Describes an early formative period in Piaget's life, in which three themes stand out. First, Piaget was introduced to the concept of "autistic" or nonrational thought. Second, Piaget's philosophical education sensitized him to the role of logic in thought. Third, Piaget's exposure to biological taxonomy alerted him to look for…

Examines how common beliefs about decline in adult intellect over time are shaped by culture. Presents alternative ways of understanding intellectual development: as specialization, as continuing change in intellectual complexities, and as the process of gaining expertise. (SK)

Examined relationship between reflective judgment and standardized critical thinking tests in college students (n=100). Results indicated students who reasoned at higher stages of reflective judgment also revealed better critical thinking skills, suggesting a developmental basis for the acquisition of critical thinking skills. (Author/ABL)

Examines the concept of intellectual development, focusing on how differences in writing reflect different developmental models, such as those developed by Piaget and Vygotsky. Discusses the consequences of developmental models on theories of composition and the function of narrative. (MM)

Scholars contend that the college curriculum is increasingly politicized and trivialized in the name of diversity. Students are taught that Western culture is tainted by racism, sexism, and oppression, and the belief that liberal education can transcend differences and provide help in leading a moral life is being lost. (MSE)

Relates the positions taken by Saint Augustine in his "Confessions" to the stages of adolescent development identified in research by William G. Perry, Jr. Provides practical suggestions for using the "Confessions" to foster moral and intellectual development. (KO)

Fascination with pedagogical technique has denigrated the intellectual life of K-12 educators and furthered the proliferation of "interdisciplinary" instructional approaches that blur important distinctions among disciplines. An atmosphere that values technique over substance tends to drive out or marginalize educators who enjoy reading and…

Reviews the autobiography of Eva Hoffman, "Lost in Translation: A Life in a New Language" (Dutton, 1989). Hoffman, whose family left Poland in the 1950s, offers a consciously bicultural view of the immigrant experience, in contrast to many autobiographies of those who forsake the old world for the new. (DM)

Suggests that William Perry's and Jean Piaget's theories explain the persuasive essay topic choices of freshman composition students. Notes that intellectual development stages identified by Perry reflect students' changing world views, and that Piaget found a tendency toward hypothetic-deductive thought among adolescents. Asserts that both…

Discusses John Dewey's concept of curriculum, as applied in his Laboratory School. Describes the planning of the school and how its curriculum evolved over time. Identifies both Dewey's belief in educational specialization and his understanding of its limits. Notes the implications of Dewey's work for today's educators. (SG)

In the Dayton (Ohio) Literacy Project, female welfare recipients in adult basic education meet with college students to increase the women's reading, writing, and speaking skills and help them come to think of themselves as "knowers." (SK)

ACT College Outcomes Survey data were collected from 27,811 students (63% aged 20-22, 37% over 26). Older students were much less involved in campus activities and more in family responsibilities. Adults reported higher levels of academic and intellectual growth in terms of broadening interests, critical thinking, study skills, career development,…

Stresses that critical thinking is more than a set of skills; it also involves intellectual traits that should be cultivated. These traits include intellectual humility, courage, empathy, integrity, and perseverance; faith in reason; and fair-mindedness. Self-questioning is an important means of developing these traits. (SL)

Debunks brain/education myths. The term "brain-based education" is redundant; learning is the brain's function. More brain cell connections do not equal more learning. There is no "critical period" for developing human brain capacity. All learning is emotional, and learning never ends. Tips for high-school teachers are…

Discusses the importance of fostering critical thinking in chemistry. Presents strategies to improve critical thinking that were used in general chemistry for science and engineering majors, a similar course for less-prepared science and engineering majors, and a course for nonscience students. (JRH)