This article discusses factors that influence children of divorced parents (length of time since divorce, family income level); summarizes research related to these children's self concept, academic performance, and classroom behavior; and suggests several things that parents and educators can do to support children of divorce. (IAH)

The most effective teachers have the fewest discipline problems. Instead of enlisting professional discipline gurus, principals should heed proponents of effective teaching and mastery learning. When the learning is meaningful, the motivation is provided, and the teaching is appropriate, behavior problems seldom occur. Includes seven references.…

Explains proper and improper interpretations of the author's assertive discipline program. Teachers need to communicate clear rules for the classroom, teach students how to follow them, employ positive reinforcement, and use firm and consistent negative consequences for rule-breakers as a last resort. Includes five references. (MLH)

One hundred thirteen elementary students were tested using four standardized instruments; their teachers rated each student on eight bipolar constructs and predicted scores. Results indicate that students who are perceived positively receive higher score predictions, even when academic competence is controlled. Boys seemed to be especially subject…

Studied four Korean three-year olds during one school year to learn how peer relationships among the four would affect their participation, specifically in teacher-initiated events. Found that their joint initiatives, including use of native language and imitation, led them to a higher level of participation than is typical for second-language…

A case study describes how students from another country violated a business school's code of conduct, although their actions were not considered cheating in their culture. The business school decided to retain its ethical standards, ensuring their equal application to all students. (SK)

Outlines procedures that teachers can use to discourage plagiarism and deal with instances of plagiarism by their students. Teachers should discuss the subject of plagiarism with their students, instruct them in the proper way to quote the work of others, check the authenticity of students' written work, and carefully confront students in…

Discusses 10 "truths" about teaching, including idle minds are worse than idle hands; whatever the reading assignment, there's a video; there are no dull subjects; discipline is not a teacher's first worry; and keep a daily journal. (RS)

Choice making was studied among 7 students (ages 7-17) with Rett syndrome. Half the opportunities to choose food, beverage, and leisure items elapsed without a choice being made. Results suggest that the relationship between selecting and accepting items vary as a function of task configuration, and lack of choice may not necessarily indicate lack…

Surveys of 194 undergraduate students examined the relationship of cognitive egocentrism, self-monitoring, and reasons for drinking to amounts of alcohol actually consumed. Results indicated that the cognitive processes involved in alcohol consumption differed by sex. Reasons for drinking were most strongly related to predicted alcohol…

Presents successful classroom management strategies for substitute teachers, including maintaining a folder of activities, making introductions, reading a story, inviting problem students to be helpers, establishing firm rules, practicing the classroom teacher's rules, telling students about oneself, and rewarding good behavior with stamps on a…

Tells the story of a disruptive student who refuses to follow directions from the teacher and finds various ways of undermining classroom activities. Suggests that the student nevertheless sees his own work as "excellent" and believes his policy of "daring to be different" is really paying off. (TB)

Describes a New York City art teacher's successful efforts to encourage interracial harmony by having students transform the mayor's "human mosaic" campaign rhetoric into physical reality. Participation in the project begins with classroom discussions on ethnic groups and ends with a unity-through-diversity mosaic of 250 student-painted…

Administered questionnaire on drinking attitudes and behaviors to Australian undergraduates (n=167). Compared to students in United States, Israel, and Singapore, Australian students expressed highest level of concern that they may have drinking problem. Australians reported mixing drinking and driving at relatively high level, although not to…

Describes how several types of written assessments (student journal entries, student formal response papers, student survey responses, and teacher logs) can be useful in measuring the effects of literature on students' behavior and beliefs. (SR)