This article explores the idea of toddler independence from a Montessori perspective. Integrated with increasing competence in daily living, independence is defined in terms of toileting, dressing and undressing, eating and food preparation, plant and animal care, clothes washing, sweeping, gardening, and putting oneself to sleep. (Author/KB)

Explores whether intergenerational (IG) and homogeneous-age group strategies for intentional education in faith communities are mutually exclusive or complementary. Examines the validity of generational differentiation in educational processes, addresses two difficulties raised for IG programs, and discusses insights on developmental theory and IG…

The recognition of the importance of brain development in the early years of life has led to expanded early intervention programs for very young children with or at risk for developmental disabilities. A biological basis for early intervention is explored, and brain plasticity is discussed. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

A study examined how 44 bilingual (Spanish-English) children (ages 4-7) used taxonomic versus slot-filler strategies in a category-generation task presented in both languages. Younger bilingual children generated approximately equal numbers of items in both conditions, however, older bilingual children were beginning to demonstrate a taxonomic…

Explored relation between infants' early spontaneous imitation of novel and familiar words and subsequent lexicons in longitudinal sample between 13 and 21 months. Found marked contrasts in quantity and proportions of nouns between reported and observed lexicons. When earlier vocabulary levels were controlled, infants' early replication of novel…

The apparently limited classroom application of theories of learning has led to an emphasis on detailed observational studies of teachers in action. This emphasis has produced data concerning management and teaching techniques that is of obvious use to practicing teachers. (CB)

When applying a lifespan perspective to the study of recreation and leisure behavior, a woman's interest and involvement in physical recreation must be viewed not only in terms of her current psychological and biological status, but also within the context of her sociocultural environment and her personal and "group" history. (IAH)

Explicates the socio-cultural developmental theories of Vygotsky and Feuerstein which advocate teacher mediated learning in order to stimulate and accelerate development. Implications for art education include the need for the teacher to become involved in the enculturation of the child into the thinking processes and conceptual organization of…

One factor preventing the wider acceptance of school-based curriculum development and assessment is the problem of comparing performances of different students, in different schools. The SOLO taxonomy is used to describe the complexity of learning outcomes in a language that is generally applicable across the curriculum. (Author/MLW)

Reviews current research findings in the field of music in early childhood. Focuses on the musical development of the average child, citing evidence of music cognition and of music production. Reports some model programs established by music educators to work with parents and preschools to encourage musical development in the young child. (LS)

Presented are the results of an analysis of the cognitive stages of tenth-grade pupils using a six-week unit on the respiratory system. The research design, instruments, and data analysis are discussed. A variety of cognitive levels was found and may be related to learning outcomes. (CW)

This study explores interrelationships among the following components of Erik Erikson's theory of ego identity formation: (1) the identity crisis; (2) the institutionalized moratoria; (3) the ego-superego struggle for dominance of the personality; and (4) the value orientation stages. Humanistically oriented adolescents are more likely to have a…

Examines the effect of economics instruction on ninth-grade student attitudes toward economic topics using the Economics Values Inventory. Finds that economics instruction has a measurable impact on student economic attitudes and reinforces developmental trends resulting in greater commitment to the system of economic production and diminished…

Examines the contributions of free play, the role of the teacher in planning and promoting free play, and the experiential background of children that promotes play activities. Discusses the importance of providing a variety of play materials, and lists the criteria for selecting equipment. (RS)

The relationship of achievement attributions of 34 learning-disabled children (in grades three through eight) to academic progress and developmental patterns of attributional styles was examined in longitudinal studies (continuing for two years). Developmental changes in achievement attributions parallel those of non-disabled peers (n=40), but…