This contextual model for home economics filters aspects of daily life (food, clothing, shelter, finances, and relationships) through the contexts of family ecosystems, human development, values, and environmental issues (biosystems, technology, and social systems) as a basis for research, theory, and practice. (SK)

Fourth grade Taiwan students (94 males and 97 females) completed 2 cognitive risk-taking tasks with variable payoff or fixed payoff in a game or test context. Both variable payoff and game context increased the level of academic risk taking. Results are discussed concerning interactions between ability and risk taking. (SLD)

Feminism has helped shape developmental psychology, and feminist scholarship has made its primary contributions to the study of child development in the following major areas: (1) weakening the "male as norm" concept; (2) changing "mother blaming" for children's problems; and (3) theory and research on sex role socialization.…

Examined behaviors of second and sixth graders during (1) unsupervised free time; (2) unsupervised desk work; (3) supervised free time; and (4) a class lesson. Second graders worked on their assignments whether or not the teacher was present. In the class lesson context, children in both grades exhibited work behaviors and few peer interactions.…

This study investigated differences between coping behavior of 25 developmentally disabled and 25 nondisabled children (age 4-34 months) from lower- and middle-income family backgrounds. Assessment of three adaptive-coping behaviors (sensorimotor organization, reactive behavior, and self-initiated behavior) indicated that nondisabled children…

Four case studies are presented, which provide examples of performing musicians working with teachers and children in British schools. The studies assess the political, cultural, and professional implications of this interaction. The issues involved in cross-professional collaboration are highlighted, with political control of social programs a…

The interactions of three dyads, consisting of one student with moderate mental retardation and one nondisabled peer, were assessed while playing computer games. Results indicated that students (ages 13-14) exhibited more frequent social initiations, higher degrees of game satisfaction, and equal/higher degrees of peer satisfaction while playing…

In contextual supervision (CS) (an adaptation of situational leadership), the student teacher's (supervisee's) level of confidence and competence determines level of supervisory support and task orientation. CS also encourages a global view of all contextual variables. Observation of 49 untrained pairs of practicum students and cooperating…

Sketches a theory for designing teaching based on mathematical activity, situations, tasks, and interventions, exposing and resolving cognitive conflicts, changes of structure and context, feedback, reflection and review. Reviews the main psychological principles underlying this theory, then considers some examples of teaching designs in light of…

Children in grade one (n=8) and grade five (n=9) were interviewed to determine the influence of contexts of meaning on their knowledge of earthworms. Four components of contexts of meaning were identified and discussed: episodic knowledge, metaphors, interpretive frameworks, and emotions-values-aesthetics. (Contains 20 references.) (MDH)

Maintains that the Italian concept of "l'inserimento" suggests a different way of thinking about children's entry to out-of-home care and challenges American practitioners to rethink current interpretations of quality care, teachers' professional responsibilities, and the role of child-development theory. Concludes that cultural…

Uses a qualitative, feminist, case-study methodology to research the feminist leadership of three women secondary principals in New Zealand. Being student-focused was central to feminist educational leaders' practice within a neoliberal context demanding increased financial, accountability, and marketing responsibilities. They prevailed by working…

Analyzes whether giving up studies in higher education is considered a pivotal point wherein an educational career may change course. Reveals that in Finland the status-oriented inheritors of the societal elite do best on the higher education internal and external transfer market. Raises questions about equality between educational units. (CMK)

Describes a study of college students who designed and conducted experiments involving control of variables after being assigned to one of four versions of a computer-based biology simulation learning environment. Finds that reason-justification prompts directed students' attention to understanding the employment of experimental design principles…

Determines effects of social learning contexts (classroom, school, and administration) on 2,023 Dutch elementary students' social and cognitive outcomes. Examines differential effects of attending private or public schools for pupils' math achievement and sense of well-being at school. Indicators of cognitive and social effectiveness are mainly…