The concept of "learning disposition" provides a useful way of examining longer-term outcomes of quality early childhood programs and outlines characteristics of a learning orientation or disposition in early childhood. The learning disposition involves the tendency to want to do something, sensitivity to being alert to the appropriate…

Workshops on child development explored the cognitive development of children, mass media and its effects on children, parenting, the emotional and personality development of children, and educating the exceptional child, including the gifted. The discussion of cognitive development focused on the need to collect information about cognitive…

A study examines environmental and personality factors as predictors of academic achievement among kibbutz and urban high school students. Results of a comparison of personality factors indicate that kibbutz students are more restrained, reserved, adaptable, and conforming. The higher scores of city students on intelligence tests may stem from a…

Discusses the meaning of coping style and reviews research tasks which appear to be particularly sensitive measures of cross-cultural differences in active-passive coping style. (SS)

We investigated the development of ego-control (EC) and ego-resiliency (ER) over a 13-year period in a cohort of Swedish children first assessed at 2 years of age. Children became more ego-controlled over time although individual differences in EC remained stable. Children's levels of resiliency increased from 2 to 3 years of age and then declined…

Using pattern observation, this study examined the relationship between communication in a small group of children and basic parameters of social support (quantity, content, structure, and function of the communication). Researchers observed two separate groups. Subjects were 77 children (54 girls and 23 boys), ages 5-7. Data showed that: (1) when…

Reading is discussed as a tool of learning native and second languages, as a valuable subject in the curriculum, and in relationship to remedial education, personality development, and socio-economic development. In Nigeria, there is limited training and research facilities in reading or language arts. (SW)

Reviews current theories of humor development, discusses the interaction of humor with other developmental areas (including cognitive development, personality development, creativity, and moral development), and suggests ways in which research can be applied in the early childhood classroom. (Author/DST)

A brief history of Chinese developmental psychology is given, and current main research projects are highlighted. (Author/MP)

Examined family unemployment in terms of its effects on adolescent work values and self-concept. Findings from 344 high school students from Israeli development town showed no significant differences among youth from families where father was employed or unemployed. Findings suggest that father's work status has little impact on adolescent family…

Examines the role of parents as a significant social environment for children in transition to adolescence. Differentiates four groups according to perceived parental environment: children with conflict parents, with control parents, with partner parents, and with "easy-going" parents. Explores the familial contexts of these groups and…

This study was designed to investigate aspects of childhood social functioning in early interaction and socialization patterns of normal families. Sixteen families with a child between 1 and 3 years of age, and a second child born when the study began, were observed over a 2-year period. Intelligence tests were administered to both children when…

This report discusses a symposium held in Sweden in 1980 by the Council of Europe to explore ways for schools to help prepare teenagers for life. The specific objectives of the symposium were to discuss the aims and objectives of and approaches to social education in schools for students in the 14-19 age group and to make recommendations which…

This review deals mainly with British studies and is focused on choice of scientific and technological occupations. Two basic influences on occupational choice are discussed: (1) the acquisition and development of the individual's personal traits, and (2) his environment--school, family, economic and social position. Evidence indicates that…

It is of prime importance that children begin their education in their mother tongue, as this will provide the optimum conditions for the development of the personality and will improve their social chances. Mother-tongue education is beginning to be accepted in a number of European countries. (RM)