Reviews research evaluating the effectiveness of consumer and home economics education, including political and methodological problems; statewide studies in West Virginia, Texas, Iowa, Michigan, and Indiana; and current efforts for a national assessment. (SK)

Although Illinois has mandated the teaching of economic literacy, the author finds that little agreement exists on whether this means consumer education, teaching about the free enterprise system, or career education. He seeks to define economic education and considers problems in its implementation. (SJL)

The purchaser of wooden play equipment should check a variety of manufacturers before selecting a specific brand. The "Value Comparison Method" of purchasing playground equipment allows the consumer to make a valid comparison of many types of equipment. (JN)

Issues of concern in the area of teaching health education are outlined including the need for clear definitions of terms in health education, the choice and use of classroom materials, and recognition of the limitations of available resources. (JMF)

Pre- and post-test evaluations indicate the success of a consumer education program developed to provide elementary grade students with learning activities and consequent attitudes and values in buying. (CM)

Suggests consumer economic activities which can help elementary and secondary social studies students understand how to make wise consumer decisions. Also presents a directory of organizations and activities which distribute free materials related to the activities. (Author/DB)

Interviews with guidance counselors in 18 Tennessee high schools identified their perceptions of home economics programs and teachers' role in career preparation. Responses indicated misperception of high schools as feeders for college professional programs and the need for home economics as general education for all students in terms of practical…

This study investigated the effectiveness of a multimedia program to teach three adolescent students with moderate intellectual disabilities to make purchases using a debit card and an automated payment machine (APM). Results indicated that the program was effective in teaching generalized operation of APMs with a debit card. (Contains…

Investigates consumer research through an activity that helps students distinguish between qualitative and quantitative data. (KHR)

Presents an interdisciplinary unit on consumer product testing. Introduces students to term bias in predictions and investigates the claims in advertisements with research to make a decision on products. (YDS)

This article describes how classroom discussion and field trips can be used to teach students with disabilities to engage in comparative shopping and informed choice making when they dine in fast food restaurants. (JDD)

Assesses the degree to which clients completing the Money Sense program adopted its family resource management techniques. Finds that, among 190 low income clients from rural California counties and military bases, there were significant positive changes in food shopping and money management behaviors and significant decreases in financial…

Reports on a comparative study of two fifth-grade classes (Louisville, Kentucky) whose members learned economic principles through the establishment of a classroom grocery store. Provides a review of the literature relating to economic education and simulations, discusses the actual classroom instruction, and describes the instrument used to…

Describes a consumer science fair to help students develop problem-solving skills and become savvy consumers. (MKR)

Parents play a role in their children's consumer education by helping them distinguish between consumer necessities and digressionary consumption practices. Strategies for children's consumer education are outlined, and programs for money management are described. (LB)