Adventure as a stimulus for cognitive development

As illustrated in two studies of the development of childrens independent w ay finding, the happenstance of adventure provides natural opportunities to shape analytical and strategic thinking. Although they had not been instru cted, when walking to the limits of their home range, 12-year-olds more tha n 8-year-olds selectively attended to environmental features with good land mark qualities. There was evidence of learning: older children who had rece ntly experienced the requirements of leading the way to and from a distant site increasingly noted landmarks in the skyline and landmarks near interse ctions. Universal adventures of childhood may be especially important for t he development of sensitivity to contextual feedback and flexibility in ach ieving. goals. (C) 2001 Academic Press.