Studied predictors of alcohol use and misuse in 1,823 college students who completed the Student Alcohol Information Survey. Results showed students who began drinking younger reported more alcohol-related problems. Students introduced to alcohol with parental consent, who were the majority, experienced significantly fewer problems. (JAC)

Observed fluctuations in problem-solving and classroom behaviors for 43 nonmedicated pupils who had attention deficits with hyperkinesis. Results showed that on problem-solving tasks except Digit Span, pupils performed better in the morning. In classroom behavior, all pupils exhibited more interference, off-task, noncompliance, and minor motor…

Urges awareness of the potential problems of drug use in Catholic schools. Suggests that educators become informed about drug use and related problems; be alert for signs of drug use; take a preventive, supportive, and educative approach; and formulate consistent policies related to drug use among students. (WL)

Describes a study which investigated sex- and age-related differences in attitudes towards music held by British secondary school students. Subjects were 232 students, aged 12-18, who completed questionnaires and attitude scales concerning their musical activities, preferences, hobbies, and attitudes. (AM)

Discusses student rights and responsibilities, the role of the court, and the role of school officials in matters concerning student discipline, disruptive behavior, and violence. (MJL)

The effectiveness of behavioral consultation with secondary-age students is evaluated. A differential reinforcement of low rates procedure is applied within the context of an independent group contingency to decrease negative verbal interactions of adolescents in a resource room setting. (PN)

Data analyzed from Communication Climate and Student Questionnaires confirmed the following hypotheses: (1) liked classes have a more supportive and less defensive communication climate than disliked classes, and (2) student behavior in classes with a defensive communication climate is characterized by the use of coping mechanisms (daydreaming,…

Refutes R. Douglas Greer's contentions that behavior analysis is the best avenue for improving teaching and learning effectiveness. Maintains that, despite its success in the laboratory, behaviorism has limited application to the study of instruction in today's schools. (Author/MJL)

The informal nature of preschool provision may allow building design a greater influence than at primary and secondary levels. The effect of building type seems to be to inhibit or facilitate the expression of existing child behavior or staff policy, with room openness and noise levels being the most potent factors. (Author/CT)

Recent research has substantiated long-standing beliefs of classroom teachers about the relationship between pupil engagement and achievement; one of these is that increased pupil involvement or attention to the learning task increases learning. Additionally, consistent teaching behaviors and classroom variables are frequently associated with…

Programs developed for Chicago area high schools to alleviate problems caused by rapid changes in the ethnic character of the student population are described. The involvement of the entire community is recommended, and actions for Parent Teacher Associations are offered. (FG)

Results of a survey conducted to explore one component of sexual interaction between students and teachers as it occurs in and outside of the classroom are discussed. Flirtations activities are defined, the extent to which flirting occurs in the college environment is determined, and the perceived consequences of flirting are reported. (Author/GK)

A study was conducted to determine if a group of eighth graders (N=26) who received environmental action instruction would exhibit more overt environmental behavior than groups who received environmental awareness instruction (N=21) or science instruction (control group). The study supported the action instruction. (DC)

Certain groupings of behaviors (factors) from a list of behaviors on the Referral Preference Rating Scale (RPRS) were identified as problem behaviors by high school teachers. Results show that the RPRS not only identified the teachers' main concerns but clustered them in terms of the most disruptive behaviors. (Author/GK)

A study of teacher reactions to pupils during reading group instruction found that: (1) there are no significant differences between Black and White teachers in their responses to pupils' academic activities; and that (2) Black students get significantly more negative feedback from teachers than do White students. (Author/MJL)