This study of the effects of gender on computer use and telecommunications, analyzed e-mail, daily logs, newsletters, text and graphic documents, and transcripts of interviews with 30 elementary school children. Study found girls and boys used technology to confirm and defy gender stereotypes and that gender biases in classroom interactions were…

A formative evaluation of computer conferences for 100 preservice teachers over five semesters examined why and how students participated, focusing on grading system, grouping, collaboration, relevance, learner control, and technological preparation. Student conference messages and postcourse surveys from the first and last semesters were examined…

A three-year study (grades 3-5) of two groups of elementary school students determined that writing quality improved in a high-computer-access school, as indicated by holistic measures of writing message (meaning and content quality) and medium (quality of the form and surface features). In-class observation supported the contention that word…

The "Shadow" program at a middle school in Atlanta allows fifth graders to "shadow" sixth grade middle students to ease transition from elementary school. This study used questionnaires to compare the social adjustment of program participants and non-participants, as well as teacher attitudes toward the program. Results showed a significant…

Explored how middle level integrativist teachers working in a conventional school district sustain their commitment to integrativist learning. Used ethnographic interviewing, which uncovered four themes in these teachers' perspectives: (1) the very different nature of relationships among teachers and with students; (2) struggles with instructional…

A survey of 88 middle school principals revealed that more than half used many specific strategies to facilitate inclusion of disabled students in general education classes. No significant differences existed among respondents demographically, but differences between principals who had been special education teachers and those who had not may…

Boston College Conflict Prevention Program techniques for relaxation and self-control were taught to middle-school students in two Boston schools. Preliminary results from teacher interviews revealed that students spontaneously used these methods to calm their "fight-or-flight" reactions in real conflicts. Results also indicated that females…

Considers the multiple processes implied in children's construction of their social perceptions and social representations. Examines the social information processing, constructivist, and socio-constructivist approaches through a sociogenetic analysis of social thought. Explores the impact of preschool interactional context on children's emerging…

Examines the potential for community-based day care as intervention. Considers evidence that day care for disadvantaged children has beneficial outcomes maintained over time; the importance of program quality; and the desirability of an ecological perspective. Concludes by noting that high-quality care should be available to all children in…

Uses results from study of home child-caregivers' attitudes to examine how public/private discourses on mothering, professionalism, work, and caring contribute to providers' constructions of home child-carework. Focuses on providers' efforts to set boundaries between their business and the caring relationships developed with children and families,…

Reflects upon experiences with the First Nations' Partnerships and the European Commission Child Care Network to argue that efforts to understand quality care have been insufficiently sensitive to socioecological and cultural factors related to defining and assessing quality. Argues for a reconceptualization of early childhood care, and presents…

Advocates further revision of the developmentally appropriate practice guidelines of the National Association for the Education of Young Children to more fully recognize the implications of cultural and linguistic diversity and racial equality for the education of young children. Focuses on culture and universality, parent-professional…

Reviews Kilbride's book on diversity and its consequences for young children, families, and caregivers; meeting children's needs; and practicing diversity in and shaping the future of early childhood education. Notes that the book's strengths include its standardized and consistent chapter format, its substance, and comprehensive scope. Suggests…

Reviews Varga's book on Canadian day care. Suggests that the work's linkage of ideas concerning scientific child study and ideologies about the child to changes in structure and practice of child care highlights the concerns of children, mothers, teachers, and administrators. Notes that the limitations of the book are its brevity and the nature of…

Examined the cross-racial validity of friendship qualities and the value of reciprocity in friendship with 40 white and black fifth graders in a multiracial elementary school. Found that reliable alliance was considered significantly more important as a friendship quality by black than by white students, with 10 qualities, including reciprocity,…