This paper explores how the science of interpretation (hermeneutics) may offer an approach to describing the nature of how one develops understanding during mathematical activity. The discussion centers on personal interpretation and its interactive relationship between mathematics and mathematical activity without focusing upon the distinction…

Investigates the development of narrative thought by analyzing the structural complexity and social-psychological understanding displayed in the story compositions of 151 adolescents aged 10 to 18 years. A clear developmental progression was observed in structural complexity in terms of plot structure and the construction of flashbacks. (Contains…

The growing move to reintegrate special education within the general education system forms the background and rationale for this paper's proposals. Discussion includes the suggestion that general education students can benefit from explicit instruction in learning strategies which have been primarily used with only learning disabled students.…

The authors' analyses of two studies show differences in students' values and learning preferences, as well as a relationship between psychosocial occupational therapists' level of education and the degree of eclecticism in their theoretical orientation, the degree of consistency between their practices and beliefs, and their movement from staff…

The article provides a rationale for the consideration of the processing differences of exceptional learners and discusses how these differences influence the development of the skills necessary for normal school achievement. (PHR)

Discusses creativity, play, and nonconformity in children, including the illusion of thought disorder or abnormality, and aspects of everyday creativity, health, and survival. Describes creative divergence, chaotic amplification, the evolution of information, and primitive cognitive processes. Concludes with a discussion of cognitive styles,…

Abstracts and abstractors' critiques are presented for six studies dealing with concept formation and misconceptions and for five studies dealing with cognitive development. The first six studies investigated: children's naive conceptions of the human body; students' understanding (or misunderstanding) of states of matter and density changes; the…

Research conducted between 1975-85 on cognitive styles, cognitive development, cognitive strategies, and social and emotional factors associated with the academic setting was reviewed to determine differences between gifted and nongifted learners. Significant differences were found in all four areas. (Author/CB)

Reviews concepts and studies about social class, educational achievement, and learning styles. Attempts to survey literature pertaining to socioeconomic status and educational achievement and to present the main arguments. (Author/MW)

A review is presented of major theories on the characteristics of adult cognition. The roles of social and cultural backgrounds, education, mental ability, and experience as they pertain to cognition are discussed. (JD)

The cognition theories of Piaget as they apply to adults are examined in the light of new theories about the characteristics of formal reasoning abilities and their acquisition over a long life span. (JD)

This paper examines the nature of human abilities in light of recent advances in information-processing and discusses implications of these developments for cognitive assessment of children. (CJ)

Research on the nature of gifted children's learning is reviewed. Studies are cited on the following topics: cognitive style (learning style preferences, field independence/dependence, locus of control, and hemispheric specialization), cognitive development (differentiated stage development), cognitive strategy selection (components of problem…

Addresses the difficulties in assessing the receptive capacity and learning style of a child and matching it to the instructional aspects of schooling. Describes a teacher sensitization course that has been developed to make such matching possible. (WD)

The article examines the reflective versus the impulsive cognitive styles and the implications of these styles for special education teachers. (PHR)