Several critical questions concerning the topological primacy thesis were raised in an extensive literature survey (SE 531 428). Three points related to this criticism are discussed and reinforced, including a reexamination of Laurendeau and Pinard's data (showing that they do not support the hypothesis of topological primacy in children's…

Briefly compares/contrasts two learning theories. Purpose of the first is to inform while the second seeks to lead students to adjust understandings held about a field and/or a concept. Each theory is then related to the purpose of education, suggesting that the second is comparable with recent work in cognitive psychology. (JN)

Reports on a study that examined the effects of decentration training upon second-grade children's responses to reading instruction. Concludes that those who learned to decentrate did better on postinstruction comprehension tests than those who did not learn the technique. (FL)

Reviews elements of the respondent, operant, and modeling theories and various principles of the exchange theory that can be combined to facilitate changes in client behavior. Proposes the behavioral exchange model as a framework to help social workers conceptualize clinical phenomena and thus gain power to influence them. (Author/JAC)

Most instructors of adults continue to use pedagogical models devised for teaching children, adolescents, or college students. Instructors must be prepared to meet the special demands and needs of adult learners. Five recommendations for stimulating research in this area of teacher education are given. (PP)

Poses questions about language and learners, both child learners and teacher learners. (JL)

Details Piaget's four stages in the cognitive development of children--the sensorimotor period, pre-operational stage, concrete operational stage, and formal operational stage--and discusses their implications for the planning and design of programs for instructional television, and possible effects on mental development and the cognitive…

Newell and Simon's new theory of thinking is summarized and some educational implications developed. The enaction theory implies that thinking is a skill and should be taught like other skills, by teaching methods of how to perform it. The traditional theory of thinking and its influence are briefly discussed. (Author/MH)

This second part of a review on teaching science to middle school students notes Piagetian ideas related to the learning of these students and focuses on the curriculum and needs of students. (MNS)

Investigated the degree to which children's (N=2,065) racial attitudes were related to their parents' racial attitudes. Results showed that children's attitudes were positively associated with parents' attitudes regardless of the parent's sex or child's age. Beginning at about age 12, girls' attitudes became more liberal and boys' attitudes more…