Presents data from studies conducted on student self-discipline and attitude toward biology. Suggests reasons for the difficulties non-biology majors experience in college biology classes. Proposes several ways that biology instructors can help their students improve their performance and attitudes in non-major biology classes. (CW)

Examined behaviors and personality traits attributed to a "bad kid" by adolescents and mothers of American, Chinese, and Japanese cultures. Five domains of behavior likely to yield cross-cultural differences were society, family, school, interpersonal harmony, and self-control. Adolescents and mothers differed significantly in the…

Ninety Latino immigrant children in grades 3-6, many of whom were referred due to aggressive or other problem behaviors, participated for 1 year in a twice-weekly community program that featured judo instruction, tutoring, and parent training. Children improved significantly in academic achievement and behavior. Parents improved significantly in…

A study examined the effects of single- and mixed-gender colleges on women's education, using data from the National Longitudinal Study of the High School Class of 1972. Results indicate women's colleges have a strong, positive influence on educational and occupational achievement, self-esteem, self-control, and views on gender equality.…

This model assessment procedure for gifted/learning-disabled students utilizes the concepts of the tetrahedral learning model and self-regulation versus other-regulation. Stage one focuses on the compilation of a summary profile of learner strengths and weaknesses; stage two deals with the learner in context, using a structured interview format.…

Urges music educators and music therapists to cooperate in providing motivation for at-risk students through specially planned activities. Identifies means of meeting the risks of (1) lack of self-discipline and motivation; (2) not learning effectively; (3) alcohol and drug abuse; and (4) focus on rudimentary survival skills. (DK)

Entries from the teaching journal of a teacher of behavior disordered students illustrate her inner struggle as she turned away from the traditional philosophy of classroom control and the progress of her students as they accepted responsibility for their behavior and learning. (SV)

Describes the social role of cognitive growth throughout the lifetime. Includes mediation, self-regulation, metacognition, the zone of proximal development, and critical and creative thinking. Discusses resources, methodology, and goals of education in a democratic society. Emphasizes the value of independent, self-monitoring individuals who…

This review of 28 studies involving children with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder concludes that there is little empirical support for cognitive training's clinical utility. The paper discusses cognitive training's efficacy as a single intervention and as an adjunct to stimulant treatment, and its impact on cognitive, academic, and…

Examined young children's social development of effortful control in a longitudinal study. Found that between 22 and 33 months, effortful control improved considerably, its coherence increased, it was stable, and it was higher for girls. Found that children's focused attention at 9 months, mothers' responsiveness at 22 months, and mothers'…

Gives an overview of the major theoretical perspectives on how children develop the capacity for self-regulation and how theorists and researchers suggest that the social and physical environment can nurture it. Suggests ways that caregivers and teachers can support the development of self-regulation in children from infancy through the primary…

Argues that a high priority should be placed on creative expression in early childhood settings, including the visual arts, music, dance, poetry, and drama. Stresses that creative potential must be nurtured and carefully cultivated, and argues that there can be no true artistic expression without freedom, and there can be no true freedom without…

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…

Examined effectiveness of three aspects of parental instruction for predicting children's self-regulation in school. Two patterns of relations were observed. Manner of instruction predicted children's attention to instructions and help-seeking in the classroom. Metacognitive content in instructions did not predict these aspects of self-regulation.…

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…