Examines perceptions concerning the shape of the earth and the causes of the day/night cycle among American Indian children. Interviews with 26 Lakota/Dakota elementary children revealed a preference for a synthetic model of the earth and animistic explanations for the day/night cycle. Includes excerpts from the interviews. (MJP)

Reports on an experiment that explored novice learners' responses to anomalous data (new data that contradict previous beliefs). Secondary education students were given both anomalous and confirmatory data concerning various theories about the origin of life on earth. Statistical data reveal their level of awareness of the contradictions. (MJP)

Examines the reading attainment levels of a group of elementary students who had either experienced nursery, day care, or no preschool provision outside the home. Compares pupils' scores on reading tests over four years. Although the results were inconclusive they suggest positive reading attainment outcomes related to preschool experience. (MJP)

Presents a developmental framework for the study of culture and cognition in which cultural practice is a key organizing construct. Argues that systematic analysis of either cultural change or cognitive development requires that they be understood relative to one another in a single integrative treatment. (Author/SD)

Examined the relationship of environmental input to cognitive growth in language, spatial operations, concepts, and associative memory in children tested four times six months apart and differing in the amount of school input received. Found that children made greater growth over periods with greater amounts of school input for language, spatial…

Reviews selected research on children's early formation of categories. Finds sophistication in how children group objects and think about those groupings. Notes findings related to type of grouping (thematic or taxonomic), multiple classifications, overgeneralization, the role of background knowledge on classification abilities, the…

A study of 114 children examined the relationship of children's competence with objects and peers during free play with stimulating, involved teacher behavior; activity setting; as well as teacher and peer presence. Results are discussed in light of current research and theory on classroom practices designed to enhance children's development. (TJQ)

Presents a conceptual framework for teaching science to students with disabilities. The framework suggests integration of explicit instruction in critical concepts, with cognitively-based approaches that emphasize problem-solving skills on real-world tasks. Implications for policy, professional development, and creation of learning environments…

Reviews changes in biopsychosocial development during adolescence. Addresses aspects of individual change during the adolescent decade as well as effects of context on normal development and responses to challenges. Predispositions or vulnerabilities present prior to a developmental transition may be exacerbated. Provides advice on encouraging a…

A study of 1,568 students in 10 2- and 4-year colleges and universities found that while students' self-reports of academic development and test scores developed from the same test specifications did measure the same constructs, the measures are not necessarily interchangeable. Analyses also produced ambiguous results concerning stability of…

Presents a summary of the theory of multiple intelligences in the context of developmental learning. Emphasizes the implications of the theory for assessment, including a strong argument against standardized testing. Describes various methods to engage and assess the pluralistic abilities of each individual and cites practical examples such as…

Considers the role that school experiences play in transmitting and sustaining the cognitive gains made by children in preschool. The author discusses schooling in the early elementary grades and how parents' expectations and teachers can influence academic achievement. New ways of thinking about the links between preschool and the early years of…

Discusses the importance of science education in early childhood education and describes different approaches in incorporating physics into the preschool curriculum. Provides examples of experiments and encourages parent participation in children's science activities. Concludes by looking at science as an equity issue and emphasizes that science…

Outlines current knowledge about integrating older students into the postsecondary educational system, discusses a case study of an established natural learning environment, and presents models of education and development involving older students. A system involving the transposition of dialectical and discourse methods is proposed for moving…

Presents six articles on brain research and child development: "Brain Research, Infant Learning, and Child Care Curriculum" (J. R. Lally); "The Thinking Brain" (P. Schiller); "Early Experiences Shape Social Development" (B. Caldwell); "Facing the Challenge of Motor Development" (P. Weikart); Language…