Play and games are widely held to meet a vital role in the socialization process. This study explores the differences in their socialization impact by race. Children in the sixth grade at a rural school were surveyed with regard to their participation in four types of games: individual, sports, board/card and party. Game experience was found to be…

This paper analyzes and assesses the effects of an exploratory orientation program for tenth grade vocational-technical pupils as compared with a traditional approach. The Hazelton Pennsylvania Vocational-Technical School has been placing a greater emphasis on students making more mature vocational-technical career decisions since its opening. A…

This article discusses the initial development tasks that greet the student making the transition from school to college. A three-session, structured group program is outlined for helping the new student meet these tasks systematically rather than haphazardly. (Author)

Responses derived from 76 adult students (mean of 25.6 years) indicated the following 5 services were most useful: advisement; financial aid; bookstore; counseling center; orientation/pre-registration. The five first choice services ranked by the group in order were: advisement; financial aid; admissions; career development center; and counseling…

Outlines a successful high school orientation program using volunteer upperclass students to acclimate new students. (MD)

The data suggests the program was successful because it made a big, impersonal university familiar to parents and because it lessened their main fears that their son or daughter would not succeed. It showed them that academic and social success are probable, that there are people and services well-equipped and ready to help all students. (Author)

To assist families new to the district, counselors in Iowa's Ankeny Community Schools developed a summer visitation program. The program's four components are publicity, home visitations, school orientation, and a welcoming party for new families. Evaluation showed significant improvement in new students' behavior, attendance, and attitudes toward…

Transition into the college environment involves a range of issues not only for the entering student but also for the parent. The College Survival Test (CST) is a program designed to present a wide range of issues concerning college life that allows focused input by college officials and students. (Author)

Assessed the freshman orientation program at Stephen F. Austin State University in terms of academic success of participants. Data were obtained for freshman classes from 1986 to 1994, and results of data analyses indicated a significantly higher grade point average for those who attended orientation. (SLD)

Evaluated a freshman orientation program at a southeastern research university through questionnaires completed by 1,048 (80%) of the entering freshman class. Responses suggest that students themselves are not sure what orientation programs do or are supposed to do, although they were generally satisfied with the program. (SLD)

Studied the messages being conveyed to prospective students in campus visits and summer orientation sessions at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Findings for 497 prospective students show that the visit and orientation program may be effective, but programs are trying to communicate too much. Findings also show the importance of the campus…

Describes Iowa Memorial Union's method for creating its virtual tour, lists equipment and software needed, and offers helpful tips for any institution considering virtual tour development. (EV)

Examined psychosocial development in student paraprofessionals (N=22) in a college orientation program and control students (N=20) who had not been accepted into the program. Found student paraprofessionals exhibited greater gain scores than nonparticipants on interdependence and tolerance as measured by the Student Developmental Task Inventory.…

Examines the relationship between participation in an institution's freshman year experience course and student retention and success. Participating students were found to continue their enrollment to the fall term of their second year at a higher rate, complete more of the first academic year, earn higher cumulative grade point averages, and have…