The central concept of this review underscores the fact that the development of a feeling of belonging at school occurs because of different interactions between developing students and the school's ecological environment over time. This review argues that Bronfenbrenner's Bio-ecological Systems Theory can best explain the development of school…

The aim of this study was to help universities promote graduate attributes by investigating mechanisms for promoting the development of cognitive, social and affective attributes which could impact upon all undergraduate students. Small group interviews were conducted with 90 final year students at a university in Hong Kong. Interview transcripts…

In this 1970 study, 160 graduating seniors at the State University of New York at Buffalo were administered the Senior Survey, a questionnaire designed to elicit seniors' perceptions of their university experiences and their plans and expectations for the future, as well as some demographic information. Major findings of the survey indicate: (1)…

Examined whether personal qualities and extracurricular involvement could predict non-academic contributions to a college community or students' sense of success. Results showed extracurricular interests do persist from high school to college. There was no correlation between the academic and personal ratings and students' sense of success. (JAC)

Information on the Colorado College Plan, students and faculty at Colorado College, and reactions to the Colorado College Plan is presented. The plan is a revised curricular program, a main feature of which is the division of the academic year into nine blocks. Students take one course per block, faculty members teach a single course, and varied…

This study was one of the first in the field of school activities to combine psychological variables with previously researched personal variables to attempt to answer questions raised by Rehberg in 1969. It produced psychological profiles of students who participate in school activities; it also dispelled the myth that school activities appeal…

The relationship between students' gender, personality traits, predicted first-year grades, and quality of effort put forth in academic and personal/social activities with academic achievement and critical thinking was examined. Results show that some personality traits influence the quality of effort expended with academic and personal/social…

A discussion of the constructive role of sororities on college campuses offers a profile of sororities and their members, looks at changes occurring during the sorority experience, weighs benefits and detriments, and offers suggestions for program development and administration that promote healthy student development and leadership models. (MSE)

Diversification of college populations means student leadership training must move students beyond tolerance/sensitization, teaching them to value and embrace other cultures. Ideals of leadership must be taught from various cultural perspectives, encouraging students to challenge their own values/beliefs and make positive changes. Culturally…

A study is reported of how students in an honors program and a transition program for academically disadvantaged students, as well as students in the regular curriculum, become engaged in a variety of experiences and how their quality of effort in the activities is related to student growth and development. (Author/MLW)

Two national studies have recently confirmed that specific kinds of educational experiences provided for children by both parents and teachers, from preschool through high school, can make a significant difference in their reading ability as young adults. Both studies analyzed data gathered from 3,959 high school students in 24 school districts…

The role of the school in the fostering of competence and psychological well-being in students is of primary concern to school psychologists. Adolescents' involvement in high school extracurricular activities was examined to determine their effect on socialization and possible relationships with demographic patterns and high school performance. A…

This survey of 149 students explored learning from out-of-class college experiences such as leadership, peer interaction, faculty contact, work, and travel. It found that many different experiences potentially contribute to valued college outcomes, that sex and ethnicity did not explain differences in students' activities and outcomes, and that…

This study examined how three dimensions of college students' experiences affect critical thinking skills: (1) curricular exposure, (2) formal classroom and instructional experiences, and (3) out-of-class experiences. The study used a 1-year, longitudinal, panel study design using data collected as part of a pilot study for a national,…

Questionnaires returned by 105 faculty at Drake University (Iowa) indicated that student traits and competencies most valued by faculty were (1) personal development, (2) research activities, (3) conscientiousness, (4) self-confidence, (5) student activities and community service, (6) oral communication skills, and (7) questioning. Results have…