Aspects of the French cultural attitude toward death are explored, with reference made to a survey of public opinion and a magazine article about recognition of the anniversary of Charles De Gaulle's death. Attitudes about privacy, ritual, and family behavior are highlighted. (MSE)

Elementary school children's definitions of work and play reveal three varieties of play: instrumental play, recreation, and illicit play. Each variety includes elements of both accommodation and resistance. Teachers' reaction to children's play serves to maintain their control of classroom events without banning play entirely from the elementary…

Evaluates the effects of expanding sex-role alternatives on the passage of American middle-class women through the Eriksonian model of identity achievement. Contrasts contemporary norms regarding appropriate feminine roles with the more constricted social expectations of Erikson's time. Discusses validity of Erikson's original model of female…

Reviewed research on the effect of the presence of other people on individuals' willingness to help in an emergency. Attention was paid to the nature of the precipitating incident; ambiguity of the helping situation; laboratory versus field settings; characteristics of subjects, victims, and bystanders; and communication among bystanders.…

To determine (1) sociometric group structure, (2) acceptance, rejection, and isolate interaction patterns, and (3) terms most frequently associated with perceived personality impressions of the sociometric isolate, seating choice questionnaires were administered to 337 Chicago sixth graders. An attempt was made to codify and classify perceived…

Defines early literacy in terms of literate language, a register of language typified by verbally explicated meaning and talk about talk. Explores various social arrangements which support children's use of literate language. Examines the roles of diverse and close social contacts, and the ways in which individual differences mediate these…

Analyzed data from Asian-American undergraduates (N=87), using the Ethnic Identity Development Exercise. Research indicated Asian-Americans are largely influenced by relationships and external forces. In addition, avoidance of shame was a strong motivating factor in determining ethnic identification. Reviews and summarizes identify formation,…

This study compared 136 second, third, and fourth graders considered to be at high, moderate, and low risk of behavior disorders on several variables. The Critical Events Index was used; primary differences among the groups were on indicators of social competence and externalizing behaviors. (CR)

Describes a teacher's and preschool students' experiences with the classroom inclusion of an autistic child. Specifically addresses: (1) how social skills affect academic skills; (2) teaching social competency; (3) coaching group entry; (4) successful group entry and sustained social interaction; and (5) lessons learned from inclusion of a special…

The relationship between students' gender, personality traits, predicted first-year grades, and quality of effort put forth in academic and personal/social activities with academic achievement and critical thinking was examined. Results show that some personality traits influence the quality of effort expended with academic and personal/social…

Reports on social skills and social status of 22 Australian students, with mainly moderate intellectual disabilities, who underwent an inclusive preschool intervention. Finds that the students spent more time with developing peers. Discovered differences between students with disabilities and other students in relation to time spent with peers…

An alternating individual and group-oriented reinforcement contingency did not generate consistent levels of supportive peer behaviors between two preschoolers with handicaps and their socially competent peers. Two socially competent children were then taught to deliver supportive prompts to their peers during dramatic play, increasing the…

Discusses relationship between social skill deficits and vocational problems for learning-disabled workers. Identifies social skill deficits of learning-disabled worker that can be a major factor in job failure and reviews efforts to develop more positive job-related social behaviors. Presents issues and recommendations to professionals serving…

Organizational culture is difficult to change, but the norms that exist are the easiest elements to identify and change. Even if changing the norms is not desirable, it is essential to understand and articulate them. A change in cultural norms is communicated through new expectations, different language, and new behaviors. (MSE)

Issues specific to two instructional technologies (cooperative learning and computer instruction) are reviewed, along with their interactive effects. Emphasized are the management of diverse instructional needs within mainstream programs, cognitive outcomes for mentally handicapped and nonhandicapped students, and the social interactions of…