Desribes the transformation of science education throughout the last two decades into a specific field of research and knowledge associated with the establishment of the constructivist position. Analyzes some of the current criticisms of the constructivist orientation and studies their implications for the development of science education as a…

Uses case studies to explore how academic activities and discourse work together in classrooms to shape learning and instruction. Theories of social constructivism predict that the discourse arising before, during, and after activities can explain variability in students' social and academic participation in curriculum events, as can the nature of…

There are many versions of constructivism. One common argument against a constructivist approach is that it contains elements of instrumentalist, operationalist, and idealist epistemologies that distort the true nature of science including the goals of science and how scientists actually operate. A pedagogy based more on a realist epistemology…

Determines that the philosophical basis for science education is likely to be an interesting field in the 21st century and that there is a need to provide the practicing teacher with some ideas for daily work such as local, national, and international student cooperation; using student lab reports to develop local scientific journals; and having…

Argues that instructional techniques consistent with constructivist epistemology are not the only means by which students construct meaning. Suggests that the choice of instructional strategies should be based on the nature of the content, students' needs, and teacher objectives. (Contains 23 references.) (SK)

Focuses on the idea of chemical change and reports data from a study exploring the development of the concept of substance in children aged 11-14. Examines the use of the idea of elements, compounds, and bonding between atoms to explain chemical change and the intersection of these ideas with "basic" particle ideas. (Contains 21 references.)…

Criticizes radical constructivism of the Glasersfeld type, pointing out some contradictions between the declared radical principles and their theoretical and practical development. Suggests the possibility of an ideological substratum in the construction and hegemonic success of subjective constructivism, and briefly advances an alternative…

Presents a brief introduction to the argument that teachers need to challenge their basic assumptions about teaching if their classroom practice is to develop. Suggests moving away from the transmission of content from expert to novice (objectivist approach) towards a more dynamic system of shared learning (constructivist approach). (MM)

A model leadership program should enhance leadership competencies, emphasize feedback, develop conceptual knowledge, and foster personal growth. A constructivist approach helps learners recognize, relate, assimilate, and apply concepts and principles. (Contains 20 references.) (SK)

Analyzed narrative and logical processes used by children to give meaning and classify empirical objects. Analysis of sociocognitive interaction revealed children change meaning given to objects when they move from an individual situation to a social one. (BAC)

It is argued that an epistemology that supports theories of situated cognition and social constructivism can be found in the tradition of John Dewey's pragmatism. Dewey's pragmatic social behaviorism is a powerful theory of learning that stresses the roles of labor, tools, and language as activities of enculturation. (SLD)

Discusses errors made by remedial intermediate algebra students in factoring polynomials in light of student definitions of factoring. Found certain beliefs about factoring to logically imply many of the errors made. Suggests that belief-based teaching can be successful in teaching factoring. (16 references) (Author/MKR)

Findings of cognitive research about teaching and learning can be applied in instruction in a number of ways: focus on core concepts, use advance organizers, teach learning strategies, allow time for practice, use interactive lecturing, be aware of learning styles, and practice such strategies as problem-based learning and case method. (SK)

This paper questions the claim that able-bodied individuals cannot understand the experience of disability and that disablism is a socially created form of oppression. It examines social constructivist and social creativist views of disability and argues against the social creativist view as the only fruitful perspective concerning disability.…