This paper reviews research findings that are related to fostering prosocial behavior in the early childhood and elementary classroom. A collection of "experimental best bets" for increasing prosocial behavior in young children is outlined. This collection covers the role of reinforcement and modeling or imitation, the importance of group norms,…

This article provides a foundation for using theatre as a learning strategy in the content areas for students with learning disabilities, with metacognition as an important factor. Research is described supporting using theatre-based learning as a way to strengthen perceptual skills and improve retention. A social studies example is provided.…

Reviews research on the early development of symbolic play. Suggests that symbolic play begins to emerge near the beginning of the child's second year and continues to play an important role in his or her development throughout the preschool years. Proposes basic techniques caregivers can use to facilitate and promote the development of symbolic…

The literature on role-playing as a classroom instructional technique for English as a second language has addressed its benefits in improved acquisition of language or linguistic skills, communicative skills, cross-cultural skills, and interpersonal skills. However, promoters of role-playing may have set their goals too high and may be wasting…

Six methods for assessing children's social skills are described and evaluated. They are sociometrics, ratings by others, naturalistic observations, behavioral role plays, behavioral interviews, and self-report measures. Issues of definition, classification, and social validity are examined to provide a context for understanding problems and…

A discussion of teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) focuses on principles and techniques for the development of one form of communicative competence, i.e., sociolinguistic competence. First, the concept of sociolinguistic competence is explained, drawing on research in this area. Sources of problems in development of second language…

A model of social skills in childhood and adolescence using the concepts and literature on symbolic interactionism is proposed. Its components (role-taking, role-making, definition of situation, and self) and their potential contributions to social skills analysis are discussed. An application to friendship making and possible model limitations…

Discusses the role of management games in management education. Topics discussed include role playing; computer simulation; computer games; elements of management game effectiveness; Bloom's taxonomy of learning objectives; models of the learning process; group interaction; experiential learning; and research studies on the effectiveness of…

A list of reflective strategies that can be used in elementary science methods classes is presented and includes science education autobiography, critical incidents, reaction papers, scenarios, role playing/peer teaching, journal, instructor-student dialogue, and self-evaluation. The reflective approach to teacher education and science, a…

This contains 12 articles that focus on the specific issues related to the language needs of international teaching assistants (ITAs) as related to the broader field of applied linguistics and English for Specific Purposes (ESP). This volume demonstrates the uniqueness of problems related to classroom discourse and to the training of ITAs…

Prepared as part of a series applying recent research in oral and written communication instruction to classroom practice, this booklet provides teachers, administrators, and curriculum planners with suggestions for ways to develop more effective oral communication instruction in the content areas as well as speech classes. Following a brief…

Recently, Indian people from the United States and Canada recommended coping-skills training for American Indians, to help in handling stress, becoming self-determined, being assertive, problem solving, and redesigning social roles and support systems. Some 30 tribal groups and agencies participated in a cultural adaptation of an assertive…

Describes the use of simulations in teacher education from 1960 to 1979, which was audiovisually based, and from 1980 to the present, which is computer based. Examples of several simulation strategies are presented and evaluated, and factors that will shape future developments are discussed. (67 references) (CLB)

Examines role playing as a tool for changing teenagers' attitudes about sex behavior and the consequences of teen pregnancy. A sample of 267 ninth-grade students attending a high-risk urban school participated. Role playing and watching videos of friends' role playing significantly increased favorable attitudes toward abstinence in girls but not…

Asserts that college students often do not understand or appreciate the way that the mass media construct images of place. Describes a day-long simulation exercise in which students work on journalistic teams sent to an unfamiliar location to report on its landscape and environment. (CFR)