From an ecological psychology perspective, a full analysis of any learning context must acknowledge the complex nonlinear dynamics that unfold as an intentionally-driven learner interacts with a technology-based purposefully designed learning environment. A full situation model would need to incorporate constraints from the environment and also…

Suggests a model for the development of mental representation. Explores empiricist and constructivist models and maintains that the constructivist model provides a better ground for theory building. Evaluates Piaget's constructivist account of the emergence of mental representation. Proposes that his account is insufficient and suggests a…

An integrative review of counseling self-efficacy (CSE) literature since 1983 (32 studies) is provided. Four major constructs are reviewed, and findings are integrated into social cognitive theory. Intervention studies and studies of predictors of CSE are presented. Implications for supervisors, conclusions, and recommendations for future research…

Although constructivism sounds theoretically simple, many teachers encounter obstacles in creating constructivist classrooms. When teaching literature, effective constructivist teachers direct a certain focus, devise questions that ignite thinking, spotlight and paraphrase students' responses, and reflect thinking back to students. (MLH)

Today's best constructivist teaching reflects the legacies of educational visionaries such as John Dewey, Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky, Reuven Feuerstein, Howard Gardner, and Marian Diamond. Creative cognitive designs stem from three essential elements: creative teaching genius, excellent instructional methods, and expansive, interconnective…

Discusses Science-Technology-Society (STS) instruments as a promising means to help students progress towards constructivist-oriented epistemological views of science. (Author/CCM)

Discusses individual childrens process in acquiring new songs that is based on structure-genetic constructivism, a theory in the tradition of Piaget, through a microanalytic approach. Provides a graphic representation of a childs consecutive singing and also addresses joint singing, pitch quality, and strategies of applying melodic patterns. (CMK)

Highlights connections between recent findings in brain research and principles of Developmentally Appropriate Practices, discussing implications for early childhood education practice. Explores the similarities between brain research findings and a constructivist approach in which environments are designed to gain the learner's attention, foster…

Reviews two dimensions in which science and technology share fundamental similarities: (a) the production and transformation of representations; and (b) the action-oriented language that describes the two domains. Illustrates what and how students know and learn science during technological design activities. (Contains 66 references.) (Author/YDS)

Investigates the difficulties that teachers experience in Japan and the United States when they attempt to move to a more constructivist approach in their teaching. (Contains 14 references.) (YDS)

Spanish researchers compared the types of metaphors for teaching and learning generated by experienced and preservice teachers. Analysis of the metaphors indicated that few teachers conceived of teaching and learning as a social process. Behaviorist metaphors predominated among experienced teachers, while preservice teachers had a high number of…

Compares and contrasts two summer camps, Future Camp 97 based on assumptions consistent with constructionism, and Scientists Apprentice Camp 97 which is consistent with legitimate peripheral participation. Explores the nuances of learning environments based on different theoretical assumptions. (Contains 57 references.) (Author/YDS)

In her book, Other People's Children, Lisa Delpit (1996) described how popular progressive pedagogies of that time like Whole language, while claiming to represent the best learning of all students, did not in fact match the learning needs of the culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students with whom she worked. She linked those pedagogies…

Technology is the key to improving student achievement, but without high-quality professional development, technology will never be successful in fulfilling that role. To create successful professional development, it is necessary to carefully plan programs and activities that model constructivism and take into consideration characteristics of…

This case study of an online graduate course determines the message characteristics of the instructor, volunteer teaching assistants, and students in online discussions, and proposes a mentoring, coaching, and facilitating model for online discussions. The researchers developed a coding system based on the literature of mentoring, coaching, and…