A study of 23 University of Newcastle students who had taken bridging courses in English or math and 23 who had not found that bridging programs can enhance student performance, inculcate study habits, and improve confidence. (SK)

Of 1,235 rural Australian women surveyed, 332 responded with a range of factors inhibiting participation in higher education: distance, time, costs, transport, and child care. They suggested improved provision of information and financial support. (SK)

Observation study of a profoundly deaf person led to the conclusion that finger spelling and universal sign language could link deaf and hearing cultures. The complex and rewarding modality of finger spelling warrants further research as a cross-cultural communication medium. (SK)

The basic weakness in school systems is the failure to develop theoretical principles to guide practice while insisting that education is a social science instead of applied personal philosophies. (SK)

Respondents (n=75) to a University Council for Vocational Education survey rated 13 of 25 competencies important for business/industry trainers but indicated that these were not adequately covered in vocational teacher education programs. (SK)

Thirty-two vocational special needs paraprofessionals who attended a training certification workshop significantly increased their knowledge of and concern for special needs students. A comprehensive training model encompassing 12 special needs categories was developed. (SK)

Without organizationwide commitment to training programs, educators may be able to increase learners' self-efficacy to acquire desired skills or behavior. But behavior and skills will not be transferred to the job if learners have low expectations about their use or if positive reinforcement is lacking. (SK)

Four significant factors affecting enrollment, completion, and student job placement were identified by 59 of 92 occupational home economics teachers surveyed: school type, student cooperative programs, numbers of academically disadvantaged, and teacher field experience. Job placement was the weakest area. (SK)

Discusses guidelines to provide developmentally appropriate environmental education experiences for young children. Guidelines include (1) keeping children actively involved; (2) beginning with simple experiences; (3) encouraging use of the senses; (4) focusing on developing relationships; (5) demonstrating enjoyment of nature; (6) involving…

Reviews research studies related to the monitoring of trace heavy metals in environmental samples such as plants, water, soils, and other natural resources in the city of Ibadan, Nigeria. Research results indicate a significant increase in toxic heavy metal levels has occurred, implying the need for environmental education. (Contains 31…

Reports the results of a questionnaire distributed to randomly selected teachers within the Chicago metropolitan area. Teachers indicated their desire for the availability of various resources, were they to take their students on a field trip to a natural area. Implications for natural area managers, as well as proposed training strategies, are…

Argues that technicism, the uncritical acceptance of the values of a modern technologically based society, leads to endemic environmental degradation. Proposes a reconceptualization of environmental literacy to include purposeful action based on a critical understanding of the social, economic, and political underpinnings of our environmental…

This survey of the Port Harcourt, Nigeria, sewage disposal system exemplifies sewage disposal in the developing world. Results reveal that some well-constructed and maintained drains, as well as many open drains and septic tanks, expose women and children to the possibility of direct contact with parasitic organisms and threaten water resources.…

This study focuses on the environmental degradation of Greater Dhaka City (GDC) resulting from pollution created by the indiscriminate disposal of industrial wastes, open dumping of solid wastes, inadequate treatment and disposal of domestic sewage, and unplanned disposal of leachate from agricultural land. Measures to protect the GDC environment…

Applied the Contingent Valuation Approach to the problem of estimating demand for outdoor recreational activities and sites in the Kwara State, Nigeria. Survey respondents (n=86) engaged in the recreational activities of sightseeing, fishing, walking, dancing, and listening to music. (MDH)