Meeting the affective needs of children : accepting the challenge

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to document one elementary school's efforts to find ways to address affective needs in a comprehensive manner.

The process began with a selective review of the literature. The work on Invitational Education is included as an example of a philosophy or "theory of practice" that focuses on the affective needs of both children and adults.

Definition of the problem was the next step. This involved the collection of data with respect to student needs, i.e., awareness of others, self-awareness, self-control, decision-making, group cooperation, self-concept as learner and academic difficulties.

The action plan was developed on the basis of the needs that were identified. It was expressed in terms of six goals which may be briefly designated as follows: a collaborative staff model; Invitational education; responsibility-based discipline; a child needs-sensitive learning environment; a developmental guidance program; and parent involvement.

The last phase of the project was the evaluation phase, which was intended to assess the project and help identify future direction. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)