Provides evidence that demonstrates the inadequacy of Piagetian constructivist theory in explaining the complexities of children's early learning. Outlines an alternative nativist theory of cognition and discusses the implications for science education. Contains 60 references. (DDR)

Provides references that relate mostly to educational constructivism and to articles that address epistemological and philosophical matters in science education. Topics include children's learning, cognitive development, curriculum development, classroom practices, and teacher education. Contains 109 references. (DDR)

Secondary school geometry students have been found to have misconceptions concerning parallel lines. Correctional teaching programs did not seem effective in changing these misconceptions. This research describes an attempt to use teaching strategies which take into account current learning theory and which encourages students to be actively…

This paper describes further research on a learning procedure for layered networks of deterministic, neuron-like units, described by Rumelhart et al. The units, the way they are connected, the learning procedure, and the extension to iterative networks are presented. In one experiment, a network learns a set of filters, enabling it to discriminate…

Explains the constructivist theory of knowledge and discusses the theory's implications for teaching remedial college students. Analyzes student performance on a college placement test to highlight the differences between how novices and experts process scientific or mathematical materials. Suggests a radical change in introductory algebra…

A study addressed the impact of the travel experience on the older traveler and when such experiences may be transformative. It explored the experiences of four older and experienced travelers. Research questions were: What types of experiences travelers identified? In what ways transformative experience was manifested? What conditions seemed to…

An information-processing approach to language learning is examined; language aptitude is factored into the approach, and the role of working memory is discussed. The process of learning includes two processes that make heavy use of working memory is: automatization and restructuring. At first, learners must make a conscious effort to remember and…

Cognitive flexibility is indispensable for applying knowledge to new situations. The development of this ability depends on certain conditions such as the attainment of a deep comprehension of the subject matter and the exposure to different knowledge representations. This paper focuses on these conditions and describes a study designed to foster…

Explores the promises that von Glasersfeld's constructivism holds for the reform of science and mathematics education. Argues that a powerful social epistemology is needed to serve as a referent for regenerating the culture of science education. Contains 48 references. (DDR)

Conventional schooling too often ignores the influence of school culture on what is learned in school. Knowledge is situated, being in part a product of the activity, context, and culture in which it is developed and used; this is known as cognitive apprenticeship. Implications for understanding learning and teaching are discussed. (Author/BJV)

Contrasts recent views of learning and cognition with cognitive learning theories of the late 1950s and early 1960s. Maintains that Jerome Bruner's spiral curriculum approach, still valuable, is not sufficient to explain cognitive development. Proposes a lattice-like cognitive development structure, inviting differing paths of exploration. (CFR)

This monograph examines three approaches to intelligence that include cognitive processing components and relates each to assessment and interventions with students having reading disabilities. The first, Sternberg's Triarchic theory of intelligence (1985), includes three subtheories, contextual, experiential, and componential. The second, the…

This essay is an examination of the efficacy of group methods in the facilitation of learning. It describes and characterizes two learning experiences and reports the findings on some unconventional educational methods. It provides a summary of six principles of learning and reviews some essential literature which compares a variety of teaching…

The mathematical experiences of elementary students often focus on memorizing facts and rules as opposed to making sense of the subject and developing problem solving skills. Students spend large amounts of time processing, memorizing and sorting collections of data which are tasks well performed by computer technology. To correct this situation,…

Examines whether young children make explicit references to beliefs, ideas, thoughts, and intentions. Relates that three-year-old children correctly distinguish between real and mental items and that they think and dream about things that are not real. Concludes that conceptual development theories portraying early development as concrete and…