An analysis of the thematic patterns of young children's writing supports the idea that each child is in the process of constructing personal meaning through writing. The possible influences on these patterns, such as literature, feelings, teachers, art, music, family, television, and peers, as well as examples of first graders' writings, are…

Research on a team game designed to reinforce positive target behaviors is reviewed. Classroom organization, reinforcement criteria, when and how long to play the game, and reinforcement for winning teams are discussed, as are two variants on the original game. The game is found to be highly effective in reducing talking and out-of-seat behavior.…

Describes establishment of a group at Washington University (Missouri) that encourages doctoral students to write for publication, focusing on the quality of the written work. Steps taken in starting group are detailed, internal review process is explained, evaluation of the first year is shared, and implications for other social work programs…

Examined drug use, involvement in problem behavior, and family and peer predictors of these behaviors among Indian and white adolescents in a Canadian urban community. Found the groups had a similar rate for alcohol use; however, Indian adolescents showed higher rates and more frequent use of cigarettes, marijuana, solvents, and greater…

Asserts that an irony of academe is that professional judgments about teachers are made without direct knowledge of their teaching. Describes a four-part peer evaluation process used in a university sociology department. Discusses evaluation purposes, procedures, benefits, and dangers of the process. (CFR)

Describes the Seventh Grade Tobacco Prevention (S.T.E.P.) program, evaluating its impact on adolescent tobacco use, tobacco knowledge, and beliefs about tobacco use. Results revealed that same-age peers had the least effect in changing the students' knowledge level, had a negative effect on changing students' beliefs, and had a negative effect on…

Examines first graders' tacit shared understandings about composing as related to expectations about the processes and meaning of writing. Finds evidence of three cultural themes: (1) the processes of creating and sharing text-mediated relationships with others; (2) writing was used to explore "self" and the world; and (3) collaborative composing…

Examines the implications of process writing and peer review in one class of argumentative writing. Classroom consensus reflected the group's sociocultural organization and discouraged the writing of one marginalized student. The instructor and the powerful students legitimated biased critique and suppressed the less powerful student. (12…

Describes a study that used quantitative and qualitative inquiry to determine how collaborative learning relates to the achievement and persistence of first-year community college students. Examines the experiences of students enrolled in Seattle Central Community College's Coordinated Studies Program, an interdisciplinary, team-taught set of…

Examines hypotheses concerning the appeal of three types of feedback in the second-language writing process: teacher-, peer-, and self-directed feedback. Results show that students overwhelmingly prefer teacher feedback to peer feedback. (Author/CK)

Examined the role of individual characteristics and peer influences in evoking early substance abuse in young boys. Individual characteristics, such as fighting, hyperactivity, oppositional behaviors, and likability, were found to be pivotal in the development of substance abuse--more than friends' deviance. Results suggest that prevention…

Examines literature on peer education in Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) programs for youth. The review shows that peer involvement helps increase access to, and acceptance of, HIV/AIDS prevention messages, and enhances the possibility of behavior change. (SM)

Content analysis of dropout literature, 1984-88, identified school, peer, home/family, and intrapersonal variables related to dropping out, which were used in questionnaire development. The 269 out of 475 randomly selected American Council on Rural Special Education members indicated 11 dropout causes that should be national priorities for…

Reviews theories about heavy alcohol and drug use among American Indians. Presents path models linking drug use of Indian and non-Indian adolescents to socialization characteristics: family strength and attitudes, religious identification, school adjustment, and peer drug associations (the most important factor). Lists risk factors for Indian…

Recent court decisions are putting educational institutions on notice that positive actions to prevent sexual harassment in schools may be required to limit the school's liability. Providing information about sexual harassment to students and school personnel will help ensure that all parties are aware of their rights and responsibilities. (SLD)