Offers some effective ways of using literature-based instruction by examining literary peer discussion groups in the elementary classroom. (MG)

Evaluates the effectiveness of the progressive time delay procedure in art activities involving disabled and nondisabled preschoolers, whereby teachers progressively delay corrective assistance to disabled pupils attempting to imitate their peers. Found that using the progressive time delay procedure produced high levels of imitation in a nearly…

College students (n=177) ranked influence they thought various factors had on their smoking behavior. Subjects ranked peers first and cigarette advertisements last as causes of starting to smoke; my decision and health education advertisements highest and peers lowest for quitting smoking. Findings suggest students perceived they had high degree…

A reparameterization is formulated that yields estimates of scale-invariant parameters in recursive path models with latent variables, and (asymptotically) correct standard errors, without the use of constrained optimization. The method is based on the logical structure of the reticular action model. (Author)

Research shows the elderly retain competence and have potential for development. However, review of low educational participation of Austrian older adults suggests constraints: influence of the social group, instructors' attitudes, and rigid separation of education, work, and retirement that limits postretirement participation. (SK)

Influences on clothing choice were identified by 184 6th-graders, 159 9th-graders, and 135 12th-graders. Friend influence increased with age. Blacks were most influenced by media, whites and rural youth by friends. Media were less influential with females, gained influence as adolescents aged, and had almost twice as much influence on urban as on…

Presents examples of developmental students who support each other both personally and academically during the transitional first year of college. Describes the learning communities program, in which linked developmental classes specifically encourage cross-disciplinary learning and peer collaboration. Emphasizes the necessity for students to take…

Examined whether adolescents identify with the crowd to which they are assigned by their peers or with higher status crowds, and whether they are more likely to select the normal crowd or their peer-assigned crowd as their social-reference group. Found that specific crowds' status changes over time, and that there are age differences in…

Examines whether peer-led drug prevention programs are preferable to adult-led programs for students (N=2,447) in eighth through eleventh grades. Results show that all input measures and outcome measures were perceived as more positive in the peer-led model. Since the differences found were small this study does not prove with certainty that the…

Recent research on peer pressure shows that: parents are important to teens, today's teens face unique challenges, and teaching teens to say no does not mean losing friends. The paper presents parenting tips for countering peer pressure, noting the influence of adult peer pressure on children. A sidebar examines the right age to start talking to…

Tests the hypothesis that poor perceived cognitive competence might signal an increased risk of alcohol-related problems in children (N=1,232). Results indicate that having depressive symptoms is associated with a higher risk of developing alcohol-related problems while perceived cognitive competence is not. Evidence suggests a possible…

Characterizes subcultural differences within an inner-city street youth population. Used brief, structured interviews (N=752), targeting youth living on the streets for two or more consecutive months. Results demonstrate unique patterns with respect to places stayed/slept, means of financial support, and use of available services according to peer…

Examined the influence of gang membership on rates of participation in sexual activity, substance use, and violence among African American adolescent girls. Found that gang members had higher participation rates in all three risk behaviors. (JPB)

Reviews studies that examined perceived risk or beliefs about harmful effects associated with marijuana use. Perceived risk was construed as consisting of at least four areas (physical harm; parental disapproval; peer disapproval; fear of arrest). Perception of risk varied with several factors including age and gender. Secondary data analysis was…

This article, written by an anthropologist who has studied the culture of teenage girls, explores influences on their sense of self, including those of peers, parents, and the media. Educators and parents can play important roles in helping young people navigate successfully through adolescence. (Author/MKA)