The dynamic systems (DS) approach has emerged as an influential and potentially unifying metatheory for developmental science. Its central platform--the argument against design--suggests that structure spontaneously and without prescription emerges through self-organization. In one of the most prominent accounts of DS, Thelen and her colleagues…

Recently, the relationship between identity and learning has come front and center in discussions about how to design successful learning environments for youth who struggle in mainstream institutions. In this essay, I explore the role identity development plays in constructing learning environments for traditionally marginalized youth. While I…

The third of three articles considers the necessary, which lies in the realm of awareness. Discusses the nature of awareness and its relationship to mathematics learning. (MM)

In this paper I propose a contrast between learning as the acquisition of theories and learning as the development of insight. I then suggest that, in a great many cases, the cognitive achievement by which we come to organise behaviour rationally is the development of insight, where this is independent of the acquisition of knowledge regimented in…

Although the connections between learning and identity are acknowledged in most contexts (e.g., family, community, and workplace), these issues are oddly divorced in schools, a curious bifurcation given schools' developmental agenda. This situation is suggested to have emerged from a Western folk-view in which the cognitive act of learning is seen…

Argues that the limited resources with which organisms start their development make possible certain kinds of learning which otherwise would be highly problematical. Discusses limitations of the cognitive structure of the organism, learning, and its problems in connectionism. Maintains that the knowledge gained from efforts to overcome problems…

Comments on Raftopoulos article (PS 528 649) on facilitative effect of cognitive limitation in development and connectionist models. Argues that the use of neural networks within an "Artificial Life" perspective can more effectively contribute to the study of the role of cognitive limitations in development and their genetic basis than…

Investigates the question, Can the mathematics students are taught be cast in such a form that it can be apprehended with the abilities they have and if so, how? Focuses on the language of student abilities, the nature of abilities, and individual differences. (MM)

Asserts that medical education is an identity development process because it provides students with more and better ways to satisfy their needs; it allows medical students and residents to take on physicians' identities with which they further address their recurring psychosocial needs. Presents 12 conclusions concerning physicians' learning. (EV)

Several different conceptions of the relationship between learning and development are considered in this article. It is argued that dialectical and ecological developmental orientations might provide a useful basis for synthesizing the contrasting frameworks of the operant, information processing, learning theory, and knowledge acquisition…

Peter Senge explains how his book, "The Fifth Disciple," will change minds about systems thinking, personal growth, and work. He talks about what led him to write the book and what it takes to become a learning organization. (JOW)

Professional learning nourishes practice. Sometimes we are able to navigate daily within a community of learners or find such fellowship online. At other moments we seek out books and journals to stimulate inner voyages. The author describes how different books, journals, and Web pages have helped her along her own learning voyage. (AEF)

In this article, the authors talk about the state of boyhood in education and explain the idea that not all elements of the brain--especially not gender--are plastic. They discuss the mismatch between boys and conventional education and how gender "really" happens in the brain and describe the three biological stages in which human nature…

Argues the need to use computers for developing active intelligence and dynamic knowledge (versus static copying). Also suggests utilizing computers to solve problems for which they are most appropriate and to assist personal development through "dissonance" (presenting challenges to each individual's equilibrium). (JBM)

What is considered legitimate learning is culturally and contextually specific, depending on what values are involved. Different values are engaged depending on whether legitimate learning is considered transformation of the individual in relation to self, in relation to society, or in relation to the workplace. (SK)