Results showed that third- through eighth-grade children's favored peer status was related to high levels of both interpersonal understanding and perceived social self-competence, with the relationship between peer acceptance and interpersonal understanding being stronger for older than for younger children. (Author/MP)

Compared the cost effectiveness of the social learning approach and the social learning approach with reinforcement to increase targeted social skills with socially withdrawn/isolate children. The frequency of four behaviours were observed. The social learning approach with reinforcement was more cost effective, thus more feasible. (Author)

Using Tough's hierarchical analysis of language functions, this study found developmental differences in the communicative functions and strategies used by preschoolers in their conversations with one another. Generally found that females developed language strategies earlier than males and achieved a more advanced level of cognitive complexity…

Investigated the effectiveness of exercises designed to promote group cohesiveness, compared to systematic human relations training for preservice teachers. Found the experimental group showed greater posttest scores on empathic responding and attitudes toward students. Suggests group exercises may have affected the participants as they perceived…

Rational Self-Counseling, a variation of rational-emotive therapy, is a self-help therapeutic technique in which students are encouraged to be responsible for their own behavior and emotions. The primary function of self-counseling is to evaluate whether thoughts are rational. A list of questions which students might ask themselves is presented.…

Discusses some current attempts to redefine the concept of group cohesion, and examines studies designed to manipulate factors hypothesized to enhance cohesion. Concludes with suggestions for more systematic and potentially fruitful research. (Author)

Examines models and treatment approaches for communication apprehension: (1) conditioned anxiety--systematic desensitization; (2) negative cognitive appraisal--cognitive modification; and (3) skills deficit--skills training. Provides direction for future treatment research. (PD)

To explore the noncognitive impact of teachers on their students, a review of teacher behaviors and interpersonal variables influencing teaching effectiveness is presented. Four pupil traits are explored--sex, social class, achievement level, and classroom seating--which relate to discrepancies in the frequency and quality of teacher behavior.…

Studied student paraprofessionals helping skills training and training in delivering a structured group program in social anxiety. Their results in leading groups were little different from those achieved by pro- fessional counselors. Differing styles of the parapro- fessional and professional leaders are discussed. (Author)

The high cost of compulsory admissions interviews and the lack of proven effectiveness in predicting academic success is discussed. Selective interviewing is seen as an effective compensatory device for overcoming culturally/racially biased test scores or grade point averages and as a recruitment mechanism. Suggestions for essay questions are…

Describes a social development program for elementary school children that was developed using systems methodology. All school members were involved. Both students and teachers reported positive changes, as well as improved school attendance. The problem-solving approach included: needs assessment, specifying objectives, generating alternative…

Stating that employers consider the nontechnical aspects of office work to be as important as work competence, the author lists 12 nontechnical qualities that business teachers should place greater emphasis on, such as new terminology, new devices, communication skills, decision making, personal and professional characteristics, responsibility,…

SOTA (Students Older than Average) is a university social service directed toward the needs of college students aged 25 or older. The article describes the activities provided by SOTA at Texas A&M University, such as social events, academic assistance, referrals, and interpersonal growth. (MF)

To investigate whether an experimental intervention would successfully improve the social position of rejected students, four students identified as the least accepted class members and four students with learning disabilities and/or educable mental handicaps were studied. (PHR)

A veterinarian-client relations course at Purdue University is described. It is designed to assist students in developing, applying, and adopting comfortable interpersonal communication and interviewing skills for interaction with clients in the practice of veterinary medicine. (BH)