KEYBENEFIT: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 text is organized into three main sections. 1. General principles of learning, memory, intelligence, problem-solving, and motivation that apply to any school-related skill. 2. Specific developmental trends in the acquisition of skills in the areas of reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies. 3. Understanding gender and ethnic differences in achievement. For educators.

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. BeginningReading. 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. Individ