Uses an 8-item Social Responsibility Scale to investigate social responsibility in a study involving 149 U.S. undergraduate students. Observes that satisfaction with the university and gratification delay are more powerful predictors of social responsibility among males. Identifies the socially responsible as those satisfied with an organization…

Describes a taxonomy of computer user modes in distance education and identifies three major learning and behavioral processes that are extended by computers: (1) information processing; (2) interaction; and (3) communication. Highlights for each process include the relationship to other media, pedagogical functions, hardware and software, and…

This review and commentary on research on signs of giftedness in preschool children focuses on feats and failures of child prodigies, development and measurement of early giftedness (including acceleration through developmental stages and early predictors of giftedness), and effects of caretaker child interaction on precocious development. (JDD)

Interactive dialogues between teacher and student or between student and student were used to teach revision skills to 18 adolescents with learning disabilities or English as a Second language. Both intervention conditions were equally effective in promoting clarity and thematic salience in trainees' reportive essays. (Author/JDD)

Four high school students who were peer tutors to students with severe disabilities received social interaction training and were then compared to four controls. The training increased the frequency of initiations of interactions from tutors, increased the proportion of social rather than task interactions, and increased targeted social behaviors…

Analysis of questionnaires completed by parents of 91 young blind children and 74 matched sighted children indicated that sighted children engaged in more complex levels of play at an earlier age; blind children interacted less frequently with other children than did sighted children; blind children preferred tactile-auditory games and toys; and…

The durability of positive personal changes observed in 47 women's studies students 9 months after the last week of class was studied. Positive effects, including changes in interactions and the willingness to adopt new roles and behaviors, lasted through the follow-up, suggesting the usefulness of womens' studies for personal change. (SLD)

The three undergraduate schools of Columbia University work together to plan and finance free excursions with students, hosted by faculty and administrators, in and around New York City. An evaluation indicates that, although the program does not generate substantial student-faculty interaction, it is well received by students and faculty, for…

Described are examples of classroom exercises that use interactive graphics software for personal computers to enhance the teaching of statistical concepts by allowing students to generate multiple examples, make conjectures, and verify their findings about the concept. The transfer of this interactive tool to other subject areas is suggested.…

Offers examples of good Soviet art teachers and their ideas. Describes an art teacher who allows children to draw in any position so as to free natural creativity. Tells of programs to develop children's interest and ability in folk art, architecture, and life. Stresses the importance of sincerity of interaction and innovation. (DK)

Presents results of a study of adolescents' responses to being touched. Breaks downs findings by status and sex of toucher, age and sex of subject, and type of touch and part of body being touched. Concludes that effective use of touch depends on conforming to expectations in terms of how, where, and by whom child is touched. (DK)

The notion of "Shido" (comprehensive social involvement of the teacher in guiding the student) explains how Japanese educational system incorporates, without conflict, apparently contradictory elements: egalitarian group focus in elementary school and student stratification by ability and socioeconomic status in high school. Focuses on…

In this case study, interactions were examined between features of Rett syndrome and operant conditioning as determinants of self-injurious behavior (SIB). Analysis suggested different functions for two forms of SIB: automatic reinforcement by sensory stimulation and escape from social interactions. Features of Rett syndrome tended to maximize the…

Paraprofessionals provided informal social support to 92 low-income parents during pregnancy and for a year afterward. Mother-infant interaction was better at four months in the home-visited families than in controls, especially with teen and Hispanic mothers. Positive and irritable or fearful mothers appeared to benefit more than passive or…

This article presents research on making the college classroom conducive to learning for women. The presence of sexism in language, sexist classroom behaviors, and the absence of information about the achievements, roles, and experiences of women from curricular content may leave female students alienated from what they are learning. (Author/MLW)