Describes Socratic Dialogue Inducing (SDI) laboratory methods and procedures developed to increase conceptual understanding in introductory physics laboratories. Gives an example of a typical beginning SDI lab manual section and a representative Socratic dialogue. Describes several examples of laboratory experiments developed for the SDI method.…

This study, which applied an instructional model based on Piaget's theory of cognitive development, pragmatics theory of language development, and Mahler's theory of development of interpersonal relationships, found that 49 preschool children with autism did not make less progress than a comparison group of 27 children with other…

Children and adults were tested on six speeded perceptual-motor and cognitive tasks, including a (1) response time task; (2) button tapping task; (3) pegboard task; (4) coding task; (5) picture matching task; and (6) mental addition task. Age-related change in processing time on most of these tasks was described by a single exponential function.…

Describes a study that compared academic achievement indices of summer birth date seventh-ninth graders (n=45) who entered kindergarten at age five with indices of similar summer birth date children who entered at age six (n=45). All statistically significant differences favored older males and females, especially in reading for older males. (SM)

Explores the notion of imaginative development. Defines imagination through a review of literature of music, religion, and aesthetics. Suggests that imagination precedes creativity and involves perception, intuition, thinking, and feeling. Describes a developmental sequence based on research. Proposes ways to cultivate imagination through music.…

Children's responses to an alternative model over three lessons were described and their learning assessed in a posttest. Their responses and performances were compared to that of a similar group of children learning through a conventional number line model. The two models were compared from practical and theoretical viewpoints. (Author/CW)

Provided is an example of the use of the Pythagorean Theorem to give learners experience in applying mathematical rules. A proof for the theorem is included. Precautions and alternatives are discussed. (CW)

Problem-solving strategies which use reflective thinking and inference in mathematics are discussed. Examples are provided with discussions of the learning process. The advantages of this approach are stressed. (CW)

This article elaborates on three principles which are the foundation of the developmental approach to early childhood education. These principles are multiage grouping, nongraded curricular materials, and interactive teaching. (IAH)

Described is Creative Problem Solving (CPS), a model which may be employed to help integrate higher-order thinking skills into elementary science instruction. An example of the use of this model is presented. (CW)

Provides brief background details of the educational needs of Black South Africans. The methodology used in a second-language course in business English, the reactions of the students to the various teaching techniques, and the results attained in pre- and posttests are discussed. (eight references) (GLR)

Three teaching experiments are reported which study aspects of a diagnostic teaching methodology. An experiment in the field of directional quantities showed a positive relationship between the intensity of discussion and amount of learning; one on fractions and another on geometric reflections showed good two-month retention under the…

Describes theory and a research program that uses guided reflection to promote the development of mentor teachers. Significant findings from a quasi-experimental study and a replication study are presented. The paper can assist teacher educators, policymakers, and school personnel who are searching for a teacher induction model. (GLR)

Describes a theoretical framework for the analysis of conceptual change that considers conceptual knowledge as a generative cognitive tool for the creation of more specific mental representations. Argues that a task-oriented interaction between propositional structures and mental models can help learners evaluate the consistency of their…

Notes that street life for children and adolescents in India provides few cognitive developmental opportunities that would lead to a better life, but does provide survival and crisis coping skills. Presents findings from a study of 100 street children and adolescents who return home every evening; the subjects work, interact with peers, and have…