Challenges the assumption that the human brain grows in a smooth upward curve, provides an alternative explanation for how children learn, and establishes a developmental foundation for how counselors can facilitate intellectual, social, and emotional growth of students. (ABB)

Presents ordering theory as a useful method in the identification and validation of logical hierarchies among tasks that measure student development. An example shows the application of ordering theory to the measurement of college students' decision making about careers. (Author/ABB)

ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center), a national database funded by the U.S. Department of Education to collect and analyze literature on all areas of education and education-related fields, is described. Samples of student activities literature found in a search of ERIC are provided, along with a list of database vendors. (MLW)

A case study describing a marginally prepared student-athlete's encounter with higher education is presented. Interventions to maximize the student's potential for academic success are outlined and recommendations are developed regarding a specialized service. (Author/MLW)

Challenges 15 popular beliefs held about students and optimal learning environments by citing data from studies of student learning styles. Individual learning styles vary, and academic achievement can be improved by providing flexible teaching styles and classroom environments where students can match their learning styles. Includes extensive…

Offers a method of implementing the idea that supervision of resident assistants is central to the effectiveness of a residence life program, by proposing a developmental supervision strategy for supervisors in student affairs. Tabulated information offers supervisors specific strategies for processing the experiences and maximizing the…

Presents biographical information, career recollections, and responses to counseling issues from Kate Hevner Mueller, former Dean of Women at Indiana University and matriarch of a student affairs preparation program. (ABB)

Examines the phenomenon of sophomore slump, a phase in their college years when students often feel depressed, frustrated, anxious, or dissatisfied. Encourages student affairs professionals to recognize the existence of sophomore slump and to provide support for students. Suggests three strategies for helping students: developing special programs,…

A survey of Black students at Georgia State University found that first-year students tended to rate themselves as rigid thinkers and the second-year students did not, suggesting that students perceiving themselves as poor thinkers can become flexible thinkers with appropriate advising, counseling, and teaching activities. (MSE)

Responds to the results of Wilder et al. on Greek affiliation and attitude change in college students by: (1) examining goals for the educated person; (2) providing an overview of epigenesis; (3) giving possible developmental explanations of Wilder's findings; and (4) discussing ramifications of the results and suggestions for further research.…

Developing curriculum from a constructivist perspective helps students at all grade levels learn more effectively. The developmental abilities of children are stressed, and students are taught new information by connecting it with concepts they already know. The thoughtful mediation of the teacher is a critical component of constructivism. (MD)

A freshman course at the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Tennessee is described that mixes the academic and personal experiences in three areas: career exploration, human development, and the history of universities. (Author/MLW)

Explores student and teacher behavior in writing instruction as the "underlife" (behaviors that undercut the roles expected of participants in a situation) of the current educational system. Suggests that the identities students develop in writing classrooms are more conducive to academic success than the traditional identity of the…

Reviewed research published in the "Journal of Humanistic Education and Development" from 1981 to 1985. Concluded most research focused on emotional, social, and cognitive development among elementary, secondary, and college students, and on the work of teachers rather than counselors. Suggests future research should include clear…

Examined the relationship between early school retention as a result of preschool and kindergarten developmental testing and children's later academic achievement (N=223). Results showed children who scored as immature on the Gesell Screening Test and who were retained a year had the lowest scores on all measures. (JAC)