Suggests that the cooperative learning group is more effective than the straight lecture method of teaching written business communication. States that, in an earlier study, students' comments showed maturation in the area of interpersonal relationship skills. Suggests procedures for structuring and implementing cooperative learning groups and…

This article presents a rationale and strategies for providing individualized transition planning for learning-disabled students preparing for postsecondary programs. The article stresses planning and goal setting, academic preparation, personal/social skill development, and student followup. Two case studies illustrate the strategies. (DB)

Adolescents (n=173) rated the academic and social characteristics of a male peer who was videotaped as a highly competent student and as an average student. Students judged the competent target as likely to be more successful in academic subjects, more socially acceptable, and a better leader than the less competent peer. (Author/JDD)

Investigated effects of predicate usage, facilitative skill level, and participant sex on ratings of empathic understanding. After listening to one of four audiotapes utilizing different counselor response modes, subjects (n=225) evaluated counselor empathy. Findings suggest that counselor communication skill level seems to be more important than…

Posits that students' social skills and cultural orientations are forms of capital that can be converted into other forms of capital, such as educational credentials. Argues that, within educational institutions, curricular structures create pressures and constraints on such conversions of capital. Discusses this argument in the context of two…

Several researchers' assumptions regarding social skills of individuals with learning disabilities are refuted as representing an "either/or" empirical view. A postmodern view is presented, contending that exceptionalities are differentiated by looking at the quality of behaviors and possible antecedents rather than comparing them quantitatively,…

Comparison of two interventions on the peer social interactions of 105 young children with and without hearing impairments found that the integrated activities intervention resulted in greater gains in total positive peer interaction than the social skills intervention. However, withdrawal of either intervention resulted in decreased peer…

A survey of 300 professionals supporting cooperative learning or supporting gifted education found strongly differing intergroup views. Professionals differed in the areas of level of challenge in the cooperative-learning curriculum, extent of evaluation of cooperative learning, development of social and leadership skills, role of gifted students…

Support from community recreation staff facilitates successful transition and integration of persons with disabilities from hospitals or schools to communities. Functional independence requires leisure activity skills, choice-making skills, social and friend-making skills, and support networks. The article examines research on integrated community…

Examined factor structure of responses to Chinese version of General Health Questionnaire from 2,150 Chinese secondary school students. Found that, although five-factor model (Anxiety, Depression, Inadequate Coping, Social Dysfunctioning, and Sleep Disturbances) was able to fit data, higher-order model with same five primary factors and…

This workshop section includes four essays: (1) "Building Lifelong Relationships: School Age Programs at Work" (Cindy L. Teachey); (2) "Building Friendships in School Age Programs" (Joan M. Bergstrom); (3) "On the Rocky Road to Friendship: Emerging Peer Relationships" (Kay Albrecht); (4) "Helping Teachers Understand Their Role in Supporting Peer…

Contends that students who have been referred by teachers for behavioral problems, lack of social skills, or poor academic performance should be interviewed by school counselors and invited to join new group being formed to develop and practice friendship skills. Discusses how to organize such a group, and presents 15 group steps. (NB)

Discusses how teachers can aid young children in developing social skills in and outside the home through reading and discussing books that present characters and social situations with which children can identify. Discusses several such child-recommended book titles from "Children's Choices" and includes an annotated bibliography of additional…

Contends that discipline is a subject to be taught, just as reading and mathematics are taught. Advocates establishment of an ongoing curriculum in self-control, social participation, and human development. Considers nonviolence as a core curriculum and views discipline as conflict resolution. (NB)

Describes Camp Atwater (North Brookfield, Massachusetts), a summer residential camp founded in 1921 to assist African-American children in developing leadership, character, citizenship, interpersonal communication skills, personal and educational confidence, environmental awareness, physical fitness, and cultural awareness. Describes Camp…