This phenomenological study explored the perspectives of 6 children who participated in a social skills group. The children were identified as having significant social skills delays and 4 of the children had a disorder on the autism spectrum. Seven themes emerged: mutual acceptance and support, improved interpersonal skills, positive feelings…

Difficulties in social skills are generally considered defining characteristics of High-Functioning Autism (HFA). These difficulties interfere with the educational experiences and quality of life of individuals with HFA, and interventions must be highly individualized to be effective. I explore ways technologies may play a role in assisting…

Evaluated the effectiveness of a training group for health care workers (N=5) engaged in learning interpersonal skills. Two research confederates observed and recorded group process. While participants reported a positive experience to the trainer, a negative experience was reported among group members, suggesting the possibility of subject bias.…

The introduction of life-coping skills into the preschool curriculum provides the catalyst for the acquisition of skills essential for the development of a healthy individual. Life-coping skills taught at this level allow for the engagement of the child's entire developmental spectrum. (Author)

Competencies necesary for the interaction of hearing impaired students in a group setting are discussed. Areas explored include attending skills, skills for spontaneous interaction, strategies for clarifying communication, and social skills. (PHR)

It is proposed that clinicians should develop research-based assertiveness training procedures for homosexuals that are designed to facilitate homosexual functioning. Subjects (N=27) were assigned to a behaviorally oriented assertive training group or a non-directive group run by a homosexual guidance service. Self-report measures indicated…

Examined changes in students' group skills before and after employer feedback and in students receiving and not receiving feedback, and the relationship between skill level and performance on the assignment. Experience with employer-observed group work increased students' self-rating of their skills; teams with a good knowledge of team processes…

Group contingencies is a technology for using peers to influence behavioral change through contingencies; the use of contingent interdependent group rewards for specific group behaviors has been of interest to behavioral researchers. To sort out the effects on quiz scores and peer social interaction (PSI) of group contingencies based on academic…

This article attempts to stimulate school psychologists to determine whether their teachers have the competencies necessary to produce positive pupil growth and to train those teachers who lack these skills. A brief review of research on selected aspects of teacher behavior is presented. (Author)

The concepts and procedures used in two skill development laboratories for college students are introduced. The materials describe the interviewing skills lab that teaches a variety of interpersonal skills used in one-on-one helping relationships, and the group skills lab that provides practical training in the basic skills of leading, conducting,…

A program for conducting a series of adolescent group counseling sessions that focus on the problems and needs of abused adolescents is presented. The materials, which emphasize self-esteem and feelings and teach youths to think of themselves in positive ways, share their experiences with abuse, and discuss coping strategies, are intended to be…

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (Massachusetts) has developed a new freshman course titled "Computer Analysis in Civil Engineering" as part of a curriculum revision project which emphasizes critical thinking, cooperative group learning and problem solving, the integration of knowledge through projects, and student responsibility for…

A small residential center for boys with learning disabilities and/or emotional problems was the setting for an intensive six-week inservice program designed to provide the staff with a combination of tutorial and direct training. The training was subsequently integrated into a more formalized, comprehensive, and on-going program through a local…