Reports a study comparing instructional behaviors of physical education teacher education majors across planned and unplanned teaching conditions. Researchers observed teaching behaviors, teaching environments, and learner involvements. Planning positively affected some teachers' instructional behaviors. Planning was important to the employment of…

Reports on a comparison of the psychosocial adjustment of 50 academically gifted German 10-year olds with 50 of average intelligence 10-year olds. Finds no significant differences between the two groups. Finds elementary school gifted children are at least as socially and emotionally well-adjusted as their nongifted age mates. (CFR)

Reviews previous research on attitudes toward war. Describes a study of undergraduate student attitudes toward war compared with personality traits. Finds that, although personality traits were only minimally associated with attitudes toward war, men were more prowar then women. (CFR)

Describes the Seventh Grade Tobacco Prevention (S.T.E.P.) program, evaluating its impact on adolescent tobacco use, tobacco knowledge, and beliefs about tobacco use. Results revealed that same-age peers had the least effect in changing the students' knowledge level, had a negative effect on changing students' beliefs, and had a negative effect on…

Project documented characteristics of teenage school dropouts and then compared the prevalence of risk-taking behavior of dropouts with those attending school. Of the sample (n=548), 15% had dropped out. Those still attending school engaged in suicide behavior more frequently than dropouts whereas the latter abused substances more. (RJM)

Maintains that a survey of beginning social studies teachers would probably show that their major concern is classroom discipline. Discusses discipline-related issues such as why do students obey rules, what actions should be taken, and discipline strategies. (CFR)

Describes a study that employed a focus sample, cross-sectional design to explore the types of preschool experience available (preschool activities equating broadly to curriculum approaches) and whether variation in preschool experience affects core curriculum (English, science, mathematics) performance and classroom behaviors throughout primary…

Examined teacher interactions with their sixth-grade students. Thirty-two "silent" students were identified and interviewed. Found that silent students were not significantly different from other students with respect to gender, race, or achievement but used silence to avoid risk and to control the classroom environment. (ET)

Presents the results of a survey on shifts in certain student problems. Mailed to chief student affairs officers, the surveys revealed changes in demographics; psychological problems; drug and alcohol use; sexual abuse, harassment, and dating violence; and stalking. Conclusions indicate an increase in serious psychopathology among students. (RJM)

Examines the lives of counterculture students. Focuses on students' beliefs and values, preferences and politics, and how such factors relate to their educational experience. Although such students express discomfiture with a structured, traditional college education, most of them enjoy the intellectual stimulation of the academic environment.…

Abstinence education is receiving increased attention as a way of preventing both teen pregnancy and risky sexual behavior. Effective sex education programs provide basic information about the risks of unprotected intercourse and also address the social influences on sexual behavior. Sidebars contain student comments. (MLF)

Deaths from meningitis-type illnesses among college students are worrying health officials. Concerns include behaviors of students that may put students at risk, risk characteristics of dormitory housing, ethical concerns about disclosing the names of infected students, and possible need for immunization programs. (MSE)

Examined the role of individual characteristics and peer influences in evoking early substance abuse in young boys. Individual characteristics, such as fighting, hyperactivity, oppositional behaviors, and likability, were found to be pivotal in the development of substance abuse--more than friends' deviance. Results suggest that prevention…

Reports on a study about the general rule structures in 24 British primary schools and the systems of sanctions and rewards used to maintain them. Finds that all primary school teachers were considered responsible for rules being kept and that primary schools use fewer sanctions when rules are broken. (CFR)

Regular education teachers who have students with disabilities in their classes may face challenging behaviors that have the potential to interfere with the learning process. The article describes some strategies that regular educators can use to successfully handle disruptive or distracting behaviors, focusing on prevention and problem solving.…