The psychological rights of children with disabilities are discussed in this article. The emergence of a worldwide movement for full citizenship for the disabled is traced, and the physical and social integration of disabled citizens into the mainstream of family and community life is described. (PP)

Traditionally, the goals of a liberal arts education have been expressed in terms of "self-actualization,""self-realization," and other terms implying self-fulfillment. The reality is that focus on measurable "achievements" tends to put students out of touch with the functioning of their own psyches. (MLW)

The author argues that what many educators are failing to include in their high-tech plans is "emotionally charged, intellectually open-ended education." Describes technology-based courses (freshman composition, Internet-based learning groups, e-mail discussion groups, and "cyber-outward bound") that would satisfy intellect and…

Using an innovative framework, a psychology of identity is explored by incorporating an analysis of the cultural, historical, and political context of youths from different regions of Puerto Rico. Interviews with 56 Puerto Rican youths who were either studying to work at something they felt strongly about, working at something they loved, or…

Focusing on humor as a powerful instructional resource, this booklet addresses a variety of issues regarding humor in the elementary and secondary classroom. Thirteen ways in which humor can help teachers to achieve educational goals are presented, specifically that it (1) attracts attention and provokes thought, (2) liberates creative capacities,…

For the most part, research into the reading activities of elderly readers has focused on three areas--amount of time spent reading, reading preferences, and psychological benefits of reading--and has yielded inconsistent results. The data from reading time research both supports and refutes the claim that reading is less prevalent among older…

Many factors contribute to teacher stress and burnout including discipline problems, physical and emotional abuse of teachers, low pay, little support from superiors, public criticism of educational quality, and an almost traditional attitude of low esteem for teachers as professionals. The failings of current teacher education indicate that…

Contrasts the relatively abundant information on the young with the paucity of research knowledge on the aged, and asserts that psychologists have too few solutions to coping with the problems of aging. Suggests the integration of older adults into all aspects of society through structural change. (Author/AOS)

Most criticisms of American schools are too broad and are off-base. The first criterion in evaluating education should be its contribution to character formation. Students cannot cope with authority figures, rules, and routines; a school structure that teaches them to regulate themselves is needed. (PP)

Two types of dehumanization are defined, and modern instances of dehumanization--failure to regard a person as if s/he were the human being that s/he is--are analyzed. Philosophical insights of Immanuel Kant and Martin Buber concerning human dignity are given, and examples of dehumanization in education are cited. (PP)

Recent thinking about the components of sexual identity (biological sex, gender identity, sexual preference, and social sex role) are examined. It is argued that confusion between correlation and causality in these areas restrict the development of all children. Examples and suggestions for avoiding stereotyping of school children are given.…

Children's rights are discussed as part of a larger conflict between the integrative (emphasizing the duty of institutions to guide the child) and the libertarian views of civil rights. The relative authority given to the judgments of parents, professionals, and children by the law and by court decisions is described. (Author/PP)

Discusses increase in mental health activities such as peer counseling, transactional analysis, and Magic Circle. Describes law which requires parental consent before students become involved in such activities. (KC)

Describes ambivalent, avoidant, and disorganized attachment patterns. Proposes that avoidant individuals deactivate their attachment needs, have high sense of self efficacy, and prefer objects to people; ambivalent persons hyperactivate attachment needs, have low self-efficacy, and orient more to people; and disorganized/controlling individuals…

Examines the drop-out factor in adult language classes. It is argued that when focusing on the learner as an individual, it is important to consider the social reality of the learning situation. The first task is to identify the motivational factors confronting teachers in the language classroom and to find ways to support the student's motivation…