Asking children to gesture while being taught a concept facilitates their learning. Here, we investigated whether children benefitted equally from producing gestures that reflected speech (speech-gesture matches) versus gestures that complemented speech (speech-gesture mismatches), when learning the concept of palindromes. As in previous studies,…

The three basic language learning models are the rote-memory model (prescriptive), the abilities model (behavioristic), and the critical age model. If this last model, a deterministic one based on observable facts about the human condition, becomes as popular in American schools as it is in British schools, language will become an important aspect…

Four hundred students, ranging from 5 to 15 years of age, were administered a series of tests of concept learning and development as a test of the Conceptual Learning and Development (CLD) model. Various levels of attainment of the concept of "equilateral triangle" were measured. The CLD model predicts that a decreasing number of students at a…

Considered the need for involving teachers in the long range benefits of developing musicality in children. (Author/RK)

It is hypothesized that free, spontaneous interaction cannot be easily attained in language courses which are rigid and mechanical. For this reason, the author urges the development of instructional materials which facilitate a smooth and natural transition from "skill-getting" to "skill-using." Discussion of Jerome Bruner's theory of language…

This experiment was designed to study the value of oral response as opposed to nonoral response in learning by kindergarten children. Approximately 108 kindergarten children were used. About 80 of them were placed in the two experimental groups (that is, the oral and nonoral groups), and the others were placed in a control group. Phase I involved…

The procedures used to develop a list of concepts taught in fourth-grade language arts are described. Thirty concepts from the list were randomly sampled and then analyzed. Analysis consisted of listing examples and non-examples, relevant and irrelevant attributes, subordinates and supraordinates, and a definition and principle for each concept.…

Oral language development in early childhood education is concerned with conceptual development as well as with skill formation. There seems to be an order in which most children learn to verbalize basic concepts. This guide lists classroom activities that may be used to facilitate and enhance the conceptual development of kindergarten children in…

A review of available research supports the observation that the young child who lives and grows in the midst of dual language opportunities may enjoy benefits of mental flexibility or may suffer burdens of mental confusion. Further research must explore the language-thought relationship, consider the effects of dual language learning on cognitive…