A survey of 180 dental students in 3 classes assessed student knowledge of computer-related topics and perceptions of the usefulness of computers in different areas of practice management. Computer ownership and use, computer-related courses taken, software types used, and student characteristics (age, sex, academic achievement, undergraduate…

Examines the life and work of a teacher of Japanese traditional dance ("Nihon Buyo") in the United States, K. Fujima. Describes the following: (1) Fujima's educational approach; (2) her students' learning experience; and (3) her contributions to the maintenance of Japanese ideal behavior in the communities in which she teaches. (SLD)

This paper cites published literature and quotations from parents in discussing the pressures of adolescence on hearing-impaired youth, rebellious behaviors that are specific to speaking and listening, adult attitudes regarding speech use and auditory function, and strategies for coping constructively with adolescence. (JDD)

This study compared learning style preferences among gifted African-American (n=54), Mexican-American (n=61), and American-born Chinese (n=40) middle grade students attending Chicago, Illinois, public schools. Significant ethnic, gender, and grade differences were found. All three groups preferred studying in the afternoon and bright light and did…

College women (n=403) attending the University of Kansas (Lawrence) commented on situations of refusal of desire for sexual relations when they actually did want them (scripted refusal). Consistent with theories of proximal determinants of gender-related behavior, scripted refusal provides a way of dealing with the sexual double standard. (SLD)

Lung cancer is a serious health problem among blacks, with a mortality rate of 119 per 100,000 black males, compared to 81 per 100,000 for white males. Smoking cessation efforts are most successful when tailored to the black community, using black community networks and broadcast media for black audiences. (SLD)

The sociocultural context of the lives of five Hispanic American and five Anglo learning-disabled adolescents was studied over a school year to determine everyday stressors and coping strategies. In addition to the typical concerns of adolescents, cultural conflicts and learning handicapped status are major sources of stress. (SLD)

Studies relationships between reported parental behavior and depressive tendencies, self-esteem, and ego development for 53 young women attending college in New Delhi (India) and 50 in New Haven (Connecticut). Results are discussed in terms of differing patterns of transmitting expectations to daughters in the two cultures. (SLD)

Considers state and national policies directed toward the homeless. Problems with policies for immunization and vaccination requirements, transportation, parent participation, domestic violence, and home schooling are discussed. Alternative solutions that may be more conducive to the education of the homeless are offered. (SLD)

The utility of teacher ratings of student academic performance and psychosocial behaviors as technically sound indirect measures of student outcomes was demonstrated in a long-term study of the effects of background variables on a cohort of Danish children (n=350). The Baker-Mednick Teacher Rating Form was developed for this purpose. (SLD)

Sensitivity to verbal and nonverbal communication was rated in brief samples of behavior by the following groups in Israel: (1) 39 fourth graders; (2) 37 seventh graders; (3) 33 tenth graders; (4) 23 teachers-in-training; and (5) 19 experienced elementary school teachers. Both students and teachers could detect differential expectancy information.…

A peer nomination assessment of 5 domains of children's competence was administered to 1,249 elementary school students. Factor analysis revealed two positive and two negative factors. Results indicate the structure of peer's perceptions of children's competence, and justify use of the measure to complement other methods of evaluation. (SLD)

Interpersonal and intrapersonal risk for substance use were investigated for 1,170 Caucasian and Hispanic American sixth and seventh graders, equally divided by gender. Mean use levels did not differ for ethnic groups. Across both gender and ethnicity, susceptibility to peer pressure and peer alcohol use were the best predictors of substance use.…

Discusses Art Costa's 14 Intelligent Behavior Characteristics and gives examples of picture books that apply to each characteristic, including persistence, decreasing impulsivity, listening, cooperative thinking, flexibility, metacognition, accuracy and precision, sense of humor, questioning, using past knowledge, risk taking, using all senses,…

Investigates rural and urban adolescents' perceptions of mental health. Provides insight into rural and urban students' perceptions of problematic behaviors, who should intervene, and how. Recommends that health care providers help adolescents expand their range of coping behaviors, especially in regard to alcohol abuse and violence. (Author/GCP)