Naturalistic observation was used to investigate the occurrence of behaviors reflecting social competence and information processing in problem solving within educational computing environments. Forty-eight first and third graders were observed working in pairs on the computer. Findings indicate that a LOGO programing environment is superior to…

Qualitative aspects of human resource management and leadership are seen as most essential. Based on observations of problematic department management, recommendations are made with respect to selection, training, evaluation, and research and development. (MLW)

The article argues that it is necessary to identify and teach mentally retarded students the work behavior that is essential for successful employment. To ensure success, students must have vocational and social skills as well as adaptability skills which help them assess a problem, set a course of action, and modify their activities. (Author/DB)

Children (n=118) with severe/profound hearing loss were assessed on language and social skills when aged three-five years and again three-four years later. The study failed to obtain evidence of lasting gains associated with intervention during infancy, intensified programing, or direct instruction by parents. (Author/JDD)

Discusses techniques that elementary school teachers can use to recognize and correct minor behavior problems in their students. Incidences of inattention, disruptive behavior, and bad manners can be used as teachable moments to model or discuss good behavior. Teachers can also use newsletters to communicate with parents about prosocial skills.…

Research demonstrates that children develop psychological "resilience" through the fostering of certain protective factors in their lives. Youth programs can promote development of these protective factors by helping children build attachments to adults and others and develop social competence and by providing meaningful participation in…

Notes that sign language is the third most used second language in the United States and that early childhood is an ideal language-learning time. Describes the experiences of one preschool where American Sign Language has become an integral part of the curriculum. Includes guiding principles, classroom do's and don'ts, and a resource list of…

Teachers completed the Connors' Teacher Rating Scale on 100 boys (ages 6-8) who either had attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), mental retardation, both ADHD and mental retardation, or no disability. Children with mental retardation were generally more anxious than normal peers, but there were few differences between the normal IQ ADHD…

Reviews the following video and computer software products: (1) "Big Changes, Big Choices," videorecordings designed to help middle school students deal with feelings and relationships; (2) "Puddles to Pondwater," a computer simulation program about animals and the environment; and (3) "Literature Lesson Links," a computer program for teachers…

Examined the association between developmental outcomes, such as social competence, and child-rearing practices and attitudes in a sample of 38 preschool-aged foster children and their foster mothers. Findings indicated that higher quality child-rearing practices consistently were associated with fewer emotional and behavioral problems, and that a…

Thirty-two preadolescents were observed in a longitudinal study of attachment and subsequent social development, and case studies of four friendship pairs were conducted. Findings suggest a process model of friendship formation based on repetition of infant attachment history in establishing children's preadolescent friendships. Proposes a 3-stage…

Asserts that training in social research methods is a central part of sociology education. Maintains that, while social and communication skills are managerially and epistemologically important to successful research, they often are ignored. Argues for the inclusion of these skills in research methods courses. (CFR)

This article describes virtual reality (VR) technology and discusses its potential application to the teaching of social skills to children and youth with behavior disorders through the use of interactive role plays. Limitations of the current technology and difficulties inherent in modeling simulations of human behavior are noted, as are…

This study assessed the social adjustment of female early college entrants using standard measures of adjustment and two comparison groups (traditional college students and boarding school students). Early entrants evidenced higher social conformity and solitary activity than boarding students. They evidenced social adjustment similar to college…

Explored the role of relationship orientations, gender-related characteristics, and perceptions of friendship quality during preadolescence and adolescence. Results indicated that grade and sex differences are evident in the early adolescent years and are linked to perceptions of friendship quality. Preliminary evidence showed that relationship…