Innovations in the teaching and learning strategies used in an organizational-behavior course developed for the business school of Curtin University of Technology (Australia) are detailed. Faculty (n=18) and students (n=800) involved in the course-development process were organized into semi-autonomous study groups and learned to cope with group…

Two experiments involving 46 seventh graders, 28 undergraduates and 28 seventh graders examined developmental and individual differences in students' revising for meaning. Results of both experiments suggested that knowing error location (having it pointed out) may focus less sophisticated writers, like middle school students, too narrowly and may…

Two experiments tested a self-regulation model of risk-taking among third through eighth graders in which inappropriate risk taking is associated with overconfidence, succumbing to dysregulating influences, and insensitivity to outcomes. Found that ability beliefs, preference for thrill seeking, peer nomination, competitiveness, and interest…

Examination of effects on 27 secondary students' Spanish vocabulary quiz performance of 2 variables (group versus individual study and group versus individual contingencies) found that, overall, group study was superior to individual study and, within the group study condition, group contingencies were superior to individual contingencies.…

Potential individual variations in the effectiveness of facilitated communication (FC) were examined with 20 students with autism and related disorders. Use of multiple methods (including auditory or visual input, simple point responses, and typing) provided no clear support for validity of FC over students' independent communication. Increased…

Examined the extent to which risk factors for concurrent binge drinking in adolescence can predict changes during transition to young adulthood. Found that being male, possessing low self-efficacy, and drinking primarily "to get drunk" were unconditional risk factors for increased binge drinking over time. Other adolescent risk factors…

Learning differences or disabilities can be best understood and addressed within the holistic/constructivist theory of knowledge construction and the reciprocal evolution of cognitive structures. Learning differences manifest themselves in the spirals of mental structuring activity that guide relational thinking. Such a perspective focuses on…

Examined levels of self-reported "voice" (authentic self expression) with various persons among high school students. Found no gender differences nor evidence that voice declines in female adolescents. Perceived support for voice predicted level of voice. Feminine girls reported lower levels of voice than androgynous girls in public relational…

Analyzed data from the National Alternative High School Youth Risk Behavior Survey to determine the prevalence of substance use on school property. Males were more likely than females and white students more likely than black or Hispanic students to have used substances on school property. Results suggest improving strategies for reducing…

Examined effects of conceptually based instruction on development of students' procedural flexibility. Students in primary schools in the Netherlands participated in one of two instruction programs: the Realistic Program Design (RPD) or the Gradual Program Design (GPD). In both programs, conceptual understanding preceded procedural skill. However,…

Examines the patterns of individual adjustment changes in a sample of 99 early adolescents during an ecological transition from elementary school to middle school. Shows significant changes in adjustment as indicated by increased psychological distress or decreased academic achievement. Examines gender differences. Presents implications for…

Examined flexibility in mothers' parenting goals and attributions; identified correlates and determinants of beliefs in response to preschoolers' defiance and aggression, and the effects of maternal beliefs on children's social outcomes. Found that mothers demonstrated flexible beliefs according to the nature of the misdeed and responded…

Applies aspects of James's (1950/1890) theory of the "stream of thought," to journal writing. Takes a case study approach to delineate individual differences by focusing on 15 students' writing processes. (Author/VWL)

Effective regulatory skills are essential in busy preschool classroom environments where children must maintain some control over their emotions and behavior to interact effectively with peers and teachers. Regulatory abilities can play a crucial role in a child's successful adjustment to preschool. We investigated whether individual differences…

The implications of the policy choices made in setting up a phased retirement system are demonstrated by its variety of outcomes. (Contains 5 tables.)