Play interactions between six male autistic children (aged 8 to 12 years), younger normally developing kindergarten children, and nonhandicapped same-age peers resulted in gains for all (subjects were only those autistic children (6) observed; their autistic classmates were not observed) subjects in proximity, orientation, and responsiveness when…

The group dynamics of a peer tutoring program using three (instead of the traditional two) students helps learning-impaired students in both academic achievement and social development. Two students are learners, while the third serves as teacher. (CB)

A study assessed the social experiences and social development of kindergarten children enrolled in an after-school program. Subjects were these children and children attending only the morning kindergarten program. Study results indicated that both groups of children selected as friends the children in the after-school program and that programs…

Thirty first-born infants were filmed in face-to-face interaction with their mothers and unfamiliar adults each month between 1 and 7 months of age. Adults interacted both playfully and unresponsively. Developmental trends, differential responsiveness to mothers and strangers, and social expectations in face-to-face interaction were explored.…

The cultural distinction between Western and Middle Eastern Jews in Israel is a product of underlying cultural differences in mediating familial factors such as interdependence, size, and delegation of authority, as well as peer exposure. Middle Easterners were more cooperative than Westerners in rural settings, but not in urban areas. (Author/LHW)

Twenty-four empirical investigations of tutoring interventions with learning disabled students were evaluated. Although all authors favored tutoring, equivocal results were reported with few substantiated reports of social benefits to tutors or tutees. Methodological problems associated with such research in field settings are identified. A chart…

Studied a social developmental model of discounting. Experiments showed that discounting increased according to the degree of similarity between the task situation and subjects' earlier experience. Although older children discounted consistently, younger children discounted only after a relevant script-generating experience. (RJC)

Two approaches that apply Piaget's theory of cognitive development to the study of child psychopathology are presented. (PCB)

Canadian schools give high priority to the acquisition of desirable social beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors including appreciation of cultural diversity. A study of 101 secondary school students and 100 college students which focused on the ideals of equality and esteem for other cultures is described. Instructional approaches are discussed. (MT)

Examined how an unstable rather than stable view of dispositions--that is, personality traits and abilities--affected the motivational consequences of 7- and 8-year-old children's success and failure experiences, and their self-confidence and impressions of other persons. (SKC)

Literature on physical competence and peer relations is reviewed. It is concluded that physically competent children acquire more status and enjoy greater social success than do physically inept children. It is suggested that physical education can be used as an intervention strategy to enhance peer status. (Author/MT)

Because children are subjected to undesirable and confusing socialization messages from peer networks and the media, schools are now paying more attention to students' social development needs. To counter schools' hidden curriculum and help students cope with stress and avoid serious interpersonal difficulties, an eight-step Improving Social…

Describes a study that supports the idea that participation in sociodramatic play builds the language competence of young children and that play is vital part of good preschool programs. (HOD)

Gifted adolescents from minority groups face the same issues all gifted young people face, but the addition of racial and cultural factors increases the complexity of these issues. Discusses individual versus cultural pressures that affect identity, issues related to assisting students with long-range planning, and two models for programming.…

The technological progress in our modern society has reduced the amount of time a child engages in vigorous physical activity. A sound physical education program in the elementary school provides growth and development benefits, physiological and medical benefits, cognitive and academic benefits, and psychosocial benefits. (MT)