This study examines the changes in students' conceptual thinking and problem solving abilities. Conceptual thinking skills and problem solving abilities are important factors for medical school applicants as diagnosis and treatment procedures strongly depend on these skills. Underrepresented minorities in medicine is a concern in United States,…

This paper reports on a case study that examined the development of two high school science student teachers. Teacher education programs are having difficulties helping preservice teachers develop the necessary skills required for the implementation of the contemporary vision of science instruction. Student teaching experience maintains the most…

The field of early childhood education has long been marked by intense controversy concerning appropriate curriculum and teaching methods and goals. This paper explores some implications of the traditional dichotomies of the field and suggests that while there are many reasons to resist the side that advocates formal academic instruction, it does…

Classic theories in pedagogy such as those of John Dewey and Jean Piaget establish the foundation upon which preservice students in a social studies methods course build new knowledge about the teaching/learning paradigm. The constructivist philosophy emanating from these theories provides the rationale for a technique designed to enable students…

Multidimensional knowledge structures, described from a constructivist perspective and aligned with the "Mind as Rhizome" metaphor, provide support for constructivist learning strategies. This qualitative study was conducted to seek empirical support for a description of multidimensional knowledge structures, focusing on the…

An instructional systems approach to learning draws on principles of instructional design and development but also draws from theories such as behaviorism, information processing, cognitive theory, adult education, and systems theory among others. This paper focuses on how instructional designers can benefit from awareness of different adult…

This paper describes a qualitative research study concerning the use of the World Wide Web to create electronic teaching portfolios in a preservice teacher education pilot course at the University of Virginia. The goal of the pilot course was to learn about the participants' purpose in creating an electronic teaching portfolio, the process they…

Describes a trend in science teaching marked by shifts in philosophies and practices and by a search for science content that draws from the experiences of a culturally diverse student population. (DDR)

Explores the promises that von Glasersfeld's constructivism holds for the reform of science and mathematics education. Argues that a powerful social epistemology is needed to serve as a referent for regenerating the culture of science education. Contains 48 references. (DDR)

Lists 30 reminders for successfully communicating with students and nurturing their interest in science. Each reminder is accompanied by specific strategies for working with middle school students. (DDR)

Offers background on constructivism as a means of reconceptualizing the ways in which students learn. Given this concept of learning and the Montessori emphasis on contextualized learning, investigates the potential role of the Internet and the World Wide Web in the classroom, including examples of classroom use and career development. (Author/SD)

Asserts that cultural and social realities are historically constructed and underlie modern works on childhood. Touches upon child abuse research, cultural aspects of educational expansion, and interdisciplinary applications. Highlights homogenizing and heterogenizing factors, children's rights, standard of living and distribution, life-course…

Argues that active learning approaches should be used in institutions of higher education and with adult students. Argues that the constructivist approach to educating preservice teachers produces better teachers and is achievable despite problems of large classes, restricted textbook choices, and evaluation issues. Provided suggestions for…

Discusses the changing focus of instructional technology research and how it is affected by the constructivist/objectivist debate. Reviews studies in elementary and secondary classrooms that address constructivist questions, and examines problems with these studies. Notes there may be a movement toward a merging of philosophies and a trend toward…

Presents an overview of claims and counterclaims in the debate over the kinds of writing tasks that enable secondary students to learn about science and demonstrate scientific understanding. Constructivist views on language and learning are examined, and a model is proposed to guide writing for learning in secondary science. (SM)