Longitudinal data regarding three children's learning of English as a second language in a classroom setting support the hypothesis that the distribution of grammatical variants in learner speech is sensitive to linguistic context. Results suggest that the learners acquired the target language variants in "pronoun contexts" before "noun contexts."…

Assigned 60 children of divorce to experimental or control conditions, with experimental subjects participating in group counseling intervention. Comparison of two groups revealed that participation in group counseling appeared beneficial for enhancing self-concept and internal locus of control among elementary school children experiencing…

Investigated reactions to humorous feminist slogans in these groups: (1) males and females (N=20) over 30 years old who were feminists or strongly sympathetic; (2) female and male undergraduates (N=39) with various levels of sympathy; and (3) 6th, 8th, and 10th grade academically gifted students (N=62). Results suggest gender and feminist sympathy…

Examines proposition that relations between children's aspirations and measures of cognitive performance and learning environments differ as a function of children's attitudinal orientation. Data were collected from 516 Australian children, 11 years old during the initial survey, and 16 at the follow-up. Results suggest that the proposition is…

A study of sex-role identification partly confirmed two hypotheses: (1) the social relationships of late childhood have attributes which encourage the feminine stereotype rather than the masculine stereotype; and (2) children of both sexes who attest to masculine characteristics feel higher levels of discordance than those who attest to female…

Examines the relations among the quality of stepparent-stepchild relationships, the frequency of visits from nonresident parents, and child outcomes in four types of stepfamilies. (HOD)

Examined the tendancy of non-Indian teachers to rate Amerian Indian early adolescents as behaviorally disordered more often than non-Indian children. Non-Indian teachers (N=28) rated a hypothetical Indian or non-Indian student. No significant cultural bias was found. (JAC)

Bender Gestalt Test data from 60 severely emotionally handicapped and 60 normal children were computer digitized and scored traditionally. Reliability results from comparison of analysis techniques favored computer approach; criterion-related validity was unsuccessful for both scoring methods; and concurrent validity results indicated limited…

Presents a bibliography of books recently published in Mexico, Spain, Argentina, and Peru for Spanish-speaking children and young adults. The books are grouped by the following levels: (1) preschool and primary grades; (2) grades 3 to 6; (3) junior high and up; and (4) young adult. (SED)

Perceptive principals and teachers can use to their advantage the effects of peer pressure on 10- to 14-year-old children. Schools should provide these middle-grade students with clear expectations, predictable consequences for undesirable behavior, and frequent rewards for positive actions. Conclusions of research on grade grouping are…

Examined effects of relaxation training on preadolescent children (N=532) with behavior problems. Results indicated fewer discipline problems among students receiving relaxation training than those who did not. Fighting, cutting class, and discipline reports markedly decreased. Suggests that counselors can serve as schoolwise consultants for…

Middle schools are here to stay. The overriding purpose of middle-level education continues to be that of providing programs based on the unique characteristics, needs, and interests of middle-level students. (Author/TE)

The article lists skills to be taught, then describes the psychoeducational training procedures, management problems, and research evaluation results of the structured learning approach for teaching social competencies to aggressive, withdrawn, immature, or developmentally lagging preadolescents and adolescents. Effectiveness reported includes…

The incidence and continuity of smoking and drinking, precursory social-behavioral characteristics of smokers and drinkers, and life conditions related to smoking and drinking are described. Part of an extensive Finnish longitudinal study of social development, the original sample consisted of eight-year-old subjects. Follow-up studies were made…

Examines 8- to 12-year-olds' perceptions of parents' responses to sons and daughters experiencing interpersonal conflicts. Reports that children expect parents to respond in a manner consistent with traditional instrumental-expressive sex-role stereotypes. (Author/KH)