Offers suggestions relating to the general characteristics of young readers to aid library media specialists in effective teaching and communication. Topics discussed include physical access, dependence, and activity levels; the use of games and dramatic play; children's interests; conceptual development; and emotional needs and behaviors. (CLB)

Describes ways in which choral directors may help performers understand and interpret the affective aspects of music. Offers suggestions for analyzing music scores and for teaching students about a composition's background and emotional message. (LS)

Explains an intervention project which was initiated in response to the apparently increasing alienation of youth from traditional social organizations, their preoccupation with self and their diminishing concern for the welfare of others. Describes this longitudinal field experiment relative to background, research design, variables measured,…

An investigation of effects of community change on children's lives explored the proposition that, in both rural and urban Kentucky since the Second World War, children have lost shared multigenerational activities, freedom to roam, and open unstructured time. Data included oral histories from residents born 1895-1950, archival research, and…

Innovative or adaptive behavior of 86 eighth-grade students was rated by themselves, parents, and teachers using the Kirton Adaption-Innovation Inventory. The inventory was found to be reliable, stable, and valid. No significant differences between male and female students' scores were exhibited. Correlation with scores on the Comprehensive Test…

Reports on a study of 14,249 students to determine whether participation in specific extracurricular activities (athletics and fine arts) significantly reduces a student's likelihood of dropping out. Finds that, when all activities are examined, only athletic participation remains significantly related to dropping out. (ACM)

Disputes the commonly-held view that the Puritans of colonial New England were adamant opponents of alcohol consumption. Maintains that the tavern gradually became a central social institution, where food, drink, conversation, and entertainment ameliorated the stresses of daily living. (CFR)

By procrastinating, allowing others to keep them from studying, deliberately not trying, and using other "self-handicapping" strategies, students can convey that those circumstances, rather than lack of ability, are the reasons for subsequent poor performance. Survey data from 256 eighth-grade students indicated that boys use those strategies more…

Contends that, because the school curriculum is slow to adapt to societal change, the social studies curriculum is ripe for a needs assessment and change. Presents elementary social studies teachers with seven challenges of expanding communications technology. (CFR)

Reports on a study of the impact of group work with computers on male and female interaction in two classes of 9 to 10-year-old British students. Addresses concerns that, despite teachers' sensitivity to gender issues, expected benefits of intervention do not occur. Recommends increased emphasis on collaborative group work. (CFR)

Data were collected on the media exposure of between 64 and 101 Moroccan adolescents and their use of media images in social behavior, choice of mate, and career aspirations. Although males had more exposure to Western media, both sexes were eager to reconcile traditional Islamic and contemporary media-relayed values. (SLD)

The spoken language occurring when primary school children work in groups at the computer was examined. Findings suggest that discourse accompanying highly structured software conforms well to the initiation/response/follow-up (IRF) structure, with the computer often taking the initiating role. The more open-ended the program, the more…

Examines strategies used by Hmong adults learning to read and write in their first language. Data collected through classroom observation and translation from Hmong research assistants identified cooperative learning behavior, learning through example, concern with explicit direction and reluctance to perform in front of others as predominant…

Maintains that, during the intifada (the revolt of Palestinians against Israeli occupation), the social order and power bases in Arab schools in East Jerusalem were transformed by significant social change. Discusses the rapid decline in teachers' authority and students' abuse of teachers and their property. (CFR)

Reports a study that examined how one ethnically encapsulated white beginning teacher responded to African American students' unfamiliar ethnic behavior. Interviews, observations, and journal data indicated that he was underprepared to teach in multicultural settings and noted that ineffective interracial classroom relationships stifled learning…