As a learning theory, constructivism describes knowledge as being in flux--where an individual internally constructs knowledge through social and cultural mediation. Constructivist learning theorists contend that social activity and discourse must play important roles in order for understanding to occur. This paper describes how the social…

This paper describes the experience of making changes to an introductory educational technology course at Florida Gulf Coast University, which has just completed developing new curricula for its initial teacher certification programs. Constructed from the ground up and based heavily on research and theory, the new curricula ensure that technology…

Constructivism is considered a driving force in mathematics education. The purpose of this paper is to describe how the social constructivist view of learning can be useful in the teaching of high school algebra and in the preparation of mathematics teachers. A brief summary of the social constructivist view as a philosophy of mathematics is…

It has been suggested in the existing literature that the use of constructivist approaches in the educational setting contributes to active learning and knowledge transfer for students. This paper provides an overview of constructivist approaches used in a graduate-level instructional media production course at a midwestern comprehensive…

Builds a case for possible connections between the discipline of mathematics education and the practice of mathematics education in the classroom. Focuses on constructivist, interactionist, and enactivist theorizing and research. Argues that this approach offers opportunities for divergent thinking. (DDR)

Compares and contrasts the concept of social constructivism derived from work of Piaget and Vygotsky and examines their implications for young children's learning. Emphasizes the nature of social interaction with adults and children and its role in the construction of shared knowledge. Suggests that similarities in these two approaches are more…

Investigates processes involved in visual estimation and processes of judgment in visual estimation situations involving proportional reasoning. Exposure to a unit in the Agam project, designed to enhance visual estimation capabilities, resulted in changes in the nine-year-old subjects' strategies, reflecting processes by which children overcome…

"Mental modeling" refers to a student's ability to visualize or comprehend the information research process. This article reviews 50 years of changing conceptions of how we learn: behaviorist, cognitivist, and constructivist perspective; describes the application of three "mental models" to interactive technology; and discusses…

Presents, in the form of a fictitious letter to a new teacher taking a graduate-level course, an essay that explores questions often raised by young teachers. Provides a set of principles for becoming a holistic, constructivist teacher. (SR)

Describes the Leadership Institute for Environmental Education (LIFE Ed) program whose mission is to support teachers' leadership roles, enhance environmental education competencies, and present strategies for strengthening instruction in environmental education across the content areas. Activities include leadership building, extended staff…

Examines preservice elementary teachers' constructs for analyzing their own conceptual change classroom practice. Reports that the candidates used six student-oriented and seven teacher-oriented evaluation criteria and the five most frequent categories were all student-oriented. Suggests that the candidates were using a constructivist framework to…

Describes a study that explores the perceptions that children (N=36) have about what it means to engage in mathematics. The study, which took place in reform-minded classrooms, concludes that children have a variety of perceptions and most do not feel that success is determined by speed and accuracy. Contains 20 references. (DDR)

Reviews research linking social and cognitive processes, exploring implications for schooling and teacher education. The social basis of cognitive development is examined, highlighting Vygotsky's work and major aspects of his theory. Implications of sociohistorical perspectives on aspects of schooling are examined, and promising practices related…

Explains the origin and goals of cognitive flexibility theory and discusses new directions being explored. Topics include hypermedia systems; multiple knowledge representations; interconnectedness; context-dependency; digital video cases; experience acceleration; and bridging knowledge and practice, cognitive, individualistic practices and…

Presents a marine education activity. Students construct a web of changes that shows potential problems caused by solid waste on beaches. They then determine whether each change is an increase or a decrease from previous conditions. (Author/SOE)