Used social behavior ratings from observers, teachers, and parents to predict kindergartners' perceptions of peer acceptance. Found that friendship skill predicted parent- and child-reported peer acceptance. Shyness/withdrawal inversely predicted teacher-reported peer acceptance. Aggression did not predict peer acceptance. Girls were rated as more…

Describes a team-taught college course designed to develop philosophical literacy among students as groundwork for future humanities courses. Unifying motif was "dialog" between faculty from different areas of expertise; the concept of philosophy as dialog; and the student-teacher relationship as dialog. Discusses course design, lessons learned,…

Qualitative data about the Baltimore (Maryland) Educational Scholarship Trust, a program to place disadvantaged and talented African-American youth in private schools were analyzed. The study reveals that peer networks of African-American students in predominantly White elite independent schools support these students' academic success, allow them…

Studied the extent to which friends influenced the prejudices and stereotypes of white adolescents by evaluating race, homosexuality, HIV/AIDS, fat prejudice, and sex-role stereotyping. Found friends' prejudices and stereotypes were not associated. Examined possible explanations including discussion among friends, lack of questioning of apparent…

Examines correlates of perceived popularity among black middle school students versus other groups. Survey responses from 24,024 eighth graders, their parents, teachers, and school administrators shows that, except for black females, athletic status yielded stronger correlations with perceived popularity. For black females, the strongest predictor…

Fifty deaf and hard-of-hearing students mainstreamed in postsecondary classes rated their classroom communication ease with hearing instructors, hearing peers, and deaf peers. Both quantitative and qualitative results indicated that students varied considerably in their communication with hearing peers and professors, in their relations with deaf…

A study investigated graduate and professional educational experiences that promote contextual knowing. Seventy students described these experiences as opportunities to struggle with ideas and formulate their own opinions, connect their beliefs to their own lives, use experiences in the learning process, engage in learning as equal partners with…

This survey found that middle and high school students (n=1,137) believe friendship with a student with a severe disability is more likely to occur if the student is included in the general education class, if cooperative learning is used, if information on disabilities is given, and if integrated social activities are arranged. (CR)

Early childhood classrooms characterized by a predominance of second-language learners have emerged in unprecedented numbers. This article examines a model of peer collaboration to take into account how children's evolving social relationships served as an impetus for talk in English. Implications for research and practice are discussed. (Author)

Examined how social aspects of a peer collaborative context related to differences in adolescents' interpretations of task and social problems while collaborating with peers in a naturalistic classroom setting. Found that salience of social problems, gender, and friendship were important for understanding project performance. Explored the value of…

Explored the relation between types of peer behavior in young children to children's level of intention understanding. Found level of intention understanding predicted types of overtures made, types of objects offered, monitoring of partner responses, partner compliance, and types of speech acts addressed to partners. (Author/DLH)

Interviewed 22 children, ages 7-9, in a mixed-age classroom about their conceptions of peer interaction and collaboration and about what it means to teach someone something. Found that children know they can teach their peers and are able to shift between acting as teacher and as learner in the active role. (DLH)

A study examined the accounts of parents of 515 Hong Kong students with special needs of their children's experiences. Academic requirements were found to be a great burden to children and parents. Children with intellectual impairments, autism, and hyperactivity encountered more problems in peer relationships. (Contains references.) (CR)

Maintains that the study of peer relations has focused heavily on children's dyadic experiences. Argues that an analysis of children's experiences at the network or group level provides an equally compelling perspective on their relations within their peer system. Shows how the dynamics of peer networks determine social experiences and influence…

Describes ICEA (Iowa Chemistry Education Alliance), a consortium of high school chemistry instructors and university faculty that developed concept-oriented modular units for the high school chemistry curriculum and provided teachers with opportunities for peer collaboration. Discusses the ICN (Iowa Communication Network) that has synchronous…