There is increasing recognition that the first few years of a child's life are a particularly sensitive period in the process of development, laying a foundation in childhood and beyond for cognitive functioning; behavioral, social, and self-regulatory capacities; and physical health. Yet many children face various stressors during these years…

The purpose of this case survey was to examine the reasons that students provide regarding why they are on academic probation and the efficacy of discussing the family life cycle among this group. Initially, a pilot population of 93 students on academic probation, who are a part of a multi-cultural community college in New York City, were surveyed…

The present study examined the associations between preservice teachers' help seeking tendencies, homework beliefs and behavior, and their individual characteristics such as academic delay of gratification, self-esteem, and self-handicap behavior (N = 63). The results indicated that preservice teachers who have a positive attitude toward help…

This paper describes the development of the Behavioral and Emotional Strengths Scale (BESS), developed as part of a program which focuses on strengths of children usually seen as having severe emotional and/or behavioral disorders. The BESS is a 68-item scale that identifies children's behavioral strengths on five dimensions: (1) self-control; (2)…

This report discusses the outcomes of a study that examined a hypothesis about the acquisition of behavioral inhibitions offered by Hans Eysenck, which suggests that what is often described as morality or conscience is acquired through conditioning experiences to which individuals respond differently according to their temperament-based…

Disruptive children in an after-school remedial reading class were taught to match teachers' evaluations of their behavior in the context of a token reinforcement program. (Editor)

From a special feature on "Violence & Agression. Other articles in the feature include "Agression in the Classroom by Fritz Redl, "Anger in Children by George V. Sheviakov, and "Scapegoating by Beryce W. MacLennan.

Evidence that parental firm control promotes effective socialization of children (i.e., promotes self-control, social responsibility) is examined, and a reinterpretation of existing measures of firm control that is consistent with attribution theory is offered. It is concluded that the notion that parental firm control promotes effective…

Discusses the variables related to punishment and describes alternative forms of discipline. Suggests the need for parent education programs to teach positive strategies for discipline problems in the school and home. (JAC)

A student explains how her participation in a cooperative education program benefited her total education; encouraged self-discipline; helped her to look at the world of work in a more positive light; allowed her to meet and appreciate many types of people; and prepared her for life after school. (CT)

Claims that students' self-discipline is the key factor in learning and that the structure of the school is the key factor in developing self-discipline in students. Suggests ways schools can develop awareness of the effects of their structures on student behavior and learning and make appropriate improvements. (PGD)

Describes Tolstoy's experimental school program as a forerunner of modern, open-education programs. In a radical departure from conventional, nineteenth century Russian educational practice, Tolstoy stressed individualized, independent learning with meaningful instructional materials. In his non-coercive classroom, self-discipline was founded on…

The notion that certain systems of reward may inhibit children's desire to participate in educational activities was investigated by reviewing recent research on intrinsic motivation. This research was critiqued from four theoretical perspectives: self-perception theory, personal causation, the overjustification hypothesis, and behavioral…