Suggests that the contrasting cultural and material circumstances of children in the United States and Spain contribute to their relative capacities for critical thinking and discussion. Suggests that Spanish adolescents hesitate to take a stand without openly discussing their feelings, while North American students hate discussion that wanders…

A five-year study examined the effects of a mass media campaign to change college students' perceptions of peer norms and binge drinking. Annual survey data indicated a significant drop in numbers of students who perceived binge drinking as the norm and a corresponding reduction in binge drinking. (SM)

Findings of t-tests on results from 1,247 adolescents in South Carolina indicate that, without adjustment, whites were higher than blacks on socioeconomic status, grade point average, and attitudes favoring drug use. Blacks were higher on positive peer influence, commitment to education, self-efficacy expectations, and reported conduct disorder…

Examined the contexts related to antisocial fighting behaviors among urban, African American high school students. Data on students' social contexts (family, neighborhood, peers, and school) and fighting behaviors indicated a relationship between negative peer influence and antisocial fighting behaviors. The combination of all four negative…

Describes a complaint file system for dealing with students' complaints about others, whereby students write up their complaints and deposit them in the teacher's mailbox for future action. Describes requirements for complaints and how each is followed up with a written conference with parent(s) and perhaps a meeting with a counselor. (KDFB)

To assess the drug-behavior interaction effects with an 8-year-old boy with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, classroom antecedent and consequent stimuli were alternated within a school day, while drug conditions were alternated across days. Results indicate that peer attention maintained disruptive behavior when methylphenidate was…

To investigate gender differences in acceptance of substance abuse behavior among adolescents, 968 students were administered a questionnaire to assess their perceptions. Results show that both genders felt that boys would be more approving of teenage substance abuse. Most students were disapproving of a teenager driving after drinking. Other…

Adolescent literature can be used in peer training programs to help adolescent peer leaders gain information about and insight into various issues. This paper provides a listing of 50 recent works of adolescent fiction and nonfiction arranged topically to assist trainers looking for books on particular topics. (SM)

Drawing on prior research on aspirations and achievement motivation, a view of aspirations is proposed that incorporates the present and future--a student with aspirations undertakes various activities for both their inherent value and enjoyment and their connection to future goals. Social comparison theory teaches that group pressures may limit…

Traces the interrelations between neighborhood sociocultural factors and adolescents' networks, leisure preferences, and school behavior. The overall conclusion is that both the background variables and most of the network indices correlate with the outcome variables. Results show that time spent with peers indulging in passive leisure consumption…

Summarizes three studies relevant to camp. In focus groups, 68 adolescent camp counselors reported camp helped them become more responsible and confident, communicate better, and manage stressful situations. A study involving 400 campers found improvement in communication, leadership, decision making, working in groups, and understanding self.…

Argues that the mentoring process can help to prevent new teachers from leaving the teaching profession. Explains that mentoring programs that focus on training, support, and retention can help create an environment that fosters psychological and cognitive growth. Adds that these programs can also be used as recruiting tools. (Contains eight…

Examines the use of literate language, or a specific oral language register. Investigates the effect of peer collaboration and social context. Explains that seven- and eight-year-old children were placed in friend or non-friend groups and were observed during collaborative writing tasks. Includes references. (CMK)

Highlights findings from a study by Irving Spergel of gang activity in 45 cities. Ronald Stephen, executive director of the National School Safety Center, cites an increase in drug-marketing and violence and advises educators to be aware of what is going on, establish rapport with community groups, and enlist the support of students. (MLF)

Curing the problem of underachievement requires a sizeable investment of time and effort and depends heavily on sufficient family and teacher awareness of their respective roles as well as the role of peers to plan for prevention and early intervention. (MSE)