Placing socially rejected handicapped students with popular nonhandicapped students for cooperative nonacademic tasks is one approach to easing handicapped students' transition into the mainstreamed classroom. Teachers can group children according to sociometric techniques. (CL)

To date, the assessment methodology in the area has moved in two directions: sociometric measures (peer nomination and peer rating scales), which have provided the major means of identifying the socially competent child; and direct observation, principally employed in the specification of socially competent behaviors. (Author/DLS)

There is little use spending time and money implementing multicultural programs which have little or no effect. Discussed are two techniques, the sociometric test and the semantic differential, which can be used by teachers to evaluate the effectiveness of their efforts to reduce or perhaps eliminate prejudice and discrimination. (RM)

The article recommends use of the classroom sociogram to help teachers form cooperative learning groups. The effectiveness of the cooperative learning method is enhanced when teachers balance cooperative groups with high group status children and mutual choice pairs. (DB)

Identifies works of historical fiction from various periods that can help teach middle school students about family relationships. Suggests having students draw sociograms to help them visualize relationships among characters. Argues that such readings can spur student interest in the causes, effects, and consequences of the need for family love.…

Sociometric tests allow teachers of emotionally disturbed students to understand classroom social structures and significant group roles (significantly preferred, rejected, ignored, split, and feared pupils). Recommendations for enhancing students' power and respect through positive means include emphasizing cooperation and allowing students to be…

A technique, useful in loosening up the stiffness of the first class meeting, is a people scavenge. Its objective is to identify people who have certain knowledge or have had particular experiences relative to class content. Scavenges make interesting "get acquainted" activities for groups meeting together for the first time. (NQA)

A study assessed the social experiences and social development of kindergarten children enrolled in an after-school program. Subjects were these children and children attending only the morning kindergarten program. Study results indicated that both groups of children selected as friends the children in the after-school program and that programs…

Advantages and disadvantages of methods to evaluate sociometric outcomes of mainstreaming (sociometric assessment, nomination methods, rating scale method, paired comparison method, and variations on nomination and rating scale methods) are considered. (CL)

Offers suggestions on how teachers can use different teaching methods to get students to like and value social studies. Information is presented on involving all teachers and administrators in initial social studies planning, encouraging feedback, developing meaningful staff development programs, and diagnosing students' social and learning needs…

Group psychotherapy has emerged as an exceptionally efficient and cost-effective means of delivering mental health services. The use of action methods to activate and enhance dynamic interactions between members has been central to the origin and evolution of group therapy. This book is intended for use by counseling students or counseling…

Discusses patterns of social interaction used by 28 preschool children who were popular, controversial, neglected, or rejected as playmates. Videotaped social play in which one child joined a dyad was coded in terms of children's direction of communication, inititiations, and responses. (CB)

Inclusion behavior refers to associations between people in groups. It recognizes individuals by including them in group activity such as getting acquainted, relaxing, or just having fun. Activities are suggested for use in the classroom or training session as well as in social situations. (JAC)

In a review of research on children without friends, the author notes the serious implications of growing up friendless. Issues covered include the process of identifying these children, their sociometric status and behaviors, the relation between children's status and dropping out of school, and considerations for teachers. (LB)

This study, with 367 sixth grade pupils, found that pupils with negative realistic self-concept were more susceptible to behavior problems and were less likely to be popular working partners than were pupils with positive realistic self-concept. (Author/DB)