Noting that developing skill with a musical instrument requires much dedicated practice, the author gives advice to students and teachers about maximizing the productivity and efficiency of a practice session. (SJL)

Looks at some of the benefits of computers to learning in school and at home. Predicts the expansion of all types of electronic technology. (SJL)

Compact design and insulation cut energy use at a junior high school in Rexon (New Brunswick). Loma Linda University in California has reduced consumption of natural gas by installing cogeneration equipment. Morningside College in Sioux City (Iowa) has replaced deteriorating windows. (Author/MLF)

Secretaries are a valuable staff resource for principals if their skills are utilized effectively. Some successful working procedures are suggested. (Author/MLF)

Evaluates the Nominal Group Technique as a method for structuring a problem solving group's communication. The technique is evaluated in terms of its ability to produce more potential solutions to a problem than an interacting group and in terms of the perceived satisfaction of the participants. (JMF)

The article discusses the rationale for a program to develop efficiency in visual functioning for low vision individuals. Detailed identification of all visual functions necessary for maximum efficiency, along with specification of visual tasks related to developmental milestones are charted. (Author/PHR)

The president of U.S. Steel explains the thinking behind the Cost Reduction Incentive Award Program: it is a way to involve everyone in saving energy and cutting other costs. He hopes that this awards program will help develop a broad awareness of cost problems among those associated with institutions of higher education and the need for a total…

Discusses the difficulty of calculating an accurate rate of return for investment in education, focusing in particular on the methods and arguments used by Schultz in his 1961 article, "Education and Economic Growth," and argues that recent overinvestment in American education has lowered its economic efficiency. (JG)

Teachers at four block-scheduled schools in the Huntington Beach (California) Union High School District were asked whether the change yielded differences in instructional practices, assessment techniques, social interaction, curriculum, and school management. Responses to an (anonymous) Likert scale indicate that block scheduling allows teachers…

Electronic tools, both local applications and networked resources, allow acquisitions librarians and staff to conduct business with unprecedented efficiency. This article describes digital resources that improve workflow and save time and money in an age of shrinking budgets, highlighting e-mail, World Wide Web resources, home page development…

Examines the literature on the economic efficacy of secondary vocational-technical education in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. Concludes that such programs will fail unless they remain relevant to changing labor market needs (external efficiency) and internal efficiency in terms of provision and costs. (SK)

Older (n=57) and younger (n=63) adults read passages in one of three conditions: on printed pages, on a self-paced computer screen, or on computer screens paced by machine. Older adults' comprehension was most efficient with print, younger subjects' with computers. When asked if they liked reading computer screens, 67% of younger and 46% of older…

Provides an overview of computer conferencing and discusses its advantages and efficacy in developing industry-valued competences in terms of: ease of information dissemination, time efficiency, facilitation of multiple tasks, inclusiveness, reflection, student centeredness, learning versus teaching, distance capabilities, presence of moderators,…

Oklahoma's answer to the cry for reform and involvement in education emerged as House Bill 1017, a comprehensive $223 million school reform and tax act. This article reviews the HR 1017 story, focusing on its legislative enactment history and offering a content analysis of mandated changes in finance, personnel, governance, student assessment,…

Online searchers waste time and money if they log on without first reading help files and database descriptions; determining search goals; tailoring the search to fit needs; choosing the best source; keeping an open mind for search alternatives; considering other keyword search formulations; and knowing the online system tricks and tools. (PEN)