Students from 15 intact classes in grades 6 and 7 (N=142) from suburban schools in Perth, Australia, were used to investigate their time on task and achievement in process-oriented lessons. One finding noted is a positive relationship between achievement and student reasoning ability and engagement in planning and collecting tasks. (JN)

Provides an abridgement of one section of the National Commission for Environmental Education's second report that focuses on predictors and correlates of environmental action. Summarizes research findings on variables that are associated with responsible environmental behavior. Also presents the major conclusions derived from the investigated…

An evaluation of the validity of direct observation measures of pupil classroom behaviors is presented. Three types of measures are discussed: molar, molecular, and molecular-composite. Consistent support for the validity of molar and molecular-composite types of measures is revealed. (Author/LMO)

This article represents the findings of a small-scale, classroom-based investigation of 11- and 12-year-old pupils working in self-directed groups. It shows how a more holistic understanding of group work can be achieved when teachers and pupils "think together" to explore the dynamic, ambiguous, and often provisional links that exist between…

A six-week remedial summer school program for potential dropouts in a Wisconsin high school is described. The key factor was an attendance clause that limited students to three absences lest they be withdrawn from the program. (TE)

Growing public concern with student discipline, increases in student suicide rates, homicides, and high pregnancy rates of teenage girls are causing educators to give renewed attention to the concept of "character development" in public education. (MD)

This article explains why teachers must relinquish personal concerns to observe children more clearly. Careful observation makes it possible for teachers to learn students' needs and strengths and then develop strengths into positive ways of meeting needs. (DF)

Argues that because widely used multiple choice tests do not measure more complex cognitive skills, such skills are not taught. Suggests that greater costs of tests in other formats can be justified by their value for instruction--to encourage teaching of higher level cognitive skills and provide practice with feedback. (CMG)

One high school's implementation of policies that alleviated the "symptoms" of chronic smoking and some use of drugs and alcohol on school property, chronic truancy from selected classes, and chronic schedule changes is summarized, and efforts toward a lasting resolution of underlying problems in the areas of curriculum and instruction are…

The hypothesis that students who cheat will externalize the cause of this behavior was tested by contrasting the causal inferences of cheating and noncheating college students. Results supported Kelley's attributional model. Uninvolved observers also indicated that students tended to formulate self-serving attributions. (Author/BS)

Describes a peer culture development program implemented in three Chicago public high schools (N=150), which uses peer influence in group meetings (classes) as means for reduction of adolescent problem behavior. Reports an evaluation study providing generally positive findings showing reduction in destructive or detrimental behavior. (Author/LLL)

The changes that personal computers might bring to student life are examined by analyzing a long-term time-allocation study and individual interviews. The displacement of time from other activities, the purposes of computer use, and the impact of students' social arrangements on computer use are discussed. (Author/MLW)

High school students were observed to investigate time-on-task and learning gains. Classroom observation and learning gain measurement showed that a lecture/discussion instructional technique led to the highest student achievement. Use of seatwork caused the least amount of achievement. (DF)

Educable mentally retarded adolescent boys and girls and nonretarded age peers were contrasted on the Behavior Problems Checklist. Mentally retarded students showed more Coonduct Disorder (aggression and disruption) and Personality Problem (anxiety and withdrawal) kinds of maladjustment. Results are discussed in eight of prior findings and needed…

School nurses need to be aware of how divorce affects children and to have the necessary skills to assess emotional problems. Student behaviors to watch for that may indicate emotional problems are listed. (Author/DF)