Describes some of the many conceptions of learning that have guided the field of instructional design in two main periods: one focusing on learning from an objectivist perspective, which lasted most of the 20th century, and one focusing on learning from cognitive and social constructivist perspectives, which has dominated the past decade. (AEF)

Focuses on major themes in Vygotsky's theory of learning and development; compares the theoretical and practical implications of these major principles with those of Montessori. Considers both Vygotsky's and Montessori's views on the mechanisms of child development and methods of study; the relationship of teaching, learning, and development;…

Provides background information on constructivism. Focuses on Alexander Calder and includes teaching activities. Offers a reproduction of Alexander Calder's work "Flamingo," information on Calder's life and career as an artist, and details of the featured sculpture. (CMK)

Proposes reform in education from an "assembly line" to a "provider-client" approach. Swanton High School (Ohio), winner of GTE's Pioneering Partners program, which used Learning Management Systems to track student progress and testing, satellite courses, videodiscs, Hypercard, QuickTime video, and Internet connections, is…

Beliefs about mathematics teaching of (n=4) preservice elementary teachers who served as mentors of first-grade students were compared with beliefs of (n=103) students who were not involved in the project. The intervention group professed significantly stronger beliefs in a socio-constructivist instructional environment. (42 references)…

Uses transcripts to present two very different approaches to helping children remember rules, reflecting very different sociomoral atmospheres that will influence children's development positively or negatively. Explores grouptime, decision making, and conflict resolution as they occur in constructivist classrooms characterized by mutual respect…

Argues that there are two misunderstandings of John Dewey's pedagogical and philosophical views: the erroneous assumption that Dewey favored an activity-oriented, child-centered approach to learning; and Dewey's view on the role of experience in knowledge acquisition. The article focuses on the practical and theoretical consequences that follow…

Findings from several social science research studies support the view that knowledge is socially constructed and based on the experience and interpretation of events. Results of this study demonstrate that a multimethod approach has greater explanatory power when traditional and contructivist methods are combined. (Author/AEF)

After a series of in-service activities, teachers at a school for 12- to 15-year olds in Australia were introduced to the theory of constructivism. This article looks at how they applied the theory to the classroom and concentrates on the teaching/learning strategies used for an ecology topic. (LZ)

Better strategies for teaching multicultural education and lessons about non-Anglo cultures are not what is needed in teacher education. Instead, generative ways are needed for teachers to explore their own assumptions and to construct pedagogy that takes into account the values and practices of cultures different from their own. (SLD)

Scottish curriculum documents in science fail to offer adequate objectives for measuring knowledge and understanding of science concepts at the primary level. The behavioral objectives of the national curriculum are incompatible with the prevailing constructivist model of learning. In constructivism, students construct their own understanding…

Describes a year-long environmental education program for elementary and secondary students based on telling a personal story that reflects the current environmental situation and developing a personal environmental action plan to improve the situation. Suggests related individual learning activities, group learning activities, and field trips.…

This paper argues for a paradigmatic shift away from individualistic models of development and learning in early childhood special education to a social constructivist model. Principles for inclusive early childhood practice are explicated, based on classrooms as communities, learning as socially mediated, curriculum as contextually relevant and…

Reviews research concerning problems in children's understanding of place value in multidigit numbers. Discusses four elements essential to programs focusing on place value: counting, partitioning, grouping, and understanding number relationships. Proposes a framework and an educational program for nurturing and assessing children's understanding…

Discusses the impact that the relationship between people and mathematics could have on the development of pure and applied mathematics. Argues for (1) a growing interest in philosophy, history and sociology of science; (2) new models in educational and psychological research; and (3) a growing awareness of the human factor in technology,…