Discusses the need to develop theoretical models, both behaviorist and constructivist, for distance learning design and methods of assessment. Topics include metaphors; sources of model development and delivery; organization of learning; and sources for research and evaluation, including comparison group research designs and within group variance…

Explores areas of agreement and disagreement in five articles on mathematics and science standards, highlighting active learning, teaching for understanding, and constructivism. The article notes that there is more than one right answer, but disagreement persists over applications, amateur problem solving, and the risk of junk math and science.…

Two studies involving 110 and 91 children aged 5 to 7 years show that children's knowledge of counting and addition facilitated their acquisition of a concept not taught in school, that every number has a natural successor (Successor Principle). Even the oldest children could not rank order correctly numbers that contained fractional notations.…

Uses the experiences of health care staff in a dementia facility to build a model of workplace learning, based on postmodern scholarship, with these elements: community of practice; dynamic engagement with diversity, power, and discourses; and a context integrated with the wider environment. (SK)

Discusses research aimed at improving the educational quality of hypermedia-based computer assisted language learning systems. Focuses on a methodological framework that draws on recent developments in the field of human-computer interaction regarding interactive system design and a general constructivist approach to the design of computer-based…

Examines social constructivism as an intellectual movement in the mental health field that directs a social consensual interpretation of reality. Presents a social constructivism approach to counseling which redefines the ethical decision-making process as an interactive rather than individual or intrapsychic process. Explores how the process…

Examines school reform from a historical perspective relative to its efficacy in implementing meaningful and lasting reform, and suggests that reform movements and technology must work together to bring about major changes in public school learning environments. Discusses societal and political perspectives, and constructivism and technology.…

Introduces Vee mapping as an alternative method for traditional lab reports. Discusses six areas concerning Vee maps: (1) focus question; (2) word list; (3) concept map; (4) events; (5) data and analysis; and (6) conclusion. Explains the use of Vee maps and reasons for their use. (YDS)

Identifies the factors influencing K-12 science teachers' implementation of constructivism in their classrooms. Specifically examines the implementation of five subcomponents of constructivism: personal relevance, critical voice, scientific uncertainty, shared control, and student negotiation. Also assesses the relationship between these belief…

Describes the characteristics and values of hypermedia for learning chemistry. Reports on how a hypermedia environment was used to explore a group of 11th grade chemistry students' conceptions of table salt dissolving in water. Indicates that a hypermedia environment can be used to explore, negotiate, and assess students' conceptions of…

Discusses linear, or systematic, instructional design and development, including a 15-step model. Topics include needs assessment; formative evaluation; performance objectives; instructional materials development; pilot testing; design alternatives that challenge linear instructional design, including constructivism, anchored instruction, and…

Relates the story of a kindergartner's first experiences with literacy in the school context to demonstrate the importance of constructivism in educators' thoughts about teaching and learning literature. Discusses the reasons why a kindergarten boy suddenly began writing and illustrating "books" about war even though he showed no interest in…

Describes the Write Now approach that allows teachers to transform the first few minutes of class into a powerful learning experience by helping students reflect on the previous day's lessons and encouraging them to construct their own knowledge of the concepts being studied. Discusses Quasar questions, reviewing responses, constructing…

Examined (n=12) Year-12 students' awareness and application of learning strategies. Identified five possible reasons for students' failure to use appropriate learning strategies in mathematics. Without appropriate strategic learning behaviors students will be ill equipped to cope with the high cognitive demands of a constructivist learning…

Identifies specific functions that reading, in combination with writing and talking, can serve in mathematical inquiries and contribute to a better understanding of how inquiry experiences can be planned and supported in secondary mathematics classrooms. Analysis of data led to identification of 30 functions of reading that are specific to…