Extension educators can increase the effectiveness of resource management programs for low income groups by (1) realizing that what works for middle income consumers may not necessarily work with other groups; (2) combining resources of service and educational agencies; and (3) mobilizing volunteers to multiply outreach efforts. (SK)

A New York State middle-high school course on gerontology was evaluated through a survey of 1,276 family and consumer sciences teachers (318 responses). Only a small number have incorporated the gerontology elective, many who teach aging topics spend one week or less on them, and a small range of topics is covered. (SK)

Interprets economic education broadly as any activity in which students think about economic reasoning and consider how people behave in an economical manner. Observes that, using this definition, economic education is widely practiced in Japanese elementary schools. Looks at the national Course of Study to illustrate the argument. (DSK)

Although there is a strong case for teaching economics at the middle school level, there are practical hurdles to making that goal a reality. Academic economists, who are well trained in economic theory and its applications, are not trained, generally, in the theory and application of effective curriculum development and teaching methods for the…

Hispanic Americans are the largest- and fastest growing minority group in the U.S., yet their higher education enrollment and graduation rates lag behind those of other ethnic groups. In the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences at New Mexico State University, 42% of students are Hispanic. Of the students who graduate each year, 40% are…

In the selective contracting era, consumer choice has generally been absent in most state Medicaid programs, including California's (called Medi-Cal). In a setting where beneficiary exit is not a threat, a large payer may have both the incentives and the ability to exercise undue market power, potentially exposing an already vulnerable population…

One of the major objectives of programing for the educable mentally retarded is the development of the individual's economic competency or efficiency. In order to reinforce this objective it is necessary that classroom activities employ real money and that some type of work experience be provided so that students learn to manage a given amount of…

Consumer education activities are presented for developing skills of handicapped students in critical reading, comparative shopping, avoiding consumer swindles, assessing product guarantees, and complaining about defective/unsatisfactory products. The activities are adaptable to a variety of age and ability levels and designed to be coordinated…

This paper identifies financial management strategies, including financial information, education, and counseling, that some economists can use to assist families in achieving their financial goals. The paper incorporates the findings of a number of studies to provide practical guidelines to the practitioner. (CT)

Strategies for teaching life skills are presented (such as role playing). Specific topic areas covered in the course are presented (career awareness, life-style determination, budget preparation, insurance, consumer law, and investments). The author also discusses interjecting other life situations, handling student departures, and developing…

This paper conceptualizes eight basic characteristics of consumers' decision-making styles and develops a Consumer Styles Inventory to measure them empirically. Unique findings of the research are discussed, and applications of the Consumer Styles Inventory in consumer education, consumer research, and family financial counseling are suggested.…

Using a random sample of 68 high school students learning about consumer credit in home economics classes, the study measured learning of an experimental group using computer-assisted instruction and a control group using supervised reading methods. Pretests and posttests indicated greater learning gains in the experimental group. (Author/CH)

Presents a lesson strategy in which students encounter the simulated decision making situation of having to help Ferdinand Magellan plan and choose the food for his voyage around the world in 1519. It is demonstrated that this simulation combines knowledge of geography with economics, health science, and consumer awareness. (MBR)

Consumer education should be part of our educational system, teaching a way of thinking and problemsolving that is transferable to new circumstances in the future. It should be part of the foundation on which we begin to build a more responsive and humane world. (MD)

Problems based on shopping experiences are presented on two posters. Children practice estimation and computation with addition and subtraction. (MNS)