Self-help activities designed to practice and improve communication are outlined. Sixteen learning activities are proposed that are based on assertiveness training. They can be used on all language levels to develop all four skills. (Author/AMH)

Because of psychological barriers as well as economic and political determinants, women have difficulties in engaging in goal-setting for career structuring. Socialization, importance of goal-setting and roles, and mechanisms for change (assertive techniques, making others aware, education and self-awareness, and coping strategies) are discussed.…

Examined the nature and stability of teacher ratings of early learning-related social skills in 72 preschoolers (3 to 4 years old) and again 1 year later. Confirmatory factor analysis using structural equation modeling revealed that a construct labeled "learning-related social skills," tapping self-control, cooperation, assertion, and…

Therapeutic games were invented or adapted to assist in counseling deaf children with emotional or behavioral difficulties. The games dealt with assertiveness, giving/receiving compliments, problem-solving, being a friend, self-control, and paying attention. The games helped in overcoming: negative attitudes toward counseling, communication…

Grade 12 students participated in a 1-semester cooperative education program and were monitored using the Personal Skills Map by Nelson & Law. Results indicate greater improvement in scores for the scales related to Interpersonal skills than for those in the areas of Career and Life-effectiveness skills. (LKS)

This study investigated the differential effectiveness of assertiveness and problem-solving training on 28 dually diagnosed (mild mental retardation and mental disorders) patients' adaptive social behavior, distress and psychiatric symptoms, anger control, and problem-solving coping skills. Improvements resulted from combined assertiveness and…

Teachers (n=366 and grades K-12) rated 30 social skills for their importance to school success. Results suggest that all teachers viewed cooperation and self-control skills as more important than assertion skills. Middle school teachers had the most homogeneous expectations. General education teachers viewed assertion and cooperation skills as…

A core component of Legacy's Statewide Youth Movement Against Tobacco Use is the ability of state and local initiatives to empower youth to effect change in their communities. The authors' conceptual framework proposes that youth empowerment is an outcome of the process by which youths become active participants in local efforts. Youths are…

This exploratory study examined the contribution of the "RC" Approach over a two-year period. The "RC" Approach integrates social and academic learning in order to produce classroom environments that are conducive to learning by integrating social and academic learning. Two questions are addressed. First, how does teachers' use of "RC" practices…

Because the communication skills of people with significant disabilities are often limited, ordinary choices often elude them. This guide provides step-by-step instructions to help care-providers recognize the choices made by people with severe disabilities, especially those natural cues which indicate an individual's preferences. It discusses…

This teacher's handbook is part of a training package on effective classroom management. The materials were developed to accomplish three goals: (1) to provide an alternative to presently available texts and training programs that could be used by school personnel without outside expertise; (2) to provide comprehensive training for school…

This curriculum guide is designed to lower the dropout rate and improve the academic achievement of handicapped and nonhandicapped high school students by developing their personal and social skills. It may be used in a variety of classroom, special education, and guidance settings. The lessons use relevant experiences to stimulate learning…

Situational influences on self-confidence and assertiveness in female and male graduate students in science and engineering were studied, based on responses from 328 Stanford University students (155 males and 173 females). Two dependent variables were used: an index of items measuring an individual's self-confidence in the ability to perform…

Based on evaluation of studies on nonverbal aspects of communication in instructional settings, a teacher training program was developed for nonverbal perceptiveness and expressiveness. An experimental study was conducted to test the effect of the program on secondary school preservice teachers (N=34). Focus was upon vocal delivery, eye contact,…

Recently, Indian people from the United States and Canada recommended coping-skills training for American Indians, to help in handling stress, becoming self-determined, being assertive, problem solving, and redesigning social roles and support systems. Some 30 tribal groups and agencies participated in a cultural adaptation of an assertive…