Conducting question-and-answer sessions among teachers, parents, and mental health professionals can build a tighter home-school community while improving children's quality of life. This article presents the gist of one such meeting with three child psychoanalysts, early childhood-education professors, preschool parents, and teachers. Analysts…

While bridging physical distance between instructor and student in telecommunications learning is important, the potential for psychological and social distancing should not be overlooked. This article presents three phases of learner-centered distance teaching: preactive, interactive, and postactive. A table summarizes strategies for minimizing…

Summarizes the historical context for development of the Learner-Centered Psychological Principles (LCPs), discussing why LCPs and their practices are particularly important in the current educational reform era; offering implications for practice; noting how LCPs can contribute to a national framework for the systemic redesign of K-20 education;…

To understand urban Native American students more fully, teachers must grasp the contrast between rural/reservation living and urban life (generally more hostile) for these students and their families. Teachers should determine students' home language and their degree of facility in school English. Teachers should also recognize Native American…

An overview is given of research evidence pertaining to the contribution of sport and physical activity to personal enjoyment, growth, social integration, and social change. It is important to identify the prerequisite activity, leadership, organizational, and environmental conditions for facilitating positive outcomes. (JD)

The therapeutic use of animals with specific populations has gained increased attention and interest. Pet placement in special settings such as prisons, mental institutions and hospices have shown beneficial results. Development of a pet visitation program requires specific planning and organization. (JD)

Discusses the importance of children feeling secure in child care centers. Describes ways in which the people, setting, routine, and ritual of child care centers affect a child's sense of security. (RJC)

A causal model of organizational commitment was developed from previous theory and research. The model included variables from each of four categories--personal needs, job characteristics, role states, and work experiences--as well as employees' job satisfaction and mental health. It was tested in surveys of nonprofessional and professional…

Recounts a personal experience as a first grader to illustrate the point that teachers must remember to encourage rather than stifle students' creativity. (NH)

Using Macintoshes, 111 high school students completed 8 3-minute timed typings, twice under each of 4 conditions (normal, monitors off, keyboards covered, and both monitor off and keyboard covered). Fastest speeds were achieved with monitors off, the most accurate with full visual access to both monitor and keyboard. (SK)

Using data on 2,031 adults, 4 levels on a continuum of social attachment are compared: (1) no partner; (2) partner outside the household; (3) living with partner; and (4) married to partner. Results indicate that the higher the level of social attachment, the lower the level of psychological distress. (JPS)

Proposes a needs-based taxonomy of leisure activities. Study participants (n=3,771) indicated the extent to which leisure activities met different psychological needs. Results support theories that leisure experiences affect individuals' physical and mental health. Provides a taxonomy of 12 leisure activity clusters so as to allow greater…

Describes a special program for older children entering residential treatment facilities for whom adoption is a goal. The program offers a continuum of care which incorporates the strengths of group living, therapy, and adoption preparation and placement. (HTH)

This paper argues that insufficient attention has been paid to the psychological needs of physically maltreated children, who often require direct treatment for such problems as aggressive behavior, low self-esteem, and cognitive limitations. (DB)

With eighth-grader in White House, America is in for four years of voyeuristically observed adolescence. As Chelsea Clinton and millions of other 12 year olds know, junior high is where real psychological action is. Middle school is cruel, self-conscious culture, replete with rumors, complicated dress codes, and popularity-driven status hierarchy.…