Describes an investigation for physical science and chemistry students that engages students both physically and mentally. (ZWH)

The first part of the process model for experiential learning (EL) includes student characteristics and needs (role of experience and prior knowledge, different learning processes, active involvement, affiliation needs, life context) and conceptual foundations of EL (definitions of knowledge, elements of cognition, constructivist teaching,…

Six papers on special education technology and individual differences are introduced. The papers illustrate the growing influence of constructivist perspectives on the use of technology to accommodate individual differences among people. The papers recognize the importance of using technology to scaffold the client's construction of different…

Discussion of constructivism focuses on instructional systems design (ISD) and how it can help develop constructivist instruction. Highlights include ISD limitations; objectives and learning analysis, including Competency-Based Teacher Education and levels of learning; task analysis; and formative evaluation processes. (23 references) (LRW)

Discusses the concept of user-centered library services from a theoretical and conceptual basis. Highlights include the traditional information model; the constructivist model; other researchers' approaches to information seeking and information needs; a sense-making model for various library services; question negotiation; knowledge transfer;…

Outlines the basic principles of constructivist theory and discusses the limitations of the theory in terms of providing worthwhile science education. Advocates a shift from personal constructivism to social constructivism. Contains 24 references. (DDR)

Discusses the place of learning theory in the planning, design, and implementation of learning tasks using information and communications technology. Considers hypermedia and learning and the constructivist approach to learning, proposes a model for applying constructivist theory to learning, and describes an example involving the World Wide Web.…

Presents the results of an exploratory multi-method evaluation study and transcript analysis of an online forum. Highlights include use of a constructivist interaction analysis model to help understand and assess online learning; social interchange; and social discord and knowledge construction. (Author/LRW)

Presents a four-phase model that could help infuse constructivist practice into preservice teacher education courses. The phases include engagement (grounding the course in students' beliefs and experiences), connection (developing students' expertise for resolving later ambiguities), application (applying students' reconstructed understanding of…

In both education and extension studies, the traditional approach (transfer of knowledge, learning as passive absorption) has given way to new discourses: in education, knowledge construction and in extension, participatory learning and research. The new paradigms have yet to be formed into effective praxis. (SK)

Suggests specific ways in which laboratory activities might be slightly modified to increase students' understanding in science, based on recommendations from the National Science Education Standards and on constructivist understandings of the learning process. Contains 42 references. (WRM)

Identifies the social dimensions of learning. Advocates a teaching approach that is sensitive to the various barriers encountered by a diverse body of students seeking to negotiate access into the subculture of school science. (Author/CCM)

Explores theoretical and practical advantages of a constructivist shift from breadth to depth, and from formalism to contextualism, through the inclusion of artists' primary source writings. Believes that students benefit from linking artist's words to their images providing students with another point from which they can survey the world of…

Discusses the gap between educational theories and practice and focuses on constructivism in mathematics classrooms. Contains 12 references. (ASK)

The dominant approach to on-the-job training is the job instruction model (experienced colleague as instructor). The model involves task analysis and direct instruction. Task analysis is useful if restricted to elements that benefit from standardization. Direct instruction is effective only if embedded in continuous work improvement and is…