This study surveyed teachers at five urban secondary schools regarding attitudes toward social skills training. Although most (82 percent) supported inclusion of social skills training in school curriculum, significant differences were found in willingness to be involved when respondents were categorized according to subject area and the school in…

The cognitive model of restructuring thinking and developing values was applied in two Spanish institutions for young offenders. Its success is altering the focus of reeducation centers and prisons from a custodial to an educative atmosphere conducive to developing social competence. (SK)

Made comparisons from teachers' and self-report judgments of social skills, behavior problems, and academic achievement among 331 popular, controversial, neglected, or rejected adolescents in grades 6-10. Findings support past studies indicating that popular children displayed more socially skilled behaviors and fewer behavior problems than…

Examined the hypotheses that intimacy of friendship is more integral to socioemotional adjustment during adolescence than during preadolescence, and that competence in close relationship skills is more important during adolescence than preadolescence. Findings suggest the importance of the ability to establish close friendships increases during…

Describes ways that reference librarians can use the skill of active listening to respond to a patron's message that is more emotional than factual. Examples are given from the Brigham Young University (BYU) Library School's interpersonal relations course that compare nonactive listening responses to active listening responses. (two references)…

Assessed interpersonal values of college student volunteers (n=45) involved in community service activities. Found that students' interpersonal values differed relative to whether they were involved through religious, social Greek, or service organizations. Social Greek group was significantly higher on Recognition; service group was significantly…

Five keys to effective communication for divorced parents raising their children include being clear about what they want, keeping it simple, being businesslike, avoiding assumptions, and staying in the present. (SM)

Describes Stop, Think, Feel, and Act in a kind way (S.T.F.A.), created to teach children to pause, think, empathize, and act in considerate manner toward peers. Explains steps in implementing eight-session S.T.F.A. program, which has been used successfully with thousands of children in kindergarten through third grade. (NB)

Describes the three most common (and least effective) techniques for helping campers make friends. A camp counselor's anecdote presents a sure-fire way to make friends: getting people to talk about themselves, and then listening. (TD)

Using a story of horse training versus horse breaking and referring to Monty Roberts (the "horse whisperer"), this editorial draws three lessons: (1) resist the temptation to act out of fear and mistrust toward children; (2) focus on relationship building, allying with children rather than controlling them; and (3) recognize and admire those who…

There are six basic qualities of good mentoring: commitment to the mentoring role, acceptance of beginning teachers, proficiency at providing instructional support, interpersonal effectiveness, skill at modeling continuous learning, and ability to communicate hope and optimism. A sidebar explains the Mentoring Leadership and Resource network. (10…

Studies on resilient youth have yielded some intriguing patterns. This article surveys the findings and discusses how professionals can benefit from lessons offered by the findings. (Author/MKA)

Examined how aspects of preschoolers' peer-conflict behavior varied according to partner. Found that initiating and negotiating behavior in early sessions better predicted behavior in the fourth session for the same-partner versus change-partner group. Results indicated that much of preschoolers' conflict behavior was sensitive to influences…

Master of business administration graduates (n=39) were compared with 83 entering students on 12 learning skills in 4 categories (interpersonal, information gathering, behavioral, analytical). Graduates significantly improved in 7 of the 12 skills. (SK)

Assesses discriminate validity of teacher judgments in differentiating various groups of students who are at risk for learning difficulties based on referral to School Study Teams (SSTs). Large differences are found between controls and at-risk groups. Results from cross-validated discriminate function analyses shows teacher judgment correctly…