The cognitive learning of children is explored in four studies: (1) Alphabet Reading, (2) Learning Reading Units and Classical Concept Formation, (3) Counting Learning and Counting Learning Mediated by Verbal-Response Chains, and (4) Writing Learning, Imitation, and the Cognitive-Learning Acceleration. (NH)

Studied discriminative and investigatory response behavior and effects of response training on children 4-5 to 6-5 years of age. (DR)

"A new sort of concept attainment or decoding-encoding experimental paradigm based on the model is developed and an experiment on 5-, 7-, and 9-year-olds is reported. (Author)

In this introduction, Royer suggests that the major task facing both the developmental and educational psychologist is to establish a theoretical framework that can provide an account of the development of knowledge structures relevant to the reading process and that can suggest guidelines for translating the theory into educational practice.…

Aspects of knowledge and motivation that are critical to becoming a strategic reader (one who uses strategies to aid comprehension) are examined. Learning to read strategically is related to children's cognitive development as well as to the social contexts of instruction. Suggestions are offered to promote children's use of strategic reading.…

Examined and compared the validity of Friedman's Developmental Level (DL) and Exner's Developmental Quality (DQ) as measures of cognitive development in children (N=134). Results supported the convergent and discriminant validity of both DL and DQ. The DL and DQ were most strongly related to different types of cognitive ability. (JAC)

Attention to others' activity increased with age in children ages four to six. Subjects who showed stable gains in performance level across sessions engaged in more observation of others' activity than did subjects who showed only temporary gains. Subjects who showed no gains observed others' activity least. (Author/RH)

Reasons for the development of middle schools and characteristics of middle school students are discussed. Students' physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development are considered, with references to research evidence. (MNS)

Free, spontaneous play provides the child with opportunities to practice problem-solving and language use. Nonetheless, results from laboratory observations of children's play indicate that adults and instructional materials can enrich the play of young children. (PP)