Discusses responsibility of developmental scientists to convey the complexity of development lest oversimplified popular accounts gain credibility. Presents a model of development elaborating on the role of experience in relation to constitutional, cultural, economic, and social factors contributing to children's development. Discusses importance…

Makes recommendations for raising happy, achieving children, focusing on the role of parents and teachers. Discusses how parents and teachers build child self-esteem and how they can support one another. Presents positive discipline suggestions for teachers and parents. Outlines the importance of applying brain research findings in child rearing.…

England's Teacher Training Agency interviewed 20 mainstream and special school teachers on 4 aspects of a standard for special education teachers. Responses suggest that national standards might be effective means of teacher and pupil development but also reflect a concern that creativity and flair in teaching might be affected. (DLH)

Argues that developmental significance of friendships cannot be examined without distinguishing between the concepts of having friends, the identity of the child's friends, and friendship quality. Concludes that the identity of the child's friends and friendship quality may be more closely tied to developmental outcomes than merely whether the…

If human cognitive development advances through a series of broad and general stages, then the child's mind at any developmental point should seem consistent and similar across situations in its maturity level and general style. However, there appear to be factors and conditions that promote homogeneity and heterogeneity in the child's cognitive…

Presents an account of the development and use of the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS). Discusses ways in which NBAS has increased understanding of development in the newborn, of states of consciousness in the infant, of prediction in development, and of a clinician's opportunities to share information with parents. (BC)

Early-treated phenylketonuria (PKU) children and unaffected peers were evaluated on four executive function (EF) tasks and one nonexecutive task. The PKU children scored lower than unaffected children on EF tasks, but not on the nonexecutive task. The PKU children's composite EF score was correlated with concurrent and mean lifetime phenylalanine…

Heterogeneity in 8- to 10-year-old girls who were rejected by their peers was investigated. Cluster analysis revealed two groups, the more deviant being characterized by withdrawal, anxiety, and low academic functioning. Aggression did not differentiate the two groups. (BC)

Predictive links between social difficulties in early childhood and problems in middle childhood were examined. Peer, teacher, and self-assessments of behaviors and difficulties were obtained. Early peer rejection and aggression predicted later externalizing difficulties. Early poor peer acceptance, social isolation, and social incompetence…

Discusses the future training of early childhood educators, focusing on techniques for teachers to build prosocial skills, develop aesthetic appreciation, inculcate acceptance and inclusion, and develop a curiosity for learning among children. Also discusses the political status of early childhood education. (MDM)

Argues that a continuous concern for intellectual education from primary school to university is one of the chief educational ways of pursuing autonomy as an ideal. Characteristics of intellectual education are delineated and counter-arguments are advanced against the criticism that intellectual education is one-sided. (RH)

Examines the development of the relationship between school and work during the period from 1870 to the present. Issues mentioned include nursery, elementary, and secondary school trends; political and economic factors; state education; curriculum changes; the child-centered movement; necessary social skills; and individual fulfillment. (BJD)

Critiques ontological, epistemological, psychological, and axiological elements of Froebel's educational thought. Identifies valuable and important aspects of his work and characterizes Froebel as a prophet, healer, and visionary. (RH)

Draws upon observations of children at home and at school in order to consider the messages conveyed by different styles of adult/child interaction and to make suggestions concerning curriculum organization. Calls for a fundamental re-examination of what it means to be a teacher. (RH)

Describes the background of Froebel's religious ideas, focusing on experiences gained while a young child at home, an adolescent apprentice, and a young adult at university. Discusses briefly the reaction of the church to Froebel's thought and shows how Froebel's religious ideas influenced his ideas about educating young children. (RH)