As countless regional, national, and international accrediting bodies continue to employ student engagement measures as mechanisms for quality assurance, universities become more intent on achieving this important gauge of student success. Specifically, the growth in enrollment in distance learning programs adds a unique level of complexity…

One of the most recent developments in the field of L2 motivation is the construct of Directed Motivational Currents (DMCs). This novel motivational conceptualisation is characterised by its energising capacity to promote and sustain action in a multitude of contexts whenever an individual is determined to attain a goal/vision he or she regards as…

The National Quality Standards (NQS) as part of the Australian National Quality Framework were developed in 2011 and included several references to the organisation of small and large groups within early childhood settings (ACECQA 2013). The NQS act in tandem with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) (DEEWR 2009) and are the basis by which…

Using a case study design, this study investigated the literacy identity, both collectively and individually, of the members of "Slammin!", a slam poetry team from an urban high school. Participant observation of practices and performances was used to find how the involvement in this group uniquely impacted students' academic and personal lives.…

A pretest/posttest control group design was employed to assess the efficacy of a social learning procedure in developing socially adaptive attitudes and behaviors in a group of incarcerated male juvenile delinquents. The experimental manipulation consisted of a series of structured group exercises. (Author/CH)

Tested the impact of gestalt group therapy on aspects of self-concept in graduate students (N=33). Results showed a significant rise in decisiveness, general adaptation and self-criticism in the gestalt group as compared to the control groups and showed no significant changes in the self-identification and self-acceptance parameters. (LLL)

Examines effects of making contracts in group on discrepancy between real and ideal self-concepts. Group A made contracts; Group B did not. Group A showed significantly greater change toward more congruence in perception of self and ideal self than Group B. (Author)

Explores the effectiveness of videotape feedback in increasing self-awareness of individuals in a group situation. Videotape feedback appeared influential in increasing self-awareness by providing a neutral, nonevaluative means of giving and receiving feedback. Suggests as the process becomes more accessible more research is needed. (JAC)

Considers whether Haitians in the United States are political refugees from their own perspective, using data from a survey of Haitians in New York City. Examines how they have come to define identities for themselves (as exiles, immigrants, and political refugees). Includes a historical overview of Haitian immigration. (KH)

Assessed impact of divorced parents' participation in group counseling sessions, on their elementary school-age children's self-concept and on parents' childrearing attitudes. Experimental group parents demonstrated higher confidence and acceptance scores; their children had significantly higher self-concept scores than did controls. Suggests that…

Examines the "social interaction" of older adults as a communication phenomenon which influences self-concept. Explores older adult group processes, and gives specific applications of group methods. Suggests the importance of assessing and applying communication constructs to research on detection and prevention of social isolation through formal…

Sixty-nine undergraduates answered a survey on their own self-label (Afro-American; Black Afro-American; Black American; Black; or Other) and why they chose that label. There was a clear preference for the term Black among respondents, a term that was likely a product of the 1960s Black movement. (CJS)

Many outdoor educators and adventure therapists share the belief that adventure experiences improve participant self-esteem. Recently, researchers have begun to question this widespread belief, suggesting that a mismatch between the level of physical or psychological risk and the level of client readiness may produce negative outcomes. A study of…

This study assessed the effectiveness of a 6-week school-based intervention program for children of divorce. Children's school behavior problems, attitudes and beliefs about divorce, self-concept, academic performance, and measures of group support were evaluated. Participants consisted of 127 fourth and fifth graders randomly assigned to…

This article presents a longitudinal analysis of the Florida Parent Education Programs which were designed to provide intervention services to socioeconomically disadvantaged parents of young children through home visits by paraprofessional personnel. The programs include the: (1) Parent Education Project (PEP); (2) Early Child Stimulation through…