This article describes a model that deals with classroom behavior problems by incorporating contextual or setting events with traditional learning theory models. The paper discusses examples of setting events that affect children's aggression, ways to assess the effects of setting events on student behavior, and ways in which teachers can…

Compares the Group Valence Model (GVM) to several derived versions of the Valence Distribution Model (VDM), as they relate to the group problem-solving process. Suggests that, not withstanding predictive accuracy, the VDM seems generally inferior to the GVM, which consistently accounts for more of the decision-making phenomenon. Discusses…

This commentary responds to a critique (EC 601 711) of a paper (EC 211 387) concerning use of cluster analysis to develop a taxonomy of lifestyles of families with severely mentally retarded children. The commentary considers the model to be useful in social science inquiry, and properly validated when using cluster analytic techniques. (JDD)

Discusses problems for educational research posed by the unpredictability and indeterminism of human behavior. Presents a theory of purposeful behavior (perceptual control theory) to provide an explicit working model of how individuals produce repeatable outcomes via variable means. Describes primary characteristics of this theory and its…

Applies the ideas of Peter Senge's "The Fifth Discipline; The Art and Practice of the Learning Organization" to leadership in academic libraries in transformation. Systems thinking, personal mastery, mental models, building shared vision, and team learning are discussed; and current limitations of organizations are identified. (EAM)

Describes basic principles and key components of model for writing instruction designed to meet needs of students with learning disabilities. Notes goals of curriculum are to develop writers who possess basic writing skills; range of cognitive and metacognitive strategies for planning, writing, and revising; and ability and motivation to use…

Uses data from a national survey and from the 1998 National Communication Association Summer Conference to examine how achievement is measured among public-relations students. Finds that few academic programs assess learning outcomes and used the results to enhance their students' educational experiences. Suggests that educators place too much…

Reviews four essays in this issue of the journal. Restates the contributions of the functionalist and interpretive models represented in these essays and demonstrates how the "interparadigmatic" dialog can work. Extends the dialog beyond its current boundaries by bringing the insights of critical and postmodern scholarship to the analysis of…

This paper discusses psychometric aspects of the functional analysis model in planned intervention with mainstreamed students having emotional/behavioral disorders. Discussion focuses on reliability and validity of clinical analysis of behavior and functional and structural analysis in the classroom. (DB)

The model currently guiding educational policy development--constructing crises and crafting solutions--has a long, unproductive history. To shrug off American education's perpetual crisis mode, educators should expand their descriptive vocabularies, apply the "so what" test, adopt demonstrably effective solutions, eschew a crisis…

Describes the mental coding processes involved in the flow of information when the user is interacting with an enabling information-retrieval (IR) system, or a system designed to stimulate the user's grasping towards a higher understanding of the information need/problem/task that brought the user to the system. (Author/AEF)

Describes a model for designing learning environments that engage learners in solving problems and can be delivered at a distance via the World Wide Web. Applies the model to a constructivist learning environment for an undergraduate management course on aggregate planning. (Author/LRW)

Three studies examined the relationship between specific forms of preschoolers' social and pretend play and divergent/convergent problem solving. Naturalistic and experimental designs were used to provide clearer account of relationship and to challenge assumption of single direction of influence. Results support complex reciprocal causality model…

Based on a review of an article and drawing on the experiences of five women, offers a model for facilitating disclosure of Human Immunodeficiency Virus status. Outlines a six-step process for understanding disclosure, which includes adjusting to the diagnosis, evaluating personal disclosure skills, and taking inventory. Lists implications for…

Examines mother, father, and youth questionnaire reports on family problem solving in 55 Asian American and Pacific Island American families. Results indicate that perceptions linked to the respondent's family role best accounted for the ratings' pattern. Predictive validity depended on family role: mothers' perceptions predicted delinquency and…