Discussion of prepaid college tuition plans looks at their strengths and weaknesses and provides an analysis to illustrate their use as an alternative in funding a child's future education. It is noted that, although some financial planners argue against them, they can offer significant savings by locking in tuition rates. (MSE)

A discussion of Florida's college tuition prepayment program describes the plan and its options and examines its marketing implications as a preneed service. It is concluded that the program makes saving for college easy, economical, and completely safe but requires rethinking of conventional marketing strategies and mix. (MSE)

A study investigated key factors used by 344 first-year college students to assess their fit to their university. Applying concepts of cognitive dissonance, the study showed perceptions of student/institution fit to be related to key attribute and aspirational variables. Implications for enrollment management, especially retention, are discussed.…

A study of 95 high school seniors in Brisbane, Australia, investigated the relationships between students' perceptions of 3 different universities and their expectation of enrollment in business administration programs in each. Variables considered included students' level of information about the institution and the attitudes of significant…

A survey of 262 graduates of a comprehensive university indicate fairly strong support for general education and the associated objectives of such a program. Some differences emerged between alumni of different disciplines, genders, and periods of graduation. Implications for recruitment, public relations, and program planning are considered.…

A study investigated the criteria used by graduate students to choose a business administration program. Findings indicate a significant relationship between students' selection criteria and personal background characteristics such as race (white, Hispanic, American Indian/Alaska Native, black, Asian American), citizenship status, and gender. (MSE)

A study of 308 communications professionals in south Florida investigated interest in graduate programs, both formal degree programs and professional continuing education. Results indicate the primary reason for enrollment in a formal degree program is not economic but perceived benefit to the employer. More minority group members wanted formal…

Examined the effects of thematic fantasy play (TFP) on the perspective-taking of 27 kindergarten children by having their teacher guide them in the reenactment of fairy tales. Results demonstrated that the children exposed to TFP performed significantly higher on measures of perceptual, cognitive, and affective perspective-taking than a control…

Discusses the effects of child play on the learning and development of young children. Argues that play is an important part of an entire network of learning, a fact often overlooked by parents who view play as recreation. Maintains that, when parents and educators help children to enhance their play experiences, important learning outcomes can…

This case study examined the effects of a Maori language and culture immersion preschool program on a preschooler's English and Maori language usage at home. School and home observations revealed the importance of the child's role in acquiring bilingual expertise, the presence of complementary activities at home, and shared cultural commitments.…

Examined the extent to which the differences between home or nursery school and primary school may cause difficulties to children in their psychological adjustment to first grade. A survey of nursery teachers, first grade teachers, and parents found that children faced a very different environment when entering first grade and often had…

Reports on a United Nations appraisal of the preschool component of India's Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS). Discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the program, the efficacy of preschool programs in India, and the role of staff training, calling for the upgrading of initial and on-the-job training. (MDM)

Examines the history and current status of early childhood teacher training in India. Describes the Bal Sevika Training program, launched in 1961, and the Integrated Child Development Services program, instituted in 1975 to provide a wide range of educational and nutritional services to preschool children and their families. (MDM)

This paper compares first-grade education projects in rural India and Pakistan that have attempted to shift from rote learning of texts to an active, experiential, child-centered approach to literacy learning. Examples of successful approaches and techniques, as well as implications for literacy programs in general, are discussed. (MDM)

Reviews five books in early childhood education: (1) "Teaching Social Studies to the Young Child: A Research and Resource Guide"; (2) "Special Children: Meeting the Challenge in the Primary School"; (3) "Educational Provision for Our Youngest Children: European Perspectives"; (4) "Topic Work in the Early Years: Organizing the Curriculum for 4-8…