Facets of problem solving instruction (PSI) were studied in German mathematics classrooms. Nine different facets of PSI were identified from the research literature, and a video rating form was developed to assess these facets and teacher effectiveness. Videotaped mathematics lessons (n=147) for German eighth graders from the sample for the Third…

This paper reports the perceptions of inservice teachers participating in a World Wide Web-based university course. The pedagogical soundness of distance education courses that model constructivist learning theory and that are available to learners at times and places convenient to them are also examined. Qualitative methods were used to collect…

Describes a classroom technique designed to inject an interactive discussion framework into the classroom and to focus students' attention on reading and absorbing information from a textbook. (DDR)

Reconceptualizes a cultural perspective for science education that offers an account of life in a science classroom by characterizing students' experiences as crossing borders between subcultures. Contains 160 references. (DDR)

Suggests that a holistic approach to teaching prospective teachers should encompass a knowledge base drawn from three paradigms: (1) instrument/technical; (2) interpretive/constructivist; and (3) emancipative/social reconstruction. Argues that use of such an approach will result in professional maturation and an expansion in influence in the…

Focuses on the understanding of the concept of function and presents discussions of the topological properties of functions and of students' mathematical thinking when they are asked to determine whether a property of a function is a topological property or not. Contains 15 references. (DDR)

This study investigated the reflective insights preservice secondary teachers constructed about their curriculum and instructional practices during one course and related field experiences, analyzing lesson plans, reflective papers, videotaped lessons, and interviews. Teachers felt responsible for creating environments that facilitated student…

Examines current interest in computer technology in education, posing important questions to consider (what computers offer, whether technology use is consistent with contemporary learning theories, whether technology effectively promotes change, whether technology is synonymous with good teaching, whether technology promotes critical thinking,…

Discusses the limited exposure many preservice teacher programs have regarding innovative uses for technology in the classroom. Describes the use of a WebCT-based virtual field trip to an elementary school, using constructivist theory as a framework, to help preservice teachers rethink traditional instruction. (Author/LRW)

The belief that "global connectivity" can bring knowledge to students and teachers is mistaken. The Internet provides only information. Students must learn how to manage, analyze, critique, cross-reference, and transform information into usable knowledge. One approach to teaching these constructivist processes is to think of students as…

From a constructivist perspective, the World Wide Web offers students an opportunity to be engaged in sense making, problem solving, and open investigation of the learning process. Students have access to a wide range of information, can develop in socially relevant ways, and are empowered. Selected Web sites (i.e. the White House home page) are…

Cognitive flexibility theory is a constructivist learning paradigm emphasizing real-world complexity and the ill-structured nature of knowledge. This article discusses the design of a multimedia program (Perspectives on Emotional and Behavioral Disorders) based on cognitive flexibility theory and presents quantitative and qualitative results of…

Examines how different internal learner characteristics (prior knowledge, self efficacy, and interest) and different external constraints (learner control, instructional design, and level of control) influence the learning process. Discusses learning from multimedia environments (video, hypertext, kiosk, and other hypermedia) within a schema…

A constructivist approach to teacher education is needed so that students in schools can develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. To promote constructivism in schools, preservice teachers must engage in constructivist processes throughout their education. The paper describes a program that uses technology to integrate constructivist…

Describes how teachers and students used observation and documentation to create connected learning experiences and plan curriculum. Discusses using photographs, videotapes, audiotapes, written notes, drawings, and dialogue as observation techniques to support curriculum development. (DLH)