A Re-Conceptualization of Rogers' Core Conditions: Implications for Research, Practice and Training

Rogers' core conditions remain influential in international counselling practice despite decades of equivocal research findings regarding their effectiveness. It has been argued that ambiguity and lack of clarity in Rogers' (1957) original definitions is a major factor in the development of misunderstanding and multiple operationalizations of the core conditions for research and training purposes. This paper presents an innovative re-conceptualization of the core conditions based on social psychological models of attitude. It is argued that this model has the potential to integrate existing work from a range of perspectives and provide a framework for future research and development.     

Evaluation of Courses by Whole Student Cohorts: a case study

In a climate of unprecedented change in higher education (HE), accurate and immediate course feedback information is vital to the management of institutions, in assisting the development of course material relevant to present student needs. Student contribution to qualitative course evaluation is commonplace although use of relatively small representative groups of students is usual. However, with class sizes increasing — between 100 and 200 is now common — the ability to acquire accurate qualitative evaluation, representatively, is a major issue. This paper describes a methodology providing opportunity for whole cohort groups of students to be involved simultaneously in the generation of feedback. It considers the effectiveness of student consultation meetings as a collection method, the utility of the results in the course development process, how the issues raised and discussed compare with matters included on a university‐wide questionnaire, and whether participating students feel inhibited in discussing matters so publicly.     

The decomposition of sociology

This essay was originally presented as part of the panel “The Social Sciences, An Intellectual Balance Sheet,” at “On the State of Academic Discourse,” the third national conference of the National Association of Scholars, held in Minneapolis, October 18 to 20, 1991. It is part of the opening chapter of a book scheduled for publication in 1993 by Oxford University Press tentatively entitledThe Decomposition of Sociology.     

Breakfast starts the day

Young children are usually enthusiastic about breakfast and will try most of the traditional fare—cereal, eggs, and pancakes. Capitalize on this enthusiasm with a breakfast program. This article is copied by permission of Libraries Unlimited, Inc., from Jan Irving and Robin Currie,Mudluscious, 1986.     

Assessing the Quality of Life of Persons with Developmental Disabilities: Description of a New Model,Measuring Instruments,and Initial Findings

A conceptual model of quality of life and associated instrumentation for collecting data from persons with developmental disabilities are presented. The conceptual model assumes that the components of quality of life for persons with developmental disabilities are the same as for all persons. Additionally, in recognition of the complexity and importance of quality of life assessments, a multi‐method, multi‐source approach was developed. Results from a preliminary study provide evidence for the reliability and validity of the instrumentation associated with the model. The meaning of these preliminary results are examined and the issues raised by such assessments are discussed.     

THE PRACTICALITY OF IMPLEMENTING CONNECTED CLASSROOM TECHNOLOGY IN SECONDARY MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE CLASSROOMS

Connected classroom technology (CCT) is a member of a broad class of interactive assessment devices that facilitate communication between students and teachers and allow for the rapid aggregation and display of student learning data. Technology innovations such as CCT have been demonstrated to positively impact student achievement when integrated into a variety of classroom contexts. However, teachers are unlikely to implement a new instructional practice unless they perceive the practical value of the reform. Practicality consists of three constructs: congruence with teacher’s values and practice; instrumentality—compatibility with the existing school structures; and cost/benefits—whether the reward is worth the effort. This study uses practicality as a framework for understanding CCT implementation in secondary classrooms. The experiences of three science teachers in their first year implementing CCT are compared with matched-pair mathematics teachers. Findings suggest that despite some differences in specific uses and purposes for CCT, the integration of CCT into regular classroom practice is quite similar in mathematics and science classrooms. These findings highlight important considerations for the implementation of educational technology.     

History of U.S. Broadcasting

Irving E. Fang Those Radio Commentators (Ames: Iowa State University Press, 1977—$14.95)

Judy Fireman TV Book: The Ultimate Television Book (New York: Workman Publishing Co, 1977—$7.95, paper with a hardback also available)

Raymond William Stedman The Serials: Suspense and Drama by Installment (Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1977—$12.95)

Madeleine Edmondson and David Rounds From Mary Noble to Mary Hartman: The Complete Soap Opera Book (New York: Jove Books (Harcourt, Brace Jovanovich), 1977— $1.75, paper)     

Teacher labour markets in South Africa and Botswana: A comparative analysis

This article compares key features of the labour markets for teachers across Botswana and South Africa in order to seek possible explanations for the apparently larger teacher shortages in South Africa. It is argued that South African teachers earn relatively lower wages when compared to professionals with comparable qualifications; they have also been subject to a more haphazard series of reforms in teacher training, and are the product of a teaching culture shaped heavily by powerful trade unions. The impact of these factors on both the quantity and quality of teachers is considered.