Focuses on learning difficulties in procedural knowledge, and assesses the procedural difficulties of grade 12 and first- and third-year university students based on common sense reasoning in two areas of chemistry--chemical equilibrium and geometry, and polarity of molecules. (Contains 55 references.) (Author/YDS)

Introduces an activity of creating discovery centers that is designed for preservice elementary students using a constructivist approach. Encourages students to find science experiments and hands-on extension activities. (YDS)

Addresses the changing nature of social studies assessment and its importance as a curriculum component. Offers a brief history of social studies assessment and discusses the present stance on assessment and evaluation. Considers assessing student discourse in group settings and ensuring individual accountability. Provides guidelines for utilizing…

Annual informal conversational interviews (ten years) explore how young adults (N=39) take on responsibility, manage their affairs effectively, develop confidence, integrate and maintain identity, create meaning and organize experience, and make informed decisions in the face of societal demands and challenges. Higher education's role in promoting…

Argues that the traditional paradigm used in teaching science and mathematics should be replaced by one which focuses on the students' own conceptions, prior experiences, and active participation in learning. (DDR)

Draws on the new field of mathematical study called fractal geometry. Illustrates the pervasiveness and constraining tendencies of classical geometries. Suggests that fractal geometry is a mathematical analogue to fields such as post-modernism, post-structuralism, and ecological theory. Examines how fractal geometry can complement other emergent…

Provides a model for curriculum development using constructivism to help democratize science education. Illustrates how to put this model into practice, focusing on: (1) expressing current conceptions; (2) sharing and learning new conceptions; and (3) applying and testing conceptions. (CMK)

Discusses challenges facing teacher librarians to plan a future for the information-knowledge environments in schools and suggests that action and evidence-based, learning-centered practice focusing on a constructivist inquiry approach are important. Topics include perceived lack of support and understanding; funding; professional development; a…

Examines the paradigm debate over established (behavioral and cognitive) and alternative (constructivist) models of instructional design (ID). Discusses instructional strategies and principles, new terms versus new meaning, "straw man" and personalized arguments, expert-determined goals, research-based versus "brand-X" models,…

Argues that a strong sense of technical necessity informs the design of the computer-literacy curriculum. As a result, instruction in this area is inadequate at best and dehumanizing at worst. Contains 32 references. (DDR)

Focuses on the history of the organization of chemical principles in chemistry textbooks. Describes a higher-order organizing principle, based in chemical logic and understanding, from which topics and order of presentation are derived. Provides an example of a biochemistry curriculum developed using this organizing principle. (DDR)

Maintains that utilizing the Internet in geography education changes the learning paradigm from the traditional lecture hall to a technology-rich, constructivist environment. Addresses the opportunities this paradigm offers for improving teaching and learning. Discusses the Colorado Geography-Web Project at the University of Colorado in which the…

Constructivist theory recognizes the student's value as thinker. Thinking ability hinges on the capacity to ask and consider important questions. Teachers need question-driven problem-solving strategies that are comprehensive, adaptable, discriminating, productive, and transferable. This article explains four types of situations and accompanying…

Investigates the extent to which a new general science curriculum reflecting a constructivist view has influenced the science classroom learning environment in Korea. Results from a validated Korean Constructivist Learning Environment Survey (CLES) indicate that grade 10 students perceived a more constructivist learning environment than grade 11…

Introduces an interdisciplinary undergraduate course on space physics based on history. Presents a contextual overview of space physics. (Contains 16 references.) (YDS)