A study of 1,478 adolescents (364 males and 1,114 females) attending 10 private schools nationally explored factors influencing male and female adolescent sexual behavior. Most factors examined were significantly correlated with sexual intercourse frequency. Few gender differences were observed. Differential peer association was the strongest…

Describes a project that addresses the problem of the failure rate of African-American and Hispanic students in calculus. Discusses a solution that offers minority students a combination of workshops with intensified sections of the calculus course that challenge the students. (MDH)

Explains 2 decision-making problems presented to 188 undergraduates enrolled in introductory psychology classes to teach the principles governing individual and collective decisions. Shows individual interest outweighed mutual benefit. Promotes active learning about psychology and scientific skills while stimulating personal development (CH)

The social context of school reform efforts is examined. It is argued that the intended modern school curriculum, designed to produce self-motivated, active learners, is undermined by classroom policies that emphasize simple obedience. Alignment of curriculum and a revised management scheme that serves as an instructional scaffold are recommended.…

Findings indicated that high school and college students who drank frequently were more depressed than students who drank less often. However, frequent drinkers recorded higher self-esteem scores than less-frequent drinkers, contrary to findings in other studies. (RJM)

Contends that educators, researchers, and parents spend considerable time and resources deciding which lessons to teach children to help them maximize their abilities. Describes seven lessons to help children develop self-confidence, ask good questions, take intellectual risks, and attempt responsibility for themselves. (CFR)

Discusses the effect of "Nero," holding that, where a college or university rents space to a student who has simply been accused of a criminal act, it may be held liable for subsequent criminal acts by that student. Argues for a middle ground of responsibility between the doctrine of "in loco parentis" and institutional…

This study used qualitative and quantitative methods to examine the effects on students' learning, motivation, attitude, participation, and critical thinking when prediction activities were used in teaching genetic concepts in high school biology. The prediction activities enhanced students' critical analysis, interest, and participation.…

Study compared academic performance in eighth graders from natural parent families and single-parent and parent-stepparent families. National Educational Longitudinal Study data indicated the effects of alternative family structures were strong and consistent but reduced or eliminated for single-mother families when controlling for race and…

Two students (ages 10-11) with learning disabilities exhibited improved on-task behavior and academic performance during self-monitoring procedures, with additional increases resulting from self-graphing procedures. However, little improvement in on-task behavior and academic productivity was noted with the introduction of self-reinforcement and…

A nationwide survey of ninth and eleventh grade students examined knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Results indicate that students understand primary means of transmission but are confused about others. Most desire HIV education at school; many hesitate to attend school with infected classmates.…

Normative and psychometric properties of a recently developed teacher checklist, the Academic Performance Rating Scale (APRS), were studied using 493 urban elementary school children (251 males and 242 females). The APRS was a reliable and valid source of information about the quality of a student's academic performance and behavior. (SLD)

Data from 404 university students (28% females; 72% males) enrolled in a discrete mathematics course were analyzed to explore gender differences. Concludes that differences associated with confidence, self-concept, test anxiety and quantitative ability, detrimental to women were overcome by increased assignment work and tutorial attendance to…

Examines a model and provides possible causal explanations for the increasing number of acts of racial violence, the rise of racism on college campuses, and the attendant implications for public policy. Causes for increased racial violence are complex and can be outlined in the Holistic Model of Ethnoviolence. (JB)

Used longitudinal data from a sample of African-American children of teenaged mothers in the Baltimore, Maryland, area to examine determinants of functional literacy in adulthood. Found that preschool cognitive and behavioral functioning predicted literacy in young adulthood. Family environmental factors that predicted literacy in young adulthood…