The human brain is lateralized, different functions being housed in each hemisphere. Several assumptions which are mistakenly considered fact by researchers include: (1) the left hemisphere is for rational functions, while the right is for intuitive functions; (2) the hemispheres do not interact as well with each other as they should; (3) the use…

This commentary, written in response to Witelson's work (1987), examines alternative ways of determining how the developmentally stable functional asymmetry (hemispheric specialization) observed in neurologically intact children can be reconciled with the dramatic recovery of function often displayed following unilateral brain damage. (PCB)

Caution must be the watchword in applying neuropsychological knowledge to education. There is much yet to be learned in neuropsychology even as the knowledge explosion continues in this area. (CJ)

Argues that the intelligence, creative functions, and abilities of all children can be increased. The importance of parents as teachers is emphasized. Activities of the Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential in developing methods for enhancing neurological functioning and teaching parents to apply the new methods are described.…

While little is known about the processes of creative cognition or about the structure of human memory, scholars do understand the immense task of unraveling the cortical structure and function of the human brain. Existing literature on creativity appears to obscure the processes of creativity far more than it clarifies the creative act. However,…

Relationships between motor and speech development and between speech and cognitive development are considered. Discussion first focuses on issues of motility, speech, and cognition. Brief descriptions of Steiner's postulated six additional senses--of warmth, movement, life, speech or word, thought, and ego--are provided as preparation to the…

Explains why it is important for educators to learn about brain stage theory, which asserts that the brain grows in stages or spurts during which it is capable of learning at higher cognitive levels. (FL)

Compares models and theories of modern rhetoric and traditional composition, initially lamenting the complexities of the former and simplicity of the latter. On closer examination, the article decries the "science" of modern rhetoric, predicting an even greater departure in the future from the creative aspects of composition. (HTH)

Uses an analogy based on the neural networks of the mind to describe organizational communications channels and considers how the various structures within organizations can affect the learning process. The impact of neural organizations on the delivery of education and training is discussed, and examples from the Open University are given. (two…

An adventitiously visually impaired individual examines differences between the neurological, psychological, and educational development of persons blinded either very early in life or much later. (DB)

Notes that outcomes of the "Mozart Effect" on early brain development are not thoroughly proven and presents challenges for future research. Points out that it is still unknown at what age exposure to musical concepts should begin, and that parents should allow children to pursue musical interests at their own pace to avoid burnout at a…

This paper is a response to a review of the conference titled, "Unintegration, Disintegration and Integration", written by Cathy Urwin and Maria Rhode in the ACP Bulletin. The review mentioned Michael Fordham, noting that he referred to a "good" kind of unintegration. In this paper, I point out that this is a somewhat misleading reference to what…

Proster Theory is a theory of learning which has been proposed by Leslie A. Hart (1975). The theory is based on the functions of the brain. Learning is seen as the formation of programs, which are simply sequences of instructions by which the brain directs the muscles, sense organs, or other portions of the neurological system. Programs which are…

Explores the experiences and research which led Bernice McCarthy to advocate the goal of deliberately helping students to develop skills and potentials inherent in each hemisphere of the brain. Describes the 4MAT system, which equally emphasizes four learning styles (i.e., experience, active experimentation, reflective observation, and abstract…

Addresses four major issues in developmental psychology: the preservation of structures over time; the psychological growth functions for emergent competences; the mechanisms of change in development; and the determinants of individual variation in psychological development. (Author/DB)