This paper examines whether language development can be understood epigenetically in the same manner and based on the same principles with which Piaget has analyzed intellectual-cognitive development generally. The study is subdivided into four parts: (1) some principles in Piaget's system (the epigenetic principle, the genetic circle, and the…

Egocentrism was investigated as an influencing factor in the development of the perceptual abilities needed to understand and interpret topographic maps. Attainment of an adequate concept of space, and the ability to accurately perceive spatial relationships (perspectives) are considered fundamental. Piaget and Inhelder identified three stages of…

Twenty 4-year-old children were randomly assigned to one of two experimental groups or to a control group in an attempt to determine whether or not training of left-right relational concepts would improve (1) the subjects' left-right relational skills and (2) their ability to better perform on tasks of spatial perspective. All children were…

Instructions for using and constructing approximately 58 instructional materials to aid young visually handicapped children in developing basic sensory concepts are presented. The materials are said to foster important ideas in variously aged children who have difficulty using their hands or understanding numerical concepts. Use of the materials…

The purpose of this proposal was to evaluate two approaches to preschool education using a mobile laboratory as a classroom for rural 4-year-olds. The research data also provide an independent evaluation of the Peabody language development program. Three groups of eight 4-year-old children (N=24) attending the Readimobile Preschool program were…

The purpose of the study was to determine whether mathematical concepts could be learned and retained by disadvantaged preschool children when taught by an inexperienced teacher. College sophomores used printed lesson plans with no further instruction with 94 severely disadvantaged children attending either Headstart schools of Day Care Centers in…

A project conducted several years ago to develop informal mathematical learning experiences at kindergarten level is compared with the results of the work-book type (formal) program being used at that time. It is hypothesized that kindergarten pupils who study mathematical concepts in a planned, sequential, systematic, but non-workbook (informal)…

Suggests that the process view of science is flawed. Argues that (1) it is superficial and misleading to portray the method of science in process terms; (2) many of the processes have no special association with science; and (3) there is no evidence that performance is improved. Speaks of the challenge facing science education. (RT)

Illustrates how one can discover structure in mental abilities where none was obvious. Reports that two classes of processes are used to form images. Indicates that imagery is carried out by multiple processes, not all of which are implemented equally effectively in the same part of the brain. (RT)

Describes five ways that high school students explain a chemical change. Discusses the differences in conceptual understanding of the students based upon their responses to questions about simple reactions. Presents additional classifications of conceptions of chemical reactions done by other researchers. (TW)

Describes the procedures and techniques employed in a peer-group approach for promoting conceptual change. Explains how a series of cards were used to challenge student's conceptions of energy. Suggests that a systematic development of skills is needed to maximize the benefits of a peer group discussion approach. (ML)

Relationship between the social world and individual knowledge acquisition is explored. A general theory predicated on the assumption that social interaction is the driving force behind knowledge acquisition is postulated and then formulated as a model. A selection of results pertaining to social learning are presented. (Author/MBR)

Based on the papers presented at the 1996 Symposium of the Jean Piaget Society and highlighting the extent to which Piaget's ideas have served to scaffold contemporary thinking about every aspect of conceptual development, this volume examines the nature of conceptual development, its foundations, and the sources of its novelties. The chapters…

The effects of different models of exploration questioning on young children's associative fluency were examined in two experiments with kindergarteners. It is concluded that asking descriptive and difference exploration questions are most facilitative of children's associative fluency. (Author/SEW)

A general model of conceptual change which is largely derived from current philosophy of science, but which can illuminate learning as well, is described. Some features of this model are illustrated by interviews with students studying special relativity in physics. Finally, some pedagogical implications are presented. (Author/PB)