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…

Discusses the mathematical pedagogy changes that reflect the constructivist approach exemplified in the National Council of Teachers of Mathematic's "Professional Standards for Teaching Mathematics." As part of the change process, recommends that teachers (1) reflect on their present practices, (2) risk making changes in classroom…

Analysis of taped utterances of New Zealand sixth graders show how children perceive and respond to subtle cultural and gender biases in curriculum and teachers' presentation. Children construct their own knowledge as they attempt to make sense of classroom culture that may undermine their gender and racial identity. (SK)

Describes the development, refinement, and validation of a framework for nurturing and assessing multidigit number sense in young children. Major constructs incorporated were counting, partitioning, grouping, and number relationships. The framework was validated through case studies of six first-grade children. (30 references) (MKR)

Examines assumptions inherent in open-ended learning; describes features of open-ended learning environments; and discusses implications for research, development, and implementation of open-ended learning systems. Highlights include context and experience; learner control; higher-order cognitive skills; understanding versus knowing; orienting…

This paper examines whole language and process approaches to writing instruction, outlining their benefits (frequent and meaningful writing, support of self-regulated learning, and emphasis on the integrative nature of learning in literacy development) and weaknesses (overreliance on incidental learning and lack of emphasis on the mechanics of…

Analyzes problems with traditional teacher education, reviews the basic elements of the constructivist learning views, and discusses the advantages of a constructivist approach to science teacher education. (PR)

This study investigated whether Science Curriculum Improvement Study or more recent interpretations of the learning cycle could be used by teachers to engage students in social constructivist learning. Two researchers and six science teachers implemented instruction based on the reciprocal use of language and action. Changing beliefs and practices…

Outlines the significant influence of constructivism in contemporary science and mathematics education and emphasizes the central role that epistemology plays in constructivist theory and practice. It is claimed that constructivism is basically a variant of old-style empiricist epistemology, which has its origins in Aristotle's individualist and…

Discusses aspects of science-teacher education that should be reformed in efforts to reform science education. The need for reform in science education implies a concomitant demand for reform in science-teacher education. Effective educational standards must accommodate standards for teaching, coordination of teaching and assessment, and systems…

Recent research suggests three major realms of experience from which visitors draw schemata that inform meaning-making at heritage sites: (1) associations with and knowledge of history; (2) experiences and behavior regarding the past in everyday life; and (3) expectations of and behavior at heritage sites. Presents three strategies for empirically…

Explores two pedagogical aspects of the reciprocal relationship between the human psyche and current technology, describing how that interaction expands and constrains pedagogy and ultimately teacher education. The paper discusses novel understandings of learning (constructivism and social aspects of learning), novel technological affordances,…