G Is for Growing: Thirty Years of Research on Children and Sesame Street / Edition 1

by Shalom M. Fisch, Rosemarie T. Truglio

Overview

This volume—a collection and synthesis of key research studies since the program's inception over three decades ago—serves as a marker of the significant role that Sesame Street plays in the education and socialization of young children. Editors Shalom M. Fisch and Rosemarie T. Truglio have included contributions from both academics and researchers directly associated with Sesame Street, creating a resource that describes the processes by which educational content and research are integrated into production, reviews major studies on the impact of Sesame Street on children, and examines the extension of Sesame Street into other cultures and media. In the course of this discussion, the volume also explores broader topics, including methodological issues in conducting media-based research with young children, the longitudinal impact of preschoolers' viewing of educational versus non-educational television, and crosscultural differences in the treatment of educational content.

As the first substantive book on Sesame Street research in more than two decades, "G" is for Growing provides insight into the research process that has informed the development of the program and offers valuable guidelines for the integration of research into future educational endeavors. Intended for readers in media studies, children and the media, developmental studies, and education, this work is an exceptional chronicle of the growth and processes behind what is arguably the most influential program in children's educational television.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780805833959
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	11/01/2000
Series:	Routledge Communication Series
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	294
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Shalom M. Fisch, Rosemarie T. Truglio

Table of Contents

Contents: J.G. Cooney, Foreword. R.T. Truglio, S.M. Fisch, Introduction. Part I:Integrating Research and Educational Content Into Production. E.L. Palmer with S.M. Fisch, The Beginnings of Sesame Street Research. G.S. Lesser, J. Schneider, Creation and Evolution of the Sesame Street Curriculum. S.M. Fisch, L. Bernstein, Formative Research Revealed: Methodological and Process Issues in Formative Research. R.T. Truglio, V.O. Lovelace, I. Seguí, S. Scheiner, The Varied Role of Formative Research: Case Studies From 30 Years. Part II:Impact of "Sesame Street." K.W. Mielke, A Review of Research on the Educational and Social Impact of Sesame Street. J.C. Wright, A.C. Huston, R. Scantlin, J. Kotler, The Early Window Project: Sesame Street Prepares Children for School. N. Zill, Does Sesame Street Enhance School Readiness?: Evidence From a National Survey of Children. A.C. Huston, D.R. Anderson, J.C. Wright, D.L. Linebarger, K.L. Schmitt, Sesame Street Viewers as Adolescents: The Recontact Study. Part III:Extending Sesame Street: Other Settings, Other Media. C.F. Cole, B.A. Richman, S.K. McCann Brown, The World of Sesame Street Research. W. Yotive, S.M. Fisch, The Role of Sesame Street-Based Materials in Child-Care Settings. R. Cherow-O'Leary, Carrying Sesame Street Into Print: Sesame Street Magazine, Sesame Street Parents, and Sesame Street Books. G.L. Revelle, L. Medoff, E.F. Strommen, Interactive Technologies Research at Children's Television Workshop. Part IV:Conclusion. S.M. Fisch, R.T. Truglio, Why Children Learn From Sesame Street. D.V.B. Britt, Afterword.

Editorial Reviews

"This very detailed volume is a comprehensive, reliable source of information about Sesame Street's children's programming. Of interest to people studying not only Sesame Street, but also early literacy and the role of television and technology in children's learning. Recommended for upper-division undergraduates, graduate students, and researchers/faculty."
—CHOICE

"...an impressive synthesis of key research studies done on one of the most influential, pervasive, and enduring children's televisions programs since its inception in 1969....Very highly recommended reading for students of the television and its cultural influences."
—The Midwest Book Review

"'G' is for Growing helps us get to know the extraordinary workforce responsible for Sesame Street and how research informed their decision making. This book proves that what you need for a nifty children's television series with worldwide impact is creative genius to design innovative techniques to teach young audiences, lots of money to pay for high-quality production and research, and a healthy public broadcasting system to air a groundbreaking show without commercials."
—Peggy Charren
former President, Action for Children's Television

"At the dawn of the digital age, this rich look back at the research that went into developing the innovative Sesame Street is particularly relevant. The lessons learned from the Children's Television Workshop's unprecedented success in children's educational programming offer a valuable resource for those concerned about the future of a quality children's media culture."
—Kathryn Montgomery
President, Center for Media Education

"Created more than 30 years ago, Sesame Street shines as a beacon of light for the best of what children's television can be. 'G' is for Growing: Thirty Years of Research on Children and Sesame Street...is a 'must read' for all who believe that media hold rich promise and can fulfill the educational needs of our children."
—Sandra Calvert
Georgetown University

From the Publisher

"G" Is For Growing: Thirty Years Of Research On Children And Sesame Street is an impressive synthesis of key research studies done on one of the most influential, pervasive, and enduring children's televisions programs since its inception in 1969. The contributors examine, analyses and comment upon the processes by which educational content and research are integrated into production for a show which began for the purpose of preparing preschool children for school and went on to become a world-wide cultural icon. Very highly recommended reading for students of the television and its cultural influences, "G" Is For Growing also explores methodological issues in conducting media-based research with young children; the longitudinal impact of preschooler viewing of educational versus non-educational television; and cross-cultural differences in the treatment of educational content. The Science Shelf