Special education research is entering a multiparadigmatic stage, with four major models: (1) critical constructivism, (2) critical functionalism, (3) constructivism, and 4) functionalism. These lie in the four quadrants of a matrix, with axes going from conflict to consensus and from subjectivity to objectivity. Applications to student…

Discusses constructivist teaching, students' prior knowledge, teachers' construction of models of students' mathematics, and the need to make the role of the mathematics teacher problematic. (three references) (MKR)

Argues that mathematical learning should be viewed as a process of active individual construction and a process of enculturation into the mathematical practices of wider society. It further argues that the sociocultural perspective theorizes the conditions for the possibility of learning, whereas constructivist perspectives focus on what students…

Discusses the link between the theoretical principles of constructivism, the practice of instructional design, and the practice of teaching. Defines constructivism, lists three primary principles of learning and understanding, identifies eight instructional principles needed for the design of constructivist learning environments, and presents a…

Introduces epistemic game theory as a framework for thinking about the design of "constructivist" learning environments, and offers examples and suggestions for epistemic games in classrooms. Discusses epistemic complexity, epistemic game theory, the development of epistemic fluency, and the role of technology in the development of…

Outlines constraints facing teacher educators of environmental education. In light of these constraints, it is argued that the provision of separate environmental education curriculum units in teacher education courses is a better alternative then attempting to infuse the approach across a number of discipline areas. (LZ)

Examines three ways that constructivism is aligned with multicultural education in formal educational environments: (1) learners organize ideas in unique ways; (2) learners' self-awareness and self-concept influence learning; and (3) a learner's personal history filters new information. (GR)

Discusses an investigative, constructivist approach in the context of undergraduate mathematics, with particular reference to pure mathematics, general aims and objectives, assessment strategies, and problems of supervision that affect tutors and lecturers using this approach. Gives students' views on their experiences in this mode of working. (19…

Describes a constructivist approach to teaching a second-grade science unit focusing on the moon, using student observations and data collection. Lays the foundation for the evolving development of conceptual understandings of earth, moon, and sun interrelationships in other grades throughout the school. (nine references) (JRH)

Considers the teaching of general chemistry in light of the actual practice of the science and the way that chemical knowledge is advanced. (ZWH)

Discusses, through quotes about mathematical understanding from mathematicians, the experience of understanding, a nonobjectivist theory of meaning, the origins of mathematical objects, and reification as the birth of metaphor.(Contains 35 references.) (MKR)

Explains three learning theories (i.e., behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism) and examines how each can be used for planning and conducting instructional design activities. Historical foundations are discussed, and comparisons are made concerning how learning occurs, the role of memory, how transfer occurs, and types of learning. (Contains…

Coded discourse of three preschool girls during an entire play session. Analyzed discourse as an instance of Goffman's concept of social frames specifying 13 reality modes, from deeply engrossed play action to nonplay interaction. Proposes a theoretical view regarding the society-instituting function of pretend play from a constructivist…

Twenty-one special education teacher trainees who had completed a course on constructivist learning theory developed teaching demonstrations which were analyzed to determine their operationalization of constructivist teaching. Results indicated that, though teachers had learned to use the jargon in journal entries and essays, they did not shift to…

Examines the relationship between information and democracy through a framework of six stereotyped assumptions regarding ontology and epistemology, i.e., dogma, naturalism, cultural relativity, constructivism, postmodernism, and communitarianism. Implications for the design and implementation of information systems are discussed. (Contains 93…