Interviews 8th- and 12th-grade adolescent tobacco users, as part of a larger study on adolescents' reasons for tobacco use. Finds that: students perceive school systems to be hypocritical and to be sending contradictory messages regarding the use of tobacco; and the reward/punishment structure of public school systems may not be effective in…

Finds no significant differences between measures of general tendency to argue taken immediately after a one-week training program on "Arguing Constructively" and measures obtained 7 months to 1 year later. Finds, however, that students' self-reported levels of verbal aggressiveness were significantly higher 7 months to 1 year later than…

Examines results of a field study investigating the ability of the Texas Special Olympics'"Athletes for Outreach" program to enhance the communication skills and the perceived social competence of participant with mental retardation. Validates the relevancy of the "Athletes for Outreach" program for Special Olympics Texas and Special Olympics…

Describes results of an examination of the socialization process of alternative-school students. Reveals, through qualitative analysis of observations and interviews, that the at-risk alternative program did not socialize new students for conventional school and may be contributing to students' disengagement from school and/or learning. (SR)

Surveys secondary-school teachers and undergraduate-education faculty members regarding their perceptions of criteria related to gaining employment as a secondary-school teacher, effective teaching, and preparatory undergraduate course work. Shows that communication-related skills, attributes, and courses were rated as most important by…

Presents four brief articles on covering crime. Notes that reporting on crimes requires special skills for student reporters, editors, and photographers. Explains how to gain access to scenes, to develop journalistic ethics, and how to cover crime and its victims. Discusses the relation of race and ethnic issues to crime, and how visual…

Notes that student journalists face a challenge in gaining the respect needed from sources to glean a high quality of information. Contends that in addition to researching the specifics of articles before interviews, part of the preparation needs to be classroom instruction on source cultivation and interpersonal skills. Provides 10 commonsense…

Outlines the attempts of two fictional journalism students to learn the correct way to interview. Emphasizes the importance of doing homework and researching multiple angles. Explains that thinking of questions and taking careful notes are important steps in the process. (PM)

Notes that even high school students enjoy an occasional reading from a children's book. Explains that many different children's books can be incorporated as the basis for activities in the journalism classroom. Presents annotations of seven specific books that can be used in a journalism class. (PM)

Explains a project, which involves creating a book using digital images. Notes that teachers can create books with samples of their work. Provides other suggestions for using this project, such as teaching scanning, creating a photo portfolio as a semester exam project, or creating introduction pieces for yearbook or newspaper staffers. (PM)

Explains that Adobe InDesign 2.0 moves desktop to new possibilities because it combines the best of modern graphics techniques. Provides explanations of the following aspects of InDesign: drop shadow; align objects; define styles; type on a path; grids; accessible patterns; gradients; create outlines; indexing; and shows missing point. (PM)

Explains the uses of photo illustrations. Notes that the key to developing a successful photo illustration is collaborative planning. Outlines the following guidelines for photo illustrations: never set up a photograph to mimic reality; create only abstractions with photo illustrations; clearly label photo illustrations; and never play photo…

Explains that the maestro concept is an approach to integrating writing, editing, and visual communication. Notes that the goal of the maestro concept is to find agreement on the best way to package a story, photos, art, and graphics for the reader. Concludes that the maestro team helps beginning journalism students become better verbal and visual…

Proposes that narrow columns provide a flexible system of organization for designers. Notes that grids serve the content on the pages, help to develop a layout that will clearly direct the reader to information; and prevent visual monotony. Concludes when grid layouts are used, school publications look as good as professional ones. (PM)

Contends that the index at the back of a book is an important reader service. Discusses how and why to index, and how to make indexes interesting. Outlines programs, such as Filemaker and Adobe, which help the indexing process. (PM)