Theories of Development: Concepts and Applications (4th Edition) [Paperback]

William Crain (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0139554025 | ISBN-13: 978-0139554025 | Publication Date: November 18, 1999 | Edition: 4

This book covers twenty-two theories of development and their implication on education. It also introduces readers to the theorists behind the theories in a lively and easily accessible manner. Comparing and contrasting the theories covered, the book focuses on theorists who follow the developmental tradition of Rousseau - such as Gesell, Piaget, and Montessori - and their belief that we grow largely from our inner promptings and spontaneous discoveries at different times throughout our lifetimes. In addition, the author looks at theorists in the environmental/learning tradition. For anyone interested in the philosophy of child rearing and education, relative to a child's growth and the growth of our society as a whole.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

This best-selling text introduces students to twenty-two theories of development. Comparing and contrasting the theories covered, it focuses on theorists who follow the developmental tradition of Rousseau--theorists such as Gesell, Piaget, and Montessori, who believe we grow largely from our inner maturational promptings and spontaneous discoveries. However, Crain also covers theorists in the environmental/learning tradition. The book concludes with a chapter on how developmental theorists anticipated major themes in contemporary humanistic psychology. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Back Cover

Key Benefit: This highly readable book introduces readers to twenty-two thories of development. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall; 4 edition (November 18, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0139554025
• ISBN-13: 978-0139554025
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #169,129 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good overview on learning theorists, September 18, 2000

By 

Jennifer Johnson - See all my reviews

This review is from: Theories of Development: Concepts and Applications (4th Edition) (Paperback)

This is an excellent book to get a taste of learning theoriests, a good beginners book. Crain covers the most important learning theorists, Chomsky, Kolhberg, Montessori, Freud, to name a few. However this book is not completely objective, Crain's opions slip in from time to time. I suggest if you are really interested in learning theory to read more in depth on the theorists he covers in the book. This is a wonderful book for anyone who has children, works with children, or anyone interested in psychology. Tip: This book is also commonly used as a textbook and you can get it cheaper here than at a college bookstore. (usually $44 at bookstore)

4.0 out of 5 stars A good overview, December 5, 2010

By 

Amanda Fix (Santa Barbara, CA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Theories of Development: Concepts and Applications (4th Edition) (Paperback)

I purchased this for a class on human development. It was a good overview of historical theory. I especially liked the evaluation section at the end of each chapter that discusses strengths and weaknesses of the theories presented.

5.0 out of 5 stars great purchase, April 10, 2010

By 

K. Bowen "l@dymistiqu3" (New York, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Theories of Development: Concepts and Applications (4th Edition) (Paperback)

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