Each of the seven chapters in this guide presents current research with practical applications for the middle-level teacher and integrates these instructional approaches with the developmental needs of the young adolescent. After a foreword by David H. Reilly, chapter 1 provides a general overview of current cognitive research and its implications. Chapter 2 describes the foundations of a classroom climate "safe" for young adolescent thinking. Chapter 3 focuses on the cognitive development of the young adolescent with application of recent findings from brain research. Chapter 4 deals with inquiry-based instruction and includes specific teacher questioning strategies that challenge both the level and depth of student thinking. Chapter 5 presents strategies for determining when students responses reflect improved reasoning skills and better logic, motivating students to become evaluators of their own intellectual maturation, and evaluating performance. Chapter 6 looks at instructional methods, writing and reading responses, technology, and community action projects, and offers suggestions for student products and performance. Chapter 7 projects the direction of middle-level education in light of cognitive science and the thrust for more meaningful instruction and learning. (Contains 92 references.) (ND)