Discusses the functions and structures of the French university system and places the May 1968 student revolt and subsequent reforms in historical perspective. Concludes that the desired transformation of the system has not taken place because many old educational practices have been revived even though old structures have been demolished.…

Defines and discusses instructional games in terms of their uses in education. Nine categories are suggested for assessing games: instructional development, skills development, perceptual development, development of social awareness, pupil's readiness, use, design quality, adaptability, and flexibility and validation. (MS)

Human social and cognitive development is largely an outcome of the child rearing practices of the cultural subgroups which make up modern society. While the social classes are the most pervasive and powerful in their influence, ethnic subgroups are also effective. (MS)

High-quality early childhood education programs provide young children with experiences that promote healthy cognitive and social development and the basis for thriving in school. Over the past 20 years, states have made strides in terms of their attention to and provision of early childhood education. While 20 years ago, only about 10 states…

Achieving the kind of balance that encourages all children to learn, work, and contribute to their fullest potential has been a continuing challenge as the world grows more complex and our communities more fragmented. Aspects of education that have been referred to as character education, service learning, citizenship education, and emotional…

Sure Start Scotland is part of a broader action program for children from birth to age three and their families with the objectives of improving children's social and emotional development, health, and ability to learn, as well as strengthening families and communities. This summary report details a "mapping" project to identify services…

Written by a 2000 winner of the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences, this paper explores the assumptions and foundations of current policies toward skill formation. The paper examines the conventional wisdom articulated by political leaders and draws on a body of recent scholarship that challenges many of the premises that govern popular policy…

Compared to the rest of the school day, recess is a time when children have more freedom to choose what they want to do and with whom. In light of the current climate of school accountability, this Spanish-language Digest discusses research on recess and its relationship to learning, social development, and child health, as well as research on…

Parents and schools working together to build students' social, emotional, and academic skills can accomplish far more than either group working alone. Both schools and parents can contribute in unique ways to make the partnership fruitful. Handouts included with this packet offer small things that all parents can consider doing. When done on a…

This study used a social constructivist approach to examine parents' child rearing beliefs and practices and children's social interaction and social understanding in two Vietnamese and two Pilipino immigrant families. The parents were interviewed and observed at home. Four 5- to 8-year-olds were studied in various areas of social development,…

This paper discusses the development of convoy relationships in early childhood and reviews research on the processes responsible for continuity and change in convoy relationships from early childhood through late adolescence. Convoy relationships are thought to develop from a core of early attachment relations that provide initial support to the…

A study examined features of camps and camp staff that might affect the personal and social benefits of organized camping for children. Questionnaires were completed by 29 camp directors and 270 campers aged 8-14 from 33 residential camps across the United States. Results indicate that higher personal and social outcomes were associated with…

Although classroom group games have been used to effectively teach mathematics in Korean kindergarten, ethnographic research has revealed some unexpected negative effects of such games on young children due to children's over-competitiveness and the teacher's unskilled group management. This paper proposes some activity plans for group games to…

Research suggests that the use of positive social skills with peers early on can lead to the development of positive peer relationships, acceptance, and friendships. Although many children develop these positive social skills naturally, some children do not. Children who are withdrawn as well as young children with mental retardation, autism,…