This article describes the distribution of mass in a hand-held object as a fundamental but unrecognized contributor to the sensation one receives from the object. Experiments producing fractions for human sensitivity are given. (SA)

Describes a collaborative teaching experience with K-12 students during four-week-long inquiry journeys into the five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, and reflection. (Author/KHR)

This review analyzes the origin and maintenance of self-injurious behavior, focusing on the areas of operant contingencies, sensory contingencies, and/or biological variables. It discusses definitions, prevalence, and etiology. A hypothesis is forwarded which includes components from both the operant and biological domains to explain the origin of…

Defines televisual experience as a complex ensemble of bodily practices. Describes three thematic categories which include the experience of the captive phenomenal body and the escape from the cognitive body, both of which combine to produce the discovery of a body-in-difference. (KEH)

Describes strategies for connecting children and adults with nature, including providing opportunities to experience nature through all of the senses, changing the perspective on nature by using the senses to focus on the natural world, and using the natural world to cultivate a sense of awe and wonderment. (LP)

This article defines tactile defensiveness as a sensory processing problem that results in aversive responses to touch. The article outlines causes, presents sample behaviors to assist in recognizing the possible presence of this dysfunction in infants and toddlers, and offers suggestions to assist in coping with and seeking appropriate treatment…

Two alternative means of assessing overexcitability were examined: questionnaires and interviews. Administration of both forms to 46 gifted adolescents and preadolescents obtained similar results for 4 of 5 forms of overexcitability, but correlations between questionnaire and interview scores were too low to consider the methods equivalent for…

The Disney Channel's Teacher of the Year suggests the following ways to motivate students: create an inviting atmosphere, keep it lively, be prepared, use writing assignments, use visual props and rewards, and impart a zest for life and knowledge. (SK)

One teacher's use of a form of meditation accompanied by music in a beginning Spanish class is reported. The approach taken was inspired by the theoretical foundation of Lozanov's Suggestopedia along with a simple exercise called "holding post" adapted from Tai Chi Chuan, an ancient Chinese martial art. (two references) (LB)

Thirty-four school-aged children with developmental disabilities were assessed for level of tactile defensiveness (TD) and then presented with a repeated tactile stimulus while engaged in computer games. Evidence was found for a differential sensitivity in TD but not an inhibition deficit. Another finding included a negative correlation between TD…

The Perky effect, identified in 1910, is the reduction in performance from the no-imagery to the imagery condition. A series of experiments with over 100 undergraduates and graduates shows that the reduction reflects a true reduction in visual sensitivity, not just alteration in criteria for responding or response organization. (SLD)

Recapitulates the theory that adult learning involves projection of value-laden symbols into sense perceptions to extract meaning from experience. Responds to criticism by emphasizing that critical reflection and rational discourse are manifestations of culture. (SK)

Communication with staff can be improved if the variability in information processing preferences is accommodated. Communication based on cognitive style can increase the probability of follow-through while reducing misunderstanding and potential conflict. The Jungian definition of cognitive style is most widely used; the Myers Briggs Type…

Discusses authors' uses of imagery and suggests related activities for elementary school students. Highlights include using pictures to relate imagery to students' senses; the use of poetry; a worksheet that relates specific examples of imagery from a novel or poem; visualization; making a filmstrip; and appropriate evaluation. (LRW)

Individuals with the apolipoprotein E e4 genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD) show deficits in olfactory function. The purpose of the present study was to examine longitudinally odor identification (odor ID), odor threshold, picture identification, and global cognitive status in allele positive (e4+) and negative (e4-) persons.…