The Learning Mystique - Hardcover

Coles, Gerald

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0394548981 ISBN 13: 9780394548982

Publisher: Pantheon, 1987

Synopsis

Challenging biological explanations for the problems faced by almost two million children labeled as "learning disabled," the author examines learning processes and concludes that the key to learning difficulties is found in social and environmental setting, not biological

About this title

Reviews

During the past two decades, children who fail to master their early grade-level work have been diagnosed as "learning disabled" because of "minimal neurological dysfunctions." A vast subcultureresearch programs, professional papers, etc.supported by educators, psychologists and doctors has developed to provide treatment and remediation for the inexplicable conditions. Yet, as Coles points out in this important critique, there is little concrete, scientific evidence to prove the condition exists as described. By proposing an alternative theory, one that focuses on a variety of social and familial relationships experienced by children, as well as individual neurological differences that are not necessarily dysfunctions, Coles challenges the educational establishment. His findings must be considered by educators and others concerned about children who fail to thrive in the classroom. Coles is professor of clinical psychology at the Robert Wood Johnson (formerly Rutgers) Medical School in New Jersey.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

The author argues against today's dominant theory that learning disabilities are caused by neurological deficits. He explains the development of this paradigm as the response of our educational system to post-war social and economic trends. Coles first examines the history of dyslexia research, finding most of it to be inconclusive. He then presents a new model of learning problems, in which family and school environments are the major determinants of academic success. In this "interactive" paradigm, the attitudes and methods of education are more important than inherent strengths or deficits of the individual child. This book prompts us to reexamine some of our educational system's basic assumptions.Amy Goffman, Children's Rehabilitation Ctr., Charlottesville, Va.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Pantheon
• Publication date: 1987
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0394548981
• ISBN 13: 9780394548982
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 352