Introduces this theme issue that explores the nature of adolescence and the positive psychology movement that focuses on positive aspects of adolescent development. Articles in this collection provide a window into the exploration of youth strengths. (SLD)

Based on the seminal work of Emmy Werner (1990), practitioners have recognized the powerful role protective and risk factors play in the development of children's emotional and behavioral adjustment. Researchers have concluded that differences in children's reactions to difficult events are influenced by the type and level of protective factors in…

Reviews Thelen and Smith's book and its account of "how knowing develops from doing." Concentrates on the nature of dynamic systems. (DR)

Responds to William Sears's article: "Attachment Parenting: A Style That Works" (PS 523 690). Claims that there are alternatives to "attachment parenting" based on the Montessori philosophy, pointing out that Sears's suggestion of sleeping with the baby and carrying the baby in a sling may easily become obstacles in the path of…

Examines the novels of Cynthia Voigt in terms of the recurring theme that the sacrifice of one's self or one's interest, usually for the supposed advantage of others, can in the long run do more harm than good. A bibliography of Voigt's novels is provided. (two references) (CLB)

Maintains that "Individual Development and Evolution: The Genesis of Novel Behavior" (Gilbert Gottlieb) is one of the most creative, integrative, and important works in the field of developmental comparative science. Gottlieb's work has provided scientific basis for the concept that developmental systems, and not genetic reductionism, is the only…

Reviews "Rethinking Innateness: A Connectionist Perspective on Development" by Elman and others (1996). Maintains that the authors argue forcefully that the nature-nurture conflict is a false dichotomy and that they present convincing existence on the possibility of qualitative change. Argues that the authors do not succeed in proposing…

Presents an essay review of "Conflict and Connection: The Psychology of Young Adult Literature" by Sharon A. Stringer. Considers how teens are victims of a culture that superficially embraces what their youth represents in image, but abandons them in what their age requires in substance. Discusses how Stringer's book suggests a way to…

Claims that Matthews sees independence as moving freely and being able to function apart from the adult, leading to competence and cognitive development for life. Reiterates the importance of emotion, relationships, and the mother as the central part of the child's prepared environment. (MOK)

Maintains that strengths of Olson and Torrance's work include its balanced focus on child and curriculum. Argues that the book neglects affective, social, and cultural aspects of development. Argues that the book's avoidance of ethnic categorization could encourage or justify avoiding issues of differences in human development and equity in…

Asserts that this book, drawn from a 1993 conference on memory development, accurately reflects the contemporary status of the field in two ways: (1) its research is matured and specialized; and (2) there are no major theoretical disputes, nor a widely shared new approach, although using microgenetic designs to study cognitive strategy choice…

This courseware evaluation rates the Who Am I? program developed by Instructional Enterprises. (This program--not contained in this document--is an interactive guidance course including four inventories students use to learn more about themselves.) Part A describes the program in terms of subject area (personal development) and hardware…

Reviews two books about early childhood curriculum based on young children's developmental needs: "The Whole Child" (J. Hendrick) discusses inclusion of special needs children in the classroom and Piaget's theory of the emergence of thinking and reasoning skill; "Creative Experiences for Young Children" (Mimi Brodsky Chenfield)…

Reviews a book that describes the experiences of a white teacher of creative writing in American Indian classrooms. The book recounts the teacher's successes in encouraging his students to write poetry, examines his relationships with his students and their community, and offers lessons about crossing cultural boundaries and the rewards to be…

This examination of fundamental educational questions serves as an excellent introduction to the philosophy of education. It includes persuasive arguments for severing the consideration of education from how well it prepares citizens for the marketplace and focusing on what education does for us as human beings. (SLD)