Parents with children in preschool or day care programs completed a 50-item checklist that assessed the frequency, content, and context of parent-child communications about school. Children, and particularly girls, communicated by describing, asking questions, and performing. Mothers initiated conversations more frequently than fathers and…

Summarizes and reviews six studies published in this issue. Emphasizes the teaching methods recommended by each study and the ways in which the studies affirm several assumptions that guide early childhood teaching practices. (MM)

Presents study results on the effects of students working in pairs on spelling in three different grades. Explains that students working individually were compared to students working in pairs. Reports less off-task behavior for the younger students working in pairs. Concludes that effort increases in pair work, but achievement increased only at…

Presents study results determining how individuals' performances in a subject relate to the value that society places on that subject. Explains that the study examined the relationship between each discipline and the cognitive capabilities of each subject. Concludes that failing students use an original conception, whereas successful students use…

Places behavioral field systems analysis (FSA) into perspective historically and in terms of its relationship to behavioral science as a whole, focusing on (1) J.R. Kantor and interbehaviorism, (2) the change from linear mechanics to fields/systems, and (3) contemporary scientific relatives of FSA. (SM)

Provides an overview of field systems research from a strategic and tactical perspective. Three studies of lessons taught by expert and student teachers are used as illustrations. The implications of field systems analysis for teacher evaluation and teacher education are discussed. (SM)

These articles contain responses from several scholars on the issue of field systems analysis (FSA). The scholars offer critiques from their sport pedagogy perspectives, a reaction relating FSA to personal examinations of teaching expertise, and a discussion of how computer simulation informs the study of expert teachers. (SM)

American education reflects a social belief that work and leisure are separate, yet public schools are expected to educate for both. The article discusses education and work, the emergence of clock time, functions of public education, the role of play in education, and public schools' roles in the year 2000. (SM)

Illinois' academic summer enrichment program, the Principal's Scholars Program (PSP), enables minority high school students to reside at the university and prepare for the transition to college life. PSP balances academic pursuits with opportunities for personal exploration and leisure involvement. PSP's Lifestyle Enhancement Program promotes the…

People with mental retardation have been overlooked in recreation/leisure and decision making, which are integral to full community participation. They must be provided with leisure education and decision-making skills. The article describes the Decision Making in Leisure model, explaining its use with individuals with mental retardation. (SM)

Recreation and physical education professionals can positively influence the well-being and life experiences of home-centered elderly clients who are often deprived of social and physical needs. The article discusses the value of extending recreation, health, and physical fitness services into home settings, providing suggestions for accomplishing…

Leisure educators and professionals recently met to examine leisure awareness over five centuries, reinforcing a resurgence of interest in the subject. The paper defines leisure awareness, presents a history of leisure starting in the Pre-Columbian era, and discusses leisure awareness and the family, the community, and education. (SM)

Because some high school student athletes use steroids, educational intervention should occur in middle and high school. The health and physical educator is important in prevention or early intervention. Community/school-based intervention is recommended. The article discusses psychological and physical addiction and presents guidelines and…

A framework for industry-based training in community colleges consists of nine models: three program types (standardized, personalized, and customized) that each teach three types of skills (general, generic occupational, and job specific). Administrative considerations include funding, academic credit, course location, evaluation, and liaison.…

A Virginia study confirmed the value of school-supervised on-the-job training experiences and identified critical quality control factors: related classroom instruction, individualized training plans, criteria for site and supervisor selection, written training agreements, frequent formal and informal evaluation, use of advisory groups, parental…