This study assessed the effect of peer tutoring on physical, instructional, and social interaction behaviors between elementary school age students with severe and multiple disabilities (SMD) and peers without disabilities. Additional measures addressed the activity time of students with SMD. The study was conducted in inclusive general physical…

This study examined the involvement of six children (ages 8 to 12) with specific language impairment (SLI) in a three-person cooperative group task with partners matched for either chronological age or language skills. Four of the children with SLI played very minor roles in the cooperative work within their triads with very limited verbal…

The impact of children's reactions to punishment on subsequent adult disciplinary actions was assessed in a study in which adult women administered rewards and punishments contingent on the behavior of a child viewed on a television monitor. Following an aggressive act by the target child and punishment administered by the adult subject, the adult…

Examines whether the FIRO-BC scales of inclusion, control, and affection distinguish between students identified as stars and isolates through a sociometric instrument completed by their peers. Results indicate it did. (Author)

Independent groups of seven-year-old subjects listened to humor on headphones, either with a nonlistening companion (audience) or with a companion who also listened (coactor). In coaction sessions, children sitting closer engaged in more eye contact, laughter, and smiling. (Author)

The actual process of reading diagnosis and the effects of examiner/student interaction upon the diagnostic outcome were explored in this study. A testing session of approximately 50 minutes, conducted by a university professor to determine the reading problems of a nine-year-old boy, was videotaped. Applying an ethnomethodological model for…

The creation of "areas" designed for conflict resolution has been an effective method of teaching important communication skills. Elementary youngsters (K-6) who may be at odds with one another are placed in a situation that is conducive to generating face-to-face interaction. The location of "conflict areas" should be strategically chosen,…

This ethnographic study of a self-contained classroom of eight-, nine-, and ten-year-olds examined sexual differences in peer interactions. Within the observed classroom, males and females established separate social systems which had only limited contact with each other. Males were found to interact with significantly more classmates than…

Explores the predictability of friendly, cooperative behavior of school children over a 5-week period. The basis for the predictions was the children's others-concept, as measured by the Paired Hands Test. In three tasks out of five the high others-concept children showed a higher frequency and greater proportion of task-related and friendly…

The goal of this book is to help teachers create a positive social climate in the elementary school classroom. Six group processes areas are identified as combining to create the social climate of the classroom: (1) attraction; (2) leadership; (3) communication; (4) student norms of conduct; (5) individual expectations; and (6) group cohesion. The…

This study investigated the interdependence of teacher and pupil behavior in the elementary school classroom. Phase I of the study provided teachers with opportunities to observe their own classroom behaviors and to learn how these behaviors influenced the classroom learning environment. A Self-Perceptions Index was used to measure the impact of…

Reports a study designed to ascertain the relationship between teacher perceived attractiveness and classroom interactions and suggests that "main effects" such as facial attractiveness of youngsters acts to determine individual potential for interactions with others. (MH)

Direct observation and sequential analytic techniques were used to analyze rates, antecedents, and predictive sequences of aggressive behavior for 28 elementary school-aged children with emotional/behavioral disorders. Results indicated that low rates of positive social interactions characterized the daily classroom ecology of students displaying…