The exploration of alternative teaching and learning strategies such as those utilised in Supplemental Instruction (SI) is becoming increasingly important as students arrive at university less prepared for the rigors of higher education. Keeping these changes in mind, it is necessary to review the theories that inform our approach to ensure the…

What it means to use research is a potentially contentious topic. With the emphasis on constructivist approaches in teacher education programs, the traditional explanations involving generalizability are inadequate in that there is no consideration of what the user brings to the use. Discussion of the various ways in which use can be framed leads…

Contrasts the dominant view of distance education as mass production and independent study (industrial model) with an emerging view incorporating interactive communications technology and personalized and collaborative learning (postindustrial model). Argues that computer conferencing is the most feasible and effective postindustrial technology…

Presents a theoretical analysis of constructivism in practice by building a framework of dilemmas that explicates the conceptual, pedagogical, cultural, and political places of the constructivist teaching experience. The framework serves as a heuristic for teachers, allowing them to interrogate their own beliefs, question institutional routines,…

Presents a summary of models and methods of attitude research which are embedded in the theoretical tenets of social psychology and in the broader framework of constructivism. Focuses on the construction of social reality rather than the construction of physical reality. Models include theory of reasoned action, theory of planned behavior, and…

Considers the multiple processes implied in children's construction of their social perceptions and social representations. Examines the social information processing, constructivist, and socio-constructivist approaches through a sociogenetic analysis of social thought. Explores the impact of preschool interactional context on children's emerging…

This response to Nelson and Neufeldt (1998) and Granello and Hazler (1998) included in this issue discusses their reviews of the constructivist and developmental models in guiding counselor education. Models for diverse learners are suggested. (Author/MKA)

Discussion of constructivism in learning focuses on a working constructivist framework for electronic learning that balances the individual and social perspectives. Presents two models of electronic learning: the first uses a traditional approach that focuses on the best use of media, and the second focuses on personalization and relationships.…

Presents a theoretical model for developing environmental conceptions that incorporate environmental knowledge, attitudes/values, and behavioral orientations. Encourages students to become aware of, challenge inconsistencies in, and make informed decisions regarding their commitment to their own or alternative environmental conceptions. Presents…

Examines anti-objectivist arguments made by constructivists using their therapeutic approach. Concludes that none of the arguments are cogent. Considers whether acceptance of a constructivist, non-objectivist epistemology is likely to affect constructivists' therapeutic practice. (Author/JDM)

The purpose of this study is to use concept maps as an "expressed model" to investigate students' mental models regarding the homeostasis of blood sugar. The difficulties in learning the concept of homeostasis and in probing mental models have been revealed in many studies. Homeostasis of blood sugar is one of the themes in junior high…

Discusses the appropriate use of the instructional systems design (ISD) process and compares it to the appropriate use of the dog-breeding process according to the AKC (American Kennel Club). Topics include constructivism and objectivism, or behaviorism; instructional effectiveness; and the use of design models. (Author/LRW)

Presents a model of expert reasoning practices that focuses on constructive modeling, a tacit dimension of the thinking practices of expert physicists. Draws on historical cases and protocol accounts of expert reasoning in scientific problem solving and argues that having expertise in physics requires facility with the practice of constructive…

Two experiments involving 131 college students investigated whether readers could accurately incorporate unusual assumptions about time in the novel "Einstein's Dreams" (A. Lightman). A construction-integration model is proposed to explain the interactions found among literary expertise, reading time, and the typicality of test statements. (SLD)

Replies to commentary regarding authors' earlier article proposing a modified constructivist account of origins of mental representation. Elaborates on Smith's discussion contrasting empiricist and constructivist approaches. Discusses Smith's restatement of Piaget's position in terms of levels of representational capacities and replies to specific…