This paper takes the position that theories about individual differences in childhood and theories about cognitive development both would be enhanced if the two lines of research were integrated. The heuristic value of this position is illustrated in the context of analogical reasoning tasks. A general model of analogy solution and potential…

The Motoric-Perceptual-Conceptual/Behavioral (MPC/B) model, a developmentally eclectic approach to evaluating and remediating learning disabilities in children, is described. The model is explained to view learners and the learning process on three educational levels (preschool, elementary school, and high school/post school), on three subject…

This paper discusses six aspects of current practice in mathematics instruction of elementary school children: (1) use of symbolization, (2) use of models, (3) consideration of child development, (4) "logical" vs. "natural" approaches, (5) individualization, and (6) diagnosis and prescription. The author argues that symbols are frequently…

Factors involved in evaluating multiply handicapped children are examined. Described are instruments and techniques for measuring three central concerns: (1) the extent to which the impairments limit the child's functioning (including the Test of Auditory Discrimination and the Children's Embedded Figures Test); (2) the child's ability to complete…

A qualitative method for assessing the cognitive and linguistic development of bilingual children is presented, and its underlying model is discussed. The model views language learning as a concept formation process in three domains: cognitive; cultural; and linguistic. This method has been found useful in accurately differentiating genuine…

Researchers of writing ability have often applied the developmental schemes of William Perry, Lev Vygotsky, and Jean Piaget in describing basic writers. As a result, some researchers have concluded that basic writers think well below the formal-operations or true concept-formation stage of cognitive development. To investigate the theory that…

The current and future state of intelligence testing of educable retarded children are discussed in terms of prediction, diagnosis, and remediation. Individual testing formats, task analysis, transfer of training, social nature of testing, degree of contextual support, and Neisser's distinction between academic intelligence and everyday thinking…

The paper describes the Early Childhood Handicapped Program of Kenosha (WI). The program focuses on receptive and expressive language, fine and gross motor skills, self-help skills, cognitive skills, perceptual skills, and social/emotional skills development. For admission into the program, children must exhibit significant delays in two or more…

The objective of this case study is to explore the influence of evaluators' beliefs on the diagnosis of language-minority children's cognitive-linguistic development. More specifically, the following five areas are explored: (1) evaluator's cultural and linguistic backgrounds; (2) their beliefs about language-minority children's…