Correlations between phonological, orthographic, semantic, metacognitive, and working memory measures were studied for 40 learning-disabled students and 40 skilled readers ages 8 to 12. Results suggest that the cognitive processes that contribute to reading deficits are best understood in the context of their combination with other operations.…

Discusses the implications of the stage theory of critical thinking development. Argues that people actively pass through the predictable stages of unreflective, challenged, beginning, practicing, advanced, and master thinkers and that educators must bring critical thinking into instruction at the foundational level. Analyzes implications for…

Mental arithmetic strategies were studied with 91 Dutch third graders who computed by splitting off 10s and units in both numbers or counting by 10s up or down from the first unsplit number. Results reveal flexibility in changing between and within strategy use. Implications for instruction are discussed. (SLD)

Analyzes student performance on solution calorimetry problems in an introductory university chemistry class. Includes data from written classroom exams for 207 students and an extensive longitudinal interview with a student. Indicates learning difficulties, most of which appear to originate from failure to understand, that net increases and…

This essay discusses how Maude Adams influenced James M. Barrie's creative process and became his inspiration. Set change theory is underscored as a cognitive explanation for Barrie's illumination. The psychoanalytic theory of transference is proposed as an underlying mechanism for facilitating the change of mental set during the incubation stage.…

Four computer-animated tasks were created to analyze the underlying structure of emerging phonological awareness at 3.5 years of age and to explore factors that influence children's (n=91) performance. The children were able to master tasks demanding identification, blending, and continuation of phonological units. Analysis supported two major…

Examined code-mixing, a little-known technique used in teaching vocabulary. Found that using code-mixing to introduce new vocabulary can be an efficient and effective method. Discusses procedures and cognitive processes involved in vocabulary learning and explains the use of code mixing to introduce vocabulary. (Author/VWL)

Considers how the nature of interaction may best be represented in the second language (L2) construct. The starting point is Bachman's model of communicative language ability, which, it is argued, incorporates interaction from an individual-focused cognitive perspective. (Author/VWL)

Maintains that Demetriou and his colleagues' project shows how developmental scientists can assess concepts from multiple frameworks and relate them through explicit modeling and targeted research to build explanations powerfully grounded in data and theory. Presents doubts related to specific conclusions because of issues related to the design of…

Investigates the cognitive skills developed through arts, such as higher order thinking, that have an effect on learning, thinking, and in subject matter domains. Focuses on the artistic experiences of students (n=2046) who attended the target elementary and middle schools (n=12). Includes references. (CMK)

Notes how "The Writers' Zone" project took place in an 11-18 mixed comprehensive school in south-east Essex and involved 16 Year 7 boys identified as having a high level of performance in non-verbal reasoning but low levels of performance in verbal reasoning. Details the structure of the project and evaluates its success in accessing…

A study used the tip-of-the-tongue (TOT) experimental paradigm in a picture naming task to explore the source of the naming deficits of 15 children (ages 8-10) with dyslexia. Compared with 15 controls, subjects showed fewer correct responses and spontaneous recalls, more TOT responses, and less accurate feeling of knowing judgments. (Contains…

Examined school district change agents' theories about teacher learning and change. Although respondents discussed similar professional development forms and structures, their theories of teacher learning and change differed. Respondents identified three perspectives (behaviorist, situated, and cognitive). The behaviorist perspective on teacher…

Describes characteristics associated with the graduate level course on individual cognitive assessment. Results indicate that although some changes have occurred over the past twelve years, many characteristics of the course remain the same. Thus, school psychology programs are not preparing students in light of recent developments in cognitive…

Presents the results of a longitudinal study exploring the development of metacognitive knowledge in primary grade children, ages six to nine (n=196), from preschool to third grade. Finds that the average metacognitive knowledge of the children developed during the first three years of school. (CMK)