Investigated were the seating patterns of target students in science classrooms to see whether there was an action zone or T zone present. Questioning level, understanding level of students, and pacing of instruction by teachers are discussed in terms of target students. (KR)

Factors related to distribution of adolescent health education were assessed. National Adolescent Student Health Survey data indicated that health education was widespread but inadequate regarding sexually transmitted diseases, suicide, and consumer health. Health curriculum varied by grade and was less related to gender needs. (SM)

Presents a model to help physical education teachers keep students motivated and avoid off-task behavior by providing positive and purposeful practice sessions. The article points out learning barriers, notes the importance of providing motivation to perform tasks, and discusses motivational factors for specific physical education classes. (SM)

A detailed discipline plan must be developed with the consensus of the school community. To be effective, the plan should have the following characteristics: (1) be understood by everyone; (2) be consistent in imposing sanctions; (3) specify good and bad behavior; (4) include instructions for emergencies and alternatives to out-of-school…

Many students with behavior disorders have difficulty functioning in regular classrooms and pose persistent problems for classroom teachers. Classroom teachers are often reluctant or unable to deal with disruptive behavior. Research highlights the importance of considering classroom variables such as teacher attitudes and classroom environment in…

Asserts that prevention of social deviation is a major goal of contemporary Russian education. Discusses preventive pedagogy and whether it can be transformed into a systematic effort to reduce antisocial behavior. Concludes that preventive pedagogy must be linked with criminology, sociology, and other behavioral sciences if it is to succeed. (CFR)

Recommends the use of freehand maps to teach geographic concepts. Argues that they can be used to highlight selected information. Contends that the technique can be used effectively by students and teachers. (CFR)

The University of Nevada Cooperative Extension and a geographically large rural school district in Nevada conducted a program providing life-skills education to high-risk 5th graders. A survey of 92 8th- and 10th-grade students who had participated in the program indicated that the program produced long-term benefits in student attitudes and…

Compulsory attendance policies have been instituted in higher education with the expectation that academic achievement will improve, but empirical research on this relationship is equivocal. One theory of motivation posits that students' motivational beliefs, classroom context, and student behaviors are important variables in academic achievement.…

One Maryland school district incorporated conflict-resolution strategies with learning opportunities, infusing it into the regular K-12 curriculum. Teacher workshops produced seven conflict-resolution tools: brainstorming, questioning, active listening, conceptual thinking, role playing, triggering, and problem solving. Teachers received training,…

First Step to Success is used at the outset of a child's school career, when making changes in antisocial behavior is easiest. The short-term program provides positive reinforcement for desirable behaviors and has a home component that draws on parent support. Sidebar profiles programs that promote positive behaviors in older children: Project…

A nationally acclaimed antiviolence program, Second Step teaches three basic skills needed for living peacefully in society: empathy, impulse control, and anger management. In Bethel (Alaska), where student gunfire killed a student and principal in 1997, Second Step is used enthusiastically, having been modified to fit Yupik Eskimo culture and…

Investigated characteristics of students voluntarily seeking human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody testing at a university health center. Data from student surveys indicated that: 59% were women; reported rates of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases were low; nearly one-third had had previous HIV testing; 40% reported…

Examines the difficulties of engaging students who lack motivation to learn and attend sporadically in an urban high school science class. Contains 17 references. (Author/WRM)

Investigated patterns of participation in high school extracurricular activities, using data from the National Educational Longitudinal Study of 1998. Students of upper socioeconomic status and higher ability were more likely to participate in extracurricular activities; girls were more likely to participate than boys (except in sports); and…