Cognitive Development and Learning in Instructional Contexts

I. FOUNDATIONS.

 

1. Introduction.  

Why This Book Was Written.

Two Central Constructs.

Why Study Developmental and Individual Differences?

Common Themes across Chapters.

 

2. Theories of Cognitive Development and Learning.  

Thorndike's Theory.

Piaget's Theory.

Schema Theory.

Information Processing Theory.

Vygotsky's Theory.

Connectionist Theories.

 

3. Memory.  

The Nature of Human Memory.

Forgetting.

Factors Related to Enhance Memory.

The Development of Memory.

Instructional Implications.

 

4. Higher-Order Thinking.  

Developmental Approaches.

Definitional Approaches.

The Transfer of Skills.

Instructional Implications.

 

5. Motivation.  

The Nature of Motivation.

The Development of Motivation.

Individual Differences in Motivation.

Instructional Implications.

 

II. AGECHANGES IN SPECIFIC SUBJECT AREAS.

 

6. Beginning Reading.  

The Nature of Skilled Reading.

The Development of Skilled Reading.

Individual Differences in Skilled Reading.

Instructional Implications.

 

7. Reading Comprehension.  

The Nature of Reading Comprehension.

Developmental Trends in Reading Comprehension.

Individual Differences in Reading Comprehension.

Instructional Implications.

 

8. Writing.  

The Nature of Writing.

The Development of Writing Skills.

Individual Differences in Writing Ability.

Instructional Implications.

 

9. Mathematics Learning.  

The Nature of Mathematical Knowledge and Skills.

The Development of Mathematical Skills.

Individual Differences in Math Skills.

Instructional Implications.

 

10. Scientific Thinking.  

The Importance and Nature of High-Order Scientific Thinking.

The Development of Scientific Knowledge and Skills.

Individual Differences in Scientific Thinking.

Implications for Teaching.

 

11. Social Studies Learning.  

Expertise in the Social Studies.

The Development of Social Studies Knowledge and Skills.

Individual Differences in Social Studies Knowledge.

Instructional Implications.

 

12. Explaining Individual Differences.  

Effect Sizes.

Explaining Gender Differences.

Explaining Ethnic Differences.

Instructional Implications.