Examines the viability of using hypothetical problems that need the application of causal models for their solution as a method to assessing understanding in the social sciences. Explains that this method was used to describe how seventh-grade students understand causal factors affecting the "discovery and colonization of America." (CMK)

Investigates the effects of individual versus cooperative learning on different aspects of 373 fifth-grade students' functioning: (1) cognitive; (2) affective; (3) metacognitive; and (4) social. Reports strong positive effects of cooperative learning on achievement and positive effects of cooperative learning in the cognitive level. (CMK)

Hypothesizes that self-consciousness and perceived peer acceptance correlates with social anxiety. Focuses on 508 French fourth- to ninth-grade students who completed questionnaires that assessed their perceptions of social anxiety with peers, self-consciousness, and perceived peer acceptance. Discusses the results. (CMK)

Presents a study in which 505 fourth- and fifth-grade students completed questionnaires that measured anxiety and self-efficacy and the effect on performance at two levels: (1) dispositional, or trait-like variables; and (2) situational, or state variables. Discusses the results. (CMK)

Presents a study that used a Finland-wide sample of parents, both mothers and fathers, who have a child either 9- to 10-years-old or 12- to 13-years-old. Focuses on the parents' views of their children's abilities and how social positions organize their assessments. (CMK)

Describes a systematic curriculum development approach in Dutch and French universities for a modularized curriculum on biodiversity. Suggests that it is effective, efficient, and adaptable to new research results. (SK)

Interviews with 20 British agricultural educators with less than 5, 5-15, or more than 15 years of teaching experience identified the main influences on their development of expertise to be colleagues and administrators. Primary inhibiting factors were policy, rules, terminology, and timetables. Those who used reflection actively advanced most…

The CAMPFIRE program in Zimbabwe is based on principles of active local participation in wildlife management projects. However, community participation seemed restricted to program implementation and benefits were not equally shared within the community. (SK)

When agricultural innovations are not adopted, there is often a gap between what people know they ought to do and what they do. Extension practice needs to expand from technology transfer. The knowledge systems approach is useful in dealing with the introduction of innovation in increasingly complex and uncertain situations. (SK)

Reviews changes in the economy and agriculture, proposing that higher education must prepare students to cope with change through knowledge for being. In addition to knowledge for knowing and doing, knowledge for being involves information exchange and analysis, group work, critical thinking, and problem solving. (SK)

A learner-centered extension approach was used to develop visual materials to teach Ghanian farmers about weed control. The method was inexpensive, easy to transport, and suitable for a low-literate audience. Evaluation revealed the need to train extension staff in use of the materials. (SK)

Discusses three worldwide policy trends--privatization, revitalization, and decentralization--and their impact on economic development and extension education. (SK)

Wageningen Agricultural University's use of systems approaches and simulation for undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate education suggests the following elements are necessary: (1) congruence between the aims/interests of teachers and participants; (2) appropriate course level; (3) applicability to relevant research fields; and (4) a range of…

The experience of the International Centre for Research in Agriculture shows that successful interdisciplinary research requires (1) appreciation of systems concepts; (2) common understanding of goals and objectives; and (3) effective communication and management procedures. (SK)

Observations of and discussions with four Scottish farmers showed that learning processes were more effective than classic planning processes in dealing with change in farm management. Their stages of learning resembled stages of the strategic planning process. (SK)