This study examined the stability over 1-year and 2-year periods of the relationship between a cognitive measure and 2 language measures in 125 children (ages 3-7) with developmental delays. Findings indicated substantial changes in the cognitive-language relationship over time, suggesting that the discrepancy model is not appropriate for service…

Asserts that college students lack understanding of the concept of function. Based on an epistemological theory, offers an instructional treatment using computers that presents a process concept of function and results in substantial improvements in student understanding for many students. (29 references) (MDH)

The relationship of socioeconomic status (SES) to the etiology of physical child abuse and the consequences of abuse for child development was studied. There was an interaction of SES with abuse status. This suggests different relationships between SES and child rearing in abusive and nonabusive families. (BC)

Concrete experience should be a first step in the development of new abstract concepts and their symbolization. Presents concrete activities based on Hyde and Nelson's work with egg cartons and Steiner's work with money to develop students' understanding of partitive division when using fractions. (MDH)

Describes a qualitative study that explores students' perceptions of their own learning. Document review, participant observation, and open-ended interviews were used to gather and triangulate data. Factors that were perceived as helpful were woven into a theoretical model. The uses of the model are discussed. (Author/KR)

Maintains that reading humorous storybooks to toddlers can support their development and learning. A bibliography of humorous children's books is included. (BB)

Mathematical fiction writing as a learning tool is discussed utilizing an actual example of a student's fictional text related to the field of geometry. Commentary about this example and how it relates to other areas of mathematics can provide teachers with insight into students' schema for organization and internalization of mathematical…

Contends that emergent developmental sequences are energized in a continuous interaction with environmental influences. Asserts that a developmentally and individually appropriate curriculum is sequential and matched to the naturally emerging developmental sequences of the child. Proposes four research emphases for the 1990s. (CFR)

Evaluated the associations of hypothesized protective and risk factors with assessments of social, literacy, and cognitive competence. Subjects were 117 Head Start graduates attending kindergarten in rural Georgia. Found that caregiver self-esteem, independence-promoting developmental goals, and responsive caregiver-child interactions were…

Asserts that the development of abstract knowledge and critical thinking skills has been extolled as a primary goal of education. Reviews research in problem solving and other educational endeavors. Maintains that learning abstract solution principles is enhanced when instruction is accompanied by examples illustrating those principles. (ACM)

Describes a skills development program based on research and writing subskills. Includes analyzing questions, devising a form to record information, researching and reporting findings, and supporting a point of view in persuasive essay. Explains that the program through three years of middle school, adding and refining skills each year. Suggests…

Examines development of the concept of commitment in relation to adolescents' choice of a career and romantic partner. Subjects were 163 male and female ninth graders, twelfth graders, and college juniors from public and private schools. Findings support the proposition that the concept of commitment is affected by grade, gender, and type of…

Instructional strategies are presented that illustrate ways of developing students' understanding of nonnumerical notation that are compatible with a constructivist stance. The concepts of using letters to represent a range of values and those used to represent unknowns are discussed. (KR)

Outlines an instructional approach for teaching moral thinking, based on considering consequences of alternative options. Discusses R. M. Hare's two-level theory of moral thinking, and cautions against relying solely on critical thinking for moral education. Suggests students must learn open-minded thinking, be aware of the consequences of their…

Discusses ways for teachers of young children to utilize the arts, particularly music and the visual arts, across the early childhood curriculum. (BB)