Cognitive Development and Learning in Instructional Contexts

by James P. Byrnes

This book uses practical applications and an accessible writing style to present a summary of psychological research on students' learning of academic subject areas. The book is organized into two main sections: the general principles of learning, memory, higher-order thinking, and motivation that apply to any school-related skill and specific developmental trends in the acquisition of skills in the areas of reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies. Unlike typical books on cognitive development, these general principles are explicitly translated to classroom practice. The reader will learn what children can understand and do at various ages in these domains. For educators.

Paperback

First published November 13, 2000

About the author

James P. Byrnes, PhD, is Professor of Educational Psychology and Applied Developmental Science in the College of Education at Temple University. He was a Fellow of Division 15 (Educational Psychology) of the American Psychological Association between 2002 and 2018, has served as Vice President of the Jean Piaget Society, and was Associate Editor of the Journal of Cognition and Development. Dr. Byrnes has published over 100 books, chapters, and articles on areas of cognitive development, including language development, logical reasoning, and mathematical learning. His most recent work has focused primarily on developing and testing a comprehensive theoretical model of academic achievement (the opportunity–propensity model) in order to provide insight into ways to eliminate or substantially reduce gender, ethnic, and racial gaps in achievement. Dr. Byrnes has received awards for his teaching and mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students.