Describes a simple technique for monitoring root zone water status on demonstration project fields and incorporating the demonstration site results into workshop-type educational settings. Surveys indicate the presentation was well received by demonstration project cooperators and educators. (LZ)

A computer program dealing with numerous aspects of soil degradation has a target audience of high school and university students (16-20 year olds), and is presented in a series of cards grouped together as stacks. Describes use of the software in Australia. (LZ)

Satellite seminars in grain and forage crop production and pest management were conducted for a large, geographically dispersed audience of farmers and agribusiness persons to test the feasibility of an alternative delivery method in extension. Results of a formative evaluation revealed it is feasible to create an alternative model. (LZ)

Describes a self-contained computer application constructed using the SuperCard development tool which introduces the characteristics of turfgrass species and their optimum environments. Evaluates students' gain in understanding turf species characteristics through this approach. (LZ)

A forestry and agronomy course at Iowa State University incorporates problem-based team projects on real-world situations as a means of providing students with integrative and meaningful experiential learning. Student evaluations of these courses indicate that students recognize and appreciate the integrative nature of the problem-based team…

Seventy agricultural faculty members at the University of Arkansas were surveyed on their perceptions about teaching. Results indicate that faculty believe good teaching does not receive the recognition and compensation it deserves, and that faculty are not rewarded for time spent on student advising. (LZ)

Reviews research related to children's musical development. Reports on a study of 125 kindergarten and first-grade students on the impact of modification of timbre and register of musical stimuli. Finds that timbre modification helped children recognize chord changes with first graders identifying more changes than did kindergartners. (CFR)

Expresses concern that students need to be exposed to many musical options. Reports on a study of 242 high school students in select and nonselect choral ensembles. Finds that both groups prefer popular music over other genres and that nonselect choir members rated country music higher than select choir members did. (CFR)

Reports on a study of 226 high school students to examine the effects of competitive and noncompetitive performance goals on their ratings of band performances. Finds that secondary students approach competitive and noncompetitive music performance goals differently. (CFR)

Encourages high school physical educators to engage their students in experiences that facilitate the acquisition of critical thinking skills, examining two lessons that highlight the extent of student engagement in critical thinking task demands. Suggestions are provided for planning lessons that include conscious efforts to engage students in…

Reports a study that examined the utility of health and exercise locus of control and health and exercise value in predicting exercise behavior in 86 adults. Survey results indicated that exercise locus of control was a better predictor of exercise behavior than a more general measure of health locus of control. (Author/SM)

This study examined stages of drug habit acquisition and change among college students, basing the proposed stages of drug use on the Multi-Component Motivational Stages prevention model. Surveys indicated the model helped explain the stages of substance use. The proportion of youths at each stage differed by type of drug. (SM)

Examines cultural factors associated with pregnancy among Hispanic adolescents, highlighting policy areas within the health care delivery system that must be addressed. The paper discusses migratory patterns and service needs, acculturation and pregnancy, valuing of children, access to health services, the role of the health practitioner, and…

Analysis of data from the South Carolina School/Community Program for Sexual Risk Reduction among Teens looked at the effects of demographic and psychosocial factors on females' decisions to engage in premarital sexual intercourse. Age, family structure, peer influence, commitment to partner, and sexual attitudes directly affected premarital…

Strategies that literacy teachers can use to help their students with job searching include text analysis, vocabulary development, self-evaluation, role playing/simulation, field experiences, practice folio, journal keeping, critical reading, and networking. (JOW)