Published opinions of acknowledged leaders in the field of mental retardation in the Soviet Union were reviewed. Basic concepts of the nature and causes of mental retardation, methods of screening, accepted classifications of persons with mental retardation, and educational facilities are described. Some comparisons with American theoretical and…

Analyzes nuclear strategic doctrine by applying understandings of human communication processes to deterrence theory and game theory. Focuses on communication as risk. Demonstrates flaws in game theory because of its mechanistic view, stressing that communication is a process not an event, and actions are bound by cultural dispositions. Advocates…

Chapter six traces teaching in terms of methodological problems, the theory of Communist education, problems of didactics and teaching methods, the theory of labor and polytechnical education, teacher training, and research and training staffs. Chapter seven describes research on teaching conducted by educational institutions, teacher training…

The paper reviews theories of Lev Vygotsky, founder of the Soviet school of cognitive developmental psychology and an architect of Soviet defectology, the discipline concerned with physically and mentally handicapped children. Three of his basic concepts are explained: (1) "cultural" versus "natural" mental functions; (2)…

Concluding remarks are presented on the preceding six papers (see TM 505 449-505 454). Evidence of American interest in Soviet research is cited, and it is suggested that this Soviet research can contribute a great deal to the field of educational psychology. (GDC)

A review of theories and practices of contemporary special education in the Soviet Union focuses on the current state and tendencies in development of basic theoretical concepts, methods of screening, and organizational structure of special education and compares these with American theoretical considerations and practical approaches. (Author/CB)

Examines the past and present roles of comparative education research in the USSR--once a source of criticism against capitalist systems and now a search for useful educational theories and methods to aid in the major reforms arising from perestroika. Contains 15 references. (SV)

Presents the seventh chapter from Ele Monoszon's "The Establishment and Development of Soviet Pedagogy." Reviews publications of research done in Soviet educational history since the 1920s. Lists influential Soviet education historians and briefly describes their areas of concentration. (CH)

There is no comprehensive understanding of the idea of personality in Soviet and Russian pedagogics. Past discussions about personality have focused on personality orientation as determined by the prevailing motives that explain the behavior and conduct of man. In soviet psychology, the nature of man is considered to be his relations to other men,…

Some basic starting points in Soviet psychological, educational, and psycholinguistic research are reviewed, with emphasis on the difference in perspective and terminology between Soviet and Western research. It was found that the concept of units and levels of analysis is evident in Soviet psycholinguistic research. The development of this and…

Experiments on the cognitive and perceptual development of three- to seven-year-old Soviet children are described, especially the work of L. A. Venger, N. N. Poddyakov, and D. B. El'Konin. Visual-action and visual-image thinking are illustrated. (GDC)

This publication discusses the use of intensive teaching methods for language instruction, also known as suggestopedia ("suggestopaedy"). The theory of suggestopedia, various methods developed from the theory, and their applications are described. A description of Lozanov's suggestopedic method precedes a discussion about the various…

The paper consists of a review of 24 studies on mental retardation published in two Soviet journals between 1970 and 1980. An introductory section focuses on the theoretical framework for mental retardation research in the Soviet Union with a differentiation between oligophrenics (who have organic brain damage) and the intellectually backward (or…

Although spoken language was the subject of attention among Soviet linguists for a short period in the 1920s, it has not attracted much attention since then. The main concern of Soviet linguists has been the forms of written language. Only at the end of the 1960s did linguists begin to record spontaneous speech on tape and study its forms. The…

Reviews research done in conjunction with educational reform in the Soviet Union, highlighting the work of the Academy of Pedagogical Sciences. Criticizes research for short-sightedness, lack of coordination, and failure to unite theory and practice. Delineates shortcomings and calls for greater integration and a broader, more creative vision for…