Describes an instructor's experience using the constructivist approach to teach college science (ZWH)

Discusses formalizing in mathematics and provides anecdotal illustrations of formalizing in a constructivist environment, using students aged 12 and 8 involved in fraction work. (Contains 19 references.) (MKR)

Summarizes the implications of constructivism for instructional systems design in five principles that integrate the affective and cognitive domains of learning. Distinguishing characteristics of the two approaches are described based on a review of recent literature, and examples are offered that discuss learner controlled computer-based…

This paper discusses arguments for the social nature of knowledge construction, the balancing influence of individual knowledge construction, conceptualization of the relative roles of individual and social dynamics in children's learning, important principles of effective instruction, and implications for designing educational programs for…

Discusses theoretical constructs defining intertextuality as a social construction. Presents a microanalysis of a first-grade reading lesson based on recent work applying interactional sociolinguistics to classrooms. Shows how teachers and students may use intertextuality to (1) define themselves and others; (2) form social groups; and (3)…

Describes a covariational, rather than correspondence, approach to functions that emphasizes rate of change. Proposes three ways of understanding rate of change in relation to exponential functions. (Contains 41 references.) (Author/MKR)

A constructionist theory is described that accounts for the knowledge-based inferences that are constructed when readers comprehend narrative text. Distinctive assumptions of the constructionist theory embrace a principle of search (or effort) after meaning. Literature in support of the theory is reviewed. (SLD)

A study involving 42 students enrolled in a physics course was conducted to document students' epistemologies and their concurrent views about knowing and learning. Analyses revealed a spectrum of epistemological commitments commensurable with positions from objectivism to relativism. Implications to classroom environment are discussed. (ZWH)

Considers how participation in the Writing Project Summer Institute is reflected in classroom practice in the teaching of writing. Argues that the experience of learning as a construction of knowledge produces converts to such a model of learning that is reflected in the classroom. (HB)

Discusses the design debate in instructional technology among behaviorists, cognitivists, and constructivists as they design computer software programs for education. (SR)

Describes an interviewing activity that teaching methods instructors can use to help students break away from archaic, entrenched notions of teaching and learning. (PR)

Investigates whether students can use a series of self-generated analogies to bring about change in their understanding of a given scientific phenomenon and the nature of the change in the understanding. Eleven individuals in a teacher education program were audiotaped and videotaped as they attempted to understand a piston/cylinder device. (PR)

Analyzes the so-called mechanical theories of learning that underpin the transmission view of teaching that so permeates education and schooling. Promotes a neuroscientific basis for resolution of the impasse in psychological theories. Implications for the transmission-of-knowledge approach to teaching are addressed. (PR)

Examines the doctrine of "constructivism" as presented by Ernst von Glasersfeld. Part 1 attempts to elicit a clearer statement of the concepts, positions and arguments for constructivism. Part 2 discusses the problem of intersubjectivity in constructivism. Part 3 ventures an explanation of at least some on the weaknesses in the doctrine.…

Supports the assertion that constructivism is a sound theory that explains the practice of science and science pedagogy, and responds to critics of constructivism. Offers a constructivist account of some long-standing epistemological issues. Contains 40 references. (DDR)