Instead of being devices for measuring what students have learned, tests should be instructional--the central vehicle for clarifying and setting intellectual standards. To regain control over testing and instruction, schools need to rethink their diploma requirements and grading systems. Then school transcripts will become trustworthy again.…

Responds to Myra Kogen's article, "The Conventions of Expository Writing" (JBW; v5 n1). Discusses several misunderstandings about models of intellectual development. Argues that developmental schemes are useful when interpreted cautiously, but risky if used to classify a student's intellectual development. (MM)

Review of research on the academic performance and intellectual ability of adult college students provides evidence to reject two common stereotypes of adult students: (1) that they lack basic skills for effective studying, and (2) that they are impaired in studying by intellectual deficits associated with the normal process of aging. (MSE)

Examined relationships among young children's metacognitive processing and creative ability, based on information-processing theory and Vygotsky's early thought development theory. Twenty-one five- and six-year olds were assessed on four attributes of creativity, and their private speech was coded. Specific qualities and characteristics of…

The Learning Environmental Preferences instrument was completed by 60 technical college instructors. A significant relationship was found between intellectual development and years of education; females scored higher than males. No relationship was found between intellectual development and age, teaching experience, or supervisory experience. (SK)

Expeditionary Learning Outward Bound helps teachers guide students through learning expeditions, where they explore topics through their own questions and self-designed investigations. Although some programs involve overnight trips, not all expeditions are wilderness adventures. Regardless of setting, children should experience challenge and…

Robert J. Sternberg's research on cognitive style and model of "mental self-government" at all educational levels have led to a pilot elementary/secondary curriculum to help students develop common sense and practical judgment as well as intellect. The interinstitutional effort between Yale and Harvard universities includes Howard…

Conducted four-year longitudinal study of college students' intellectual development during college in which students reported the impact of their cocurricular experiences. Findings from 101 students revealed that students' peer relationships, organizational involvement, living arrangements, employment, and exchange experiences contributed to…

The importance of incorporating discussion into college lecture classes is discussed, problems in starting and expanding exchange of ideas are examined, and techniques for "raising the intellectual temperature" of a class are offered. Anecdotal examples are drawn from observations of teachers in a variety of discipline contexts. (MSE)

It is proposed that the postmodern university, with its emphasis on technology and its market orientation, departs from the true principals of liberal education, which is the development of intellect: the ability to think clearly and critically and to understand ourselves and others. (MSE)

Discusses the assignment of student logbooks in undergraduate geography classes. Observes that logbooks provide teachers with feedback from and greater knowledge of students. Asserts that logbook writing promotes better thinking by students, and allows them to learn about themselves and the course. Offers suggestions for teachers. (SG)

The study contrasted personality and intellectual characteristics of 3 groups of 16 children: a group molested by a teacher, a molested by a family member, and a nonmolested control group. There were few differences between the two molested groups or between boys and girls. Significant differences were found between molested and unmolested…

Recommends that inservice teacher education challenge the intellectual development of teachers. Discusses the learning process of teachers, and profiles activities in specific elementary and secondary schools intended to benefit students' learning. Suggests that teachers should teach sound habits of mind with intellectual humility, expertise in…

Shadows student named Sam through classes at suburban high school. Typical high school is characterized by intellectual chaos created by string of utterly independent "subjects." There is virtually no federal-level talk about intellectual coherence for Sam. Curricular mandates (and accompanying assessment systems) place each traditional…

Proposes a perspective on mathematical symbolism as a communication and conceptualization tool. Describes research in which first graders, solving mathematical problems in small groups, invented symbolic representations as both a part of the knowledge construction process and a means of communicating their conceptualizations to each other. (SV)