Teachers' explanations for students' low achievement were reliably classified using Cooper and Good's (1983) attributional coding system. Teachers most frequently attributed low achievement to typical pattern of low effort. They viewed acquired student characteristics (low motivation, poor work habits) as more important than either teacher…

Describes a study of community college students attending a City Colleges of Chicago campus, who received high grades through diligent study rather than high aptitude. Interviews conducted with 26 students revealed that participation in learning, review/restudy, selectivity in classes and teachers, and planning were responsible for students'…

An analysis of school district student injury reports revealed that 62 to 80 percent of all elementary school injuries were occurring on the playground, and that students were the major cause of injury. After a series of student-orientation rules and staff-orientation programs, injuries as a pilot site decreased by 78 percent for the year. (MLF)

The role of teachers in helping fight against drug abuse is discussed stressing the teacher's ability to see changes in the students and the potential for positive influence. A vital school role involves teaching life skills and wellness principles. Information on commonly abused drugs and their effects is presented. (SM)

Examines academic and pacing performance differences for students who chose between instructor- and self-set deadlines. Finds that students in the two conditions did not differ in academic performance but that students who chose to set their own deadlines missed fewer deadlines and showed accelerated pacing. (KO)

Examined epidemiology of self-reported drug-taking behaviors among university students (N=683). Data analyses focused on specific settings and social groups in which drug use occurred and on frequency and type of drug-taking behaviors. Findings identified four distinct groups of drug users. (Author/NB)

Four preschool boys learned to conduct self-assessments of their independent work behavior and compare their ratings with teacher ratings. The treatment produced immediate and substantial improvements in child behavior, and it was possible to systematically withdraw each treatment component while maintaining a high level of appropriate child…

A study of third- and fourth-grade students found no significant differences between underachieving and normally achieving children for the measures of cognitive-impulsivity, selective attention, and sustained attention. However, significant differentiation was provided by teacher ratings indicating poorer classroom behavior, lack of attention,…

Investigated 64 depressed and 74 nondepressed college students' differing perceptions of their current family organizations. Depressed students consistently reported more inappropriate family interactions. Implications for the counseling of depressed college students are discussed. (TE)

Five students, aged 10-11, with serious emotional disturbances and/or learning disabilities, recorded their attentive behavior and academic productivity. Then performance was assessed under a choice condition, the treatment program was faded, and maintenance was probed. Results revealed that both treatments produced and maintained improvements in…

Investigates perceptions of 58 children of 3-5 years concerning their experiences in day care. Children were interviewed with the Day Care Center Toy And Interview Questionnaire. Questions concerned liking for day care, problem situations, day care activities, and behaviors of teachers. (RJC)

Examined relationship between family background, sexual behavior, and sex role typing in 44 female and 47 male adolescents. Found mother's profession to be best correlate of adolescent sexual behavior. Spence Personal Attributes scale was correlated with sexual behavior for females; Easy Recall measure was correlated with sexual behavior for…

At the annual meeting of the National Interfraternity Conference, the national presidents of 59 fraternities voted to study alternatives to pledging. Some think that pledging has become synonymous with hazing, and that eliminating pledging would reduce the chances for abuse. (MLW)

Describes an empirical evaluation of the relationship between study time and achievement. Discusses a model describing student determination and allocation of study time in a given period. Concludes that test results fail to support the theory that college students identify and use study time in order to maximize achievement. (KO)

Discusses how collaborative writing can be a tool for activating students' multiple voices and multiple versions of self and the world within the classroom. Describes three collaborative writing projects in which special education students discussed and wrote about important knowledge that was formed in their own contradictory moments. (MM)