The term ecological self describes connections with and attitudes toward the natural environment. A young child has a unique way of knowing and experiencing the natural world that is different from adults. Frequent and positive experiences in the out-of-doors during childhood promote a positive attitude toward nature. (AMC)

David Carr (2002) has argued against the use of developmental theories as a basis for curriculum development in moral education. Although we find common ground with some aspects of Carr's arguments, we disagree with several of his criticisms of the cognitive-developmental approach to moral education. He confuses romantic ideology (as espoused by…

Criticizes Piaget's theory of moral development. The author argues that Piaget's equilibrium concept does not adequately account for moral development. Because no evidence supports the theoretical sequence of moral developmental stages, he concludes that Piaget's theory is not a useful foundation for the design of moral education curriculum. (AM)

Suggests that elementary self-contained classroom teachers be provided with specific statewide content guidelines. The content should be based upon Piaget's theory of cognitive development. (Author/KC)

Research evidence suggests that there are natural variations in children's learning, many of which can be categorized by age and sex. Educators must become knowledgeable about brain growth and its curricular implications. (SK)

Overviews characteristics of preoperational thought, summarizes Piaget's theory of the peroperational child's view of reality, explores implications of the preoperational stage of development for early childhood science education, and provides general guidelines for an early childhood science curriculum. (Author/RH)

Piagetian stages of cognitive development are reviewed, and what teachers of geography skills, particularly map skills, can do to make use of Piaget's theory of child development is discussed. Piaget describes children at four different stages: (1) sensorimotor stage--birth to 2 years, (2) preoperational stage--ages 2-7, (3) concrete operational…

Presented is a model of curriculum design for history instruction using the concept cluster approach. The importance of proper age/grade placement when teaching historical concepts and the developmental characteristics of children and adolescents are emphasized. (Author/RM)

Six very different articles focusing on the prospects of today's youth upon reaching adulthood have been assembled in this booklet. The introductory chapter surveys the articles, with special attention given to technology's effects on life and education both now and in the future. The first article points out changes, good and bad, that will…

This paper asserts that infant-toddler teachers, like preschool teachers, need to be cognizant of individual children's developmental levels, chronological ages, and general developmental stages, as well as infant-toddler theories and developmentally appropriate practice for infants and toddlers. In that spirit, the paper describes the purpose and…

Piaget's theories of cognitive development are applied to the college student and suggestions are given for helping students at different developmental stages. It is proposed that teachers provide experiences that promote cognitive conflict as a means of moving students into new stages. (MSE)

The physical education curriculum offers children an alternative means of communication. It also has the potential to give children a sense of personal worth and control which establishes a basic foundation for self development. (JN)

Delineates the myths, mysteries, and distortions surrounding rites of passage for African American youth and investigates the educational implications of these rites. The initiation process is examined, and the importance of carefully resurrecting these rites of passage to the socialization of African American youth is discussed. (GR)

Developing curriculum from a constructivist perspective helps students at all grade levels learn more effectively. The developmental abilities of children are stressed, and students are taught new information by connecting it with concepts they already know. The thoughtful mediation of the teacher is a critical component of constructivism. (MD)

Considering a behaviorist's viewpoint focusing on specifics regarding learning and knowledge, this document discusses the psychology of learning and how it provides the reading/language arts teacher with a basis for making sound decisions in lesson and unit construction. It provides two examples of objectives for pupil achievement pertaining to…