Investigated the epistemology of preservice teachers in terms of the nature of knowledge and process of knowing. Interview data indicated that preservice teachers differed in epistemology and did not move from category to category of epistemology in stage-like fashion. Their epistemological beliefs appeared to be interconnected in a web. There was…

Interviewed adolescents and observed sex education classes to investigate condom use and masculinity among Mexican high school students. Adolescents were very concerned about sex education programming because of widespread information about AIDS, fears of pregnancy, and initiation into sexuality. Contraception decision making was highly determined…

Examines cognitions relevant to credit card decision making in college-aged participants (N=304). Assesses measures of beliefs, attitudes, and behavioral alternatives toward acquiring a credit card. Identifies a multivariate model predicting college student financial development of the attitudes and behavioral tendencies of acquiring a new card.…

Identifies four patterns in a fourth grader's behavior and performance that went beyond his identity as a "terror": Steve connects with others orally, returns others' acceptance, can improve his self-image, and learns in untraditional ways. Notes that his portfolio helped him to articulate a presentation of his life for himself and others,…

Provides a stepwise procedure for addressing the needs of normal middle school students who display dysfunctional behaviors of distraction or disorganization. Outlines the major categories of dysfunctional behaviors and steps for helping children cope with them, including skills development, instructional assistance, study partners, and daily…

Investigates the emotional reactions associated with the bullying incident as reported by self-declared bullies and their victims, the behavioral reactions of victims, and the role of pupil sex and school level differences in emotional and behavioral reactions. Reports that victims experienced feelings of vengefulness, anger, and self-pity;…

Surveys elementary school children (N=289) to examine aspects of their social and contextual experiences in schools. Students classified as having poor relationships with teachers and poor bonds with school had poorer scores on self- and teacher ratings for social and emotional adjustment. Results provide researchers with descriptive typology that…

Explains the shadow-study observation record of a child's daily actions in an educational environment, describing the processes involved in the shadow-study technique. Suggests that the shadow study is suitable for use in any early-childhood classroom for a variety of purposes, providing valuable information to teachers and researchers. (JPB)

Presents the results from two surveys that explored the relationship between time of birth and being a day or night person. Explains that in survey one, U.S. high school students completed a questionnaire related to daytime or nighttime activity, while in survey two, U.S. college students completed the same questionnaire. (CMK)

Presents the design, national standardization, and validation of the Preschool Learning Behaviors Scale. A normative sample (N = 100) of preschoolers yielded distinct and reliable dimensions of Competence Motivation, Attention/Persistence, and Attitude Toward Learning. Correlations demonstrated validity convergence with indices of social skills,…

Investigates the level of object mastery motivation between children with Down syndrome and children without disabilities of matched mental age. Reveals that participants from both groups displayed age-appropriate behavior when playing with toys, while those with disabilities interacted less than the comparison group with the effect-production and…

States that teachers should understand their own assumptions about conflict and their approaches to it. Proposes a four-step model for conflict resolution: (1) identify the problem without blame; (2) brainstorm alternatives together; (3) agree on a solution; and (4) evaluate the result. Includes a section of conflict resolution resources by Steven…

Recommends strategies, based on current research into teaching and learning, that international students may use to improve their academic performance. (EV)

Explores gender construction through school interactions. Views gender as a socially produced category by analyzing various theoretical approaches. Develops the genderism of school conduct using two examples from German instruction stating that confusion with sexual orientation arises through the deconstruction of the assumed role and active…

Discusses a federal district court decision ordering a trial to determine if the New York City Public Schools created a "hostile work environment" in violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act by not protecting a Sri Lankan-born teacher from repeated ridicule and harassment by students. (Contains 10 references.) (PKP)