This action research project sought to increase the use of appropriate social skills by middle school students through an increased instructional emphasis on social skills. The specific social skills addressed were listening, encouraging, self-control, appropriate manners, and accepting others' ideas. These skills were introduced using M-charts…

This report offers a broad overview of the three major categories of explanations of gender patterns in cognitive functioning. Two of the major categories are biological and psychosocial. The third category, explanations that have been attributed to differences in the educational experiences of men and women, is treated separately because while…

Describes the September 1978 study tour to China by 24 members of the Adult Education Association, presenting impressions of life in China from the adult education and lifelong learning point of view. Gives a background on Chinese adult education, formal and informal, and something of Chinese work and culture. (MF)

Textbooks and children's literature tend to mirror society. A study was made of race and class bias in 32 children's novels about the American Revolution published between 1889 and 1976. The treatment of blacks, women, and lower-class groups not only reflects but also perpetuates bias. (JN)

This paper analyzes the emphasis placed on vocational education in Soviet schools: the provision of vocational schools; the ties of education to state economic planning; grade level provisions for vocational orientation; and urban and rural work training programs. The system's impact on pupils' career aspirations and socialization is also…

The paper defines and discusses various social learning theories. Central to most theories of how an individual acquires socially acceptable behaviors are the processes of imitation, or observational learning, and identification, or modeling. The effectiveness of each process is noted. (SB)

Utilizes Uwe Poerksen's concept of "plastic words" to examine and criticize the preeminence given to research in art education. "Plastic words" refers to vague technical jargon that suggests meaning without actually providing it (e.g., development, process, goal-setting). Argues that this usage inherently corrupts and diverts any productive…

Summarizes a wealth of evidence establishing a causal relationship between television viewing and violence. Outlines a series of corrective measures available within the fields of media literacy, public policy, and education. Briefly discusses related issues such as government versus self-regulation, and First Amendment protections. (MJP)

Explores students' attitudes towards their enjoyment of school, enjoyment of subjects, and their attribution of academic success. Girls reported liking friends, teachers, outings, and lessons, while boys reported liking sports and school clubs. Attributions concerning academic success varied more with age than gender. Includes statistical tables…

Undergraduate and graduate training programs in the helping professions are important sites for professional acculturation of students, reflecting a powerful political process. By giving voice to students' narratives, faculty validate students' cultural perspectives and encourage them to question and challenge professional practices of the…

Recounts an ethnographic study of children's work in Lima, Peru, examining concepts of work, family, and childhood; adult representations and norms passed on to children through work; and child's point of view regarding work and how it evolves with time. Argues children and parents' views and practices regarding work and socialization give a…

Compares findings from the six studies in this special journal issue, focusing on the role of Mexican-descent family conversations in young children's social, emotional, and conceptual development and on patterns of maternal teaching behaviors across socioeconomic backgrounds. Discusses the need for further research that represents the diversity…

Effects of a school-based program to prevent antisocial behaviors that could lead to conduct disorder were assessed among 34 target students and 15 role-model peers in urban Head Start programs. Target students showed patterns of social interaction that began to mirror those of role-model peers, while nonparticipating control group students…

Explores the effects of 417 regular education students' acceptance of 41 learning disabled classmates. Participants were upper elementary students enrolled in either cooperative or competitive learning classes. After eight months positive changes in peer ratings among the students occurred more frequently in the cooperative learning classes. (MJP)

Reviews recent major transformations in the Portuguese education system. In an attempt to create a more democratic society, Portugal has initiated a citizenship education program. The program emphasizes the defense of fundamental rights, duties, and liberties; the role of the state in that defense; and public participation. (MJP)