To the debate between the Rortyan pragmatic model of scientific research advocated by Cleo Cherryholmes and the scientific realism espoused by Ernest R. House is added another model for educational research based on the realism of John Dewey's pragmatism. Constructivist and behaviorist aspects of Dewey's philosophy are explored. (SLD)

The constructivist approach of the Teacher as Composer project used analog experiences that replicate thinking and social demands. Classroom constraints, inservice limitations, and teacher mindsets impeded its application. Personal narratives and principles of children's thinking helped bridge the gap between theory and practice. (SK)

Discusses science education reform based on constructivism. Explains that some educators view constructivism as a basis for a unifying theme for science education. (PR)

Thirty-four fifth graders in three conditions worked in pairs to learn science materials presented in classroom lessons. Students who used highly elaborated question stems outperformed those using less elaborated systems and unguided questions. Findings indicate that structured guidance in asking questions elicits explanations that mediate…

Recommends the use of constructivist-based strategies to engage students who are not interested in science using traditional methods. Focuses on the application of these strategies in a laboratory experience exploring gas laws. (DDR)

Explains the use of a constructivist model for engaging students in the curriculum. The student end of the model is characterized by the knowledge, personal experience, degree of motivation, and level of interest that a student brings to a learning situation. (DDR)

Describes how teaching a lesson on the discovery of a crater in the Yucatan Peninsula and the rock strata deep in the ocean can help students explain the demise of dinosaurs. Discusses the impact theory and the core model. (DDR)

Presents a lesson plan that uses a constructivist approach for developing and challenging students' different thinking strengths. In the context of musical and bodily-kinesthetic thinking, elementary school students interpret the sounds and movements the dinosaurs made as they negotiated their primitive environments. (CR)

Discusses knowledge gained from The Computer Discovery Project in Two Cultures, a series of seminars focused on integrating computers into a constructivist early childhood curriculum. Topics discussed include (1) building a foundation for innovation; (2) representing learning in multiple ways; (3) creating a multimedia vision; and (4)…

Discusses research concerning the four reciprocal teaching (RT) strategies: predicting, questioning, clarifying, and summarizing as they relate to fifth-grade teachers who had exposure to constructivist thinking conducted as part of the normal school day. Finds that when teachers consistently and clearly modeled all four RT strategies, students…

Defines activity theory as a socio-cultural and socio-historical lens through which the interaction of human activity and consciousness within its relevant environmental context can be analyzed. Describes how activity theory can be used as a framework for analyzing activities and settings for the purpose of designing constructivist learning…

The reflective practices of four student teachers in a Canadian suburb were studied as they undertook an extended practicum. The experiences of one of these students illustrate an alternative way of thinking about the nature of knowledge construction. Central to this alternative is the difference between an incidental and a thematic rendering of…

Presents conversations from series of lessons in which the power of mathematical conversations was epitomized and fourth-grade students were encouraged to make conjectures to their classmates. Describes how each conversation offered insights into the ways in which students had constructed mathematics. (ASK)

Investigates whether and how collaborative learning at the computer fosters conceptual change. Employs a suite of computer-simulation programs developed to confront students' alternative conceptions in mechanics. Contains 46 references. (DDR)

Defines instructional design as a manifestation of specific educational theories that are founded on understandings about the nature of the learning process and of knowledge. Analyzes the specific background, main characteristics, and feasible prospects of worldwide changes in instructional design resulting from revolutionary changes in learning…