Surveys 33 developmental studies using 12 different locus of control scales in the effort to learn how perceived internal control changes with age. A few studies show developmental declines in perceived control, about half show consistent developmental increases, and about half show mixed results or no significant developmental differences.…

A study of the persistence behavior of students who drop college courses included predictions concerning which students were most likely to drop courses, which courses were most likely to be dropped, and at what point in the semester students were most likely to drop courses. (Author/MLW)

Studies social personality types and assesses the relationship of Holland's secondary construct of consistency to persistence in college and academic achievement. Results indicated that, for both persisters and nonpersisters in college, subjects with higher levels of consistency achieve higher college grade point averages than subjects with lower…

The results in this experiment identified both partial and continuous reinforcement as efficacious procedures for reversing learned helplessness in college students. The partial success therapy schedule produced greater response persistence in escape extinction following therapy. The framework for a new therapy technique, persistence training, is…

A study to determine differences between graduating and withdrawing students in the University of Minnesota Dental Hygiene program is discussed. The identification of differences may prove useful in the selection process for future classes through identification of students likely to complete their education. (MLW)

It is proposed that retaining and promoting membership in alumni associations should have equal attention. An attractive membership benefits package can help retain members. Direct-mail promotion can take a number of forms, capitalizing on alumni's varied perceptions and motivations. A calendar is given for targeting promotions. (MSE)

What's been missing from traditional teacher training programs that may eventually cause stress-ridden teachers to burn out and leave the system? A focus on the emotional as well as the cognitive side of learning, says Kay Field, Director of the Teacher Education Program at the Chicago Institute for Psychoanalysis. (Editor)

The determinants of student attrition in higher education institutions are investigated using a causal model which synthesized research findings on job turnover and on student attrition. Many male/female differences were found but three surrogate measures for pay were found for both sexes to be related to intent to leave. (Author/LC)

The utility of personality measures as predictors of voluntary withdrawal from college was investigated. Four criterion groups were formed: high-achieving persisters and withdrawals, and low-achieving persisters and withdrawals. Two significant discriminant functions were found and interpreted as academic aptitude and social immaturity. (Author/GK)

Presents data on the underrepresentation of black and other minority teachers and provides recommendations for the recruitment and retention of minority teachers in gifted education in the context of affective, philosophical, and cultural considerations. Research needs are identified in the areas of demographic data, career decisions,…

Four models of undergraduate-level marketing internship programs representing commitments at different levels of the institution are examined. The models suggest varying roles for faculty, administrators, and students. It is suggested that any of the models can be useful in offering a high-quality internship program while contributing to overall…

All students benefit from being challenged by mathematics. Principals can help by letting students know it is okay to struggle and by helping parents understand the struggle. Communicating with parents about math programs can reduce parents' anxiety; create a strong, beneficial home-school partnership; help youngsters take responsibility for their…

Explored the demographic and enrollment characteristics of undergraduate borrowers, as well as their risk for not persisting to degree completion and the various types of loans and other financial aid they received. Data are from the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study. (SLD)

Explores how higher education institutions can develop a conceptual model for enhancing student learning and retention by merging the academic and student affairs unit, highlighting such efforts at Olivet College, Michigan. The article presents the societal context and guiding assumptions as they relate to the complex tasks of merging both…

This study investigated how child engagement in naturally occurring child care situations varied as a function of concurrent adult interactions and preexisting states. Interaction behaviors that were responsive without providing direction and those that were directive without responding to children were not associated with engagement. Individually…