School principals' interpretation of the context for their work has significant implications for their practice and for organisational theory educational settings. Principals' sense-making capability can change over time, as in all adults. Sense-making capability is grounded in adult ego development (AED) theory which describes eight distinct…

Books can help children develop a positive self-image and feelings of self-confidence. To aid in the development of a child's shades of self (personal, social, and ideal), a list of books is offered. (DF)

The success or failure of black children in school has been attributed to positive or negative self-concept, but the construct of self-concept has been misused and misrepresented by educators and researchers. The traditional definition of self-concept as a highly interrelated perception of the self has been defined in perceptual rather than…

Presents findings on the impact of economic pressure on the well-being of adolescents in Berlin. Shows that relative losses in purchasing power are related to decreased self-esteem in problematic family climates; school level, place of residence, and relative gain in purchasing power played a greater role in xenophobia and aggressive helplessness.…

Describes an action plan that is helpful for all students, including gifted students, to promote development of their individual Selves--their inner voices. Guiding precepts for a curriculum that leads to the educational good life for students are provided, and Deliberative Artistry, a process that promotes self-examination, is described.…

To test the relationship between school principals' level of ego development and their use of power bases, researchers surveyed principals and teachers in 70 schools in a southern urban area. Ego development levels were defined as either conformist or conscientious or a transitional conscientious-conformist level. Principals have seven power bases…

Teachers need to become more aware of problems facing the shy/quiet child. This article defines shyness and examines its significance, harms, and causal effects. In treating shyness, it is helpful to offer oral communication classes for teacher and student, provide specialized, voluntary treatment, and encourage oral communication classroom…

One of the most important assumptions of modern theories about self-image is that the maintenance and enhancement of the perceived self is the motive behind all behavior. Sense of self may be based on the views of others, it may be the result of interactions with others who provide meaning of self through their responses, it may come from…

Physical education is an appropriate place in the total educational scope for the development and origin of positive self concepts. Adapted physical education is defined as a diversified program of developmental activities, games, and sports suited to the interests, capabilities, and limitations of disabled students. (JN)

Tests a theoretical model for the constitution of the self among adolescents in a cross-cultural, comparative study. Examines the impact of schools and families, as institutions and networks of interaction, on the self of adolescents. Based on data from three sample surveys from an East/West study of adolescent students. (DSK)

References are often made in art education literature about how art can enhance individuals' self-concepts. This document discusses the work of authors, Manuel Barkan, George Herbert Mead, and Sigmund Freud, who support this concept. Barkan's theory concerning how an individual's personality develops and changes by interacting socially is…

Reviews the literature that assesses the effects of physical fitness on the personalities and self-esteem of children. Grouped studies into five categories, based on age and other characteristics of subjects: (1) elementary school age; (2) junior and senior high school age; (3) sports camp participants; (4) a special education group; and (5) a…

Discusses the form and content of sex education courses in the classroom. Topics covered include contraception, decision making, morality, values, character formation, self-image, the role of teachers, and the role of parents. (LRW)

This paper reviews the research and theories on ethnic identity development, and draws some implications from these ideas for improving curriculum design for, and instructional effectiveness with, ethnically different students, especially Black Americans. The paradigm of "the developmental stages of ethnic identity transformation"…

This research review adopts a developmental perspective to the problem of gifted underachievement. It covers affective development characteristics, focusing on self-concept, locus of control, and personality and temperament; environmental influences such as family and school; and strategies for holistic development through a combination of direct…