or critical. Discusses sociocultural barriers to learning motivation and identifies which assessment practices foster which type of autonomy. (Contains 71 references.) (SK)

Undertakes research into tension between structural planning and individual autonomy in the teaching of English and the dynamics of English departmental work in secondary schools. Examines the nature of constraints to individuals' autonomy, such as the British National Curriculum, to arrive at tentative conclusions as to whether they constitute a…

A study collected data on the quality of life and self-determination of 50 individuals with mental retardation to examine the contribution of self-determination to quality of life and the relationship between these constructs. Participants who reported a higher quality of life were also identified as more self-determined. (Author/CR)

Describes the development of the Georgia Autonomy Scales, an instrument used by student affairs professionals to assess the level of autonomy development of students. Estimates of the instrument's reliability and validity were judged sufficiently high to permit use with groups of students. (MKA)

Examines the difference between undergraduate students who self-reported a high incidence of bulimic-type behaviors and those students who reported a low incidence of bulimic type behaviors. Results show that females exhibiting bulimic behaviors tend to fuse with their families and lack personal authority, whereas males indicated fusion and…

A study of eight adults who use dog guides found four themes that described the experience of using a dog guide: increased confidence, increased independence, changed public interactions, and additional responsibilities or inconveniences. Most participants described their dogs as social "ice breakers" that led to increased interaction…

Examines the relationship between rhetorical traditions and philosophical inquiry about liberty. Argues that rhetoric matters: how people talk about the state sets the limits within which it works. (TB)

Reviews curricular approaches available to postsecondary teachers in New Zealand within a climate of accountability and autonomy. Concludes that the extent of institutional and personal autonomy varies among institutions and teachers and recommends more professional development. (Contains 41 references.) (SK)

Ten production sites in the United Kingdom, North America, Japan, and Malta tested a model of worker discretion in job tasks, based on customer preferences. Results suggest that production jobs should be designed to maximize worker judgment, knowledge, and initiative, allowing broad discretion in all tasks except those that can have a negative…

Interviews of young adults in England and Germany (n=900) about higher education, unemployment, and work showed that in Germany, ethnicity, gender, and social class had more influence on employment than qualifications did. Failure (e.g, unemployment) was attributed to Germany's highly structured system. In England, the belief that opportunities…

Summarizes the presentations of Ginny Moore Kruse and Lois Lowry at a Master Class in the Teaching of Literature conducted at the 91st annual meeting of the National Council of Teachers of English (Baltimore, MD, November 17, 2001). Notes the class addressed censorship and intellectual freedom, challenge and choice, the right to read and the right…

Analysis of discourses on communications and information technology in education reveals the notable omission of explicit reference to gender, despite existing research and theory. This view of technology also draws on masculinist ways of learning and student autonomy. These discourses narrow the opportunities offered by technological development.…

This article discusses how outside contributions and interests can place self-advocates in danger, how personal issues of advisors may place self-advocates in danger, a way for advisors to resolve their personal issues, and strategies that advisors can employ to assist and support self-advocates if they are in dangerous situations. (CR)