Farmer-scientist focus sessions represent a means by which participants exchange ideas for action, identify researchable topics, and enhance long-term farmer-scientist team work. Three examples involving controlling weeds, disposal of cull onion, and food safety concerns are described that illustrate the types of issues treated, the format, and…

Describes NEMATODE GLOSSARY, a hypertext glossary of terminology used in graduate nematology courses. Glossary definitions of anatomical terms are linked to color illustrations. Common names of plant and animal parasites and mnemonic codes for nematode genes are in separate appendices. (Author/MDH)

Before designing an extension ornamental grass bulletin, developers surveyed the preferences of a sample of amateurs and professionals on their knowledge of ornamental grasses and their interest in a bulletin on the subject. Results indicated that the same bulletin could serve both groups because no significant differences between the groups were…

Proposes the use of the tournament debate format to encourage active student involvement in the discussion of philosophical and value-related questions surrounding natural resource management. Suggest modifications to traditional debate formats to aid in the classroom use. (MDH)

Presents the Forage Manager spreadsheet, developed as a forage management teaching tool to integrate agronomic, livestock, and cost data to demonstrate the impact of forage management on livestock production costs. Teaching applications, examples involving agronomic data and conventional agronomic evaluation, and limitations of the program are…

Discusses MAX, an interactive computer program for teaching identification of clay minerals based on standard x-ray diffraction characteristics. The program provides tutorial-type exercises for identification of 16 clay standards, self-evaluation exercises, diffractograms of 28 soil clay minerals, and identification of nonclay minerals. (MDH)

Presents guidelines for recognizing and avoiding potential problems associated with conducting graduate work in a developing country. Guidelines include methods for setting objectives, initial planning, knowing cooperating organizations, making a preliminary visit, on site activities, and communication with faculty advisors. (MDH)

Discusses the role of history within the discipline of library and information studies. Topics addressed include steps in the historical method, i.e., research, source criticism, and synthesis; the interdisciplinary nature of the history of books; analytical bibliography; and the design and aesthetics of information, including print and electronic…

Presents arguments for the importance of a historical approach in the library and information science curriculum. Highlights include learning from past mistakes; understanding the reason for successful ventures; censorship and intellectual freedom; professional identity; and integrating historical background into each course. (Contains five…

Discusses the importance of historical studies for librarians and how knowledge of the past contributes to the research base. Social science and historical perspectives on library research are considered; and hypothesis testing, the study of causality, and the history of information practices are examined. (Contains eight references.) (LRW)

Presents the reflections of a designer of visual interfaces for online public access catalogs regarding the importance of a historical perspective for design practices. Topics discussed include cognitive psychology research; conventions for organizing information; and the ongoing process of changes in media. (LRW)

Discussion of cultural diversity and the significance of ethnicity, race, and race relations in the workplace focuses on the need to recruit library school faculty and students from diverse backgrounds. Highlights include racism; minority faculty; retaining and recruiting minority students; funding; and future possibilities. (Contains 12…

Underscores the importance of preserving the Navaho language. Discusses eight stages of linguistic strength and security. Recommends that parents speak Navaho to their children and that English be excluded from particular social interactions, such as social introductions, to create a linguistic bond among Navaho people and maintain cultural…

Bill Leap responds to questions regarding reasons for the disappearance of traditional languages, steps in and barriers to language renewal, the need for written language, the importance of understanding a community's culture when studying or teaching the language, and the roles tribal colleges and linguists can play in language preservation. (DMM)

Traces native language usage among three generations of a Lakota family, explaining one woman's decision not to teach her children Lakota to protect them from abuse at a boarding school and her descendants' efforts to learn and preserve their language. Offers a Lakota studies and language instructor's perspective on his students' hunger for their…