Dr. Sandra Twardosz
Professor
My doctoral degree is from the University of Kansas in Developmental and Child Psychology, and my research reflects both behavioral and developmental perspectives. I have a strong and continuing interest in the ways in which diverse aspects of the environment affect behavior and development, and in effective ways of modifying environments to enhance human functioning.
My research and scholarship have addressed three major topics: 1) the effects of the organization of the physical and social environment on children’s engagement and learning in educational/caregiving settings; 2) the expression of affection in early education settings with application to the socio-emotional development of typically developing children and children with disabilities; and 3) early literacy development with a focus on organizing the physical and social aspects of classrooms and homes to promote children’s interest in and engagement with books and other literacy materials.
Beginning with a Professional Development Leave Award in 2004, I have been exploring aspects of neuroscience that relate most strongly to these major research topics with a focus on the ways in which the brain changes with experience throughout life. Knowledge about brain development and functioning is being integrated into the study of child development, early childhood education, and family functioning at a fast pace, and neuroscience methodology is being used more frequently to help address research questions in these areas. Thus, I am incorporating this knowledge into my teaching, scholarship, and service and collaborating with faculty and students to integrate this perspective into undergraduate and graduate courses.
Twardosz, S., & Lutzker, J. (in press). Child maltreatment and the developing brain: A review of neuroscience perspectives. Aggression and Violent Behavior (online, DOI 10.1016/j.avb.2009.08.003).
Twardosz, S., & Nordquist, V. M. (in press). Role of the environment in prevention and
remediation. Chapter to appear in J. C. Thomas and M. Hersen (Eds.), Handbook of clinical psychology competencies. New York: Springer Science.
Dolezal-Sams, J., Nordquist, V. M., & Twardosz, S. (2009). Home environment and family resources to support literacy interaction: Examples from families of children with disabilities. Early Education and Development, 20, 603-630.
Twardosz, S. (2007). Exploring neuroscience: A guide for getting started. Early Education and Development, 18, 171-182.
Twardosz, S. (2007). Special feature – Experience and the developing brain. In J. Christie, B. J. Enz, & C. Vukelich, Teaching language and literacy: Preschool through the elementary grades, 3rd ed. (pp. 40-41). Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
Twardosz, S. (2005). Expressing warmth and affection to children. What Works Briefs Series, #20. Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning, University of Illinois, Urbana. (http://www.csefel.uiuc.edu/briefs/wwb20.pdf)
Goin, R. G., Nordquist, V. M., & Twardosz, S. (2004). Parental accounts of home-based literacy processes: Contexts for infants and toddlers with developmental delays. Early Education and Development, 15, 187-214.
Roskos, K. A., & Twardosz, S. (2004). Resources, family literacy, and children learning to read. In B. H. Wasik (Ed.), Handbook of family literacy (pp. 287-303). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.
Phillips, L., & Twardosz, S. (2003). Group size and storybook reading: Two-year-old children’s verbal and nonverbal participation with books. Early Education and Development, 14, 453-478.
Stone, S., & Twardosz, S. (2001). Children’s books in child care classrooms: Quality, accessibility, and reasons for teachers’ choices. Journal of Research in Childhood Education, 16, 53-69.
Contact Information
1215 W. Cumberland Ave
417 Jessie Harris Building
Knoxville, TN
37996-1912
Phone: 865-974-6274
Email: stwardos@utk.edu
Contact the Department of Child and Family Studies
1215 W. Cumberland Avenue
115 Jessie Harris Building
Knoxville, TN
37996-1912
Phone: 865-974-5316
Fax: 865-974-2742