This paper describes the the Reggio Emilia Approach and recommends adopting the curriculum for teaching science in U.S. schools. The underlying philosophy of this approach is its uniqueness within the constructivist paradigm and its potential as an exemplary early childhood program that can be adapted to teach young children science. The educators…

Different kinds of tests are given to determine student achievement. Standardized achievement tests are often used, but have many limitations. They may be useful in determining the content students should learn and its relevance for future learning and the curriculum. Criterion referenced tests eliminate a major weakness of standardized tests in…

Educators have long sought for ways to improve student learning. With the introduction of technology to the instructional setting, possibilities for finding new strategies to improve learning have been, and continue to be, explored. To make the leap to student-centered, technologically-mediated instruction requires exploration of both change in…

The purpose of this study was to explore the use of concept map assessments in freshman level general chemistry courses. Two strategies were employed in this study. The first strategy involved the creation of a web based concept mapping program capable of scoring concept maps drawn by students. The second strategy involved comparing different…

Distinguishes educational constructivism, which has its origins in the theories of children's learning, from constructivism in the philosophy of science and from constructivism in the sociology of science. Notes the evolution of educational constructivism and identifies some theoretical problems concerning constructivist teaching of science…

Provides evidence that demonstrates the inadequacy of Piagetian constructivist theory in explaining the complexities of children's early learning. Outlines an alternative nativist theory of cognition and discusses the implications for science education. Contains 60 references. (DDR)

Provides references that relate mostly to educational constructivism and to articles that address epistemological and philosophical matters in science education. Topics include children's learning, cognitive development, curriculum development, classroom practices, and teacher education. Contains 109 references. (DDR)

Students are responsible for their own knowledge construction in student-centered, constructivist-learning environments. To be successful, students need tools, or organizers, to help explore relationships, organize information, and think critically. This article discusses and provides examples of presearch, search, interpretation, communication,…

Describes a study designed to provide insight into the strengths and limitations of using groupwork to promote excellence and equity in science education. Argues that students need more guidance in how to talk and do science. Contains 40 references. (DDR)

Educators of information professionals must respond to changes in information technology. This article describes an interactive multimedia learning package entitled "What is Information?" for undergraduate students in professional education for information practice at the University of Technology in Sydney, Australia. It elaborates on…

Examines to what extent constructivist theory explains interactions that occurred during group work on a teacher education project in foreign languages. Content analysis was used to examine dialog journals and self-reports on the group process and on each student's role in the group. Findings address division of labor, role taking, desire for…

Discusses two current monograph publications that provide frameworks for adult learning approaches that stress active, participatory, and reflective learning experiences for early care and education professionals, in an effort to eliminate passive learning by adults. A constructivist teacher-education approach is drawn from both works. (SD)

Survey of 279 students entering the Faculty of Education at the University of Western Ontario revealed a structure of beliefs about learning and knowledge having 10 factors that were nearly orthogonal with each other. Most students endorsed a view of learning that included both constructivist and transmission-oriented themes. Contains 58…

Explores recent theoretical works in language, identity, culture, and implications for cultural ethnic education, specifically Jewish education. Argues that these works can help educators interested in the creative and participatory development of Jewish and other ethnic religious groups to rethink the content and processes of their educational…

Explains Kuhlthau's Information Search Process (ISP) model which is based on a constructivist view of learning and provides a framework for school library media specialists for the design of information services and instruction. Highlights include a shift from library skills to information skills; attitudes; process approach; and an interview with…