Presents results of a case study to examine an elementary school teacher's transition from a teacher-as-dispenser and student-as-receiver view of learning to a teacher-as-provider and student-as-information-gatherer, processor, and constructor view of learning. Chronicles the transition in four stages. (20 references) (MDH)

Proposes and describes four teachers' beliefs necessary in creating constructivist classroom environments. Presents the background, description, and analysis of seven teaching episodes that examine the mathematical understanding actions of pupils in classrooms in which teachers exhibit these beliefs in an effort to verify the necessity of the…

Children's (n=70) solution strategies to a variety of multiplication and division word problems were analyzed to determine performance levels and strategies used. Solution strategies were classified at three levels: direct modeling with counting; no direct modeling with counting, additive, or subtractive strategies; and use of known derived facts.…

Explains how the author's ideas about the development of the mind and forms through which its contents are revealed developed. Also, explores uncertainties the author has felt about educational philosophy and practice, and discusses implications for future educational research that does justice to the development of human intellectual capacities.…

Major changes in educational and psychological theories that have come about since the cognitive and affective taxonomies of educational objectives were published in 1956 and 1964 are traced. The changes emphasize the need to understand thinking in the context of students' beliefs and self-directed cognitions. (SLD)

Describes the development and modification of a teacher education program based on a constructivist epistemology. Among the conclusions are that systemic change is a slow process. If reforms are to be permanent, it is necessary to change the referents of the culture and empower teachers to take personal actions to overcome perceived constraints.…

Maintains that three curriculum goals (understanding, appreciation, and life application) lie at the core of constructivist teaching and should guide methods of assessment. Authentic assessment techniques could include the evaluation of students' written positions on important issues, descriptions of what they have learned, and student portfolios.…

Using data from a national study of instructional practices in 7th- through 8th-grade science classes, this study examined a subset of Christian school teachers to determine what instructional practices predominated in Christian-school science classes. Results indicated that participants used 10 teaching methods (six constructivist and four…

A non-science undergraduate course provided an opportunity for constructivist design, (i.e., provide learners with personal control, authentic learning contexts and diverse personal interactions including collaboration) using the World Wide Web, e-mail, and video. Describes the course design, implementation, and evaluation. Concludes authentic…

Describes the Network-Based Instructional Systems Development model for developing Web-based virtual training courses that incorporate social interaction and collaborative learning strategies in a self-directed learning environment within a Korean corporate context. Topics include problem-based learning; constructivism; resource-based learning;…

A case study examined a whole-school model for supervising preservice teachers. The model employs constructivist notions that in a social-cultural context a persons' knowledge is created, examined, and transformed rather than simply transmitted and absorbed. The role of university facilitators changed from monitoring to mentoring, enhancing…

Investigated the effectiveness of and reactions to an alternative teacher education program for students seeking early childhood licensure who wanted to work with young children in inclusive settings. The program used a talent development model. Data from interviews, observations, artifacts, and focus groups indicated that the talent development…

How student work is constructed in the classroom and how science lessons are related to the construction was studied with two Swedish female students in grades 8 and 9. Differences in their grades and social networks seemed to be mirrored in their classroom interactions. The meaning of "science" for these students differed from usual…

Describes an approach to facilitating middle school reform that includes teachers in a constructivist learning environment where they function as active learners who explore contradictions and create their own solutions to real problems. Considers implications for teacher inservice education, and describes the case of one middle school teacher.…

Describes a study that compares the performance of students enrolled in supplemental instruction (SI) with those who were not, during four undergraduate courses at the University of Central Florida. Indicates that there were significant differences in grades between SI and non-SI students in biology and chemistry, but not in calculus and American…