Examined the relationship between play and learning by exploring contrasts between the theories of Piaget and Vygotsky and examining data from a study of preschool teachers' theories of play. At the outset, these theories revealed a predominantly Piagetian, developmental orientation but changed toward a more social-constructivist orientation.…

Explains that, in relation to the concept of vision, the cognitive structural model accounts for the normal developmental sequence. Indicates some possible sequences that might help to explain the alternative framework phenomenon. Contains 20 references. (DDR)

Analyzes a teacher education program centered in a constructivist teaching model, "Fostering Community of Learners," showing how three program iterations over time grappled with the fusing of inspiration, reasoning, skill development, and design work. Though none of the iterations were shining successes, all of the elements were…

Discusses the evolution of instructional uses of technology in special education over the last two decades and the changes in thinking and teaching which have moved away from didactic instructional methods to constructivist approaches. Describes how skills instruction can be an important feature of constructivism for teaching special education…

Constructivist teachers are guided by three basic principles when teaching math to young children. They encourage students to think about their answers, conceptualize how they resolved the problem, and represent their thinking with words, pictures, or symbols. Demonstrating mathematical logic is more important than memorizing rules. (MLH)

Discusses the complexities of work with elementary teachers who attempted to integrate literacy and mathematics instruction in their classrooms. Presents a study that involves three interwoven components: constructivist principles, collaborative graduate work, and a literacy and mathematics study. Sees both literacy and mathematics as languages…

Problem-based learning was used as an enrichment activity in 2% of an urban middle school's curriculum. Assessment showed that it improved behavior and science achievement of low-income minority students. (SK)

Considers how observation of and interaction with exemplary literacy teachers in "Model Classrooms" visits might affect preservice teachers' knowledge of practice. Suggests that engaging preservice teachers in a variety of activities with real teachers and children throughout their training enhances the experience of the student teacher and has…

This article reviews "Learning with Technology: A Constructivist Perspective" (Jonassen, Peck, and Wilson), which presents ways for students to learn with the latest technology in a constructivist framework. Chapters describe the creation of a constructivist learning environment and the use of technology to help students develop intellectually and…

Uses creative dramatics to introduce an exploration of the dynamics of pendulums. (YDS)

This paper answers several frequently asked questions about constructivism, including how to define it, how to plan the curriculum, how to assess student understanding, what to do with the information, where to begin, how students work in a constructivist classroom, and why constructivism is important. (SM)

Presents case study of one child, Scrap, as he uses play and experimentation within a facilitative classroom environment to resolve conflicts related to written language. Classroom practices are described. Shared journal entries are used to illustrate a conscious awareness of how words are written, morphosyntactic aspects of written discourse, and…

The teacher as a "sage on the stage" is being eclipsed by the learning facilitator, or "guide on the side." While there is room for constructivist methodologies, the rage against expertise and repetitive or rote learning practices is misguided. Students deserve a chance to learn from real experts. (MLH)

Focuses on the familiar problem of students' understanding of elementary electrical circuits from a much neglected point of view. Suggests that the patterning commonly found in students' ideas might have its roots in the cognitive processing with which students operate their mental models of d.c. electrical circuits. Studies Japanese 10-11 year…

Focuses on two aspects of the use of concept cartoons in preservice science teacher education: evaluating their use as a teaching and learning approach, and challenging student teachers' perceptions of how constructivist principles might be implemented in the classroom. (SAH)