I guess my short answer to your question, Mike, is that 9-11 year olds know
a vaste amount more than 4-5 year olds. They have come across much more of
the world's puzzles and contradictions, seen and talked about more sunsets
and spilt milk and strange adults. And with experience, you actually see
the world differently, you see more in more complexity.
Having said that, I come away fom interviewing 9-11 year olds amazed at
their intellectual sophistication, their intriguing and creative theories
of the world, and wonder if my theories are that much better than theirs.
There must be some point when scientific knowledge creates a major shift in
one's theories - when you come to realise that direct experience is only
part of the way the world is - there is much more to know that is laways
hidden from direct experience.
I guess I'm a knowledge freak. I'm not sure what theories without an
extensive knowledge base might be.
Must read Goswani's book. Thanks Mike
On a cold but sunny winter's day
Graham
Graham Nuthall
Professor of Education
University of Canterbury
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch, New Zealand
Phone 64 3 3642255 Fax 64 3 3642418
http://www.educ.canterbury.ac.nz/learning.html