Synopses & Reviews
Review
"I used this book as the primary text in an undergraduate course entitled 'Urban Children and Adolescents: Development and Education,' and I found it to be an excellent choice. Aside from the importance of Pressley's contributions to the field, the text was readily understood and applicable for my students, many of whom are preparing to be preschool, elementary, or secondary teachers. I would definitely use this text again."--Michael Emmons, MSEd, Adjunct Lecturer, School of Education, Brooklyn College of the City University of New York "This text is a rich resource for education courses in development. The text discusses some of the most current research in social, emotional, and cognitive development in a way that is clear, readable, and highly relevant to school practice. It clearly profits from the authors' substantial and respected careers in developmental science. The book's explanations are brought to life by many authentic examples that link child development to teaching and learning. Applications are nicely balanced between literacy and numeracy, with an appropriate and comprehensive description of the educational implications of children's developing autonomy, self-determination, and academic efficacy. Similarly detailed explanations show how children's relationships with peers and adults are essential to learning. Educational examples alternate with explanations of specific developmental studies, providing students with convincing descriptions of the empirical evidence for research findings."--Beth Doll, PhD, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
"This text will serve education students well. The organization of chapters is unusually coherent, and the selection and coverage of material are very well done. The writing is clear and many interesting examples and illustrations of concepts are included. Chapters on cognition and cognitive development, which are so important to teachers, are especially strong. The chapter on student mental health problems is also unique and valuable: teachers need to know this information, yet it is not included in other texts. In summary, I find this to be an excellent text, and one that will be very useful for future teachers."--Ellen Potter, PhD, University of South Carolina
"Organizing concepts and research in child development around central questions of developmental theory--such as nature versus nurture and universality of developmental trends--this is a unique text for graduate and undergraduate students planning to pursue careers in education. The authors provide clear, pithy descriptions of theory, constructs, and research, along with powerful examples of how these issues link to schools, teaching, and educational policy."--Diane E. Beals, EdD, School of Education, University of Tulsa "This well-organized, research-based, and student-friendly textbook is a welcome indicator of the scholarship and experience of the authors. It is a fitting legacy of the late Michael Pressley's extensive and illustrious contributions to educational research and its applications in the classroom."--Albert H. Gardner, PhD, Department of Human Development (Emeritus), College of Education, University of Maryland, College Park
"I found this text to be especially well suited for my Principles of Human Development course. The text addresses the primary theoretical frameworks in child and adolescent development without overwhelming my students, most of whom are spending full days in elementary classrooms while completing coursework for a teaching certification and master's degree. The book avoids the tendency of other texts to become too clinical, and presents clear connections among various aspects of human development and children's academic achievement and classroom experience. My students were able to make these connections with the guidance of the highly regarded authors. The students' reflective journal entries indicated a clear understanding of the importance of developmental considerations when designing lessons, interacting with students and parents, and assessing student performance."--Terri L. Flowerday, PhD, Educational Psychology Program, University of New Mexico
"There is a real need for high-quality graduate-level texts in the area of early childhood development. Child and Adolescent Development for Educators is such a text. It examines educational research methods, issues, and theoretical aspects of child development, in conjunction with pedagogy. I am not aware of any other textbook on the market that specifically addresses issues of development within an educational context. For example, a key topic is the development of academic motivation. This book addresses not only the theoretical understandings of academic motivation, but the contextual and educational implications as well. I will be using this text across the board with my master's-level students in early childhood education."--Susan B. Gilbert, EdD, National University School of Education, Los Angeles
Synopsis
Filling a tremendous need, this is the first graduate-level child development text written specifically for future educators. From eminent authorities, the volume provides a solid understanding of major theories of development, focusing on how each has informed research and practice in educational contexts. Topics include the impact of biology and early experiences on the developing mind; the development of academic competence and motivation; how learning is influenced by individual differences, sociocultural factors, peers, and the family environment; what educators need to know about child mental health; and more. Every chapter features a quick-reference outline, definitions of key terms, and boxes addressing special topics of interest to educators.
Special feature: Instructors considering this book for course adoption will automatically be e-mailed a test bank (in RTF format) that includes objective test items, essay questions, and case questions based on classroom scenarios.
About the Author
Michael Pressley, PhD, was University Distinguished Professor in Teacher Education at Michigan State University until his death in 2006. A widely published expert on effective elementary literacy instruction, Dr. Pressley served a 6-year term as editor of
Journal of Educational Psychology.
Christine B. McCormick, PhD, is Dean of the School of Education at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She is author or coauthor of more than 40 publications related to child development and education.
Table of Contents
I. Theoretical Perspectives in Child Development1. Introduction to Child Development and Education
2. Biological Development
3. Cognitive Development: Piaget's Stage Theory
4. Cognitive Development: Information-Processing Theory
5. Social Theories of Development and Learning
6. Sociocultural Theories of Development and EducationII. Key Topics in Child Development and Education
7. Language Development and Linguistic Diversity
8. Intelligence and Individual Differences in Academic Competence
9. The Development of Academic Motivation
10. Family and Peer Relationships
11. Gender Role Development
12. Recognizing and Understanding Student Mental Health Problems, David G. Scherer
13. Integrative Review of Major Concepts