Discusses how the terms, "discourse,""education," and "identity," are interwoven in the collection of papers in this issue as well as how, as theoretical constructs, they are differently inflected within individual papers. The article points out that all the papers engage with both the micro- and macro-levels of analysis. (8 references) (Author/CK)

Profiles mentoring programs sponsored by the Australian Library and Information Association. Topics include informal support as well as structured training sessions; group mentoring for new graduates; the use of e-mail; peer circles for newer professionals; and a facilitated mentoring pilot project in Queensland. (LRW)

A frequently cited precipitant of gay and lesbian nonfatal suicidal behavior is the turmoil associated with coming out to one's family. This study investigated young adults' attitudes toward peers who engaged in suicidal behavior after coming out and being rejected by their parents, and compared them with attitudes toward persons who had become…

Reports an investigation of the outcomes of a Peer Support scheme for the students who are supported. Attendance at Peer Support sessions was positively and significantly correlated to academic performance; however, students who attended sessions adopted less meaning oriented approaches to studying over the course of the year. Results suggest the…

Peer groups of nursing students met five times per semester. Data from experimental (n=45, n=22) and control (n=44, n=31) groups in spring and fall were collected at three points. Emotional well-being and professional socialization were not enhanced by group experiences; 40% described the groups as completely negative. (Contains 51 references.)…

Notes that Juvonen and Graham's edited work brings together perspectives on peer harassment from eight different countries in articles ranging from a focus on the individual as victim or bully to group processes that support peer harassment in school, and theoretical perspectives. Considers the book valuable for scholars interested in peer…

Criticizes the current tendency to deal with the cultural styles of adolescence rather than the concrete problems of adolescents. Reviews the literature in order to determine the current perception of adolescence. Suggests methods of research which reflect more than a preoccupation with the youth culture. (KO)

Some ideas are presented for structuring student groups in second-language classes in a way to encourage them to work together more productively. Eight types of positive interdependence are explained. (Contains 14 references.) (LB)

Discuses briefly how, by understanding the social distances that define and separate students' self-selected peer crowds in secondary schools, school staff can help students with peer pressures, develop their own identities, and succeed academically. (SR)

A study of 100 elderly people was carried out to determine whether well-being was more affected by having a confidant or by having a confidant and a social network (the Weiss model). The two models were evaluated by comparing the relative influence of the confidant variable with the peer group variable. Both were of equal importance to well-being.…

Reviews existing evidence and presents new evidence supporting the view that gender segregation in play may be in part the result of gender differences in physiological and behavioral reactions to emotional arousal and its regulation. Suggests that differences in contexts that elicit arousal in boys and girls may also contribute to gender…

Investigates effects of training for peer response in freshman composition classes during one semester. States that students in the experimental group were trained via teacher-student conferences where teachers met with students to practice peer response strategies, while students in the control group received no systematic training. Finds that…

Analyzes college writing teachers' dialog learning logs. Finds that groups of teachers developed particular learning foci. Discusses response patterns in log writing and in group interactions. (SR)

This case study of peer mediation at one urban high school examines who benefits and how they benefit. Data from observations of peer mediator training, mediation sessions, interviews, and school records indicate that though peer mediation is designed to resolve conflicts in school, it is the mediators themselves who benefit most from the…

Discusses the 15-session Structure/Themes/Open Communication/Reflection/ Individuality/Experiential Learning/ Social-Problem-Solving (STORIES) program, which uses the peer group and story form as vehicles to improve social problem solving for aggressors, victims, and bystanders. Postintervention reports show decreases in externalizing and…