Uses the irruption theory in explaining the occurrence of the Darwin finches in the Galapagos Islands as an example of how alternative theories can be presented in an educational setting. Advocates the comparison of alternative theories to encourage creative thinking and a critical attitude. (CS)

Previous studies on fantasy play tutoring are reviewed and research reported on the effect of the adult-child contact in this situation. Matched samples of preschoolers received either play or skills tutoring with equivalent tutor verbal contact. In these circumstances, differential advantages to the play-tutored children were few. (SJL)

Five problem-based learning activities tested by fourth-grade gifted students are suggested. Each open-ended problem is intended to be worked on by a small group for 30 minutes. Student reactions are quoted and analyzed, noting that students became more willing to take risks, test the properties and limits of their materials, and learn from their…

A study of 74 undergraduates examined whether creativity training and interpersonal problem-solving training are equivalent or complementary. Results showed the training programs were complementary. Each training program specifically affected performance only on related measures of performance. A combination of the training programs affected both…

Discusses the role of creative arts in developing talent among gifted students. Talent development strategies using the arts are identified. Also describes ways that teachers can support collaboration among the arts and that parents can advocate and foster arts programs. (CR)

A personal viewpoint on the many characteristics of instruction available through the foundations of education is offered. Through a combination of theory and practice, individual consciousness should be raised to an understanding of the forces that have created the existing society and determined an individual's place in that society. (JD)

Discusses computer software as an instructional means of enhancing curricular goals associated with creativity. Theoretical literature on creativity is reviewed; LOGO is discussed as a program to improve creativity in school children; and some ways to enhance instruction to improve the creative process are suggested. (29 references) (Author/LRW)

Creative writers (n=20) were interviewed to explore relationships between creativity and the creator's life as a parent and/or spouse. The experience of confronting family-related gender expectations influenced many writers. Writers reported benefits from the family's social support alongside restrictions on the solitude and time necessary for…

After a discussion of the creativity often found in those outside the mainstream, this article describes the five stages of the Laureate learning cycle model of talent development: romance, inquiry, involvement, expansion, and insight. The importance of individual ownership of the learning process is emphasized. (DB)

Analyzes seven characteristics of childhood play and describes way in which current computer technology for young children either allows for, or detracts from, creative play experiences. Argues that refinements are necessary before the computer can approach the effectiveness of more traditional materials in stimulating creative play experiences…

A synthesis of ideas on talent development is presented, based on 10 interviews previously conducted with masters in arts and sciences. The six themes include: age at which the individual identifies with a discipline, early schooling experiences, skills and characteristics associated with great expertise, mentors, skills and characteristics…

Discusses parents' roles in introducing music to children before birth, in infancy, and throughout childhood. Children need encouragement to listen, enjoy, and explore sounds, music, and rhythm. Schools must continue the process of music education. The article includes a discussion of how parents can tell if schools are successfully exposing…

To enable college students to grapple with their own process of creating, students complete a project that involves collecting a variety of small objects, dividing the objects into two categories, telling a story using all the objects, describing their feelings about the categorization and story-telling activities, and writing about their creative…

An enrichment program developed for sixth-grade gifted students combined creative problem solving with future studies in a way that would simulate real life crisis problem solving. The program involved forecasting problems of the future requiring evacuation of Earth, assuming roles on a spaceship, and simulating crises as the spaceship traveled to…

Learning activities that use visual art symbols enhance the creative and artistic potential of gifted and talented students; promote integration of thought and feeling and the development of multiple symbol systems. Proposes combining with Clark's integrative education model to improve the academic success of all American Indian students. (SV)