Objectives were to identify twenty-five pedagogical competencies for vocational teacher educators to prepare teachers to teach disadvantaged students in the inner cities of Pennsylvania, and to identify possible instructional alternatives that could be implemented into methods of instruction. The competencies were grouped into three categories:…

In an effort to evaluate the effectiveness of the Georgia Life Skills for Mental Health Leader's Guides, a panel of 13 teachers who had used the materials was assembled. The panel members filled out extensive questionnaires assessing the educational value, communicability, motivational value, utility and format of the Guides, whose purpose is to…

The following premises formed the basis for this research: (1) a child's social and intellectual development are closely related; (2) the classroom teacher has a tremendous influence on the social as well as the academic growth of children; and (3) the school counselor may facilitate children's academic and social growth through consultations with…

Skillful interpretation of nonverbal communication on the part of college administrators is pointed out as an important factor in the success or failure of educational enterprises. A method is presented of using such instruments as the Occupational Climate Description Questionnaire and the Leadership Behavior Description Questionnaire in assessing…

This article reviews literature on peer acceptance of children and briefly discusses a study of the social skill correlates of peer acceptance. The importance of being able to form friendships for the child's later development and the importance of programs which maximize this ability are noted. There is a review of literature on programs which…

A rational approach to increasing the quality of infant caregiving environments requires knowledge of the interrelationships among three major aspects of caregiving: the adult, the infant and the environment in which care is provided. This presentation focuses on desired traits of caregivers and on the needs of infants. In addition to warm…

A holistic approach to health education is presented with a model outlining the scope, direction and impact of such education on individual development. The fundamental concept in this model is the interrelationship between physical, mental, and spiritual health, and it expands from these three areas into dimensions that may and may not be altered…

During the past decade there has been an increase in the training of undergraduates to provide mental health services, as well as an increase in the inclusion of field experiences as legitimate credit courses. These trends have produced two effects, i.e., greater marketability for undergraduate psychology majors and greater use of trained…

Focusing on the cognitive style known as Field-Dependence-Independence (FDI), this literature review includes: (1) an examination of how one can better understand interpersonal behavior in the human relations training setting; (2) how to develop hypotheses about the relationships that might make for successful or unsuccessful matches between…

A study involving 215 college students was undertaken to determine the relationship between assertiveness and communication apprehension by factor analyzing the items on the Rathus Assertiveness Schedule (RAS) and on the Personal Report of Communication Apprehension (PRCA). Six factors emerged from the analysis: apprehensive about speaking,…

This practicum report describes the development and implementation of a comprehensive pilot middle school guidance program. Staff members reviewed the literature on middle schools in general and guidance programs in specific, explored programs in operation throughout the state of California, and consulted with members from the State Department of…

This teaching guide for a tobacco education curriculum at the kindergarten level is part of a coordinated K-12 educational support program for reducing smoking. It includes a tobacco curriculum matrix for grades K-12, sample teaching methods, concepts and objectives for grades K-3, and a resource materials list. The basic instructional concepts…

An evaluation instrument (BRIAAC) for assessing untestable children is described. The observational tool is said to be particularly appropriate for autistic and other severely withdrawn children. The BRIAAC assesses level of present function and measures behavior changes in the following areas: relationship with an adult (physically and…

The results of two class surveys of students in a course addressing racism and discrimination in educational and social service systems are analyzed. The course objective was to help students develop the personal insight and analytical skills needed to synthesize information on human rights issues. The study indicated that the students were not…

The behavioral view that depression results from inadequate, ineffective and/or insufficient reinforcers was explored. Since the depressed person does not act in a manner open to positive reinforcement by others, he suffers ongoing and deepening depression. The task of the therapist is to improve behavior, especially social skills, so that the…