Cross-sectional analysis of 19 agricultural extension projects conducted by the German Agency for Technical Cooperation in Asia and Africa identified influential features: open attitude, participatory analysis, and focus on priorities of the target group. Among the problem areas were superficial analyses of situations and methodological…

Agricultural extension in Tanzania is largely top-down technology transfer but would be more effective if participatory and demand driven. Implementation of decentralized decision making and participatory training requires time preparation and systematic change strategies. (SK)

A survey of 24,107 high school students in Swaziland found that 11th and 12th graders had significantly higher positive attitudes toward agriculture. Achievement level, farming background, and rural residence influenced positive attitudes. (SK)

Case study of Australian farmers participating in group extension instruction indicated that local knowledge may remain dormant unless social interaction allows it to emerge. Group interaction facilitated the integration of local and scientific knowledge. (SK)

A majority of 56 California agribusiness representatives surveyed were optimistic about the short-term impact of the North American Free Trade Act on agriculture. They remained concerned about trade barriers with Mexico, where little business was being conducted as yet. (SK)

A nine-week course attempted to develop the interpersonal, transferable, and management skills of animal science students through team exercises. It was successful in improving most of the 23 skills, but made little or no change in working to schedule, listening, or absorbing spoken information. (SK)

Content analysis of 34 student teachers' reflections on practice found that most were descriptive, making it difficult to discern their learning processes. Field-based teacher education should promote more structured ways of thinking and reflecting. (SK)

A task related to knowledge and beliefs was completed by 154 researchers, graduate students, and undergraduates. Greater expertise led to more varied views. Common beliefs and misconceptions can be made explicit through appropriate formative assessment and a focus on transformative learning. (SK)

Weak links among research, education, and extension often result from their informal nature, national agriculture policy environment, and funding shortages. An integrative systems approach can strengthen links to improve agriculture technology systems. (SK)

Surveys of Nigerian teacher trainees examined self-concept and attitudes toward teaching. Results established a significant relationship between self-concept and attitudes toward teaching. Most respondents scored high on the self-concept scale but did not show a positive attitude toward teaching due to poor financial benefits and low professional…

Examines the effects of British government attempts to make teacher education more school based. Surveys of students at one such program indicated that while it offers great insight into school life, it may sacrifice the development of students' analytical and theoretical understanding of education promoted within higher education-based work.…

This paper attempts to clarify the field of teacher development by proposing a classification of approaches to teacher development that include the main theoretical models currently cited. The four approaches discussed include cognitive-structural, skill acquisition, reorientation of concerns, and life cycle. (Author/SM)

Examines the ambiguity over the role of headteachers in Spain by evaluating recent legislation, the impact of Franco's legacy on education, and the current preoccupation with democratic government at all levels. The paper highlights important attitude changes toward the role of the headteacher now occurring (mainly at local levels). (Author/SM)

Explains that European engineering students are not well prepared to integrate socio-economic and environmental issues efficiently into their future professional activities. Argues that necessary changes include a more interdisciplinary and systems-oriented approach to problems and better training in communication skills. Provides an example of an…

Explains that engineering education is in search of a new rationale because of changes wrought by social concerns for the environment at both the local and global levels. Argues that the changes needed are too fundamental and the rate of change too great to be dealt with adequately by adaptation. (DDR)