Argues that an adaptive-generative development framework, based on constructivist learning principles and knowledge of organizational dynamics, can be helpful in managing the introduction of academic change in higher education institutions. A strength of the model is its capacity to help decision makers identify concerns and engage academics in…

Focuses on an extended learning experience with worms as the main topic in which students collect and organize information and choose an experimental question. Based on the constructivist theory of learning. Contains 17 references. (DDR)

Examines how science teachers' (n=14) knowledge of science and science pedagogy changed after participation in a constructivist-based methods course. More-experienced teachers were paired with less-experienced teachers, and pre- and post-instructional concept maps, journals, portfolios, and transcripts revealed that, within the zone of proximal…

Discusses designers' need to design educational software for subversive use, recognizing that users fit the use of technology-based environments into contextually tuned "situated" learning environments. In this sense, good design is volatile design, or design which changes with contextual use. These ideas are illustrated with reference to a range…

Considers the potential of social-constructivist ideas of teaching and learning for pupils with learning difficulties from a British perspective. Reports on a study with a class of eight students with moderate learning disabilities studying the local community. Benefits to individual students in the development of conceptual understanding and…

Describes a study that explored the interplay between students' scientific epistemological views (SEVs) and their learning in school laboratory activities. Finds that students having SEVs oriented to constructivist views of science tend to focus more on negotiating the meanings of experiments with their peers than students with SEVs more in line…

Provides a detailed account of the significant components of Sister M. Gertrude Hennessey's instruction for conceptual change learning in an elementary science classroom. Discusses the implications of this case study for the practices of other teachers. Contains 40 references. (Author/WRM)

Reports on a case study of the transition from preservice to inservice science teaching. Describes four sets of overlapping areas that provide vantage points for the study. Three sets describe participating teacher experiences, and the fourth set describes researchers' developments. Discusses the differences between a person who is good at science…

Discussion of asynchronous communication in online learning environments focuses on a collaborative, constructivist discussion that considered what constitutes acceptable participation in an online doctoral forum. Presents selections from a class discussion and concludes that students see the value of counting contributions even though they object…

Describes the content of a senior science methods course in elementary science teacher education in which pedagogical content knowledge is used for construction. Presents examples of three different kinds of pedagogical content knowledge on preservice elementary teachers that is used in this research. (Contains 47 references.) (YDS)

This ethnographic study examined school literacy experiences of 10 young students with Down syndrome over two years. Two broad definitions of literacy were identified. When reading was a hierarchy of psychologically deduced subskills, children with Down syndrome were usually excluded, but when literacy was the construction of shared meaning in…

Diverse teacher educators met regularly to discuss their beliefs about educational philosophy, teacher education, constructivist pedagogy, and authentic assessment. Participants made reflections, then listened to constructive criticism by other group members. Processes they used to explore their thinking about teaching practice and student…

Reviews constructivist and sociocultural approaches to child development and early education. Outlines a neo-Piagetian systems approach to early learning and development which examines development as the result of coactions between multiple levels of hierarchical individual-environment systems. Discusses a neo-Piagetian curriculum, Rightstart, for…

Describes a science enrichment program for 5- to 8-year- olds that used constructivist theory to create a social learning environment conducive to science learning. Considers the strategic actions and roles the teacher adopted to achieve theoretical objectives. Presents evidence that the children engaged in knowledge generation and critical…

Describes a bilingual prekindergarten teacher's approach to oral language development with children who are Spanish-language dominant, considering the links between her approach and constructivist learning theory. Describes how children in the classroom interact socially with adults and peers to develop oral language skills. (JPB)