Examined effects of retention in kindergarten and first grade. Compared 31 retained students to 31 nonretained students with similar grades on grade point average in second through fifth grades and teacher-assessed social competence, cognitive competence, externalizing problems, internalizing problems. Retention, not associated with long-term…

This paper assesses the psychometric features of instruments used in assessing outcomes for survivors of traumatic brain injury, and describes a test development framework based on the principles of construct validity. This approach is seen to avoid common measurement difficulties. Emphasis is on cognitive and social dimensions of recovery.…

Examined hypothesis that poor parental bonds in childhood lead to adult social competency deficits in part responsible for low social support. Data from 253 undergraduates revealed that parental bonds were positively related to self-efficacy, especially care with social self-efficacy. Parental bonds and social competencies predicted 35 percent of…

The study found relative independence of the specific components of self-concept in 200 gifted pupils enrolled in self-contained enrichment classes in grades 5 through 8. Self-perceptions of social and scholastic competence and of physical appearance were the major contributors to self-concept. There was no evidence of a developmental process. (DB)

This paper reports on outcomes of a deinstitutionalization project for children with severe multiple intellectual and physical disabilities, in which 98 residents of a hospital were relocated to small group homes. Positive effects were found in self-care and in social interactions. No meaningful changes in physical health were observed. (Author/PB)

Twenty-eight regular and special education teachers surveyed indicated that they would like to teach more social skills but were constrained by limited resources and training. Teachers preferred proactive approaches over reactive responses and were about evenly split between wanting to conduct social skills instruction as a discrete content area…

Describes a project involving weekly group guidance sessions with the third and fourth grade boys in a North London (England) elementary school. Evaluates the program's effectiveness in relation to racism, sexism, bullying, collaborative group process, and other matters. (DM)

In a study of 3- to 5-year-old, firstborn children, the quality of the children's play with peers, engagement in fantasy play with peers, and management of peer conflict predicted the quality of the children's interactions with their 6- and 14-month-old, second-born siblings. (BC)

Examined effects of children's social skills and maternal communication on children's peer acceptance. Results from 44 elementary school children and their mothers indicated that maternal communication and children's skills were associated with distinct aspects of peer acceptance. Effects of maternal communication were not mediated by children's…

Techniques for college teachers averting or resolving conflicts with students include examining one's own contribution to the conflict, conferring in a neutral setting, finding common ground, using cooperative learning exercises, avoiding defensiveness, talking with colleagues, integrating problem solving into lessons, and using direct…

The Index of Personality Characteristics (IPC) and the Social Reasoning subtest of the British Ability Scales were administered to 36 students with behavior disorders (BD) and 37 nonexceptional students in grades 3-7. Results indicated that the IPC composite score in combination with the Social Reasoning subtest accurately predicted BD…

Compared social interactions of persuasive preschoolers to those of dominant and less persuasive peers. In comparison to other children, persuasive children made more attempts to persuade, used a moderate number of extremely friendly or aggressive strategies, and had a lower rate of compliance. (GLR)

Examined the question of whether the child-rearing beliefs and strategies of mothers predict their preschoolers' social competence with peers. Mothers of children rejected by peers were less likely to teach their children about social skills, spent less time in child-centered activities, and used more punishment than did other mothers. (GLR)

Seventeen college undergraduates, possessing either basic or consolidated formal operations, received eight weeks of interpersonal skills training and pre- and posttraining assessments of social perspective taking and moral reasoning. Gains in moral reasoning were related to subjects' possessing prerequisite cognitive and perspective-taking…

Discusses the use of simulations in education and suggests ways in which they can be made more cost effective. Highlights include electronic performance support systems; smart tools; examples of the use of simulations in an electronics laboratory and for interpersonal problem-solving skills; and computer-aided instructional design. (Contains 11…