Abstract
This paper begins with an overview of some of the major ideas of human development. The overview includes a discussion of Eric Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, Albert Bandura's social cognitive theory, and Jean Piaget's four major stages of cognitive development. The paper suggests that teachers who understand these theories have a better chance of applying them in the classroom and boosting their students' self-esteem. Finally, a soft and relaxing classroom environment, emotionally responsive teachers, effective discipline strategies and multi-cultural classrooms are discussed as ways of putting the development theories into practice.

From the Paper
"They also want to do many things that adults do and in the process, and if they overstep their bounds a little, they might feel a little guilty. One example of this is when a 3 year old wanted to make breakfast for her parents one Sunday morning. She got out all of the condiments, milk, and eggs from the refrigerator, and set them on the floor. She was about to start "cooking" when her mom got up. The child was in trouble, because she tried to do "adult" things, but was developmentally unable to complete her "mission". Her parents were worried about her safety, but she didn't see it that way and felt bad about what happened."

Tags:bandura, developmental, education, erikson, piaget, psychology, teachers, teaching

Abstract
This paper defines and compares the theories of learning from the behaviorist perspective and the cognitive point of view. The author discusses the contribution of psychologists in theses respective fields and concludes that a more detailed theory including situational characteristics is necessary.

From the Paper
"Behaviorism is a theory of animal and human learning that focuses on objectively observable behaviors; behavior theorists define learning as nothing more than the acquisition of new behavior through a process of conditioning. Classic conditioning occurs when a natural reflex responds to a stimulus; a certain stimulus will produce a biological response. The most popular example is Pavlov's observation that dogs salivate when they eat or even see food."

Tags:learn, educate, teach, bahviorism, cognitive, conditioning

Abstract
An exploration of the impact that the cultural and social backgrounds of students has upon the probability of a student experiencing success at school. The challenges that the cultural and social diversity of students poses to teaching and teachers is also explored.

From the Paper
Harris (1996) suggests that schools' institutionalized practices create educational advantages or disadvantages for students. It is predominantly students from low socio-economic backgrounds who choose or are channeled into the non-academic streams, thus limiting their chances of entry into tertiary education and ultimately professional careers. Hatton (1994) and Malin (Hatton, 1994) describe how schools can systematically disadvantage groups in society. Hatton reveals ways in which underprivileged families or those not from the middle class do not always comprehend their rights as parents in pursuing grievances. Malin states that intelligence and standardized academic achievement tests are culturally biased and she appeals for teachers' pedagogy to be more sensitive to cultural differences.

Tags:achievement, backgrounds, classroom, cultural, culture, difference, diversity, economic, learning, parents, pedagogy, schools, sensitive, social, socio, status, students, success, teachers, teaching

Abstract
This paper compares Piaget's theory of cognitive development to the social learning theory. This paper examines Piaget's child development theory that mains that children have ability to construct meaningful concepts and representations all through a series of various stages. In addition, it analyzes Bandura's theory which contends that children learn new behaviors by observing other people and model their own behavior and develop their own beliefs and standards that eventually impact their progress in the educational system. The author concludes that these do not contradict each but rather complement each other.

From the Paper
"In recent years, the field of education has been transformed by intensive theoretical and practical research into the ways that children develop the cognitive capacity for handling complex learning tasks. Some researchers have focused more upon the natural, or biological, aspects of cognitive development, which can be generalized across all human cultures; others, more upon the social aspects, which are culturally conditioned. The challenge for educators in the UK is now to integrate this vast body of theory and research into curriculum and classroom practice. Most researchers in the field agree that a Piaget-derived developmental learning theory must be augmented by some appreciation of the way that concrete social interaction guides and shapes children's acquisition of skills. A pedagogical approach drawing at once upon developmental and social learning theory may be the best way to achieve society's educational aims, while at the same time encouraging creativity and exploration on the part of children. While it would not be possible to exhaust this topic in a short paper, I propose to briefly consider the theories of Piaget and Bandura in the context of children's development of the ability to handle language (in particular, in the area of literacy)."

Tags:social, cultural, educational, sensorimotor, mental, schemes, processes, assimilation, accommodation, pedagogy, memory, problem, solving, perception, equilibration, modeling, develop, observation, beliefs

Abstract
This paper examines the benefits and disadvantages of inclusion programs from the point of view of the student as well as the teacher.
Inclusion means keeping special education students in regular classrooms and bringing the special support services to them. It discusses the affect it has on the children's education and on their parents. It details the types of schools where inclusion is more successful and where it is less successful. It discusses psychological and educational research done on this issue and presents its conclusions. It discusses several relevant education models such as: The itinerant model, used for certain categories of special education and the consultation model, when the teacher remains in one or two buildings with larger numbers of students to serve.

From the Paper
"In schools where collaboration was successfully implemented, the special needs children developed improved social skills, greater motivation to learn, and increased self-esteem. Positive peer relationships developed. In these situations, "Collaboration brought complementary professional skills to planning, preparation, and delivery of classroom instruction" [Ripley, 1997]. "The concepts of individualized instruction, multiple learning styles, team teaching, weekly evaluation, and detailed planning are all of direct benefit to students "[Ripley, 1997] Middle Schools easily lend themselves to the principles of collaboration. Collaboration is an important process of general education of Middle School Students where interdisciplinary teams often share in planning [Hines, 2001]. Middle school structures can be used as a model for special education inclusion."

Tags:special, general, eductaion, teachers, inclusion, program, students, collaboration, middle, school

Abstract
This paper defines and examines the different types of learning disabilities that affect children. The author looks at research studies that compare the achievement of children with learning disabilities like dyslexia with children who are not impaired by a disability. The paper discusses LDs in conjunction with behavioral and emotional disabilities as well. The paper also mentions strategies that may improve the educational goals of children with LDs.

From the Paper
"It is not easy to say who is a learning disabled. A lot of arguments have taken place for a certain time in order to classify the learning disabled. According to the term "specific learning disability" means a disorder in one or more basic psychological processes involved in understanding or in using language, spoken or written, which may manifest itself in an imperfect ability to listen, speak, read, write, spell, or do mathematical calculations."

Tags:education, teach, method, brain, dysfunction, dyslexia, behavior, emotional, research, children, language, training

Abstract
This paper is a study of children's behaviour in kindergarten. It includes situations they face, a detailed analysis of their behavior and a plan of how to deal with their behavior, all written by whom they were observed. This paper describes the observations that the author made as well as his conclusions regarding the children's behaviour.

From the Paper
"Observed Behavior: It is playtime, and two of the girls are at the art center having a conversation, during which they both decide that they want to do the same thing with the materials. Abby decides that if they share the piece they will both be happier. Heaven does not think that this is a good idea, for she had the piece of material first, so she argues with Abby telling her that whoever had it first gets the siding (the piece of material). Then as they are fighting, and I think that intervention will be needed, Abby decides to explain the concept of sharing to Heaven and then asks her if she understands. Heaven slowly but surely, nods her head ?yes.? They cut the piece, the person who did not actually cut, got to choose which piece of the siding she wanted in order to make it fair. Then afterwards when I came back, both girls were playing happily."

Tags:analysis, behavour, children, educations, observation, observations, plan

Abstract
This paper argues that it is time to re-think the homework debate and focus our attention on how educators can make homework a more valued part of the learning process. With all of its potential positive outcomes, educators must find ways to make homework an interesting and challenging educational experience for students. The paper includes graphs and tables. It takes on a Canadian perspective.

Paper Outline:
Defining Homework (including types)
Arguments for Homework
Arguments against Homework
Designing Quality Homework Programs
Works Cited

From the Paper
"If teachers are not careful when assigning homework the effects can become detrimental to both students' learning and their attitudes towards education. Some of the main arguments against homework are as follows: Students don't get enough sleep; they are tired the next day of school, becoming stressed and anxious about their education (Caston & Penrose, 2003). Secondly, homework limits the time that students can spend with their family and friends, and the time parents do spend doing homework with their children can result in tension and fights. Asking children to sit down and do homework at an early age may be developmentally inappropriate and therefore counterproductive."

Tags:education, elementary, special, students, teachers

Abstract
A discussion on the role schools and occupational/professional groups should play in modern society according to Durkheim, as well as a discussion of the function of moral discipline and the problem of anomie in relation to the state and the individual.

From the Paper
"In his work, The General Influence of the School Environment, Emile Durkheim claims that the role of schools in modern society fills a gap which had disappeared from previous forms of society. He states that the schools serve as a bridge between the individual and the state; what he terms "Secondary Groups." "

Tags:anomie, discipline, durkheim, groups, moral, occupational, professional, school

Abstract
This paper begins by introducing Vygotsky in a personal and historical context. The paper then explores Vygotsky as an educational theorist and his three main theories in relation to child development ( Zone of Proximal Development, Language, and Social-Cultural Interaction.) Finally, the essay covers examples of Vygotsky's theories within a classroom setting, as well as implications and lasting results from his work.

From the Paper
"Vygotsky's theories can be categorized into three major areas: zone of proximal development, language, and social interactions. The zone of proximal development also referred to as ZPD, "is the distance between the most difficult task a child can do alone and the most difficult task a child can do with help" (Chapter 5: Lev Vygotsky, 82). Children that are learning a new concept can benefit from the interaction with a teacher or classmate. This process is referred to as scaffolding; when adults and peers help a child reach a new concept or skill by giving supporting information. "

Tags:child, development, language, piaget, proximal, social, zone