Examines two schools of thought regarding interpersonal relationships in educational settings: the management and mental health perspectives. Discusses the school's role in helping children see their social/moral connection with the world. Urges teachers to help students develop empathy, learn to help others, and contribute to the community and…

A trainer in personal development gives advice, in the form of reflective questions, to group facilitators on appropriate language use, interpreting nonverbal communications (body language), and the appropriate use of nonverbal communications. (TD)

Encouraging signs in education and ingredients of a cohesive and coherent academic program are discussed. The signs include: (1) the changing nature of the life setting which gives focus to the developing person; (2) the idea of faculty as members of a resource pool rather than as specialists; (3) the growing needs for new structures; (4) the…

A teacher discusses her transition to a new school and an innovative program based on Foxfire practices. Journal entries reflect the frustrations, self-doubts, and personal growth that resulted from her teaching experience. She attributes her personal growth to reflective journal writing, a core practice of Foxfire. (LP)

Brief discussions are presented on the areas a cooperating teacher should concentrate on in the initial conference to determine the needs of a new student teacher. These areas include: (1) determining the student teacher's career aspirations; (2) identifying the academic training and preparation of the student teacher; (3) discovering the student…

Meaningful drawing curriculum construction is an especially difficult challenge for art teachers of early adolescent students, given such students'"crisis of confidence" with art skills and the cultural diversity of present day classrooms. This document describes an analysis of six published drawing instruction programs employing three approaches…

Too much excitement leads to anxiety, resulting in the impetus to reduce stimuli. Adventure experience leaders, in their enthusiasm for challenge and self-discovery through adventure, may ignore those clients who exist in a state of anxiety. This warning is particularly salient in regards to captive populations, such as a school group in a…

Reports on a study of teacher burnout among 160 Swiss secondary teachers. Finds that teacher-student relationships are the most frequently mentioned reason for burnout, followed by feelings of being trapped in school routine and personal difficulties. Discusses the impact of burnout episodes on a teacher's career. (CFR)

Reviews breakthrough studies in the development of higher mental processes. These studies include: (1) influences on talent development; (2) the relative effects of tutoring, mastery learning, and conventional group instruction on student achievement; (3) the importance of cognitive prerequisites; (4) textbook organization; and (5) methods of…

Reports on a comparison of the psychosocial adjustment of 50 academically gifted German 10-year olds with 50 of average intelligence 10-year olds. Finds no significant differences between the two groups. Finds elementary school gifted children are at least as socially and emotionally well-adjusted as their nongifted age mates. (CFR)

Maintains that a survey of beginning social studies teachers would probably show that their major concern is classroom discipline. Discusses discipline-related issues such as why do students obey rules, what actions should be taken, and discipline strategies. (CFR)

Seven suggestions for meeting the social/emotional needs of gifted students include encourage controlled risk taking; provide myriad social experiences; inventory family similarities and differences; encourage biography reading; provide mentorship opportunities; love and respect students as individuals; and encourage a self-concept that extends…

Contends that emergent developmental sequences are energized in a continuous interaction with environmental influences. Asserts that a developmentally and individually appropriate curriculum is sequential and matched to the naturally emerging developmental sequences of the child. Proposes four research emphases for the 1990s. (CFR)

Reports on a study of the comparative philosophies and practices of secondary teachers in schools in New York State and near Moscow, Russia. Finds that teachers have two value orientations: (1) toward the school culture; and (2) toward each person's individual values and ways of thinking. (CFR)

Noting that children from stable as well as at-risk environments come to preschool settings with fears they cannot articulate, this book provides early childhood professionals with a framework for understanding the emotional lives of the young children they serve. The book combines a theoretical foundation with a practical basis for making…