From a curricular stand point, the traditional invert and multiply algorithm for division of fractions provides few affordances for linking to a rich understanding of fractions. On the other hand, an alternative algorithm, called common denominator algorithm, has many such affordances. The current study serves as an argument for shifting…

This study aimed to investigate the effect of conceptual change text (CCT) in the REACT strategy for students' conceptions of solutions. A quasi-experimental method was used in the study. The study was carried out in the spring term of the 2012-2013 academic year with 61 freshmen students (aged 18-20 years) studying in the Elementary Education…

Currently many children in early childhood education cannot be accommodated in provincial department schools. Consequently, different non-governmental institutions offer Grade R programmes in an attempt to support the DBE. Pre-primary schools that traditionally took responsibility for early childhood education also offer Grade R education. The…

This study examines the effects of using historical microworlds on conceptual change in mechanics. Historical microworlds combine history of science and microworld through a computer based interactive learning environment that respects and represents historic conceptions or theories. Six grade 5 elementary students participated individually to…

Evaluation of classification skills of 88 unimpaired children (grades K, 2, 4, and 6) were evaluated using the Iconic-Symbolic test (IS) of the Muma Assessment Program and follow-up interviews. Results found little relationship between the rationales the children reported using and the classification criteria presumed by the IS procedure. (DB)

Because second grade students had difficulty in explaining what they knew about the number 15, it was suspected that they did not understand place value. Realizing every number has a place value and its place provides facility for calculation, a teacher attempted to ascertain second grade students' (N=18) knowledge of place value. Results of…

The concepts of friendship, rules, property, obedience to authority, truth, promises, and sharing are appropriate for inclusion in values education materials for elementary students. Interviewers questioned 180 children in grades K-5 about their level of understanding of each concept and their perceptions of each concept's importance to their…

A solid understanding of equivalent fractions is considered a steppingstone towards a better understanding of operations with fractions. In this article, 55 rural Australian students' conceptions of equivalent fractions are presented. Data collected included students' responses to a short written test and follow-up interviews with three students…

Learning how to teach depends on the dynamic inter-relationships among many parts and people; however, research on learning how to teach has typically focused on confined aspects of teacher education (e.g., a specific methods course) over short periods of time (such as one semester). In response, Wideen, Mayer-Smith, and Moon (1998), in their…

The first phase of a projected research program aimed at examining children's ideas about body functioning, this study focuses on concepts of digestion, elimination of waste and assimilation of food held by children of different ages. (Subjects expressed these concepts both verbally and graphically). Possible cues to the influence of affect on…

SEVERAL TEACHING PROGRAMS OF MATHEMATICAL CONCEPTS WERE INVESTIGATED IN AN EFFORT TO DEVELOP MEANS FOR ENHANCING CONCEPTUAL MATURITY AMONG CHILDREN. INTERVIEWS WERE ASSIGNED TO ENGLISH AND SCOTTISH SCHOOLS WHERE DIFFERENT ARITHMETIC PROGRAMS WERE TAUGHT. DATA WERE COLLECTED ON SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENT AND SCHOLASTIC ABILITY FROM INTERVIEWS WITH…

Reports on a study in which a teacher used the collaborative development of a format-free computer database to facilitate the construction of knowledge by a group of students (n=3) during a science project. Results indicate that knowledge construction is enhanced when children collaboratively develop a format-free database. Contains 27 references.…

Interviews are the central focus of inquiry studies in the elementary school classroom described by an experienced teacher. The interview is the major source of new information and concepts. Through questions, discussions, role playing, and note taking, children make interviews a very active part of learning. Interviews help children see the…

Addresses limitations of previous research by testing second-, fourth-, and sixth-grade children on three measures: an open-ended interview, a story-recognition task, and a questionnaire about the importance of different characteristics to friendships and acquaintanceships. Friendship expectations based on dispositional characteristics increased…

Results of interviews with students regarding their conceptual understanding of fractions are discussed. Fewer than 10 percent had acquired an adequate conceptual base. (MP)