A Modified form of Sigel's Styles of Categorization Tests discriminated group and individual categorization preferences in 5th, 8th, and 11th graders consistent with the expectations of developmental theory and research for these age groups. (Author/DEP)

Two experiments demonstrate that 10- and 13-year-olds can learn to detect interactive patterns in data. Results also indicate the advantages of creating formal models of solution strategies and using them as a basis for instructional procedures. (Author/DEP)

Investigates whether readers comprehend a text better when it is displayed conventionally (on printed pages) or computer-mediated (offering the reader access to additional information, or controlling the reader's processing of the text). Comprehension scores were significantly higher for readers of the computer-mediated, computer-assisted texts.…

Describes an experiment investigating the reading comprehension performance of fifth grade readers under three reading conditions: listening, silent reading, and round robin oral reading. Finds that comprehension declined from listening, to silent, to round robin oral reading. (RAE)

Studied the onset of puberty in girls aged nine to eleven as represented by breast, pubic hair growth, and height. Breast growth, but not pubic hair growth was associated with a positive body image, positive peer relationships, and superior adjustment. Height was linked to superior adjustment and rating of career as important. (RJC)

Studied first- and fifth-grade children at different levels of reading skill in four familiarization experiments concerned with word encoding processes. Overall, supports the view that word encoding undergoes qualitative change as reading progresses from beginning to more advanced levels, although the reason for this change is unknown. (Author/NH)

This study investigated the ability of first-, third-, and fifth-grade students to perceive similarities and differences in contour and interior pattern of shapes in color drawings. Results showed that with increase of age, attention to contour information was significantly affected by the surrounding contextual information found in the drawings.…

Assesses the relationship between the self-perceptions of cognitive competence and achievement orientations of 117 academically competent fifth graders. Children who underestimated their abilities adopted lower standards, perceived lower teacher expectations, considered unstable effort the most important cause of their high grades, and were…

Once a month, fifth-grade students in an Indianapolis, Indiana, classroom can use tickets earned through good behavior and academic achievement to purchase donated items and baked goods. Students are in charge of organizing the activity, keeping track of student "earnings," and managing a student "bank." (PGD)

Considerable stability was observed on measures of acceptance, rejection, preference, and impact in a one-year longitudinal study of sociometric stability and friendship choice consistency in an early-adolescent peer group. Findings provided new information about patterns of stability in early adolescent peer groups and revealed the need for…

Working in small groups, fifth graders designed and made a ceramic title mural that became a permanent display in the school entryway. The project is described. (RM)

Six geography lessons which teach a global perspective to fifth graders are discussed. The lessons include examining maps made in countries other than the United States, brainstorming about another culture, taking an imaginary trip over a region just studied, participating in a simulation, and researching the making of a pencil. (RM)

Described is a project which made the study of Black history more real to fifth graders by having them make wire jewelry, smaller versions of the ornate filigreed ironwork produced by slave blacksmiths. (RM)

In this study posttest performance resulting from total feedback, partial feedback, and no feedback in a multiple-choice test was compared. (RC)

Dramatic play and role playing are two techniques that can be used to help children understand their feelings about death. (JH)