Discusses an approach to moral education that is based on developmental theory and involves creative dramatics and role playing of themes in children's books. Guidelines for preparatory exercises, an outline of the dramatization process, and a list of books classified according to feelings, emotions, and character traits illuminated in the stories…

A developmental sequence of stages in the representation of regular space figures, first obtained in Jamaica, was cross-validated on a U.S. sample. Discussion centers on the relation between representational ability and perceptual development and on the variation in the difficulty of drawing different figures. (Author/MK)

A sequential-developmental approach to the assessment of individuals from the earliest sensorimotor period through the level of abstract reasoning is discussed. The assessment is hierarchically sequenced and is concerned with how and why individuals process information. The assessment procedures provide practical data on levels of development. (JN)

Investigated the utility of a hierarchical moral development model, derived from Piaget and Kohlberg, for analyzing moral attitudes expressed in the persuasive writing of 30 children, ages 7-13. Concluded that a cumulative stage theory of moral development is more appropriate than a discrete stage theory for analyzing children's writing.…

Piaget's characterization of formal operational thought and human judgment psychologists' model of bounded rationality are two conflicting models dealing with the nature and limits of mature thought. However, a look at the respective databases demonstrates their complementarity and their contribution to understanding mature cognition. (Author/RD)

Considers the qualities of awareness of responsibility and capacity for self-evaluation, which teachers should have, how these qualities develop in a person, and whether they can be taught. Relates Dabrowski's theory of positive disintegration to teachers' self-profiles and lists five levels of development defined by the theory. (MF)

Presents a rationale for teaching parenting to children, and through an analysis of Piaget's developmental stages, suggests that such instruction might appropriately begin at age seven when the child enters the concrete operations stage. Outlines implementation strategies, learning objectives, and sample instructional activities for a six-week…

Discusses classroom literary practices related to teacher questioning, retelling, literalism, and figurative language for children in the concrete operational stage; concludes that recent research on response to literature may say as much about what children are taught to do as what they do developmentally. Offers suggestions about teaching…

Eighty adolescents, grades 7-9, were assessed on empathy development and perceived competencies. Females proved more empathic than males, but no developmental trends in empathy development were observed. Social competence was positively associated with empathic skills, but cognitive and physical competencies showed a negative association,…

The four stages of separation individuation--symbosis, differentiation, practice, and rapprochement--are examined and the early stages of childhood development are discussed in relation to the education of developmentally disabled children. (PHR)

Reviews the current status of the study of adolescent development, with particular emphasis on "Handbook of Adolescent Psychology." Presents some projections about future research and theory. (Author/ST)

The way a particular clinician judges, from data, the degree to which a child is in the category "learning disabled" was modeled on the basis of clinician's statement of the traits that comprise the handicap. The model illustrates the use of fuzzy set theory. (Author/RL)

Research of the past decade has not focused on the older family, its function, structure and relationship. Reliable knowledge is needed to study the impact of society on the family--the affects of bureaucracy, pension and service programs, and medical care provisions. (JAC)

Classroom meetings are an important way to meet the demand of developmental guidance that guidance and counseling "is for all kids." Classroom meeting experiences help students cope and deal with their lives by providing opportunities for self-awareness and self-affirmation. (Author)

Systematic teaching of moral development in the schools is possible by developing cognitive ability to make decisions about moral problems. Piaget and Kohlberg explained that children pass through stages of moral development at an individual rate, and can be influenced by home and school environments. (JAC)