This study of 16 learning-disabled high school students in algebra classes found that their help-seeking behavior was similar to that of 16 normal-achieving peers, differing only in that subjects sought instrumental help from peers significantly more often than from the teacher. (Author/JDD)

Argues for an understanding of play as a flux between the imagination and attempts to test consequences of "what if" questions. Discusses leading educational theorists' views of the role of play. Suggests that school authority which reduces creative play closes off children's means of finding answers to some vocational questions. (SG)

Reports a study of adolescents' motivations for smoking. Survey results indicated that curiosity, social norms, and pressures were the main reasons for beginning smoking and that pleasure, addiction, and desire were the main reasons for continuing; various gender differences surfaced. Suggestions are given for smoking prevention programs. (SM)

Examined relationship between affect, demographics, and health-related lifestyle among 139 public high school students. Data analyses revealed distinctive demographic and affective correlates of different health behaviors. No one variable uniformly predicted adolescents' health behaviors. Demographics and affect showed differential relationships…

Five elementary students with severe emotional disturbance participated in a comprehensive functional assessment process designed to yield a useful understanding of their desirable and undesirable behaviors. Individualized hypotheses were developed regarding relationships between classroom events and the occurrence of target behaviors, and…

This paper on the relationship of language impairment, social skills, and socioemotional behavior introduces the following issues: the influence of language impairment on the social interactions of children; the association between language and challenging behavior; and the relationship between language impairment, social problems, and psychiatric…

Investigated factors related to drinking among undergraduate males (n=165). White students endorsed more positive alcohol expectancies for physical/social pleasure, social assertiveness, and tension reduction than did black students. Partial support was found for the role of expectancies as moderators of the relationship between ethnic status and…

Reports on two studies examining the nature of peer group bullying among Australian primary school children ages five through seven years. The first study surveyed 631 children to understand the nature and effects of bullying. In the second study, 76 children were individually interviewed regarding their social problem-solving capacities. (MM)

Recent federal rulings suggest that schools can no longer ignore student-to-student sexual harassment. Harassing behavior is a warning sign that the harasser may be a sexual abuse victim or an incipient juvenile sex offender. Bullying and sexual harassment are not the same. Guidelines for administrators are included. (MLH)

This article reviews research indicating that teachers' behavior is negatively affected by disruptive and aggressive responses of students with emotional/behavior disorders. It presents strategies to reduce classroom aversiveness, to reduce students' need to escape or avoid instruction through aggressive or disruptive responses, and thereby…

Finds that a sixth-grade literature discussion group composed of more able readers constructed a conversation in which students participated eagerly and valued each other's contributions, whereas the group of less able readers constructed a more teacher-dominated activity in which students seemed reluctant to participate voluntarily, display their…

Marriage attitudes were correlated with gender and premarital sexual activity. Females exhibited more favorable attitudes toward marriage than did males. Virgins perceived marriage more positively than did nonvirgins who had multiple sex partners. No significance found between interaction of gender and virginity status. (RJM)

Describes an innovation in an outer-London comprehensive school and raises questions concerning its implementation. Describes the school and its context and outlines the innovation, Assertive Discipline. Presents classroom observations showing uneven interpretations by teachers and no positive effects on pupil behavior. Discusses seven potential…

Despite the fact that gay and bisexual male college students know about safe sex practices, they are often not using them, according to a recent survey. The study of about 20,500 blood samples on 35 college and university campuses shows a high rate of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection, with men 22 times as likely as women to test…

Middle school teachers can avoid most discipline problems by creating positive relationships with students that are built on mutual respect and dignity. Stimulating instruction that actively involves students in learning is another deterrent to misbehavior. Effective teachers communicate their expectations regarding rules and consequences. (seven…