The apparently limited classroom application of theories of learning has led to an emphasis on detailed observational studies of teachers in action. This emphasis has produced data concerning management and teaching techniques that is of obvious use to practicing teachers. (CB)

When applying a lifespan perspective to the study of recreation and leisure behavior, a woman's interest and involvement in physical recreation must be viewed not only in terms of her current psychological and biological status, but also within the context of her sociocultural environment and her personal and "group" history. (IAH)

Explicates the socio-cultural developmental theories of Vygotsky and Feuerstein which advocate teacher mediated learning in order to stimulate and accelerate development. Implications for art education include the need for the teacher to become involved in the enculturation of the child into the thinking processes and conceptual organization of…

One factor preventing the wider acceptance of school-based curriculum development and assessment is the problem of comparing performances of different students, in different schools. The SOLO taxonomy is used to describe the complexity of learning outcomes in a language that is generally applicable across the curriculum. (Author/MLW)

Reviews current research findings in the field of music in early childhood. Focuses on the musical development of the average child, citing evidence of music cognition and of music production. Reports some model programs established by music educators to work with parents and preschools to encourage musical development in the young child. (LS)

Presented are the results of an analysis of the cognitive stages of tenth-grade pupils using a six-week unit on the respiratory system. The research design, instruments, and data analysis are discussed. A variety of cognitive levels was found and may be related to learning outcomes. (CW)

This study explores interrelationships among the following components of Erik Erikson's theory of ego identity formation: (1) the identity crisis; (2) the institutionalized moratoria; (3) the ego-superego struggle for dominance of the personality; and (4) the value orientation stages. Humanistically oriented adolescents are more likely to have a…

Examines the effect of economics instruction on ninth-grade student attitudes toward economic topics using the Economics Values Inventory. Finds that economics instruction has a measurable impact on student economic attitudes and reinforces developmental trends resulting in greater commitment to the system of economic production and diminished…

Examines the contributions of free play, the role of the teacher in planning and promoting free play, and the experiential background of children that promotes play activities. Discusses the importance of providing a variety of play materials, and lists the criteria for selecting equipment. (RS)

The relationship of achievement attributions of 34 learning-disabled children (in grades three through eight) to academic progress and developmental patterns of attributional styles was examined in longitudinal studies (continuing for two years). Developmental changes in achievement attributions parallel those of non-disabled peers (n=40), but…

Teaching students decision-making skills is integral to many drug education programs. Conducted series of studies examining elementary and secondary school students' attitudes toward making decisions. Found different age groups perceived making decisions differently. Suggests practitioners need to take maturational levels into consideration when…

Examined whether speech rate is related to the amount recalled and if developmental increases in speech rate allow faster rehearsal with age, and hence, greater recall. Found that the group relationship was clear and replicable but that speech rates of individual children were not good predictors of those children's memory spans; age was found to…

A study of 83 gay and bisexual male youths (17-23 years old) found that pubertal maturation was associated with self-reported age of first orgasm and homosexual activity and frequency of orgasms during junior high school. It concluded that gay and bisexual male youths share with heterosexual male youths a similar developmental trajectory in regard…

Maintains that young children enjoy talking about art and should be given opportunities to do so. Recommends using Parsons' Aesthetic Development Theory as a flexible framework and guideline for discussion. Includes several transcribed discussions between the teacher and her pupils. (MJP)

Discusses the three "developmental crises" that take place during infancy and early childhood, namely birth, weaning, and opposition to parental authority. The latter crisis is best overcome by presenting toddlers with choices and working with them to demonstrate their importance in the family as independent human beings. (MDM)