Reviews five methods of representing cognitive structures: (1) free word association; (2) controlled word association; (3) tree construction; (4) concept map; and (5) flow map. Discusses the applications as well as the limitations of these methods by comparing the types of analysis that are generated. (Contains 37 references.) (Author/YDS)

Uses multimedia to create a constructivist learning experience and to innovate a multimedia constructivist learning model based on a course at Multimedia University (Malaysia). Assessed students' problem solving skills and ability to evaluate a Web site's design, creativity, and navigational structure by requiring them to reconstruct and improve…

Behavioral, humanistic, cognitive, constructivist, and neuroscience theories of learning are briefly described. In the training of outdoor activity instructors/teachers, the curriculum should contain modules on various learning styles so that participants have equal opportunities to digest outdoor experiences and interpret them in a manner that…

Describes a CD-ROM written by faculty in an Australian university that is based on principles of a constructivist theory of learning. Examines three examples of appropriate interactivity to indicate the variety, relevance, pedagogical principles, and interest that can be generated to enhance student learning by using multimedia. (Author/LRW)

Recommends attending to students' perspectives in education, critiquing various recent attempts to listen to students, including constructivist and critical pedagogies, postmodern and poststructural feminisms, educational researchers' and social critics' work, and recent developments in medicine and law. Contextualizes two challenges of…

Explores the evolution of the relationship between researcher and participants in longitudinal, constructivist studies. Issues inherent in this evolving relationship are examined and the authors illustrate how the resolution of these issues influences the researcher. Asserts that the lessons learned can be applied to practice and advocate using a…

Discusses the problem based learning (PBL) environment and positive and negative factors affecting the implementation of PBL in K-12 education. Identifies and examines design guidelines for PBL. (Contains 23 references.) (YDS)

Introduces a new way of evaluating instructional strategies using computers. Discusses two basic theories, instructivism and constructivism, in terms of their effectiveness in conceptual learning. Outlines the radical forms of constructivism. Introduces and evaluates two versions of a multimedia physics software based on the inventive model and…

Describes initial results of a collaborative action research endeavor between a university and a magnet school (grade 6 level) using learning environments research to monitor alignment of classroom learning activities with a constructivist viewpoint while integrating technology into the curriculum. Discusses use of the Constructivist Learning…

Describes an evaluation of an online course at the University of the West of England that was designed to move towards a student-centered, constructivist learning approach. Highlights include student perceptions of online learning; patterns of use of online resources; and the need for developing facilitator skills to promote discussion.…

Discusses the importance of the teaching and learning of science/technology in the context of human experience. Highlights the role of constructivism in Science Technology Society (STS) reform efforts. (JRH)

Investigates the use of mathematical representations in 3 grade-8 general science classes (n=65) that engaged in a 10-week open inquiry about the correlations between biological and physical variables in the environment. Demonstrates the use of representations as conscription devices, and illustrates how the use and understanding of inscriptions…

Used a three-phase constructivist teaching sequence in a graduate-level elementary science methods course to improve preservice teachers' knowledge of density and to provide a model for approaching the teaching of science. Reports that the preservice teachers (n=23) showed gains in content knowledge and self-reported confidence levels. (Author/JRH)

This article reviews articles within this special issue on science education for students with disabilities, examining the articles in the context of current activities and resources in science education. Constructivism and alternative assessment techniques are seen as especially noteworthy movements in improving science teaching and learning.…

Defines and describes virtual reality technology and differentiates between virtual learning environment, learning material, and learning tools. Links learning rationales to virtual reality technology to pave conceptual foundations for application of virtual reality technology education. Constructivism, case-based learning, problem-based learning,…