The goal of this research synthesis is to evaluate the validity of the claim that there are fundamental limitations on the ability of adolescents to engage in critical thinking. Critical thinking is defined as an analytic, focused cognitive activity aimed at understanding phenomena at a root rather than a superficial level; a type of thinking…

Examined relationship between levels of Piagetian formal reasoning ability and values preferences derived from Rokeach Value Survey. Findings from 448 secondary school students revealed that subjects with high scores on formal reasoning ranked terminal values representing abstract notions with long-term implications higher than those focusing on…

Discusses how stressful ninth grade is for adolescents, noting that adults' expectations of ninth graders' cognitive abilities may result in stressful experiences that are life-threatening for some (with suicide and drugs being common reactions). Suggestions are made for appropriate teacher education courses, curriculum materials, and…

A common concern raised by teachers from secondary schools and junior colleges in Singapore is the apparent inability or reluctance of adolescents to think critically and originally. Adolescent thought processes are probably shaped by the change in intellectual pace and quality between the primary and secondary school curriculum. This study of…

The cognitive development and affective development of Korean secondary school students were studied to obtain information for the development of curricula and texts, particularly for teaching the English language. Subjects responding to objective tests included 3,164 male and female students from 54 classes of 18 middle schools, and 1,981 male…