In social studies classes, there is a longstanding interest in how societies evolve and change over time. However, as stories of the past unfold, it is often difficult to identify a direct link between causes and effects, so students are forced to accept at face value the interpretations of economists, political scientists, historians,…

The persistence of dangerous initiation rituals in student organizations despite administrative and legislative efforts to end them is examined. (MSE)

Describes a specific technique that involves initiative games to assess the level of group cooperation among children ages 11 to 13 in a school setting. Describes the development of initiative tasks used in the evaluation and the observation procedure used. (SB)

The evolution of Project Adventure's Full Value Contract from its original No Discount format is described. Although wording varies among groups, all versions ask the group to create safe and respectful behavioral norms under which it will operate, to commit to those norms, and to accept a shared responsibility for their maintenance. (TD)

Describes a sixth-grade teacher's experiences in managing a student-centered classroom. The author describes her planning, the way in which she managed her initial disappointments and what she learned from them, and her ultimate success. (RJC)

The authors present activities that help students understand collective behavior in historical and contemporary settings. This topic is particularly appropriate for social studies content areas such as sociology, psychology, American history, and world history, yet it can also be included in the curriculum of other subject areas, such as language…

This article offers an overview of the life and work of Eileen Egan, a contemporary and passionate Christian leader whose values can inform religious education today. It argues that her critical questioning of the traditions, assumptions, and premises of Catholic teaching on war and peace is a sign of the emancipatory, transformative learning that…

The inservice program and materials described here focus on behaviors as they occur in groups, isolating them for purposes of identification and definition. Three group roles are identified in the program: task roles, unifying roles, and anti-group roles. A description is provided of program purposes, content, activites, resources, and history of…

Many decisions made by outdoor leaders are critical to the well-being of an entire group. Understanding the psychology of groups is important to successful leadership. This paper presents ways that individuals are motivated in groups, how groups respond, some symptoms of problems, and strategies to divert problems that can overwhelm a group.…

The practices and philosophy of a teacher whose physical education classes include orthopedically handicapped students are described. Independent learning and a productive learning environment are emphasized through learning activities which involve children cognitively and affectively while they develop psychomotor skills. (PP)

Playgrounds should be diverse and flexible so that children have many different opportunities for natural, creative play. Equipment should encourage group activities, challenge children at different levels of development, and enhance physical fitness. Such playgrounds could receive enthusiastic public support. (PP)

Durkheim's theory of education encompasses three components: (1) autonomy, (2) identification with a group, and (3) discipline. Since identification with a group is crucial, the exceptional child should be mainstreamed or integrated into the school and social situation so that s/he can become a part of society. (JN)

Inclusion behavior refers to associations between people in groups. It recognizes individuals by including them in group activity such as getting acquainted, relaxing, or just having fun. Activities are suggested for use in the classroom or training session as well as in social situations. (JAC)

Managing the psychological depth of responses to adventure activities calls for the leader to attend to own language and language of group participants. Describes eight levels of psychological depth occurring during group discussion and interaction. Addresses the need to stay at or above the agreed-upon level and avoid moving into psychotherapy.…

Describes student demonstrations on the night that U.S. planes bombed Iraq in the Persian Gulf War. Compares attitudes and feelings to the Vietnam War era. Concludes that the students incorrectly supported the Gulf War action. (CFR)