Summarizes and reviews six studies published in this issue. Emphasizes the teaching methods recommended by each study and the ways in which the studies affirm several assumptions that guide early childhood teaching practices. (MM)

Studies attitudes of 120 African-American undergraduates toward academic interdependence and motivation in interdependent and independent learning contexts. Results indicate a prevalent cooperative academic attitude, with a positive impact on academic motivation in cooperative contexts. African-American students tend to be disposed more toward…

Discusses computerphobia and its relationship to other anxiety literature, and describes a study of university students that explored the reasons for computerphobia. Retrospective computer and mechanical experiences are investigated, personality style and the effect of various media are examined, and comparisons are made between severe and milder…

Research on the impact of college on students is reviewed, focusing on how the college experience develops citizenship and participation in a democratic society. This includes studies on changes in students' political and social attitudes, attitudes toward gender roles, moral reasoning, and psychosocial dimensions relevant to citizenship (e.g.,…

Compares 117 Finnish and 351 southern U.S. college students for the following: (1) paranormal beliefs; (2) personality adjustment constructs (anomie, death concerns, alienation, and death threat); and (3) relationships between the beliefs and constructs. The secularization process, further advanced in Finland than the United States, moderates…

Stress accompanies most superintendencies, but how much strain a superintendent experiences hinges on personality traits and coping ability. Superintendents are pressured by innercity work environments, changing demographics, tightening finances, confrontational school boards, and dissatisfied constituents. For some, the answer is early…

Examines the relationship of self-esteem and cultural identity to psychosocial adjustment in African-American children through a literature review with an overview of identity research and a discussion of the development of self-esteem and cultural identity among African-American children. Implications for clinical and educational interventions…

Japan's economic success may have its origins in its educational system, which instills the values of persistence and hard work in children. This process is begun by Japanese mothers, continues throughout preschool and school, and is reinforced by cultural beliefs and practices. In one study, task persistence was significantly greater among…

Presents the results of a survey on how student teachers experienced their teachers, with special emphasis on personality features evident in those teachers most liked and disliked, and those most worth cultivating. Finds interconnections between these spheres, and explores differences based on gender and students' target school level. (DSK)

Predictors of school dropout and their stability over time were studied in 791 white French-speaking Canadian students aged 12 to 16 years in 1974 and 791 similar students in 1985 through self-administered questionnaires. School, family, behavioral, social, and personality variables predicted dropping out in both samples, and these predictors were…

Examined whether the apparent absence of an egocentric bias among shy individuals is reflected in their excuse making following poor performance and whether anticipating a challenge to one's excuses would dissuade even nonshy individuals from making excuses. Shy individuals refrained form making consistency-lowering excuses regardless of…

A mother of an adult son with Asperger disorder discusses his adoption, the symptoms of his disability, social problems that he encountered in school, and his placement in a psychiatric hospital. His misdiagnosis with reactive attachment disorder and the long journey to a correct diagnosis of Asperger disorder are recounted. (CR)

Discusses findings from interviews with 19 committed principals and places them within the context of new research on principals as lifelong learners who publicly model intellectual curiosity. Conditions for continuous learning exemplified by these principals comprise three categories: professional identity, influence of the liberal arts, and…

The present study investigated the effects of situational (child situational emotions) and dispositional (child temperament) child variables on mothers' regulation of their own hostile (anger) and nonhostile (sadness and anxiety) emotions. Participants included 94 low and middle income mothers and their children (41 girls; 53 boys) aged 3 to 6…

With the development of the global economy in the late 1980s and 1990s, organizations have been forced to continually reevaluate operations and strategies. As a result, the one constant in this dynamic world is the ever-changing work environment. The human resource and organizational development fields have long looked to investigate what makes…