Describes techniques for teaching interpersonal and group communication skills in the social studies classroom. Activities include group role playing, skill practice trio, and concentric circles, which focus on pairing students to discuss certain topics. The author stresses the necessity for regular feedback forms and sessions. (KC)

Suggests improvisational role-playing of fairy tales as a method of teaching social problem-solving skills to students. Presents a sample activity session based on the "Pied Piper of Hamelin." (SJL)

Explores nonpunitive ways to deal with bullies and their victims in school settings. Appropriate consequences for the bully and role play training for bullies, victims, and other children are among the possible solutions. Parent participation can be very important, but any approach must begin with establishing the child's trust. (SLD)

Explores the use of simulations as a teaching method for gifted students. Identifies positive effects of simulations and distinguishes different types. Notes disadvantages related to time, money, and experience as are unique features of the teacher's role in this approach to instruction. Lists guidelines for choosing a model and deciding on a…

Simulations allow active student participation in learning. In assigned character roles, students experience real-life situations, using their knowledge and skill to experiment in new situations. Simulations promote advanced thinking and problem solving across subject areas. Teachers must be facilitator, organizers, and managers of learning…

School psychologists engaged in ecological assessment need to measure the degree to which children's behaviors fit the demands of the school environment. Although no standardized instruments serve that purpose, rating scales and simulation/role plays can be adapted to measure the person-environment (PE) fit. Although most behavior rating scales…

A six-part marine science simulation game for 4-H members concerning land use in a hypothetical community is provided. The major problem is to decide what are some possible uses of a three-mile (1,250 acre) Marsh Beach which the city recently purchased. Members assume the roles of decision-makers in the simulated environment and compete for…

Examples of various nonverbal communications training techniques are described that have been developed for use in the Los Alamos, New Mexico, public school system. (MJB)

Ways in which teachers can help students face situations that make them tense, anxious, or fearful are suggested, including self-affirmation, relaxation techniques, problem solving, and role playing. (CB)

While there is increasing agreement that aesthetics is related to a quality art program, an analysis of major scholars who have prescribed content for aesthetics in art education indicates that there is little agreement on the conditions of the relationship. This study attempts to clarify different conditions for aesthetics in the curriculum.…

This paper describes a fictitious scene that could be used to support role-playing activities in the science classroom. The scripted scenes contain interviews with Gabriel Fahrenheit and Anders Celsius regarding the development of their temperature scales. Although the scenes are imagined, the scientific concepts are factual and could be used to…

Describes oral tests for different teaching levels that can be used by regular classroom teachers with normal size classes. At the beginning levels, oral assessment is done through role playing or "talk cards," and at the advanced levels, an oral interview is the major part of a mixed skill task. (EKN)

Three approaches to teaching the history of physical education or sport are: "re-searching," the location and use of historical sources for a research paper; "re-creating" versions of a sport played in the past; and "re-presenting" the subject historically through various sensory avenues such as the slide projector. (JN)

Creative dramatics were used to stimulate the moral development of students in inner-city schools. Moral dilemma situations were dramatized. The dramatic presentations, followed by discussion, may be a method for growth in moral judgments and ultimately in advanced moral behavior. (Author)

The article discusses the use of simulation games (an activity in which participants interact within an artificially produced environment which recreates some aspect of social reality) with gifted children. (PHR)