Examination of object word learning and use in beginning (vocabulary of less than 50 words) and advanced (vocabulary of more than 50 words) infant speakers indicated that both groups formed concepts, learned, and generalized words for the to-be-learned objects. Advanced speakers learned more words and concepts and engaged in broader generalization…

This article identifies some behaviorial approaches for teaching economics at the pre-college level, including contiguity, classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and social learning. The cognitive school of thought is also considered. Implications of research on problem-solving are drawn. (CB)

Suggests that critical thinking (the ideological immune system) can prevent or inactivate virus-like ideas (ideas that can invade a host, damage the host, and cause the host to replicate and transmit the ideas--infecting other hosts and propagating the ideas). Proposes that critical thinking alleviates many mental health problems. (SKC)

Discusses critical thinking as the process of moving fluently among abstraction levels. Defines three components involved in fluency of movement: (1) knowledge, or an awareness of the existence of abstraction levels; (2) payoff, or the reason for acquiring fluency; and (3) timing, or a consciousness of abstraction levels at a given time and place.…

Evaluates some possible reasons for the occurrence and eventual correction of children's naming errors in an experiment in which two-, four-, and six-year-olds learned two artificial object names in succession. (HOD)

The importance of understanding is stressed. Understanding the task is as vital as knowing the basic meaning. (MNS)

When two-, three-, four-, and five-year-olds were tested for knowledge of sex role stereotypes and preferences for sex-typed activities, boys' stereotype acquisition lagged behind preference development. Girls' data were ambiguous. Boys displayed equally strong tendencies to endorse same-sex activities; girls displayed a stronger tendency to…

Concludes that the social reality effects of television viewing are strongest for elementary school children who are least able to make inferences. (FL)

Reports findings from a study that investigated preschool children's concepts about reading. Offers suggestions for adults who guide young children through their early experiences with print. (FL)

Explores some of the story concepts evident in children's story retellings and story writings. (FL)

Do the characteristics of English, as presently conceived warrant the position of importance in the average curriculum that English now commands? Might not another concept of language prove more fruitful for instructional purposes and more relevant to present conditions? Author attempts to answer these questions. (Author/RK)

The work of Jean Piaget stresses the point that intellectual functioning and growth from one stage of cognitive development to the next depends more on the quality of one's experience than on exposure to factual knowledge. Piaget's theoretical model and its implications and applications for the classroom teacher are reviewed. (Editor/RK)

This paper describes a theoretical framework for the investigation of some specific types of visual learning difficulties commonly experienced by biology undergraduates. The framework was developed based on the findings of three simple qualitative pilot studies. A variety of neurological, cognitive and cultural mechanisms can influence what humans…

One problem in the field of conceptual change theory is that disparities occur with respect to the meanings of the terms "conflict,""disequilibrium," and "dissonance." As the strategies aimed at conceptual change have evolved, the same terms have taken on new meaning. This paper aims to present a brief review of the evolution of conceptual change…

The goal of this research is to compare the effectiveness of two teaching methods (inducing a cognitive conflict, or ICC, versus direct teaching, DT) for students of two academic levels (low versus high) regarding gains in the ability to use the control of variables strategy. 121 students who learned in a heterogeneous school were divided into…