The influence of anxiety on visual attention in climbing

The object of the current study was to investigate anxiety-induced changes in movement and gaze behavior in novices on a climbing wall. Identical traverses were situated at high and low levels on a climbing wall to manipulate anxiety. In line with earlier studies, climbing times and movement times increased under anxiety. These changes were accompanied by similar changes in total and average fixation duration and the number of fixations, which were primarily aimed at the holds used for climbing. In combination with these findings, a decrease in search rate provided evidence for a decrease in processing efficiency as anxiety increased.     

Research findings and administrative implications for off-campus higher education

While off-campus educational programs grow in number and in importance in American higher education, little systematic research has been conducted concerning their effectiveness and intellectual and developmental impact. The project described here compared students in three categories: those studying abroad; those studying off-campus in this country; and those who remained on their home campus. The implications of the findings of the research suggest that a rethinking of existing programs is appropriate, if off-campus educational programs are to realize their full potential. The authors offer concrete suggestions toward restructuring these programs.

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Zusammenfassung Obwohl Bildungsprogramme ausserhalb der Universität in der amerikanischen Hochschulbildung an Anzahl und Bedeutung zunehmen, wurde deren Fruchtbarkeit und geistige und entwicklungsmässige Auswirkung kaum systematisch untersucht. Das hier geschilderte Projekt vergleicht Studenten dreier Kategorien: im Ausland studierende, im Lande ausserhalb der Universität studierende und solche, die in ihrem heimischen Universitätsbetrieb geblieben sind. Die Ergebnisse der Untersuchung legen die Folgerung nahe, es sei angebracht, bei eingeführten Programmen zu überdenken, ob die Bildungsprogramme ausserhalb der Universität ihre Möglichkeiten voll ausschöpfen sollen. Die Verfasser machen konkrete Vorschläge für eine Neugestaltung dieser Programme.

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Résumé Tandis que l'importance et le nombre des programmes d'éducation en dehors des universités s'accroît dans l'enseignement supérieur aux Etats-Unis, peu de recherche systématique a été effetué en ce qui concerne leur efficacité et leur impact intellectuel et de développement. Le projet décrit ici a comparé des étudiants de trois catégories: ceux qui étudient à l'étranger, ceux qui étudient hors des universités à l'intérieur du pays et ceux qui sont restés dans leurs universités d'origine. Les implications des conclusions de la recherche suggèrent qu'il convient de repenser les programmes existants, si les programmes d'éducation hors des universités doivent réaliser tout leur potentiel. Les auteurs présentent des suggestions concrètes quant à la restructuration de ces programmes.

     

Science and environmental education at the primary level in Malta: separate interests,different roles

Abstract

This paper traces the main stages in the path towards the recognition in 1988 of the place of science and environmental education in the Maltese curriculum for the primary level. A brief review is given of the development of the science curriculum while a more detailed account is given of the development of a project on environmental education. The project involved the adoption of a model of the child's view of the environment, the drawing up of an ensemble of attainment targets, and the exploration of ways of infusing environmental education activities into the curriculum. A draft teacher's manual was circulated and evaluated at a national seminar. Major points arising during the seminar are discussed and plans for the dissemination of the work are outlined. Comparing the roles that teachers are asked to play in these developments, it is found that environmental education offers them more opportunity for professional growth.     

Report on the ‘European exchange of experiences in school integration’: the intercultural comparison of the quality of life of children and youth with handicaps in Arhus (Denmark), Arezzo (Italy), Greenwich (London,UK) and Reutlingen (Germany)

ABSTRACT

This article describes some aspects of a multi‐disciplinary exchange and research programme involving communities in Denmark, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom. The major focus of the programme has been on the integration of children with special educational needs into mainstream settings in schools and communities with a specific reference to decision making processes. The point at which extra resources are given by the state and its agencies to an individual in need provides the unifying intercultural point of departure. Local cultures, including legislative and social imperatives, and their implications for research activity are discussed. Common themes in the transition and transformation of the various forms of welfare state provision within the member countries are identified and analysed. The relationship between different forms and levels of service provision and the practice of integration are discussed.