To investigate the origins and nature of intuitive obstacles affecting the learning of elementary probability theory, 618 Italian elementary and middle school students were interviewed about their methods of solution for several problems dealing with probability. The discussion focuses on four varieties of obstacles to learning prevalent within…

School-based media provide information, help organize information and ideas, help create values and attitudes, help shape expectations, and provide models for action. Schools should continuously involve students in analyzing media message systems and help students develop critical thinking (including media literacy). (RLC)

A survey of 94 department heads and 112 graduate supervisors at 5 Canadian universities investigated organizational and administrative practices concerning graduate programs and factors affecting successful completion of/withdrawal from graduate programs. Factors identified include student motivation, quality of supervision, student selection,…

Describes the findings of a 1991 survey of automation in Iranian academic libraries. Findings about libraries participating in the study, including subject area focus, library size, users, staffing, services, and budgets, are presented as a context for information about computer facilities. Copies of the survey in English and Arabic are appended.…

Maintains that providing justice to people accused of a crime has evolved slowly over the centuries. Discusses the history of indigent defense in the United States. Includes vocabulary terms, a timeline, a list of "Heroes of Indigent Defense," reviews of significant court cases, and a discussion of legal services in five cities. (CFR)

Discusses difficulties of overcoming classism, racism, and sexism in the classroom. Addresses hostile reactions by white male students, silencing and marginalization, and the "inappropriate other"--a minority or female in the traditionally white male role of professor. Stresses that gender and race are inseparable parts of identity,…

Examined the adjustment of boys from intact, single-mother, stepfather, and multiple-transition families. Boys who had experienced multiple transitions showed the poorest adjustment. The antisocial mother was most at risk for transitions and unskilled parenting practices, which in turn placed her son at risk for poor adjustment. (BC)

Describes the findings from a case study of a chemistry teacher who participated as a coresearcher in investigating the process of change. This teacher attempted to shift the focus of his teaching away from teacher-centered practices and emphasis on content to student-centered practices and emphasizing problem solving relevant to the use of…

Explores the value of Total Quality Management (TQM) for libraries as a management methodology to complement the changing needs of research libraries in light of changing information technology. The planning process for a new academic library which used many TQM elements is described. (EAM)

Eight help-seeking categories were identified and compared with regard to adolescents' gender, race, alcohol consumption, substance abuse, and school misconduct. Problem behaviors were most prevalent for two categories: friends as only resource and social isolate. Males, Blacks, and Hispanics were overrepresented in the social isolate category.…

Describes a course in global environmental politics. Argues specialized courses are needed that focus on the economic, social, and political dimensions of environmental problems. Argues such a course should be part of the core undergraduate curriculum. Includes a survey of course topics to prepare students for future challenges. (NL)

This theme issue, a report from the International Academy of Education, suggests ways to come to grips with problems of financing higher education. The crises of rising demand, labor market requirements, efficiency, equity, and diversity are discussed; and suggestions are made for financing expansion of services and student costs. (SLD)

Contends that student alienation cannot be solved by improved instructional methodology or curriculum content reform. Argues that the citizenship education goals of social studies cannot be taught effectively because societal values do not support schools or teachers. Provides five suggestions on policies that might address these issues. (CFR)

Describes a problem-solving teaching method used in the Introductory Soils course at Iowa State University whereby students are assigned to groups and asked to serve as an advisor to a landowner. Using a computerized database for most data acquisition, students recommend farm usage and urban/alternate development plans. Includes the program…

Educational reform now focuses largely on school restructuring, making transformational leadership and cultural change models critical issues for school administrators. Both concepts are inextricably linked to communication. Consequently, leadership for change requires a knowledge base in leadership, organizational theory, and communication…