Argues that the paradox of mathematical knowledge--that mathematics cannot be separated from empirical experience and yet cannot be explained by empiricist epistemology--can only be resolved if the causal interactions between knower and environment are accepted. Contains 26 references. (DDR)

Presents a review of research into alternative conceptions about the weather. Exposes the need for further research into secondary students' understandings. Argues that some misconceptions are the result of the imprecise use of terms. Contains 16 references. (DDR)

A language education professional examines the ways in which constructivism has been applied in the science classroom, and examines several well-known approaches to language teaching that contain elements of constructivism, including the direct method, Total Physical Response, and the Silent Way. Specific ways in which constructivist principles…

Explores relationships among school students' (n=189) acquisition of meaningful understandings of protein synthesis. Analysis of student-generated analogies revealed unique patterns in students' understandings of this topic. Contains 41 references. (Author/WRM)

Describes the Cognitive Constructions Coding System (CCCS) designed to study family members and their descriptions of their difficulties. CCCS codes the context of a Problem Elaboration Episode, a segment of psychotherapy discourse. Discusses four studies that explore the validity and reliability of the CCCS. (MKA)

Investigates, by conducting individual clinical interviews of 97 children ages 3 to 6, the criteria preschool children use to distinguish members of a class of shapes from other figures, emphasizing identification and descriptions of shapes and reasons for these identifications. Concludes that young children initially form schemas on the basis of…

Examines current literature on the pedagogy of counseling. The authors offer a critique of current counselor education practices and suggest constructivist methods for educating reflective practitioners. (Author)

Examines the place of caring, constructivist learning, and community in teachers' professional development. Professional-learning communities provide a conversational space for connecting teachers' personal, practical knowledge in the classroom with the larger professional-knowledge landscape. Profiles two professional-development initiatives that…

Utilizes a psychological-constructivist perspective to examine the transitions that students make from arithmetic to algebra in the context of problems that, from an expert's perspective, involve the concept of linear inequality. Reports that students who completed a transition to algebra operated at higher levels of reflective abstraction than…

Argues that, because intelligence is discovered, developed, and constructed, middle-school curriculum and teaching must change to embrace this cognitive revolution. Advocates that middle-school social-studies teachers redirect the rationale and focus of the curriculum to promote thinking, self-direction, making choices, solving problems and…

Reports on research into the gaps and silences present in policies, pedagogy, and research in environmental education from a feminist perspective. (Author/CCM)

Describes the results of an analysis of Spanish high school chemistry textbooks (n=58) published from 1974 to 1998 for their treatment of metallic bonding. Reports on what aspects of metallic bonding are usually taught, how it is taught, and the potential that textbooks have to create meaningful learning in students. Contains 104 references.…

States that by using the constructivist model for learning, schools can create a culture that values collaboration, promotes self-reliance, and prepares students with critical-handling skills. Summarizes activities teachers can utilize to promote constructivist learning by incorporating the use of technology. Considers different types of…

Educators involved in the current mathematics-education-reform movement recommend that students be actively involved in constructing their own knowledge and developing powerful mathematical concepts. Suggests ways in which ideas based on constructivist learning theory can be put into practice in a preservice-mathematics-education class. Contains…

Discusses an approach to the first day of general chemistry class that utilizes principles of constructivism, collaborative and cooperative groups, and student-centered learning. (CCM)