This model for facilitating the development of prehelping skills is a viable model of service delivery. If prehelping skills of attending, observing, and listening are not taught systematically, the development of skills involved in responding, integrative understanding and facilitating action become increasingly difficult. (Author)

The forms and functions of nonverbal gestures accompanying verbal directives in the free play of three children were examined. Results showed that gestures supplement verbal communication and increase in complexity with age, supporting the viewpoint that language develops as a social and cognitive skill. (PMJ)

A teaching unit designed to acquaint elementary school students with sensory, speech and language, and physical handicaps is described. (JK)

For a sample of 152 children in grades 2 to 6, interest centered upon concurrent validity of measures of empathy and social sensitivity as conceptualized within the behavioral segment of Guilford's structure-of-intellect model and a criterion measure represented by a standardized test of academic performance. (Author/CTM)

A study of students in a high school capstone office education course showed that improving teachers' interpersonal skills does not necessarily result in more effective teaching. Students who rated their teachers the highest in interpersonal relations were in turn rated the lowest in job performance by their employers. (JOW)

Nontechnical employment competencies needed by secondary students were identified and then tested with employers, teacher-coordinators, and school counselors. Their perceptions of the relative importance of each competency and discrepancies in those perceptions illustrate the need for cooperation between the school and the business community. (SK)

Teacher associations in Hawaii have acted to stop violence, vandalism, and discipline problems in their schools. More encouraging and open minded attitudes on the part of teachers brought about student cooperation in reducing acts of violence. (JD)

It was found that teachers who have frequent contacts with parents were more likely to feel responsible for initiating contact and comfortable about meeting parental expectations, but that they had less support from parents than other teachers. (JD)

This article details the attitudes, skills, and characteristics of an effective teacher. A list of 23 generic competencies in the areas of communication skills, basic knowledge, technical skills, interpersonal skills, and administrative skills is given. (JN)

Relates an older peer counselor training program developed for paraprofessional volunteers, 55 and over, to assist elderly widowed people in their adjustment. Results indicate that the training program was effective in eliciting widowhood and counseling attitude change, and in providing trainees with the opportunity for personal growth. (Author)

Defines interpersonal communication competence, describes a competency-based course offered at the University of Cincinnati, and reports the results of research testing the effects of a skills approach to interpersonal communication instruction. Tests for specific skills of empathy, descriptiveness, owning thoughts and feelings, and…

A survey of council members and committee chairpersons of the American Bar Association reveals clues to good job search techniques for law graduates. The hints concern resume writing, interview manner, common errors, salary questions, appearance, and firms' hiring practices. (Journal availability: 1155 E. 60th St., Chicago, IL 60637, sc $1.00).…

Residency in a college dormitory during the freshman year of college positively influences educational and personal growth and academic persistence. The mediating effects of relationships with peers and the ambiance of the intellectual community are noted. (JD)

Report-writing and consultation competencies of new students were compared with graduate students in order to evaluate a school psychology competency-based training model. Results confirmed success of the training program, although no difference was found between the two groups. (RC)

Specific suggestions are given for more effective personnel management: careful screening of applicants by one person, a well-designed application form (a sample is provided), good interview techniques, job descriptions, promotions from within, employee manuals, employee orientation, and continuing interpersonal communication. (MSE)