Results of a story-completion study with 47 white middle class preschoolers (23 males and 24 females) confirm the hypotheses that gender-stereotyped styles of social interaction are apparent as early as the preschool years, and use of gender-stereotypes behaviors is associated with the child's perceived competence and social support. (SLD)

The college president of a Division I university must have accurate and timely information on intercollegiate athletics to be able to represent it to the institution's constituencies. Information needed includes the admissions process for recruits, classroom performance of student athletes, and personal conduct of team members and coaches.…

Describes a qualitative study that explores students' perceptions of their own learning. Document review, participant observation, and open-ended interviews were used to gather and triangulate data. Factors that were perceived as helpful were woven into a theoretical model. The uses of the model are discussed. (Author/KR)

Describes a technique for demonstrating personality scale validation techniques to introductory psychology students. Claims that the technique promotes a better grasp of the principles of test validation. Results include better class discussion, written reports, and examination grades. Suggests that introducing practical applications before…

Three studies involving a total of 918 students of above average ability in grades 3 through 8 confirm the importance of self-efficacy in students' decisions to initiate creative productivity and reinforce the value of performance accomplishments for increasing self-efficacy and creative productivity. (SLD)

Maintains that reading humorous storybooks to toddlers can support their development and learning. A bibliography of humorous children's books is included. (BB)

This article reviews 46 experimental studies on behavioral and developmental outcomes associated with prenatal exposure to illicit drugs. Only half of the 460 individual outcomes significantly indicated adverse effects of prenatal exposure. The greatest number of these outcomes was for infants younger than one month, with relatively few outcomes…

To maximize the effectiveness of their campus security systems while minimizing the institution's exposure to liability, campus administrators must understand the legal context in which their police or security personnel are operating as agents of authority. Some of these policy and behavior issues are explained. (MSE)

Three male students (ages 13-15) with behavior disorders/emotional disturbances were taught to self-monitor in 3 successive academic areas: reading, mathematics, and spelling. Students made gains in academic accuracy, productivity, and on-task behavior; and improvements were observed across all subject areas. (Author/JDD)

Teachers working with students having emotional and/or behavioral disorders may have special problems maintaining their mental health and positive psychological outlook. This article offers 10 cognitions, or ways in which teachers can choose to think, which will likely result in more positive feelings and increased effectiveness with students. (DB)

This article argues that, to be effective and ethical organizations, colleges and universities should develop and implement codes of conduct and staff training programs in business ethics and fraud prevention, which are most logically managed by the internal audit department of the institution. (MSE)

A former editor of this journal, 1985-88, selects an outstanding article from his tenure that addresses the pervasive influence of perceptions on educational practice and research. The article selected examines the influence of perceptions on behavior, accuracy of perceptions, capacity of individuals to express perceptions, perception processes,…

Surveyed college freshmen revealed similarities between college and high school drug use. Entering freshmen established friendships akin to high school relationships in which drugs and alcohol were used. Therefore, alcohol and drug use may be important determining factors in choosing new college friends. College orientation could help students…

Describes techniques for successful behavioral contracting with children, such as positively defining the desired behavior, establishing a behavioral count, and rewarding the behavior. Argues that, in addition to impeding inappropriate or off-task behavior, the contracting system also works with children who are shy and withdrawn. (RJM)

Outlines an instructional framework for peer discussions about literature. Describes two teacher roles: "scaffolding" during peer discussion and "coaching" before and after peer discussion, roles which promote students' social and interpretative abilities to manage their own literary discussions. (SR)