The interaction between personality and social structure is one of the grand themes of both classical and contemporary social science. While different disciplines have addressed this issue from a variety of perspectives, within both sociology and psychology there are long standing research traditions that focus on the relationship between…

An activity, developed to assist preservice teachers to clarify their understanding of teacher effectiveness and the role of a teacher training program, uses a list, given to each student, of words that may be used to describe an effective teacher: fair, honest, friendly, knowledgeable, organized, prepared, articulate, creative, well-groomed,…

Describes development of assessment program for fitness where mental-emotional factors are considered in addition to physical factors. Introduces concept of "defensive living," whereby individuals seek to avoid hazards to good health. Estimates one's coronary age based on risk factors present. (Author/NB)

Contrasts the narrative strategies of two books, Carol Gilligan's "In a Different Voice" and George Eliot's "The Mill on the Floss." Argues that the narrative voice of both is similar, but Eliot has a clearer realization of the limits imposed on women's voice. Gilligan counsels synthesis of the male and female voice, but Eliot…

A recent study of the administrative characteristics, attitudes toward leadership and management, and personal and professional background of college presidents named by their peers as effective chief executives is reported. (MSE)

This paper addresses the different characteristics of children with hyperlexia, high functioning autism, and Asperger's Syndrome. It describes the pattern of development of 20 children with the characteristics of hyperlexia (precocious reading development and disordered language acquisition, accompanied with concomitant social and behavioral…

Discusses a design course to provide design experiences, increase personal awareness, and increase communication skills. In addition to designing projects and considering the design decision-making process, group dynamics is fostered, using groups formed on the basis of results from the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). (JN)

Clinical psychologist Taibi Kahler's Process Communication Model is based on six personality types (dreamers, persisters, promoters, reactors, rebels, and workaholics). By satisfying people's individual communication needs, the model helps improve student motivation and achievement, enhances staff morale, and reduces the need for discipline. (MLH)

Presents four-part empirical model for teaching and learning critical thinking. Model consists of dispositional or attitudinal component, instruction in and practice with critical-thinking skills, structure-training activities designed to facilitate transfer across contexts, and metacognitive component used to direct and assess thinking. Contains…

Considers factors that help and hinder experienced instructors in transitioning to teaching online. Highlights include intrinsic personality characteristics as measured by the Myers Briggs and Gregorc Transactional Ability Inventory; job support; and training to acquire online teaching skills. (Author/LRW)

A painstaking investigative report by the Washington Post describes pre-massacre Columbine as filled with social vinegar. The high school was dominated by a "cult of the athlete." In this distorted environment, a coterie of favored jocks, who wore white hats to set themselves apart, consistently bullied, hazed, and sexually harassed their…

The 2004 Gold Medal Award for Life Achievement in the Science of Psychology is awarded to Janet Taylor Spence. She is recognized for her outstanding scientific contributions that have had a profound theoretical and empirical impact on two areas of inquiry: Her early seminal research on the motivational properties of trait anxiety led the way to…

This is the second of two self-studies of my efforts to prepare preservice teachers for the practical realities of the classroom while being respectful of their personal practical knowledge. I coined the term "relational teacher education" to convey my approach, which is informed by Rogers' "helping relationships" and Hollingsworth, Dybdahl, and…

Often families with young children do not know where to turn for help and support. Early care and education programs are natural places to reach out to parents and help them strengthen their parenting skills and social interactions. When warning flags are observed, such as inappropriate discipline, frustration, and anger, they are avenues for…

The residential construction industry, like much of today's job market, requires young people to have more analytical reasoning ability and a broader skill base. Along with this comes a deeper understanding of what it means to provide students with "good" soft skills. Soft skills are more than just saying thank you. Choosing a career is…