Consumer education is a necessary and integral part of the total educational process, and we must strive to accord it rightful status in all curriculums. To ensure the economic health of our nation's marketplace and its future consumers, we can do no less. (Author)

A primary goal of any economics program should be a strong commitment to citizenship education. Other criteria are development of critical thinking skills, emphasis on basic conceptual tools of economics, objectivity of the materials, variety of instructional approaches, local curriculum goals, and a strong evaluation component. (Author/MLF)

The consumer aspects of death and dying are discussed as part of a comprehensive death education program. Suggested areas to be covered include traditional funeral procedures and costs; alternatives including cremation, body donation, and funeral and memorial societies; and drawing up a will. Some suggested teaching strategies are outlined. (JMF)

The planning and development of an information booklet on X-rays for the use of patient education is described. (JD)

Presents a music educator's guide to selecting audio equipment. Tells what to look for when choosing speakers, amplifiers, cartridges, turntables, and tapedecks. Charts are used as guides for price ranges and a glossary of terms that will be encountered in audio showrooms. (Editor/RK)

Nine principles concerning calculators are identified and discussed. (DT)

How one teacher motivated students to learn about the stock market by allowing them to actually invest money. Class discussion covered inexpensive ways to buy stock, choosing securities, and buying and selling stock. Suggestions are offered for adapting this project for use at the secondary level. (TA)

A survey of middle and high school family and consumer sciences teachers (99 of 300 responded) about financial topics identified by the National Jump$tart Coalition indicated that most high schools provided more instruction time than middle schools. Problem solving and decision making were most frequent processes. Only 46 schools offered separate…

Asserts that as parents spend less time with their children and try to assuage their guilt by buying children things, the many effects of materialism must be prevented. Children need help understanding that spending time with friends and family is more rewarding than spending money. They need to be taught the strategies of media literacy while…

A study investigated the relationship between selected consumer and marketplace characteristics and consumers' prepurchase allocation of search time among information sources (product test reports; dealer sales representatives; advertisements; family and friends). The household production model proved useful; written educational materials appeared…

Two levels of vividness and three levels of motivation were measured in reactions to product label warnings. Vivid product warnings proved to be an effective tool to communicate the hazards associated with product use. (JOW)

The article describes new methodologies for teaching monetary skills to mentally retarded individuals. Procedures were designed to produce emergent new behavior through stimulus class formation, exclusion, and matching of stimulus components. Three case studies demonstrate the methods. (Author/DB)

Presents a script designed to teach students about the extent of global interdependence and the costs in human, environmental, social, and economic terms. Includes questions for discussion, brainstorming suggestions for action, and assessing action questions. (MKR)

A survey of 710 participants in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance program found that community education programs designed to use empowerment techniques are likely to be effective. Using information based on strong arguments and sound logic and empowering participants to use the information greatly enhances the probability that participants…