If art, when defined by existential and phenomenological boundaries, promotes self-understanding, then the verbal arts in particular offer fully developed hypothetical analogues of humans in action. The need to find some measure of self-knowledge through art does not diminish with age, but the self-understanding promoted by the portrayal of the…

A college level unit which investigates stereotypes of aging in the United States is described. The three-class unit serves as an introduction to the study of social gerontology. Its purpose is to address issues of negative stereotypes of old age reinforced by the media and by our cultural roots; the lack of knowledge about the normal changes that…

This workshop module is designed to increase teachers' understanding of the resistance they are likely to encounter from their students when introducing emotionally laden content (e.g., issues of stereotyping and sex bias), and to provide them with strategies for preventing, dealing with, and reacting to student resistance. A booklet for use in…

Examined how group counseling that emphasized eliminating self-defeating behavior affected self-esteem and locus of control among learning disabled children. Indicated that participants in the group counseling sessions felt better about themselves and had more internal perception of locus of control than did control group participants. (ABB)

Assessed the effectiveness of three techniques for changing college students' attitudes toward aging in a positive direction. Found direct experience with the elderly to be the most effective workshop technique. (Author/ABB)

In first year college composition classes, teachers often encounter "writing-resisters"--students who enact their disrespect, students who feel they are better off flirting, students who refuse to turn in papers. In addition, there are students for whom writing seems irrelevant. Teachers can articulate to students verbally and in…

Two problems for academic deans in getting faculty involved in faculty development are motivating teachers and ensuring receptive participation. Active administrator commitment is essential, and participation can be encouraged by laying groundwork carefully, actively promoting concern for good teaching, appointing a department contact person for…

Studied the responses of children aged four to seven to photographs of older adults. Results indicated age discrimination was highly accurate by age six. Most expressed positive views of activities shared with grandparents but identified older adults in general as sad, lonely, and not busy. (Author/JAC)

The author discusses attitude formation and attitude change and suggests how administrators, teachers, and counselors can help change negative attitudes toward the handicapped and develop positive ones. (KC)

Proposes specific public relations practices, aimed at parents, that will make the public more aware of the invaluable work done by English teachers. (RL)

Presents a step-by-step guide to the fund-raising telephone call, designed for volunteers in college and university phonathons. Includes asking for the donor, introducing oneself, giving the reason for the call, verifying prospect records, establishing rapport, dealing with both positive and negative responses, suggesting alternatives, summarizing…

Successful implementation of mainstreaming special needs preschool children requires a comprehensive and meaningful planning stage. An approach is described which emphasizes breaking down negative attitudes of parents and teachers, and uses reverse mainstreaming in which children from regular classrooms visit the classes of handicapped children…

Reports on two studies designed to develop and evaluate the Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire-Positive (ATQ-P), a measure of positive automatic thinking that is complementary to the ATQ, a measure of negative thinking in psychopathology. Describes results suggesting that ATQ-P is reliable and valid measure of positive thinking. (Author/NB)

A survey of 227 academically talented elementary students and 236 not so identified found that gifted students often begin with positive attitudes toward school but fail to maintain these attitudes because of the lack of appropriate challenge. There was no difference between the groups in level of boredom. (Author/JDD)

A survey of 197 entering university students during summer orientation found students had significantly more negative attitudes toward Arabs in 2 situations (boarding an airplane, getting financial help), and more positive attitudes in buying a used car from a salesperson. Findings suggest attitudes toward Arabs have become more tolerant since a…