Lack of proper discipline in schools has long been a major concern of the public. Proposals on how to improve discipline have ranged from the bizarre to the cruel. Educators and administrators must devise alternative punishments to replace traditional methods, such as corporal punishment, suspension, and expulsion, that are frequently ineffective.…

This paper reviews traditional, male-orientated theories of college student development, along with more recent theories that address the experiences of college women, and presents an analysis and synthesis of both groups of theoretical constructs. Student development is defined in terms of academic, personal, and professional achievement and…

Problematic issues in developing preservice teachers' capacities for reflection include: distinguishing reflective thinking from reflective action; immediate versus extended time frames for reflection; the complexity of critical reflection and the need to foster it over a considerable period; and the role of problem solving in reflection. An…

The University 101 course seeks to create an attitude among freshmen that helps them appreciate the value of higher education, to point the way to university resources that will allow them to develop to their fullest potential, and thereby to cause more of them to survive the freshman year. This study of first-term freshmen at Tennessee…

Rapidly changing demographics are forcing more and more Americans to interact with people who are different from themselves. Americans must become more sensitive to cultural diversity. One way to address this challenge at the university level is to offer courses in intercultural communication. At one university, an upper level course in…

Many programs have tried to offset the problems with which many children of low socioeconomic status (SES) enter public schools. Some of these programs have attempted to better prepare preschool children for school, while others have tried to help children already struggling in school. The United States has one of the highest child-poverty rates…

This guide, designed to accompany the "Middle Level Leadership Handbook" student guide, is helpful in assisting student advisers in building student leaders and overseeing student organizations. The guide begins with a section on leadership that covers how to process a learning experience, organize beliefs, and form ideas on leadership.…

Reanalysis of past research on student outcomes and adjustment illustrates that school effects do exist. One of those influential school effects is school climate. A survey of teachers and students at eight Swedish junior high schools sought to measure the effects of teaching and social climate on student achievement, behavior, and social and…

This paper discusses the comparative philosophical tenets and practices of Germany's Waldorf and state schools with regard to the creativity thinking ability of students. Waldorf schools, developed some 70 years ago, are based on the philosophy of creative idealism known as anthroposophy. A study of 1165 third through sixth grade children from…

Recent work in the field of child and adolescent social skills is synthesized in this volume with new and unpublished information. The first three chapters provide a foundation for conceptualizing and assessing child and adolescent social skills. Chapter 1, "The Nature and Value of Social Skills," provides a definition, examples, historical…

A solid foundation in current literature in the field of student affairs is provided. New in this edition are an expanded theory section, expanded coverage of diversity issues, management and outcomes, and discussion of the impact of college on students. Part 1, "Historical Roots and Contemporary Context," includes chapters (1) "Historical…

This paper presents an overview of the affects of sexual harassment on middle schools and discusses what can be done to prevent it. This paper suggests that school personnel must educate students about sexual harassment, and videos can be a particularly effective way to do this. Recent studies have shown that 81 percent of all students, grades 8…

This report profiles 10 public schools that, with help from businesses or community-based organizations, have created outstanding arts programs. A quality arts education helps students develop creative and critical thinking, innovative problem solving, effective communication, self-discipline, teamwork, and a respect for diverse cultures. The…

It is clear that highly talented, precocious youth who are motivated to develop their talents need teachers, curriculum, and peers who are able to operate educationally at advanced levels. They should be provided the educational challenge needed to sustain and encourage development of their talents to the highest levels of creative achievement or…

Retention, the practice of requiring a child to repeat a particular grade, is often presented as the answer for poor academic or behavioral performance in school. To explore the effectiveness of this approach, the long-term impact of retention is discussed here. The paper focuses on students who were retained in kindergarten and these students'…