Describes the application of a teaching model to the teaching of a science course entitled Changes in Matter. Discusses the teaching sequence and the outcomes of the unit in terms of students' conceptual development. Concludes that the approach requires a conceptual, methodological, and attitudinal change for teachers and students. (DDR)

Describes how a Norwegian high school student constructed meaning about a poem with the help of her interactions with two peers in a response group that integrated writing, reading, speaking, and listening. (SM)

The first of two linked articles discusses leadership and associated concepts. Outlines and illustrates a mapping typology built around five knowledge domains (conceptual, critical, humanist, evaluative, and instrumental) and seven factors (purpose, focus, context, method, audience, communication, and impact). (Contains 9 notes and 93 references.)…

This article discusses forces driving mathematics reform: shifting theoretical paradigms, disappointing levels of mathematics performance of students in the United States, and the impact of rapidly changing technologies. Concerns about this reform from the special education community are discussed, and synthesized special education research…

Introduces LearningLinks, a Visual Basic software tool that allows teachers to create individualized learning modules that use constructivist and behavioral learning principles. Describes field testing of undergraduates at the University of Virginia that tested a module designed to improve understanding of the psychological concepts of…

Discusses the use of the inquiry cycle during a professional development program for social studies teachers. Focuses on controversial issues, specifically the problems in Kosovo. Describes the inquiry cycle in detail and the three-phase cycle that helped teachers understand the importance of social studies. (CMK)

Applies principles of constructivism and virtual reality (VR) to computer-aided design (CAD) curriculum, particularly engineering, by integrating network, VR and CAD technologies into a Web-based learning environment that expands traditional two-dimensional computer graphics into a three-dimensional real-time simulation that enhances user…

Describes a graduate early childhood program that emphasizes a constructivist curriculum and a feminist perspective, and reviews feedback from graduates. Presents a constructivist curriculum design, moving from practice to theoretical issues to integrated theory and practice. Discusses classroom strategies of dialogue, dialectic, reflection, and…

Describes the process through which four high-achieving second graders constructed their knowledge and misconceptions of rounding concepts gained from using computer-based practice sessions which provided full solutions to examples but without verbal explanations. (31 references) (MKR)

Tests of computer literacy and computer anxiety given to (n=17) preservice teachers in a secondary science teacher preparation course featuring a cognitive science framework with an integrated microcomputer component found increased microcomputer usage 4 years later. Includes follow-up questionnaire. (Author/MKR)

Argues that the choice of method for constructing concepts such as family and household does matter but that there is no a priori link between method and construction or between method and epistemological position. The extent of overlap between constructs produced by different methods must be investigated rather than assumed. (LKS)

Discusses ways teachers can encourage students to construct useful meanings for the fractional unit. Provides three examples of representations of common fractions and illustrates misconceptions in fraction problems. Includes a brief summary of constructivist mathematics education and an example in which a teacher misunderstands a fractional unit.…

The Multiple Abilities Program (MAP) at the University of Alabama emphasizes reflective teaching as a pedagogical tool. Reflectivity is fostered around the themes of understanding diversity and development of all learners, facilitating empowerment, and utilizing authenticity in instruction and assessment. Case studies of MAP students illustrate…

Describes a study of the meanings three preservice teachers constructed and the factors that influenced their reactions to the multicultural, social reconstructionist ideas in a social studies methods course. A significant finding is the importance of understanding the backgrounds of preservice teachers as they interact with multicultural…

The paper discusses the need to restructure traditional approaches to classroom management in preservice teacher education, focusing on constructivist principles. A model for integrating constructivist principles at precollege and teacher education levels consists of four components (modeling, reflecting, actively involving students, and…