Addresses the importance of recognizing the prior knowledge and misconceptions of science educators. Provides perspectives on the nature of knowledge, conceptions of learning, nature of science and of teaching, and the relationship between general principles of learning and teaching. (ML)

A study was undertaken to evaluate six adult courses, including four creativity-training courses and two university groups serving as controls. In the test groups, several significant improvements in test results were gained following the six-week courses, involving idea production, preference for complex stimuli, and creative independence.…

Investigated whether children in kindergarten and grades 2 and 4 applied one- or two-dimensional rules in rating areas of rectangles, triangles, and ellipses. A majority of subjects produced judgments consistent with one of the rules. The findings contradict Piaget's claim that young children are limited to one-dimensional judgments. (SKC)

Development of object permanence skills was examined longitudinally in 20 visually impaired infants (ages 4-25 months). Order of skill acquisition and span of time required to master skills paralleled that of sighted infants, but the visually impaired subjects were 8-12 months older than sighted counterparts when similar skills were acquired.…

Responds to Biggs' article on the case presentation approach in clinical supervision by discussing implications for instruction of two relevant research programs: conceptual level (Harvey, Hunt, and Schroder, 1961) and Hunt's related matching model for education, and Strohmer and associates' cognitive models for clinical judgment. (NB)

Reports on a study designed to identify the hierarchical relationships among Piagetian cognitive modes and integrated science process skills for different Piagetian cognitive reasoning levels, and to determine whether positive vertical transfers could be validated. (TW)

A review of research indicates that early (including prenatal) continuous exposure to music not only positively influences children's advancing musical aptitude but also generates and increases children's abilities in some components of giftedness, such as problem solving, risk taking, and creativity. (Author/CB)

Thirty-five maltreated children (mean age 36 months) who received treatment in a therapeutic day program had significantly higher developmental scores in five areas -- fine motor, cognitive, gross motor, social/emotional, and language -- than did maltreated children not receiving the treatment. (Author/DB)

The peer interactions and cognitive levels of play of mildly developmentally delayed preschool children were compared as they participated in mainstreamed and specialized settings. They engaged in substantially higher rates of peer-related social behaviors and constructive play when mainstreamed. Factors affecting early childhood mainstreaming…

The reprinted 1978 article with a 1988 update advocates a combination of enrichment and acceleration to meet the needs of gifted youth. It presents a three-stage enrichment model to develop: (1) divergent and convergent thinking abilities; (2) creative thinking and problem solving strategies; and (3) independent learning abilities. (VW)

Emphasizes necessity of reconsideration of adolescent development, for these reasons: the view of childhood has changed; females have not been systematically studied; theories of cognitive development favor mathematical and scientific thinking over the humanities; and because the psychology of adolescence is anchored in separation and independence…

Adolescent risk-taking behavior needs to be understood in the context of contemporary youth culture and normal development. To facilitate passage through adolescence, parents should sustain a climate of control and commitment balanced by respect for the adolescent's increased capacity for self-regulation. (Author)

The paper examines social cognitive activity in mentally retarded children as it applies to language problems, the relationship of problem solving and communication skills, and teaching methods which emphasize language pragmatics. (DB)

Explores use of historical fiction in elementary social studies curriculum. Examines the value of historical fiction for children and social studies goals it supports. Offers suggestions for using historical fiction in primary and intermediate grades and recommends specific books. (RWB)

Educators have shown great interest in teaching thinking in the last five years. This overview introduces thinking skills instruction as the theme of this issue of "Educational Leadership" and distinguishes three different approaches: teaching for thinking, teaching about thinking, and teaching of thinking. (TE)