Results from the first year of a three-year longitudinal study (grades 6-8) of sex-related differences are reported. The purposes of the study are: (1) to understand more adequately the impact of one important cognitive influence (Spatial Visualization) on the learning of mathematics, and (2) to identify educational influences on the development…

Noting that assumptions about the teaching and learning of early childhood mathematics have changed substantially since the 1970s, this chapter examines recent research that may inform curriculum development in early childhood mathematics. The chapter begins with a consideration of the theoretical perspectives for defining an appropriate…

Investigates the linguistic and cognitive aspects of the mastery of the time conjunctions "before" and "after" by young children. (EKN)

Examines children's knowledge and understanding of global spatial relationships. Utilizing cut-outs of continents to estimate their size in relation to Europe, the students consistently underestimated the size of Asia and overestimated Australia. Possible reasons for this are discussed and teaching approaches suggested. (MJP)

Described are the results of a spatial skills test designed to assess processing from 2-D to 3-D, 3-D to 2-D, and orientation. Results indicated that different aspects of spatial ability did not develop at the same rate, and the 3-D to 2-D skill took the longest to develop. (CW)

Examines verbal/linguistic and visual/spatial intelligences and their relationship to Montessori education. Aligns Gardner's philosophy of these two intelligences with Montessori's specific counterparts in the prepared environment. Defines assessment in light of observation and the definitive clarity of Montessori activities. Suggests that…

Handicapped children's potential to represent thoughts and feelings through visual forms is often overlooked. Intended for educators, therapists, psychologists, and physicians, the book focuses on art procedures found useful in developing concepts of space, of sequential order, and of class or group of objects. It also provides art techniques for…

Challenges the assumptions concerning the necessity of feedback in children's cognitive development. Suggests that during a certain and limited phase, cognitive development may occur due to cognitive restructuring. Discusses the implications of this for educational programs, especially computer assisted learning. (MJP)

This study examined the cognitive development of students enrolled in three levels of freshman chemistry courses and focused on changes in spatial ability over time. Results indicate that performance on general Piagetian-type tasks, including spatial visualization, can be refined through educational intervention. Concludes that students appear…

Abstracts of 11 mathematics education research studies are provided. Each abstract is accompanied by the abstractor's analysis of or comments about the study. Studies reported include: "The Importance of Spatial Visualization and Cognitive Development for Geometry Learning in Preservice Elementary Teachers"; "Classroom Ratio of High…

The objective of this study was to provide data related to learning styles and to learning environments, to identify appropriate experiences for the non-major biology student. Investigated was whether congruence existed between a measured amount of cognitive process or analytical skill and the resultant answer on a test question which required…

Noting that scientific observation of children's dreaming offers unparalleled opportunities to study experience of conscious mental states, this book presents findings from two studies on children's dreaming. Following an argument outlining the problems in equating dreaming with perception, the book explains the use of sleep laboratories and…

Presents the results of a study where five-, seven-, and nine-year olds were asked to draw three figures: one standing still and facing them, one standing still in profile, and one running in profile. Half drew from imagination and half drew from models. Discusses the differences between the efforts. (MJP)

Investigated the development among fourth-graders of two-dimensional space concepts within a mathematics unit on grids, coordinates, and rectangles. Found that students' knowledge of grid and coordinate systems related to levels of competence in number sense, spatial-geometric relationships, and the ability to discriminate and integrate the two…

Proposed is a hierarchy of visual learning giving three primary stages of visual learning as well as seven hierarchical stages. A clarification of terms associated with visual learning is presented. (KR)