This article examines various aspects of school physical characteristics relating to problem behavior among students. We hypothesize that an attractive physical environment will be associated with less truancy, cigarette, alcohol, and marijuana use, whereas a negative physical environment will be associated with higher levels of these behaviors.…

A study identified and compared the self-reported social, emotional, financial, and health problems of nontraditional, urban commuting college freshmen to determine their impact on academic success or failure. No significant correlations with achievement were found. Other findings included a greater number of emotional and health problems reported…

Sex and race differences in the problems and needs of medical students were investigated. The variables of marital status and the year in school were also considered. The results suggested that many important needs of first- and second-year medical students at Emory University were not being met. (Author/MLW)

Survey results show that planning and constant vigilance are the price of effective teaching. Effective classroom management involves awareness, good organizational skills, preparation, letting students know what is expected of them and following through, and the ability to diagnose student problems. (CT)

Recounts conclusions from interviews with disabled and nondisabled students concerning music preferences, experiences, and skills. Reports similar responses from the two groups, suggesting that the labels "disabled" and "handicapped" are unimportant for classroom instruction and routines. Concludes that dancing was the favorite…

Indicates the differences between preteachers' and experienced teachers' cognitive schemes for classroom management. Experienced teachers reported using more pro and antisocial strategies than did prospective teachers. Both relied on antisocial techniques for active misbehaviors and prosocial for passive. (JK)

In spring 1978, a study was conducted at a large community college in Southern California to determine what washroom graffiti revealed about the concerns of community college students. Graffiti were monitored for a 1-month period in one male and one female washroom in each of six classroom and general purpose buildings. Graffiti were copied…

This study compared teacher and parent ratings on the Homework Problem Checklist for 111 children (either learning disabled, behavior disordered, or typical; ages 7 to 17). The study found that both groups with disabilities experienced more problems than the typical children, and the group with behavioral disorders had the most pronounced…

Describes a survey of academic and personal stressors experienced by developmental college students. High ranking academic stressors included career and future goals, studying, tests/finals, and financial aid problems, while living conditions, personal appearance, lack of free time, and roommate conflicts were highly ranked personal stressors.…

Serious crises (death, divorce, hospitalization, moving, and physical, emotional, or sexual abuse) occur to the students a teacher sees daily, and teachers must learn to help students when these problems occur. To determine the extent and effects of such crises on academic work, students (N=300) from grades 2-6, 9-12 and college, who had undergone…

Reports on the results of several major studies of high school dropouts. Topics addressed are who drops out and why; school-related causes; and prevention policies and programs. Stresses the urgency of addressing the nationwide dropout problem and recommends courses of action. Appended are 19 references. (IW)

The authors studied truancy in junior high school students through structured interviews with 33 truants. Truancy at this age was commonly associated with significant difficulties at home, at school, and with peers. Two types of truants were delineated: "authority-defying" and "peer phobic." The school's role is discussed. (Author/SJL)

Research in counseling psychology continues to examine who uses university counseling services and why. Users (N=166) of counseling services at Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kansas during spring, 1983 completed the Bethany College Summary Sheet, an instrument which lists 20 topics of student concern and provides students with a section to check…

Survey recommends a treatment model that fosters latitude and allows for individual initiative within a framework. Group counseling in conjunction with an educational performance contract is advocated for serious behavior problems. (Author)

The opinion poll of public school teachers reported in this document is part of a series designed to report scientifically collected data that accurately reflects the views and experiences of specific groups of educators. For this study, a total of 3,300 teachers were included in the random sample and 1,265 (38 percent) responded. The responses of…