Student development professionals at church-related colleges must be innovative in structuring programs, assuring that they reflect institutional purposes and are at the same time responsive to changes in campus culture, student mix, and economic realities. Integration of faith, instruction, and student life will have to take new forms. (MSE)

A national study of 82 college outcome measures on 25,000 students from 1985-89 looked at the relationship of outcomes, institutional environment (emphasis on institutional, student, or faculty diversity), and campus activism. Results suggest emphasis on diversity in all forms is beneficial to student development and also promotes student…

A study investigated whether computer conferencing would encourage critical reflection in prospective teachers. A computer conference helped students examine their taken-for-granted assumptions, the validity in differing perspectives, and consequences of choice making. Findings suggest that computer conferencing can help students reach this goal,…

The article presents a summary, in outline form, of suggestions for helping gifted girls. Suggestions address the areas of parent education, early identification, gifted peers, early entrance, teacher inservice, special programs, career counseling, and conferences for gifted girls. (DB)

School students' conceptual frameworks in astronomy and students' levels of knowledge and conceptualization were examined for 130 students in grades 2 through 12. Knowledge and conceptualization increased with school age. A test administered to 892 students in 7 schools demonstrated that schools contributed little to education in astronomy. (SLD)

Audiotutorial (tape-recorded) science lessons were provided to 191 first and second graders, and interviews were conducted periodically to assess changes in science concept understanding through grade 12. A comparison group did not receive the early instruction. Data highlight the lasting effects of early instruction in science. (SLD)

The communicative/experiential syllabus explores new ways to teach and learn language, addressing concerns that language instruction focuses narrowly on the analytical aspect of language learning. In the syllabus, the classroom is considered a rich and authentic environment for experiences based on content, not just language, contributing to…

A survey of 423 medical students assessed (1) authoritarianism, self-esteem, locus of control, self-blame, belief in efficacy of high-tech medicine, and depression; and (2) attributional styles toward patients with psychological or emotional problems. A variety of findings and directions for research are discussed. (MSE)

A study at Illinois Benedictine College compared the advising of freshmen with that of upperclassmen. Upperclassmen rated advisers highly on academic dimensions such as knowledge of major courses and graduation requirements. Freshmen saw advisers as concerned about their college adjustment, helpful with referrals, and interested in their general…

Attributional retraining, the restructuring of an individual's explanations for events in his environment, is proposed as one method of enhancing college student motivation and achievement, particularly for high-risk students. Drawing on previous research and theory, the most promising strategies for using attributional retraining with this…

Reviews literature on informal interaction of college students and faculty. Discusses role of student-faculty interaction with regard to effect on students' academic achievement, satisfaction with college, intellectual and personal development, persistence and attrition, and career and educational aspiration. Research is reviewed that supports…

This study attempted to extend previous research in teacher education by examining the development of preservice elementary teachers' perspectives and practice of social studies from the beginning of the methods instruction through the clinical experience, specifically examining the roles of the methods instruction and the cooperating teacher. (SM)

Describes the benefits of mentoring for African-American male students. Profiles six successful mentoring programs, highlighting the success of the Faculty Mentor Program at the University of Louisville. Presents eight recommendations for viable, effective mentoring programs to promote the retention, academic achievement, and leadership…

Describes a theater in Port-of-Spain developed by a recovered drug user and advertising executive to provide a safe and interesting environment for recovering drug users. Discusses the methods used to engage the participants in learning about theater. Offers a chronological recounting of the class and describes participants' reactions to various…

Reports on a study of the long-term effects of Antioch College's cooperative education program. Seventy-three 1946-1955 graduates completed work history questionnaires asking about jobs held since graduation and other relevant life events. Responses were analyzed in relation to respondents' co-op files in college archival records. Quantitative and…