Although the connections between learning and identity are acknowledged in most contexts (e.g., family, community, and workplace), these issues are oddly divorced in schools, a curious bifurcation given schools' developmental agenda. This situation is suggested to have emerged from a Western folk-view in which the cognitive act of learning is seen…

Conducted research, based on Erikson's theory of identity development, to examine anorexic's progression through early stages of development. Results support the view that the negative aspects of development are clearly present in the anorexic. Findings have implications for school counselors. Introductory questionnaire on anorexia is appended.…

Article details issues of the character education movement and provides a theoretical perspective to understand its development. It offers recommendations in how to restore a balance in education by focusing on character through child development theories. (Author/JDM)

Studies of child-rearing practices have consistently shown that the degree of physical punishment used by parents is positively correlated with various forms of psychopathology and negatively related to conscience development. One explanation of these findings has to do with modeling; the child learns by example that aggressiveness toward those of…

Discusses developmental philosophy and psychology as they relate to the education of children, to teacher development, and to the training of counselors. The article emphasizes John Dewey's developmental perspective, his idea of human development as the aim of education, his expanded view of the scientific method, and his belief that direct…

Discusses the dynamics of cultural change and human development, considering their similarities. Highlights experiences with Tikuna tribe members involved in an educational and cultural project for cultural development and autonomy for community members, emphasizing moments related to critically thinking about one's cultural experience to develop…

This paper reviews human development theories that could be utilized in the study of museums as well as theories or approaches to curiosity that appear to be of significant interest for museum exhibit designers and educators. An overview of each theory is followed by a general evaluation of the theory and research that appears relevant. The…

Describes the threat social violence and abuse pose to the psychological and religious development of young people. Discusses strategies aimed at restoring young people's sense of safety and hope by citing seven themes for successful resilience, coping, and developmental assets that a community can control. (CMK)

Introduces the concept of family integration to describe how family social organization affects individuals. Hypothesizes that well-integrated parents benefit children's self-concept formation. Tests three mechanisms of parental family integration, and shows that integration early in life has positive effects on children's self-esteem in early…

A Michigan elementary school has developed an unusual six-tier grading structure to accommodate the needs of children at different stages of development. They provide half-step classrooms that allow students to move forward in school at a rate that allows success. (MD)

The belief that gifted children are more likely to have personality problems than "normal" individuals is not supported by research, but the image of the disturbed gifted child persists. This paper reviews research from a life-span developmental perspective to examine why this image persists. The paper critically examines the research of L.…

Employing a child-centered approach to the growth and development of children from birth to age 16, this book describes in detail the personal, social, and intellectual development of children as they progress from infancy through adolescence. It contains anecdotes and examples that capture the unique qualities of each age and stage of child…

Developmental assessment is the process of monitoring a student's progress through an area of learning so that decisions can be made about the best way to facilitate further learning. The unique feature of developmental assessment is its use of a progress map. The progress map, or continuum, describes the development in an area of learning and so…

Tests the hypothesis of U-shaped development in graphic symbolization that postulates similarities between the drawings of preschool children and adult artists, and the loss or suppression of the early facility in middle childhood. Confirms the existence of a decline in symbolic skills in adolescent children. Presents implications for art…

This study examined the importance of personality characteristics to identity formation using data from Terman's longitudinal study of high IQ children. Results indicate that positive traits such as perseverance, purposiveness, desire to excel, and self-confidence are conducive to a successful identity formation and to the adoption of the…