Proposes that teachers should examine the elements of mathematical understandings that precede conservation and one-to-one correspondence and tailor classroom instruction to benefit both conserving and nonconserving students. (PK)

Designed to determine whether computer-assisted instruction could enhance performance on Piagetian classification and conservation tasks, this study divided 44 preschool children into an experimental group, which was exposed to computer lessons, and a control group. Both age and computer exposure were found to be significant variables. (LRW)

Describes an investigation of the strategies used by 47 high school students in solving volumetric analysis problems in chemistry. Reports that students in the high ability group mainly used the "formula" approach, while those in the low ability group tended to use the "proportional" approach to problem solving. (TW)

Discusses the value of studying errors made by students in the process of learning science. Addresses 20 research questions dealing with student learning errors. Attempts to characterize errors made by students and clarify some terms used in error research. (TW)

Reports on a study in which children aged 7 to 9 years and 11 to 13 years were asked to judge which one out of three wooden blocks would float, given weight and volume information for each block relative to a block that was known to float. Indicates that judgments may have been based on the size-weight illusion. (HOD)

Discusses students' formation of concepts about energy, classifying responses as living/nonliving, human (vitalism or activity), and nonhuman (supply or demand). Observations were based on class discussions and free writing, followed by questioning to check on stability of concepts. Also collected and reported are student responses (examples of…

Designed as a resource and as a guide for professionals who work with children and their families, this book explores the cathartic effect of humor on children, and looks at humor as an infusion of energy that promotes healthy growth, development, and adjustment in children of all ages. The chapters are as follows: (1) "Introduction: A Global…

The implementation of basic research on children's scientific thinking into science curricula continues to be a slow process. This chapter summarizes research on cognitive development that has helped to establish the goals for much of early science education and examines its implications. The chapter begins by describing scientific thinking and…

Working toward a definition of a developmental model, evaluated how children (N=385) perceive their natural environment by coding their responses to words "Nature is" presented to them on a piece of paper. Results are discussed in terms of age/grade levels corresponding to characteristics of literalism, organization, and moralism. (JN)

Summarizes four stages in the development of causality obtained from interviews with Filipino children (N=1,228), reporting how they responded to questions and effect of grade/age levels on their characteristic responses. Includes a fifth stage, a logical analysis of what would be required of an adolescent trying to understand the sciences.…

Reported is the production of an instructional methodology harmonizing with Piagetian theory and enabling teenage students, including those initially mismatched to the task, to understand the mole, as revealed by their performances on a test of basic skills considered fundamental to that concept. (DS)

Described are inconsistencies, definitions, and examples and their complex relationship which can be used to interpret students' reactions to the geometric tasks used to investigate inconsistencies in student thinking. Discusses the nature of definitions, the value of precise vocabulary, the use and limitations of prototypes, and the power of…

Analyzes the appropriateness of textual media in the construction of meaning by reviewing the psychological research on semiotics and multiple intelligences that support a broadened notion of text, and presenting findings from research on the construction of nonprint texts in disciplines other than English. It suggests that exclusively focusing on…

Investigates issues of conceptual understanding in teaching and learning mathematics provided conceptually based instruction on place value and two-digit addition and subtraction without regrouping in four first grade classrooms. Conventional textbook-based instruction was provided in two first grade classrooms. Experimental-group students scored…

Described is the attempt to identify relationships between pedagogy and student behavior in a mathematical microworld. The patterns of teaching associated with LOGO-based computer activities involving ratio and proportion and the teachers role in helping students bridge the gap between LOGO- and school-mathematics practices are explored. (MDH)