Describes a study that investigated a home/school computer project and its effects on reading, language, and mathematics achievement on 142 fourth- and fifth-grade students as well as equity issues relating to gender, academic aptitude, and socioeconomic status. Results indicate that participation was not associated with increased academic…

Discusses the design of management information systems for secondary schools and presents a fundamental approach to systems design that was used for the development of SCHOLIS, a computer-assisted school information system for Dutch secondary schools. The importance of information system development methodologies is stressed. (LRW)

Addresses the question of whether it is possible for early years teachers to achieve understanding and appreciation of children's behavior and development without having insights into their own behavior and family backgrounds. Suggests that teachers must recognize the importance of their own backgrounds in how they look at children, teaching, and…

Explores teachers' tendency to adopt the "average" student as a reference point on personal and interpersonal dimensions of classroom life. Suggests that while reliance on this average might seem a solution to the problems of organizing learning for large groups, at a personal level, average children may be experiencing school life as a mere…

Examines the special characteristics of adolescent parents and reviews a series of field-tested, hands-on parent education workshops for them. Suggests that recognizing the adolescent needs of very young parents and building a parent education program based on concrete, playful experiences with plentiful opportunities to interact with peers appear…

Studied the evolution of knowledge of the rules of a children's game, and children's capacity for putting them into practice at ages ranging from four to seven. Results showed distinguishable evolutive levels of knowledge and practice through age, with the development of the capacity for putting the rules into practice before being able to…

Evaluates the effects of an enrichment package on the free- play behavior of black South African children in day care. Aims to assess the short-term effects and cost-effectiveness of such enrichment. Discusses the results in terms of often unexpected impacts that intervention schemes can have in the developing world, even those specifically…

Examines possible solutions for improving the status of children in India. Suggests that there is a need to focus on child rights issues related to public awareness, attitudinal change, political commitment, mass sensitization, and outreach. Suggests an appropriate strategy for the restoration of the rights of children in India. (AA)

Investigated seven-year-old children's understanding of certain geographical terms. Found that children this age have considerable difficulty with some concepts and that even vernacular terms are often misunderstood. Results support the idea of children's alternative conceptions and suggest that, for teaching to be more effective, children's prior…

Child specialists from 41 countries were surveyed on the role of symbol-making tools as cultural artifacts. Results suggest that symbol-making tools reflect countries' levels of human development. Place of residence, socioeconomic status, teacher and parent educational levels, and commercial availability account for often wide within-country…

Reviews five books dealing with different aspects of early years development and education. The books address the following topics: sensitive times in physical, intellectual, and emotional growth in children; child physical abuse; resources for teaching about water, environment, and mathematical concepts in early years; and work with children…

Discusses a college fieldtrip experience in Pembrokeshire, United Kingdom, in which an extreme event at an oceanside blowhole nearly resulted in injury or death. Relates this to other dynamic and chaotic situations along coastlines. Recommends sensitization to potential risk factors. One of series discussing incidents in which no injury occurred…

Provides annotated listing and subscription procedures for four Listserv discussion groups focusing on outdoor, adventure, or experiential education: "AEELIST" is set up for anyone involved in experiential education; "Australian Outdoor Ed" focuses on current research and teaching interests; "Wildornt" facilitates discussions on wilderness…

Discusses the lack of theoretical principles underpinning experiential education. Outlines a flow model of experiential learning applicable to adventure education, involving the learner, reality context, new and applied skills, responsibility, and critical reflection. Suggests that even small increases in theoretical understanding will help…

Introduces Port Camman Project (UK), a 31-day residential course exposing young offenders to various outdoor adventure activities. Results of pre- and postprogram administration of a self-esteem questionnaire show increases in self-esteem in 10 of 14 males surveyed; negative changes are interpreted based on behavior patterns during the full 31-day…