A systematic communication skills workshop for teachers was investigated for its effectiveness in enhancing both teacher attitudes toward children and selected teacher behaviors associated with effective teaching. The training model was found to improve teacher attitudes and skills for 378 elementary school and secondary school teachers in South…

The results of four early intervention studies are analyzed and found to make a strong case for expecting educable-level achievements from children with Down syndrome. The importance of functional indicators of educability that can complement intelligence test results in determining an appropriate educational placement is stressed. (Author/JDD)

Asserts that the whole-language approach is a philosophy of language learning that integrates four modes of communication--listening, speaking, reading, and writing--with a focus on content comprehension. Discusses how the approach is used as a primary component of the Florida K-5 Program of Study. (CFR)

Argues that, if music is to remain a feasible part of the school curriculum, it must combine technology with traditional methods and materials. Contends that computer-assisted keyboard systems encourage cooperative learning, enhance student motivation, and provide opportunities for students to succeed at their ability level. Describes two middle…

Divergent perceptions within the mother-daughter dyad and the association of such divergence with the daughter's affective and behavioral well-being were examined for 161 mother-daughter pairs. Findings are discussed in terms of family members' different perceptions and concerning family systems and relationship approaches to understanding the…

Reports on a study of 323 Nigerian secondary students to determine what relationship exists between preferred and actual classroom environments and their approaches to learning science. Finds that Nigerian students prefer more teacher control, a less competitive atmosphere, and less emphasis on student friendships. (CFR)

Reports on a study of absenteeism and truancy in 36 secondary schools in 4 large Dutch cities. Found that students in vocationally oriented schools had higher rates of truancy. Also found that non-Dutch (ethnic minority) pupils had higher rates of absenteeism and truancy. (CFR)

Validity of auto-stereotypes and heterostereotypes of Japanese and Americans is reflected in the rank-order correlations of "own" and "other" judgments for 110 Japanese and 169 U.S. undergraduate students and is found to be a function of the similarity of the 2 cultures when reacting to an episode. (SLD)

This paper investigates the psychometric properties of the African Self-Consciousness (ASC) Scale in a noncollege heterogeneous population of 147 African Americans to determine the reliability and validity of the ASC Scale. Based on analysis of the scale's reliability, factor structure, and construct validity, the study shows the ASC Scale to be a…

Describes development and implementation of Life-Impact Curriculum at Children's Home Parkhill School for severely emotionally disturbed students in Tampa, Florida. Describes the home, the 16 students involved in the Life-Impact Curriculum, and the effects of participation in the curriculum. (NB)

In an experimental project, additional school health instruction was offered to eighth and ninth graders by infusing health topics and activities into required English classes. Eight teachers were trained to participate. Interviews with the teachers indicated; they and their students enjoyed the project; students increased health knowledge; and…

Major changes in educational and psychological theories that have come about since the cognitive and affective taxonomies of educational objectives were published in 1956 and 1964 are traced. The changes emphasize the need to understand thinking in the context of students' beliefs and self-directed cognitions. (SLD)

Study tested the hypothesis that teacher candidates who were exposed to a theory-oriented normative model and given theory-oriented reinforcement within a practice-oriented context would manifest more positive attitudes toward learning theoretical knowledge than those who were not so exposed. Results proved the hypothesis was plausible. (SM)

Argues that there appear to be sound biological and sociological reasons why gender differentiation of roles within childrearing families is necessary for society's good. Gender differentiation is important for child development and possibly for marital stability. Fathers are not the same as mothers nor should they be. (SLD)

Proposes engaging low achievers in science activities that appeal to their interests. Describes an example involving fishing that explores scientific concepts related to the search for bait, the fishing equipment, the use of solunar tables to determine the best time to go, processing the catch, and survival tips for the trip. (MDH)