Quantitative aspects of biology play an important role in understanding biological phenomena; however, most students find mathematical tools difficult to understand and use. This paper offers a teaching approach to this problem and presents a research study investigating 9th grade students' learning achievement when a constructivist teaching…

This paper discusses the changes in instruction needed to make the transition to teaching an online course. It discusses both traditional and alternative teaching methods a first-time online instructor might choose to use. The advantages and disadvantages of online courses are explored through a review of the literature, and ways in which online…

Based on the work of theorists Dewey, Piaget, Vygotsky, Feuerstein, Gardner, and Diamond, this paper presents the constructivist or brain compatible classroom as illustrated by descriptions of classroom activities of students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. The paper explores how teachers, the "new architects of the intellect,"…

This study sought to answer three questions: (1) How do teachers perceive constructivist teaching and learning? (2) What are their perspectives after implementation of a constructivist curriculum? and (3) What are the problems pertaining to a transition to constructivist teaching and learning? The study analyzed the views of six third-grade…

When teachers try to dramatically change the "pedagogic contract" - the prevailing classroom norms - their efforts are frequently met by resistance from students. My central question is: what do students' and teachers' voices tell us about breaking the pedagogic contract through the use of creative/imaginative writing in science classrooms? This…

In 1956, Dr. Albert Ellis presented his seminal work on Rational Therapy, subsequently renamed Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) in 1993. This paper explores the origins, theoretical foundations, applications, and implications of REBT and provides a look at the empirical research available in support of the approach's efficacy. REBT is…

Integrating Vygotsky's sociocultural theory of the mind and cognitive science's computational model, this book focuses on how the computational mind uses language to mediate the internal and external worlds during thought. The first part of the book establishes the basis for unifying social and computational approaches to mind through language.…

This paper discusses the traditional lecture-based instruction method. Strong experimental evidence suggests that social context affects knowledge construction and depends on prior knowledge. Engagement in the inquiry process using constructivist viewpoints can make the characteristics of science, scientific knowledge, and scientific method easy…

This exploration of constructivism begins with a discussion of constructivist epistemology and learning theory, explaining that constructivist epistemology is difficult to label, though many writers, educators, and researchers have come to an agreement about how this constructivist epistemology should affect educational practice and learning. The…

North Central Regional Educational Laboratory (NCREL) describes constructivism as an approach to teaching and learning based on the premise that cognition (learning) is the result of "mental construction." In other words, students learn by fitting new information together with what they already know. Constructivists believe that learning is…

Presents personal reflections on experiences in distance education and teaching practices. Kolb's experiential learning cycle is discussed; technological, facilitation, and learning confusions are examined; and constructivist learning and common sense are considered. (LRW)

Reviews research on thinking aloud in reading comprehension that considers thinking aloud as a method of inquiry, a mode of instruction, and a means for encouraging social interaction. Current efforts in engaging students in constructing meaning from text in collaborative discussions indicate the increased importance of social interaction in…

Explores children's understandings of insect life cycles through pre- and postinstructional interviews, analysis of children's journal entries, and talk that occurred throughout the instructional unit. Contains 38 references. (DDR)

Constructivism is the foundation for viewing the self as an active agent in career development. As a counseling tool, narrative can be used to create life career projections from which to develop career plans. (SK)

One influential view of constructivism in science and mathematics educational research and practice is that of Ernst von Glasersfeld. It is a peculiarly subjectivist form of constructivism that should not be attractive to educators concerned with objectivity. Presents an example of a social constructivist alternative from pragmatic philosopher…