Examined conversations among a group of kindergarten girls who used the school-defined task of writing to maintain social cohesion in their peer social interactions. Because of the genres and form of their writing, they were able to use the writing to further individual status aspirations, which created tensions within the group. (42 references)…

When a male student enrolled, a university program designed to prepare counselors for helping women experienced problems in terms of other students' feelings of safety and trust in sharing experiences, qualitative differences in topics discussed, and use of experiential learning drawn from women's life experiences. (SK)

Describes a study that measured preschoolers' use of microcomputers in the following areas: (1) efficiency of use of input devices, including the keyboard, the joystick, and the mouse; (2) use during free-play activities, including interaction with the microcomputer and with each other; and (3) gender differences. (40 references) (LRW)

Reports on a pilot study in which a proposed design model was developed to characterize intergroup communication among designers, developers, and users. Design roles, themes, and networks based on two histories of design situations are described for several design phases; and future work is suggested. (24 references) (LRW)

Examines historical discourse and relationships among Chicano, Chicana, and feminist movements. Surveys 101 Chicanas in higher education on current feminist discourse. Responses include "liberal reformist,""revolutionary," and "Chicano nationalistic" interpretations. Examines historical tension between Chicano…

Principals must understand their responsibilities for special education programs mandated under Public Law 94-142. Principals should become familiar with the student referral process and prereferral intervention programs. Because principals frequently conduct evaluation meetings and chair individualized education program meetings, they must know…

Reports a study of racial identification that provides empirical support for a multidimensional approach. The study involves interviews with 162 African Americans (62 males and 100 females) over 18 years. Results confirm the psychological, physical, and sociocultural parameters of racial identification and thus the multidimensional approach to…

Describes aspects of a year-long classroom research project designed to explore ways to teach discussion skills. Points out how teacher authority and gender roles influence classroom interaction. Maintains that analyzing their own discourse, students can learn about the authority they must assume (and its nuances) to participate in classroom…

To explore group maturation in an educational setting, the policy board of a teacher center consortium was studied over a year, using ethnographic research methods. The group proceeded through various development stages, but not according to the predicted pattern, and failed to reach maturity. Maturation was disrupted by the director's dominating…

Shows that, because the school administration did not recognize the need for team building, a group of four magnet theater teachers did not form an effective group. Discusses how unresolved task, procedural, and interpersonal conflicts, and a lack of confidence in themselves as theater professionals also prevented the formation of an effective…

Considered the relation between peer status and aggressive behavior, the temporal relation between peer group behavior and emerging sociometric status, differences in behavioral correlates of peer status as a function of time that peers have known each other, and age differences in the consistency of status across settings and in behavior patterns…

A conceptual model offering four perspectives on organizational life (structural, human resources, political, symbolic) is outlined, and it application to the formal organization of a newly-established urban higher education center is described. Use of the model was found to enhance analysis of problems and understanding of organizational…

Summarizes a study based on an examination of 30 highly rated nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in a dozen Latin American and Caribbean countries. Explains the terms "grassroots support organizations" (GSOs) and "membership support organizations" (MSOs). Suggests operation strategies for these organizations, particularly…

Maintains that business writing students need to be prepared for the collaborative work and writing they will face in the workplace. Explores ethical problems with the collaborative approach in the classroom. Describes practical solutions to those problems. (SR)

Nine local groups of general practitioners in Norway participated in a study of the usefulness of peer group discussion of actual cases as a means of professional development. Physicians brought referral cases and feedback (correspondence) from the specialist concerned to the group for analysis and received suggestions for further study. (MSE)