A growing body of research supports a purposeful and transparent approach to learning. Within the field of cognitive science, learning is defined as a purposeful, goal-directed activity. An ongoing goal-setting process is integral to effective learning. Purposeful and transparent learning builds on learners' prior knowledge and experiences to…

A key concept underlying Equipped for the Future (EFF) relates to its contextualized approach to curriculum and instruction. While drawing on the body of cognitive research, research on the transfer of learning is of key importance for this principle. Effective learning requires not only acquisition but also active application of knowledge,…

Rich educational environments encourage students to construct their own knowledge, to solve problems collaboratively, and to heighten their interest and motivation to continue to learn. This paper presents the findings of a qualitative study that investigated the formation of collaborative problem solving through social interaction during a…

Responds to three articles in previous issues of this journal on teaching classroom management in preservice teacher education. Outlines how Texas Southern University students learn and practice management approaches in field-based classes, which makes their learning constructivist, learner centered, and powerful. (SM)

Investigated the effects of a year-long project designed to bring learning to the forefront in two urban accelerated schools through "Powerful Learning Partners" (collegial partners for teachers), "Powerful Learning Seminars" (teaching a constructivist approach), and a teacher-constructed checklist for teacher self-evaluation.…

Argues that the use of prepackaged, worksheet-based curricula in preschools decreases teacher and student interest by creating a stagnant classroom environment. Provides guidelines for choosing prepackaged curricula when necessary. Suggests that a constructivist classroom promotes student interest, motivation, interaction, and discussion, and that…

Describes changes in instruction implemented in one university's mathematics education classrooms, relating them to changes in the educators' own constructivist philosophies. The paper examines the effects of change in instructional pedagogy and classroom environment on preservice teachers' beliefs about mathematics learning and teaching and their…

Describes a preservice program that prepares students to work in schools with children at risk due to poverty. The program integrates university classroom instruction with relevant community service to develop a strong knowledge base for students. It is structured around a systematic constructivist pedagogical model that contributes to high…

This study investigated how "Classroom With a View" (CView), an interactive multimedia environment, affected education students' understanding of constructivist-oriented teaching. Student interviews and think-alouds before, during, and after CView sessions indicated that CView's integrated structure, content, and tools supported student learning…

Describes a multicultural social reconstructionist approach to teaching in a social studies methods course. Discusses multicultural education's place within teacher education, the background and goals of the course, and participants' reflections on what they learned and the value of teaching for justice and equality. (SM)

Examines joint construction of narratives in the classroom, presenting narratives from two ethnographic studies. The preschool narratives illustrate how peer culture, friendship patterns, and identity are socially constituted through discourse. Fifth grade narratives illustrate ways in which students view their bilingual class community as jointly…

This interview with Seymour Papert discusses literacy, computer literacy, and information fluency; problems with education; how children learn; the use of LEGOs and computers as constructive mediums; the movement for alternative schools; problems with curriculum; the role of government and corporate America; learning technology; interactivity; and…

Examined 14 low-income mothers' socialization goals for their preschool children and the role of child-care providers in achieving those goals. Subjects' views of preschool learning were not entirely congruent with a constructivist approach to learning, and were linked to other cultural models of childrearing, including respecting authority,…

Supports the idea that second language teachers should "teach the test," provided that such tests meet the criteria of authentic assessment. Authentic assessment focuses on constructivist learning and communicative tasks; the integration of teaching, learning, and assessment; quality and coverage of content; and quality and fairness of standards.…

Examines perceptions of eighth graders in a science teaching environment in which they guide their own learning, frame problems for inquiry, design data collection procedures, and interpret and present data in a convincing fashion. Asserts that, in constructing their inquiries, students successfully negotiated courses of action and established…