This investigation focused on the stage of formal operational reasoning in the acquisition of astronomy concepts, and on efficacy of different instructional experiences for facilitating cognitive change in college students. Included are selected results and directions for future research. (SK)

Cognitive performance of college students (N=225) on "An Inventory of Piaget: Developmental Tasks" (IPDT) was related to Scholastic Aptitude Tests and performance in both college chemistry lectures and laboratory classes. Relationship of Piagetian tasks to learning and instructional activities in introductory chemistry classes is…

Explores Piaget's theory as it relates to counseling and the application of Piagetian principles for counselors. Outlines Piaget's four cognitive developmental stages. Suggests counselors should match the child's level of development with the counseling strategy that will most effect change. (JAC)

Psychological aspects of aging, based on gerontological hypotheses and research, are presented under three headings: intellectual abilities; emotional capacities; and motor capabilities. Consequences are discussed. Well-being throughout life depends on fulfillment of fundamental human needs; existential needs for nourishment, stimulation, rest,…

Because Piaget's developmental stage theory indicates that many junior high students may still be functioning at the "concrete operations" level, the author suggests that middle-school teaching be changed to include more concrete, "hands on" activities. (SJL)

Conservation judgments are based on a combination of logical necessity and empirical belief. Results of two experiments support the view that the logical aspect of conservation is developmentally stable, while the empirical aspect varies widely across problems and individuals because of its dependence on relevant experience. (Author/RD)

Reports on and assesses the construct validity of new measures of strength of enduring desires for existence in the form of pay, relatedness with the group and with supervisors, and growth in one's job. (Author/IRT)

Stage-state analysis of the life course is presented as useful in identifying types of life courses and their relative frequency, in estimating the likelihood of moving from a given state through a sequence of future states, and in analyzing routes and processes connecting initial states with potential outcomes. (Author/DB)

The author outlines Kohlberg's stage theory of moral development and points out some of its questionable consequences for education. He discusses discrepancies found to date in the empirical evidence. Finally he proposes a new interpretation of Kohlberg's model and suggests some of its educational consequences for home and school. (Author/SJL)

The developmental play (DP) approach enhances developmental and expressive communication through intense interaction between the child and significant adults. Children are encouraged to become aware of and to express feelings through play experiences and activities with adult partners. DP offers promise to those who work with dysfunctioning…

Role-taking, peer supervision, and gradual peer leadership evolution appear a promising method of producing positive psychological development during the student teacher experience. (JD)

Based on a philosophy of self-direction, Urbana College's program teaches students to create their own futures. The seven levels and associated processes include: (1) growing; (2) thinking; (3) deciding; (4) self-marketing; (5) first job (risk); (6) lifetime career patterns (commitment); and (7) retirement. (Author)

Classroom teachers need to understand the broad differences that exist between a child's perception of death and that of an adult and should be prepared to confront and cope with the effects of death and grief upon students. Children's perceptions of death and ways in which the teacher can help the child with his grief are described. (JN)

Sex differences in self-perceptions of intelligence and self-confidence were examined. In third grade, perceptions of intelligence favored females; by fifth grade, males were favored. Differences persisted into eighth grade. Sex differences could not be explained by internalizing sex-stereotypes. (Author)

Suggests changes in the English-language arts curriculum at the junior high and middle school levels as a result of research and theory on brain growth periodization and levels of cognitive development. (RL)