Constructs case studies of individuals to explore the way conceptions change over time, and the difficulties presented by the concept of atmospheric pressure. Evaluates different structural theories of conceptual change. Contains 62 references. (DDR)

The interactions between adult and child in an open-ended preschool activity were studied with adult-child dyads. Two teachers and six children participated. Findings show that an important aspect of open-ended activity is the unfolding and developing of the activity, and that children are active partners in constructing the activity. (SLD)

Suggests that learning communities are of high interest in higher education now because they are compatible with changing epistemologies about the nature of knowledge, because research generally supports their educational benefits, and because they help institutions of higher education meet their missions of educating students for their lives of…

Discusses the application of emotionally focused marital therapy (EFT) with couples for which one or both of the partners have experienced significant trauma. EFT, in the context of trauma, incorporates the nine steps of conventional EFT and the three stages of the constructivist self-development theory of trauma treatment. (Author/MKA)

Examines third-grade students' ideas on the lunar phases prior to, and following, an instructional period designed to promote students' conceptual change. Demonstrates that students are capable of making conceptual changes. Contains 30 references. (DDR)

Discusses constructivism and its integration of theory and practice, especially as it relates to online courses using interactive software. Highlights include situated-learning theory, cognitive-flexibility theory, and the design and implementation of two online courses. (LRW)

Offers overviews of two eras of literacy research over the past 20 years that symbolize alternative perspectives on knowledge. Considers internal and external conditions, as well as the metaphors for and principles of knowledge that emerged. Explores rival epistemological stances that survived or thrived. Describes the seeds of a new…

Introduces the Inventive Model, a constructivist approach to conceptual change, as a theoretical base for science instruction and for software development in science education. Highlights include the hesitancy of some school systems to implement computer-assisted science instruction, student misconceptions, and cognitive approaches to conceptual…

Describes the peer-apprenticeship learning situation between two students in distributed computer-mediated co-construction of mathematical meanings. As a result of assimilating the disposition towards playing with ideas, students were able to engage in meaningful idea-based social constructivism. Contains 60 references. (Author/ASK)

Presents 12 constructivist tools and techniques for teaching groups of teachers and leaders and helping promote change. By establishing constructivist norms and applying the constructivist tools and techniques, staff developers can help all group members share their collective knowledge while stretching their thinking about teaching. The paper…

Teachers today are required to be sensitive to a wider range of multicultural differences than ever before. Explores whether they can combine teaching content into a single package for all children, or whether they must continuously repackage the content for each of the diverse groups they teach. Gives suggestions for reframing teaching in diverse…

Compares two instructional methods (teacher-centered and student-centered) in a non-laboratory-based environmental-science course for college undergraduates. Students in constructivist classes performed significantly better on exams, rated the course higher, and participated more in campus and regional environmental support efforts than students…

Suggests that science and technology studies (STS) is ready to reconsider an approach based on Heideggerian phenomenology. Argues that STS is facing a confrontation with the inadequacies of constructivism's founding assumptions. (CCM)

Describes a residential training course sponsored by the NASA Classroom of the Future to help teachers learn to use computer-based educational tools and explore constructivist instructional approaches. Hypothesized that creating a living-and-learning environment for the training would foster rapid changes in teachers' epistemological beliefs.…

Investigates how Russian teachers interested in adopting aspects of the U.S. science education reform movement compared with two groups, traditional U.S. science teachers and constructivist U.S. science teachers. Analyzes the total rubric score and Russian/traditional U.S., and Russian/constructivist U.S. groups. (Contains 20 references.)…