Describes the "color system" as a way of grouping children into different personality types based on a certain color: orange, blue, green, and gold. Lists stress producers for specific color people. Asserts that, through making groups of different colors, children begin to see the various specialties others can bring to the group and learn to…

Investigates how argument structures are related to perceptions of communicators in conversational argument (viewed as convergence-seeking discourse represented in minimally rational structures). Finds that complex arguments are judged as appropriate in discussions of important topics, and overall are judged more favorable than simple arguments…

Instead of avoiding, eliminating, or managing interpersonal conflict, school leaders should explore its transformational uses. A Consensual, no-conflict approach to decision making is impossible. Conflict can serve transformational purposes by helping to organize motives; broadening, strengthening, and clarifying values; and detecting and…

This article describes a learning activity in which preschool children learn cooperative skills and metacognitive strategies as they master sharing strategies guided by leaves on a "sharing tree." Leaf colors (red, yellow, green) cue the child to stop, slow down and think about sharing and playing with others, and go ahead with a sharing activity.…

Defines a rubric as a set of scaled criteria, one of several methods recommended for student performance assessment. Topics include classification of performance; evaluating academic and social skills; advantages and disadvantages; types of rubrics; and rubrics for information literacy. (LRW)

Kent State University's Trumbull Campus offers customized training in such "soft skills" as team building, problem solving, conflict resolution, communication, and time management. Classes are offered in traditional classrooms, via the Internet, and through videoconferencing. (JOW)

This narrative presents insights into a personal awakening about being white. It describes how a person came to realize that race is not a biological fact but an arbitrary social construction. The paper considers what individuals can do to stop acts of oppression, especially in the lessons taught to children. (Author/JDM)

Reports on a longitudinal study that partially supports Chickering's hypotheses about the relationship between collegiate experiences and psychosocial development. Results indicate that development of purpose and sense of competence were related to collegiate experiences. However, measurement issues emerged regarding development over extended…

Parents (N=124) completed surveys assessing their adult attachment style, conflict resolution style, social self-efficacy, and perspective taking. Findings show relationships between secure attachment and mutual forms of conflict resolution. More equivocal support was obtained for pairings of specific nonsecure attachment styles and nonmutual…

Argues that Seventh-day Adventism needs to critically reappraise the standards of the church in light of Biblical principles and to renew its understanding of the communal nature of church, embracing its standards through a recovery of a communal consciousness that will help enhance the commitment of its young people and envision a more radical…

This study compared the social problem solving skills of 15 adolescents with Asperger's syndrome with 15 typically developing adolescents. Subjects were presented with videotaped scenarios. The Asperger's group showed deficiencies in recounting pertinent facts, generating possible high-quality problem solutions, and selecting optimal and preferred…

Discusses the importance of teaching culture in the second language classroom. Examines the difference between teaching the static or dynamic view of culture. Focuses on intercultural language teaching and developing intercultural competence. (Author/VWL)

Evaluates the reliability and validity of a new self-report measure of Self-Understanding of Interpersonal Patterns (SUIP). Measure demonstrates good internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and discriminant validity. The SUIP further demonstrates convergent validity with measures of analytical and self-improving personality traits in a…

This article describes a test of theory of mind for children, ages 7-11, that involved recognition of faux pas. Three studies used the test with children with high functioning autism (HFA) or Asperger syndrome (AS). Results indicated that children with HFA or AS were significantly impaired on this task when compared to normally developing…

A Texas extension survey identified core competencies of outstanding extension educators. The competencies are similar to the characteristics of emotional intelligence, qualities needed in the 21st century workplace. (SK)