Focuses on the struggle of American psychologists with the question of objectivity and the observer's role, notes Titchener's description of the dangers of subjectivity in observation, and describes the phenomenological approach to observation. Discusses the awareness of baby diarists of the potential problems with the method related to its…

Examines development of representational thought from the perspective of Jean Mandler's image-schema theory and an action-theoretical approach derived from Piaget's theory. Concludes that empirical findings fail to support hypotheses of early onset, and that representational development is more adequately interpreted within the context of an…

This essay discusses the use of dialogue composition with gifted students in the context of Kenneth Burke's (1945) theory of rhetoric of empathic identification, which aims to develop higher order metacognitive skills and develop the art of interpretation. An example of the use of "Alice in Wonderland" to stimulate dialogue composition…

Examined analytic methods for describing children's social risk. Found that the individual-risk-variables approach provided better overall prediction of developmental outcomes at a particular age. The risk-factor approach provided good prediction of developmental trajectories with moderate to large sample sizes. The risk-index was useful for…

Suggests ways to use dynamic systems analysis to illuminate the pluralistic and multidimensional model described by Larivee, Normandeau, and Parent (2000). Issues discussed include the characteristics of developmental transitions, such as hysteresis; nature of growth processes, such as hierarchical development or predator-prey interactions; and…

Finds that grade two students' comprehension scores did not differ significantly between oral reading and silent reading, while grade three and four students' comprehension scores were significantly higher after oral reading. Argues that these findings are consistent with a Vygotskian model of the transition from oral to silent reading. (SR)

Describes how complex thinking evolves during the 20s based on a longitudinal study with 39 men and women age 18 to 30. Themes that characterize this epistemological and intrapersonal growth are translated to implications for student affairs. (Contains 22 references.) (Author/GCP)

Describes how a discussion of "The Diary of Anne Frank" moved a class to intense discussion. Discusses how the books, and stories, and poems are invitations to a passionate engagement with human experience. Considers literature as the invitation to a dialogue, to intellectual inquiry, to tell one's own story, to participate in a society and the…

Studied the learning outcomes experienced by 24 alumni of a higher education/student affairs program through interviews with the students and some faculty and support staff members. Students experienced the thesis process in eight identifiable stages, and four areas of growth were identified: personal development, skills development, content…

Narratives of six women in counselor training courses identified their learning strategies and management of the personal/professional divide. Professionalism was about self-acceptance as well as qualifications and practice. As they struggled to integrate learning and family, others seemed to view their lifelong learning as a diversion rather than…

A study of self-esteem found no strong evidence that self-esteem is a good thing in its own right or can lead to other benefits. Self-esteem was strongly related to locus of control, self-efficacy, and a general positive attitude but relatively immune to change. Implications for outdoor education programming are discussed. (TD)

Suggests that to meet the substantial challenges of organizational change, college and university planners must first learn to reflect on their own personal and professional roles and behavior, seek information about how others assess their actions, build an action plan to sustain integrity and focus, and remedy dysfunctional habits. (MSE)

Focus-group interviews with 52 camp counselors examined their experiences as camp staff. Positive outcomes included important relationships with campers and other staff; appreciation of diversity; teamwork; group cohesion; leadership and responsibilities; and technical, interpersonal, and administrative skills development. Problems included…

Treatment of sexually abusive youth was initially patterned after treatment of adult sex offenders. Article discusses the important differences in understanding the developmental progression and in treatment approaches that have evolved. Supports developmental perspective for treatment of youth which views abusive sexuality as evidence of deviant…

Notes that research is confirming that much of what makes a person unique is the result of experiences in the first three years of life. Notes the long-term effects of inadequate nurturing, the role of extended family, and the challenges for parents, educators, and policymakers posed by these research findings. (HTH)