Educators--and parents and politicians and others--say children are their future. They say that they want students to think critically, that they want them to be problem-solvers, to ask questions, to challenge educators to make the world a better place. And yet, the author sees educators set aside these high aspirations and silenced by the fear of…

This article presents advice for teachers about using sociocognitive conflicts to promote academic learning. In doing so, the conditions under which sociocognitive conflicts are constructive or disruptive are examined and the relevant research is reviewed on social development, cooperative learning, and social influence. Two types of conflict…

Students must demonstrate not only academic ability but also social competence as they develop to become involved members of society. This guide for teachers, parents, and other professionals addresses the necessity for teaching students social competence as they also learn their core academic material. The program starts with solid lessons in…

This monograph presents a rationale for proactive social skills training for persons with mental retardation as well as over 100 examples of such instruction across the K-12 continuum. Chapter 1 provides a conceptual framework of social competence with principles of what, when, and how to teach social skills. Chapter 2 discusses the direct…

This manual is designed to introduce problem-solving and conflict resolution skills to 8-13 year old students. Following an introductory section, eight lesson plans are given. The first three lessons present basic skills of conflict management. Lessons four through eight focus on the steps in the mediation process. Each lesson includes suggestions…

This booklet provides basic, practical information to assist adults in helping young children to resolve their conflicts with each other. Following introductory information, the booklet discusses why conflict occurs between young children, focusing on children's ability to respect the rights of others, control expressions of anger, assert…

This guide provides detailed and useful information about how to help children develop skills that allow them to practice conflict resolution. The first section, "The Setting," considers the environment and how it can enhance the qualities required for successful conflict resolution and minimize unnecessary conflict. The four chapters in…

Recent theory and research suggest that peer conflict contributes to children's development and represents an important form of social interaction. Research has identified structural features of children's conflict as issues, such as control of objects or physical space; strategies, including aggressive and nonaggressive physical and verbal…

This teaching guide presents a rationale for proactive social skills training for persons with mental retardation as well as over 100 examples of such instruction across the K-12 continuum. Chapter 1 provides a conceptual framework of social competence with principles of what, when, and how to teach social skills. Chapter 2 discusses the direct…

The "Talk It Out" approach is presented for use by elementary school teachers. Talk It Out employs the techniques of conflict resolution, mediation, and negotiation in order to resolve problems that occur in most classrooms, such as teasing, put-downs, pushing, hitting, cheating, gossiping and refusing to share. Readers are provided classroom…

Both student and teacher materials for a unit introducing elementary students to conflict situations and conflict resolution techniques are presented. The student materials contain pre- and posttests and 27 exercises in which students examine emotions, love and friendship, frustration, learned behavior, and basic needs, and explore different ways…

This book is a resource guide that provides examples of cooperative activities and techniques that teachers can incorporate in and adapt to their own classrooms. The premise upon which the book is based is that a cooperative environment stimulates children to explore the aspect of school life that appeals to them--the chance to play with…

This document, the third in a series on diversity in the classroom, examines the responsibility of teachers to their diverse students. Section 1, "Introduction," reviews the issue. Section 2, "A Shared Responsibility," describes the context within which to build practices that help children become stronger. Basic to this…

This early childhood curriculum (ages 3-6) uses games, music, art, drama, and storytelling to teach young children effective, nonviolent ways to resolve conflicts and provides caregivers with tools for helping young children develop key conflict resolution skills. Following an introductory chapter, Chapter 2 provides guidance in assessing the…

These two volumes constitute a set of modules for an individualized, competency-based training program intended to help the user acquire the skills and knowledge needed to provide a high-quality child care program for school-age children. The modules are intended for use by those just entering school-age care and by those who have been involved in…