In this study, the author tested the reliability, concurrent validity, and predictive validity of three hemispheric cognitive style instruments: (a) the Preference Test (PT; R. Zenhausern, 1978), (b) the Polarity Questionnaire (PQ; B. E. Morton, 2002), and (c) the Wagner Preference Inventory II (WAPI II; R. F. Wagner & K. A. Wells, 1985).…

Background: Maturation of prefrontal circuits during adolescence contributes to the development of cognitive processes such as decision-making. Recent theories suggest that these neural changes also play a role in the shift from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) to depression that often occurs during this developmental period. Cognitive models of…

An after-school fine arts program was developed at J. W. Sexton High School (Lansing, Michigan), based on the premise that participation in the fine arts, particularly by African Americans, would lead to higher grade point averages and a greater commitment to school life. A review of relevant literature revealed a number of reasons for low…

The articles in this journal address aspects of the general theme, "Development of the Teaching Profession," and report on research in brain dominance and certification practices. The following articles are in the theme features section: (1) "Collecting Garbage, Driving Trucks, and Waiting Tables: The Economic Reality of…

Fifty-five boys, aged 6 to 8 and 10 to 12 years, were administered EEGs while they silently read short passages. Subjects were then tested on the passages. Age differences in the relationship between hemisphere activation during silent reading and reading comprehension were discovered. (TJH)

This paper presents the preliminary results of a study conducted to investigate the differences in brain hemisphericity and learning styles on students' confidence in using the graphics calculator (GC) to learn mathematics. Data were collected from a sample of 44 undergraduate mathematics students in Malaysia using Brain-Dominance Questionnaire,…

Promotes mathematics instruction that goes beyond computation and problem solving, attempting to make children the "posers of problems." Addresses differences in hemisphericity, processing, and learning styles, as well as maturation differences, sex differences, effects of stimulation, enriched environments, emotion, and the control of attention.…

New knowledge of the perceptual, discriminative, and memory capabilities of very young infants has opened the door to further evaluation of these abilities in infants who have risk factors for cognitive impairments. A neurophysiologic technique that has been very useful in this regard is the recording of event-related potentials (ERPs). The…

The use of freewriting in English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) instruction as a means of promoting communicative competence is examined, particularly as it may improve high-school-level ESL instruction in Japan. First, the educational environment of Japanese high schools is described, and some problems with the teaching of ESL writing are outlined.…

There are various learning styles, each with its own characteristics. Some researchers have associated the different styles with specific brain hemispheres. In the past teachers generally have taught with one type of learning style in mind, with much emphasis placed on the outcomes of learning. Increased attention should be paid to the individual…

Reports on a workshop held in Japan by the Committee of Education of the International Union of Biochemistry. Discusses some of the success of biochemistry in Japan. Describes the day-by-day schedule of the workshop and emphasizes the undergraduate, graduate, and research program in Japan. (TW)

The role of executive functions in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) varies considerably depending on the models of ADHD. We examined the interrelationship of two major executive functions (i.e., inhibition and working memory) with behavioral, emotional, and school problems in a group of children who had a comprehensive…

The test developed by Stroop some 70 years ago is used, among other purposes, as an indicator of attention disorder and general mood fluctuations. The present research attempted to determine whether a correlation existed between the Stroop Test, student ability as defined by a standardised IQ test, and general classroom behaviour. This study…

Presents a scripted lesson plan for intermediate grades, based on M.C. Wittrock's model of generative teaching derived from brain lateralization research. Uses a shopping mall as the setting for hypothetical dilemmas. Offers a combination of verbal and imagined strategies that improve students' economic reasoning and teaches cost-benefit analysis.…

Socioeconomic status (SES) is strongly associated with cognitive ability and achievement during childhood and beyond. Little is known about the developmental relationships between SES and specific brain systems or their associated cognitive functions. In this study we assessed neurocognitive functioning of kindergarteners from different…