An important aspect of teacher preparation that is often missing in formal training courses is discussed: the basic human connection, or communication, between pupil and student. Suggestions for a more individual approach through a "dialogical attitude" are offered. (12 references) (LB)

A structured coaching strategy was effectively used with three day-care teachers, resulting in (1) substantial increases in delivery of behavioral support of social interactions of children with developmental disabilities; and (2) marked increases in positive interactions of socially withdrawn children. Long-term maintenance effects were also…

Contrasts systems of address used between professors and students in German departments in the United States and at universities in Germany. It is shown that the two systems differ in several important ways. These differences are discussed and guidelines are provided for instructors on how to deal with them. (31 references) (LET)

Compared nonhandicapped children, children rated low on social interaction, and children with physical or mental handicaps, on social competence measures. Found that, on several measures, nonhandicapped and speech impaired children were superior to children who were rated low on social interaction, behaviorally disordered, and developmentally…

Mothers and children were observed in laboratory and home settings in a study of the relationship between maternal control strategies and child behavior. Child compliance and self-assertion were associated with less powerful control methods; defiance with power-assertive methods. A combined control-guidance strategy elicited greatest compliance…

The Walker-McConnell Scale of Social Competence and School Adjustment is intended for screening and identifying elementary-aged school children with social skill deficits. The instrument is divided into two components covering adaptive classroom behavior and interpersonal social skills. This paper describes the test's administration, summation of…

Suggests that the cooperative learning group is more effective than the straight lecture method of teaching written business communication. States that, in an earlier study, students' comments showed maturation in the area of interpersonal relationship skills. Suggests procedures for structuring and implementing cooperative learning groups and…

This article presents a rationale and strategies for providing individualized transition planning for learning-disabled students preparing for postsecondary programs. The article stresses planning and goal setting, academic preparation, personal/social skill development, and student followup. Two case studies illustrate the strategies. (DB)

Adolescents (n=173) rated the academic and social characteristics of a male peer who was videotaped as a highly competent student and as an average student. Students judged the competent target as likely to be more successful in academic subjects, more socially acceptable, and a better leader than the less competent peer. (Author/JDD)

Investigated effects of predicate usage, facilitative skill level, and participant sex on ratings of empathic understanding. After listening to one of four audiotapes utilizing different counselor response modes, subjects (n=225) evaluated counselor empathy. Findings suggest that counselor communication skill level seems to be more important than…

Posits that students' social skills and cultural orientations are forms of capital that can be converted into other forms of capital, such as educational credentials. Argues that, within educational institutions, curricular structures create pressures and constraints on such conversions of capital. Discusses this argument in the context of two…

Several researchers' assumptions regarding social skills of individuals with learning disabilities are refuted as representing an "either/or" empirical view. A postmodern view is presented, contending that exceptionalities are differentiated by looking at the quality of behaviors and possible antecedents rather than comparing them quantitatively,…

Comparison of two interventions on the peer social interactions of 105 young children with and without hearing impairments found that the integrated activities intervention resulted in greater gains in total positive peer interaction than the social skills intervention. However, withdrawal of either intervention resulted in decreased peer…

A survey of 300 professionals supporting cooperative learning or supporting gifted education found strongly differing intergroup views. Professionals differed in the areas of level of challenge in the cooperative-learning curriculum, extent of evaluation of cooperative learning, development of social and leadership skills, role of gifted students…

Support from community recreation staff facilitates successful transition and integration of persons with disabilities from hospitals or schools to communities. Functional independence requires leisure activity skills, choice-making skills, social and friend-making skills, and support networks. The article examines research on integrated community…