Argues that teaching should be based on Piaget's constructivism because it explains the nature of human knowledge; explains children's knowledge construction from birth to adolescence; and informs educators how Piaget's distinction among physical, social, and logicomathematical knowledge changes the way many subjects should be taught. Elementary…

Indicates the necessity of curriculum frameworks that enable all students to achieve their maximum potential literacy; to create their own knowledge; and to develop in directions unique to their needs, interests, abilities, and perspectives--that is, to become self-actualized. (Contains 65 references.) (Author/YDS)

Teaching constructively may make students approach assignments cautiously because of the relativistic nature of constructivism. Analysis of 30 nursing students' narratives shows that narrative is a useful technique for developing critical thinking because it encourages student openness and flexibility. (SK)

Presents five perspectives on teaching: transmission, development, apprenticeship, nurturance, and social reform. Urges the use of these perspectives to identify, articulate, and justify teaching approaches, rather than simply adopting constructivism as the new orthodoxy. (SK)

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)

Describes the value of integrating technology with student-centered, meaningful, and engaging learning experiences based on constructivist theory. Topics include the role of the teacher; learning theory that underlies constructivism; examples of teachers using constructivist methods; the use of a personal digital assistant to chart students'…

Points out that in 2001, Mars will be closer than usual to Earth and recommends implementing a Marswatch 2001 project in the astronomy curriculum to inspire students. Includes information on available resources and explains the focus points of the activities. (YDS)

This article maintains that labyrinth-cases of multiple outlets, although difficult, but pleasant to construct, are probably the way to go to strengthen computer-aided learning. The objective of the article is to show, based on a particular labyrinth-case, how to construct labyrinth-cases and consolidate their contents based on associative…

This paper continues the dialogue between David Elkind (2004) and Jamin Carson (2005) on constructivism. The opinions of both writers on this educational theory have been published in recent issues of "The Educational Forum."

For largely historical reasons, information and communication technology in education has been heavily influenced by a form of constructivism based on the transmission and transformation of information. This approach has implications for both learning and teaching in the field. The assumptions underlying the approach are explored and a critique…

This article discusses the benefits of constructivism for both teachers and students. The author believes that teachers can increase student engagement in expressive performance learning without giving up performance quality.

Background: Constructivist approaches to learning focus on learning environments in which students have the opportunity to construct knowledge themselves, and negotiate this knowledge with others. "Discovery learning" and "collaborative learning" are examples of learning contexts that cater for knowledge construction processes. We introduce a…

Western culture has developed a concept of knowledge as divided into discrete categories, which are reflected in the disconnected subjects of school curricula and the titles of university faculties. However, June Boyce-Tillman believes that music should be intimately bound up with the wider curriculum, particularly in the areas of personal,…

Today's art museum educators face a challenge that is unprecedented in the field. Where not too long ago little was known regarding how people learn in the museum, now multiple theories have emerged (Falk & Dierking 1992, 2000; Hein 1998; Roberts, 1997; Yenawine, 1988). New theories breed new practices. The dilemma for art museum educators is to…

One dilemma science teachers face every day is balancing the content demands of state and federal testing requirements while providing opportunities for inquiry. Using the 5E learning cycle is a realistic, constructivist way to address this dilemma. The 5E learning cycle leads students through a sequence of learning in which they become engaged in…