Reviews the purposes, underlying assumptions, and curriculum development model for the United Kingdom's "Children's Learning in Science Project." Explains the general features and phases of the constructivist approach to learning that the program advocates. Identifies theoretical developments on children's ideas, the constructivist view…

Suggests that the process view of science is flawed. Argues that (1) it is superficial and misleading to portray the method of science in process terms; (2) many of the processes have no special association with science; and (3) there is no evidence that performance is improved. Speaks of the challenge facing science education. (RT)

Illustrates how one can discover structure in mental abilities where none was obvious. Reports that two classes of processes are used to form images. Indicates that imagery is carried out by multiple processes, not all of which are implemented equally effectively in the same part of the brain. (RT)

Presents an adaptation of "Euler's Circles" as a metacognitive tool for learning. Provides background about diagraming and learning theory. Details concept circle diagrams and considers their relationship to Ausubelian learning theory. Gives examples of the use of concept circles and rules for concept circle construction. (CW)

Describes a lexical training program developed to teach object, visible movement, and invisible movement words to children at stage 5 (N=7) and stage 6 (N=16) object permanence development. Stage 6 children learned all three types of words equally well, while stage 5 children learned object and visible movement but not invisible movement words.…

Relationship between the social world and individual knowledge acquisition is explored. A general theory predicated on the assumption that social interaction is the driving force behind knowledge acquisition is postulated and then formulated as a model. A selection of results pertaining to social learning are presented. (Author/MBR)

Summarizes findings of a collection of research studies at the University of Aberdeen (Scotland) aiding fundamental understanding of knowledge representation and its applications. Issues arising when a knowledge representation system is incorporated into an authoring language are discussed, including the problems of exteriorization, metacognition,…

Discusses the application of cognitive processes of physics teaching including idea first and name afterward; translating symbols into words; describing phenomena in words; reversing a line of thought; making decisions; inapplicability of formulas; recognizing the importance of non-examples; comparison and serial ordering; and estimating and…

Cognitive Acceleration through Science Education (CASE) is an innovative teaching approach born out of research into cognitive development based largely on the work of Piaget, and also incorporating fundamental tenets of Vygotsky's theories of learning. The program aims to improve children's thinking processes by accelerating progress towards…

The generative learning model is explored and linked to recent science education research findings. The implications of the model for the teaching and learning of science, the training of science teachers, and science educational research are discussed. (JN)

A general model of conceptual change which is largely derived from current philosophy of science, but which can illuminate learning as well, is described. Some features of this model are illustrated by interviews with students studying special relativity in physics. Finally, some pedagogical implications are presented. (Author/PB)

Laboratory research that compared the effects of various types and combinations of feedback on children's conceptual learning was reviewed and evaluated in terms of theories involving reinforcement, motivation, and information-processing interpretations. It was concluded that some important laboratory research findings and implications have been…

Describes the storyline instructional strategy and its application to social studies. Storyline consists of incorporating content area material into an evolving narrative with subsequent material added to the story. Includes examples from grades 2, 9, and 11 storyline instructional units. (MJP)

Study reports data on the acquisition of knowledge about astronomy in children from India, and the cosmological models they construct. Found that Indian children's cosmologies honor a variety of implicit assumptions governing the construction of initial cosmological models and that folk models are also incorporated to provide a psychologically…

A theory is proposed for how students develop competence with the written symbols of decimal fractions. Competence is viewed as the cumulative and sequential mastery of four separate cognitive processes. The theory was tested with small groups of students, most of whom were able to acquire the first two processes. (MNS)