Discusses the inclusion of rules regarding classroom etiquette in an introductory college sociology course. Reports on rules regarding tardiness, leaving early, absenteeism, paying attention, and/or sleeping in class. Concludes that students and colleagues are generally positive about the approach. (CFR)

A survey of 61 pharmacy students in 2 undergraduate patient counseling courses investigated attitudes concerning use of learning contracts. Results indicated most students were highly inclined toward self-directed learning, contracts were clear on grading expectations, and contract grading facilitated learning and reduced classroom anxiety and…

Investigates factors influencing the decision of secondary school students to continue or discontinue the study of French beyond the compulsory years in an Australian college. Results indicate that gender, perceived ability in French, encouragement from parents and teachers, peer group preference, and beliefs about the career relevance of French…

Students choose their own behavior, and teachers have the power to influence their choices. This article describes cooperative discipline and offers three strategies for positively influencing students' behavior: identifying the behavior, dealing with misbehavior immediately, and providing some encouragement. Resources for further information are…

Finnish special-education teachers (n=135) rated five sentences written by an 11-year-old student either labeled or not labeled as being in a special class for educable mentally retarded (EMR) students. Results indicated that the EMR label diminished teachers' ratings and that teacher dogmatism and pessimistic stereotype correlated negatively with…

Response to "The Bell Curve." Argues that correlations between IQ and U.S. social problems are created by the IQ selection process; in addition, emphasis on testing and innate abilities has produced lowered expectations of what students can achieve through hard work and learning, resulting in lower mathematics achievement among North…

British teachers excel in managing students' behaviors during classroom learning activities. The paper examines the major differences between British and American schools for young children, then discusses three factors that influence British teachers' abilities (knowledge of child development, structuring of learning activities, and shaping…

By any measure--student achievement, social development, or democratic values--ability grouping and tracking practices are indefensible and unsupported by research. Tracking allows schools to practice in-school segregation and perpetuate unequal opportunities and unequal socialization within classrooms. Jonathan Kozol's investigation shows how…

Classic problems between college fund raising and public relations professionals include misunderstanding of roles, unrealistic expectations, differing goals and perspectives, and inequity of administrative support. Cooperation can be fostered through communication about goals, shared objectives, reduced isolation, teamwork, open communication,…

Analysis of data from 532 graduates of Jefferson Medical College (Pennsylvania) found first-year students' expectation of income is an important predictor of family practice specialty choice, independent of age, sex, indebtedness, and initial specialty preference. Results are discussed in light of declining numbers of medical students choosing…

Discusses the current state of student evaluation in Scotland. Describes elementary school evaluations as consisting of external tests and teacher assessments to be thought of in linear terms. Examines the more formal assessment structure of secondary schools for academic and vocational education. Concludes that evaluation has had little impact on…

Explains, from a collective resource perspective, how deviant students can help promote classroom order indirectly. Provides data from a first grade case study and a longitudinal survey. Demonstrates that teacher conflicts with deviant students can articulate classroom rules, teacher expectations for students, and the range of other students'…

Describes problems of and lessons learned from the University of South Carolina's restructured preservice literacy methods course that encouraged and supported reflective inquiry and practice in literacy teaching. The course included an after school literacy tutoring program for at-risk children and parents. (SM)

Five strategies to support young adults with disabilities who are making the transition into adulthood include (1) encouraging parents to have early expectations for community life; (2) helping parents realize the importance of their role; (3) helping parents honor their children's choices; (4) involving social support networks; and (5) addressing…

Examines the relevance of library and information science (LIS) studies in the United Kingdom for students from developing countries. Reasons for studying in the United Kingdom, relevance of the curriculum, student expectations, and characteristics of successful students are covered; and three approaches to LIS studies for foreign students are…