This study examined how campus peer culture influences the ways in which multiracial students make meaning of their racial identity, and applies Urie Bronfenbrenner's ecological model of cognitive development to analyze elements in the college environment that stimulate or inhibit identity development. Discussion of the situation of multiracial…

This study investigates the nature of the stresses on immigrant schoolchildren and the degree and type of maladjustments which become evident. Also considered is the relationship between ease of adjustment for the three national groups under study and their facility with the English language. (Author/EB)

Problems associated with the transition from secondary schooling to higher education are assuming increasing significance as demand for places slackens. Student entry characteristics and adjustment difficulties are discussed in relation to choice of course and institution. Possible methods for dealing with transition problems are discussed.…

A Pueblo woman with a Ph.D. in social welfare research describes her academic journey, weaving a Pueblo cultural perspective into stories of the doctoral program, her dissertation research on life histories of Indian women recovering from substance abuse, her search for an academic position, the merit review ("a hostile act"), and her…

Black students' academic success in college is affected by social and academic adjustment, negative stereotypes, and lack of financial resources. Necessary conditions for academic excellence are student involvement, high expectations, evaluation and feedback, and a creative learning environment. (SK)

In the context of the steady increase in foreign law students undertaking graduate study in the United States, some recommendations are made for helping foreign students bridge the gap between their home country's legal environment and that of the United States. A single-semester orientation course is outlined. (MSE)

Argues that an evolutionary account provides insight into developmental function and individual differences. Outlines some assumptions of evolutionary psychology related to development. Introduces the developmental systems approach, differential influence of natural selection at different points in ontogeny, and development of evolved…

Reflects upon the Montessori teacher's role as a peace educator in light of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Rearticulates Montessori's assertion that only through education can the fundamental issues of peace be addressed. Suggests that Montessori teachers seek professional development opportunities to help them incorporate the peace…

This essay focuses on how people respond to cultural difference, and, specifically, two tendencies. One tendency is to romanticize the cultural differences encountered. Another tendency is to rush to a negative judgment about the specific people involved, and about their culture more generally. In this essay, the author illustrates these…

Dropout rates at the college and university level are much higher for students of minority cultures than for their majority culture peers. This paper suggests that the "revolving door" scenario of minority-culture college students can be stemmed by the proper use of mentoring. A combination of successful peers (interpreters), university…

Academic Development Program students face a special challenge. Within a few short weeks, they must hone their reading, writing, and speaking skills while scrambling to adjust to life in college. Usually, pre-freshmen enrolled in the Academic Development Program are not familiar with the demands of academic reading, writing, and oral response. For…

Child care in New Zealand and Australia has become a crucial part of the child-rearing system, and most preschool children spend a prolonged period in at least one away-from-home environment for a substantial part of the day. Because so many preschool children are exposed to a child care environment before entering school, the transition from…

Perspectives on the roles of academic advisors are considered. It is suggested that academic advisors are often "boundary spanners," those who participate in two or more aspects of the activities of the institution. Academic advisors' functions cut across multidisciplinary lines, affecting curricular decisions and curriculum development,…

The concept of student-institution fit in higher education is clarified, and an approach that can be applied to different types of campuses is described. Also considered is the theoretical framework, including the concept of "person-environment interaction." Three sets of factors are important: student characteristics, institutional…

Recognizing that what, how, and how much children learn in school depends in large part on the social and emotional competence they developed as preschoolers, this monograph examines the current state of research regarding the social and emotional risk and protective factors that predict early school problems or success. The first part of the…