Self-regulation and self-determination are part of a continuum of behaviors that are acquired through interaction with the social and physical environment and through problem solving based on experiences that begin in infancy and build throughout early childhood. These abilities should be nurtured early for all children, especially within the…

This videotape explores the relationship between the child's social world and cognitive development. The first part of the video examines why the social environment is important to brain development. This section looks at the amount of time a child spends in a social environment, and the anatomy of the developing brain. The second part of the…

The study of leadership has faltered partly because the wrong phenomenon has been studied. Whereas the usual definition considers leadership either as a personal property or as a property of position, this paper argues that it is a transient phenomenon residing neither in the person nor the situation and one that can be practiced equally well by…

Many aspects of social change in the United States are reducing the amount of caring and interpersonal contact available to children, thus enhancing the likelihood of social failure. Schools and other social institutions can be reorganized and redirected to provide more positive social support. (PGD)

Progress in developmental/social psychology has occurred in three major areas: (1) knowledge of cognitive development, (2) knowledge involving the various concepts related to the self, and (3) knowledge of how to take explicit account of social context. These areas can be integrated by taking a "life course approach," which emphasizes the…

In order to live and prosper in both natural and social environments, humans need to understand their origins, composition, characteristics, and life-sustaining processes. Education is a way to increase understanding of those worlds. The introduction discusses the common existence and interdependence of man and nature. Chapter 1 describes the…

Criticizes the traditional approach to childhood social studies curriculum, "Me, My Family, My Community," as being superficial and inadequate. Maintains that a rapidly changing world will demand students with highly developed thinking and social skills. Includes guidelines for an optimal social learning environment for early childhood.…