This document presents a critical analysis of two of the most popular types of programs that schools have implemented to prevent violence among students: (1) mediation programs, and (2) conflict resolution curricula. While both promote interpersonal skills necessary to prevent violence, their effectiveness has not been evaluated adequately. These…

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between mentally retarded children's social status and their social behavior as perceived by their peers in the mainstream classroom. For purposes of comparison, the relationship between nonretarded children's social status and their perceived behavior was also assessed. Sociometric surveys…

This paper describes a teaching model designed for improving the group interaction and leadership skills of outdoor leaders during wilderness trips. The teaching can involve lecture, discussion, and experiential work. An understanding of the following elements enables students to increase their knowledge of group dynamics: (1) stages of group…

This book offers a unique and thorough look at the lives of 73 men and women in their 50s who were asked to reflect and comment on a variety of life issues. Chapter 1 explores the invisibility of the 50s, differing perspectives of men and women, why new myths are needed to give oneself form and meaning, and why one must think in terms of…

A study evaluated the longitudinal effect of a planned in-school practicum experience addressing cultural diversity on the self-perception of student teachers regarding their interpersonal competence in such situations. Subjects were 18 student teachers of agricultural education and 6 student teachers of family and consumer science enrolled in the…

Noting that working and playing in caring and cooperative ways is an important goal in today's culturally-diverse society, this instruction program is designed to improve the teamwork skills of children in grades 2-4. Through the program, children learn important skills of planning, cooperating, and appreciating differences. The program consists…

This study investigated the relationship between mothers' ideas about personal values and educational principles and their provision of learning experiences, language stimulation, physical environment, pride, academic orientation, social maturity, and variety of experiences and acceptance for their preschool children. Subjects were 52…

This book provides a blueprint for teens for building friendships. The book contains suggestions for improving friendship skills, making a good first impression, and getting along with others. Also covered are people skills for use in many social situations, and keeping friendships healthy. Following the introduction, chapter one, "The Basics…

Although mastery motivation appears to predict school success, individual assessment of mastery motivation is too time consuming and limits the application of this research. This study examined the psychometric properties of the Dimensions of Mastery Questionnaire (DMQ). The study focused on the validity of the measure for Head Start parents,…

Young people need help in learning how to use alternative dispute resolution skills at school. Methods for teaching these skills are presented in this manual. The training centers on the following major themes: The Mediation Process, Cultural Diversity, Communication Skills, Feelings, Mediation Techniques, Dealing with Difficult Situations, and…

Young people need help in learning alternative dispute resolution skills at school. Teaching high school students how to understand conflict and then develop effective ways to deal with it is the purpose of this program. Designed for five 3-hour sessions using two trainers, it is organized around seven major themes: The Mediation Process, Cultural…

One of the most robust approaches to researching parents' influence on children's social competence is the study of what has been called "parenting style." Parenting style captures two important elements of parenting: parental responsiveness and parental demandingness. Categorizing parents according to whether they are high or low on…

This book presents a guide for setting up a new teacher mentoring program. Chapter 1, "Relating," stresses the important part a relationship plays in the mentoring process. A set of introspective exercises teaches ways to establish trust and pay attention to nonverbal communication. Chapter 2, "Assessing," provides ways to gather and diagnose data…

A study was done to examine the role of college student drinking games, the consequences of playing drinking games, and the motivational nuances involved in playing these games. A typology of drinking games is presented; it includes five categories: (1) consumption games (who can consume the most alcohol during a given event); (2) skill games (the…

Research on spoken discourse that was conducted for three master's theses at the University of Oulu is summarized. The studies were as follows: (1) an examination of linguistic strategies realized in business negotiations, based on an analysis of six recordings of simulated negotiations between eight Finnish engineers and a native speaker of…