Discusses online course design in higher education and cautions against blindly accepting constructivist and collaborative learning strategies. Explains many of the problems associated with these strategies, including the use of technology; considers social change; and describes groupthink and its influence in online courses. (LRW)

This case study of a novice teacher used sociotransformative constructivism as the theoretical framework of the examination of the preservice year and first year of teaching. Presents insights into the issues and difficulties a beginning teacher of Anglo-European background faces working with predominantly Latino children in an impoverished…

Advocates a constructivist approach to learning mathematics in which children are given ample time to think and reflect about numbers and exchange ideas with peers. Teachers should construct a classroom environment in which children invent methods to solve problems. Every child's thinking must be assessed in order to guide each to a higher level…

Argues, based on a constructivist view of learning, that if knowledge is constructed rather than recorded as received, instruction must be viewed as creating learning environments that enhance the process of knowledge construction, and should guide, support, and accompany students in constructing an increasingly sophisticated understanding of…

Addresses the facilitative role of teachers in helping students develop the ability to evaluate ethical issues that arise from transplantation technology. Describes the implementation and evaluation of a bioethics unit. Findings indicate that student-centered strategies can provide opportunities for students to clarify, reflect critically on, and…

Reviews key assumptions of two contextualist theories (constructivism and interactionism), examines the theories' claims, and offers suggestions as to how a sociological analysis of human development can remedy some of the major theoretical failings while building on the basic strengths. Also discusses how a critical contextualism might help…

Focuses on the gap between research findings and implementation of the results into science teacher education programs, curricula, and professional practices. Addresses one implementation issue that needs to inform future research, teacher education, professional development, and classroom instruction: How views of science, learning, discourse,…

Presents points of agreement with DeVries, Zan, and Hildebrandt: overall educational philosophy, the developmental path from egocentrism to reciprocity, and educational approaches when fundamental ethical principles are at stake. Examines the substantial differences in perspectives regarding the substance of morality, the process of teaching…

Suggests that trivialized versions of constructivism are promulgated due to misunderstandings of vocabulary adopted by its advocates. Discusses specifics of frustrations in an effort to communicate the insights and implications of radical and social constructivist theories to preservice and practicing teachers. Presents a classroom episode to show…

Introduces a study investigating the social constructivist role on teacher confidence in science teaching. Focuses on cooperation between teachers and researchers on instructional strategies and explores the impacts on student learning, children's' oral and written skill development, and attitudes. (YDS)

An experimental group studied Macbeth in an independent, constructivist setting using multimedia; the control group studied traditionally. Eleven of 23 experimental students and 2 of 21 in the traditional class failed. In an experiment with Hamlet, the results were reversed. Students were most successful when the teacher was actively involved,…

Reviews the vision of nineteenth century geographers who believed geography education should promote cooperation and tolerance. Explores why these value-laden methods were forsaken. Reports on geographers who call for geography to address social issues. Argues that social justice be adopted and focus on the constructivist methods of Paulo Freire.…

Studied the learning outcomes of a science teaching program for preservice teachers in Fiji using quantitative and qualitative techniques. Results for 24 teachers show that students involved in the constructivist pedagogy generally developed a deeper conceptual understanding of the topic, and in some cases these learning outcomes could be linked…

Reports on the Victorian Science in Schools Research Project (VSSRP) which was developed to help teachers support student learning of science content. Reviews research on student learning of science concepts and traces changes over the last two decades. (Contains 46 references.) (Author/YDS)

Compares "associationist" instructional theory and standards with constructivist instructional theory and standards. Argues that constructivist standards should be used to help create a culture of high quality based on high expectations in urban schools. Provides two examples: Central Park East Secondary School (CPESS) and the Philadelphia's…