Argues the need to use computers for developing active intelligence and dynamic knowledge (versus static copying). Also suggests utilizing computers to solve problems for which they are most appropriate and to assist personal development through "dissonance" (presenting challenges to each individual's equilibrium). (JBM)

A recent study in Baltimore shows that the inclusion of a structured cognitive skills program in the language arts curriculum significantly improved student verbal performance on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). (MD)

Reports on a study that examined the relationship between age and depth of response to poetry. (HOD)

Examines the role of organization in adults' processing of stories. Canonical stories were better recalled than noncanonical stories by all three age groups (young, middle-aged, and old adults), and a variety of measures indicated that older adults' recall was both quantitatively and qualitatively similar to that of young adults. (SL)

Cognitive levels of 48 university students enrolled in humanities were assessed by Piagetian tasks. Three formal abilities were measured: combinatory, probability, control of variables. Results were analyzed according to school training effect and content of tasks. (Author/MLW)

Discusses the significance of dramatic form in fostering children's cognitive and affective development. Examines the work of John Dewey, Susanne Langer, Nelson Goodman, Gavin Bolton, and Robert Witkin. (PD)

Canada's heritage language experience (in which a child learns the language belonging to his or her ethnocultural heritage) facilitates learning of the majority languages, benefits cognitive development and academic performance, and promotes positive ethnocultural attitudes. (CMG)

Comparisons of parent-child interaction and cognitive and social development among children of schizophrenic, depressed, and well mothers across early and middle childhood found differences less striking than expected. Greatest vulnerability consistently appeared among children of depressed mothers. (CMG)

Responding to McQueen (this issue), Epstein notes that the Cognitive Levels Matching project in Shoreham, New York, is entirely independent of his brain studies, which merely provide corroborating physiological evidence for a theory grounded in educational psychology. (TE)

Examined the development of belief discrepancy reasoning, or how people evaluate disagreeing others, with 44 college and elderly respondents. Results showed the elderly were significantly lower in belief discrepancy reasoning and higher in dogmatism than the college sample. The elderly sample did not evidence intolerance, but rather relativism.…

Compared the effects of instruction on the development of students in a career course based on psychosocial theory with the effects of two comparison courses. Results were mixed, but suggested that content related to careers might facilitate psychosocial development, and development in one area may precipitate development in another. (JAC)

This discussion centers on language development in young children particularly as it relates to Piaget's work. The author believes guidelines are lacking for describing structurally the outcome of the language acquisition process at different stages and that there should be more collaboration between linguists and psychologists in this area. (MS)

Presents preliminary findings of results of tests of Piagetian cognitive development to predict success in introductory undergraduate physics courses. Grades were predicted with good success. (SL)

By developing nonlinear learning techniques in an evolving educational system, art educators have an opportunity to help individuals, no longer pressed to satisfy basic survival needs, integrate their individual genetic inheritance and the cultural environment of which they are a part. (MB)