Examples of explanations students give during science lessons are used to demonstrate that there are a number of very different modes of explaining. In addition, it is suggested that the peculiarly scientific method of explanation is fraught with difficulties, some of which current learning theories may just be able to describe. Areas discussed…

One common paradigm used to study moral reasoning involves assessing the reasoning leading to choices among alternative actions, each with moral implications. Preconventional reasoning emphasizes external rewards and punishments, conventional reasoning centers on acceptance of societal rules and expectations, and postconventional reasoning is…

The combined methods of observation and interview were used in a study examining how English teachers conceptualize instruction in literature. Nine high school English teachers from two midwest, suburban high schools served as the subjects. In the first two meetings, the teachers were informed that two people would be observing and taping one of…

A number of college students in forensic debate may be deterred from debating broad topics due to a lack of appropriate cognitive development and a perception of unacceptable certainty. These students have failed to develop formal thinking patterns because they lack reinforcing experiences in reasoning at that level. A sequenced pattern of…

A review of a multimedia program for children aged 3 to 8 years, which is designed to introduce new concepts and stimulate cognitive development. (Author)

Emphasizes the point of view that the teaching of science should not be postponed until children are mature enough to deal with abstract scientific concepts but that a wide variety of concrete experience facilitates the development of a scientific way of thinking. (PEB)

Reported is a study to verify the pattern of bias associated with the Model Identification Test and to determine its source. This instrument is a limited verbal science test designed to determine the knowledge possessed by elementary school children of selected concepts related to "the particle nature of matter." (PEB)

This study sought to identify prerequiste concepts for a child to perform length measurement meaningfully. Conservation of length and use of transitive reasoning were major areas identified. Implications for teaching are given, especially concerning the use of a number line as a model for presenting arithmetic operations. (LS)

Uses and explains the Piagetian model to provide a conceptual framework for a discussion of intellectual growth in relation to science education and points out inadequacies of the model. (PEB)

This issue, devoted to early childhood education, including day-care centers and kindergartens, contains an historical review, a statement on the current controversy over the status of sixth graders as preschoolers and several articles from two child psychologists on child development. (JH)

The hypothesized central role of cognitive development in resolving moral dilemmas was examined in sixth grade and college-age females. Results indicated that sophisticated cognitive operations are a prerequisite to advanced moral judgments. (ST)

Through longitudinal studies of 200 children being reared in alternative family styles or in traditional two-parent families, researchers investigated family values and the way they are transmitted through child-rearing practices. (CS)

The first part of this publication is a study of students' math skills and logical abilities and their success in an introductory college chemistry course. A 29-item instrument was developed and administered to 343 students. Test scores for students who received either A or B in the course were compared with scores for those who received either D…