This ERIC Digest describes the parameters of misconception research as it relates to the learning of science and highlights some of its implications for the teaching of science in the elementary school. The document reviews terminology associated with misconception research, identifies common characteristics of misconceptions, and specifies…

Analogies and examples from student's experiences are frequently cited as important to teaching conceptual material. This study was conducted in order to explore the effectiveness of an analogical teaching technique, which uses a connected sequence of "bridging" analogies, compared with a more standard teaching-by-example technique. The…

The curriculum content of elementary and secondary school social studies is discussed as it relates to the assessment of social studies learning. In addition, recommendations are made for future efforts in the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). The social studies curriculum involves both factual learning and concept learning.…

In an effort to improve students' interests in science and science courses, a study was conducted in Israel to evaluate students' attitudes towards science relative to two chemistry curricula. These curricula were Chemistry for High Schools (CFH), and Chemistry--A Challenge (CAC). The CFH program was mainly designed for science-oriented students…

This exploratory study was conducted to investigate the potential interaction between the media attribute, horizontal screen placement, and a learner's cognitive aptitudes, fluid ability, and visualization. The primary hypothesis tested was that low-ability learners who are without well-developed assembly and control operations should perform…

A review of the literature was conducted to determine if there are instructional treatments that are effective at fostering the learning (conceptualization) of abstract concepts and what personal and/or cognitive attributes favor conceptualization. Areas addressed include: reporting relative effectiveness of findings (including the reporting of…

Designed to help in the development of an educational program about the value of rain forests, this handbook presents a condensation of issues, facts, and concepts. The handbook is divided into three parts. Part one introduces the rain forest ecosystem and provides conceptual background material needed in the determination of problems, the…

Produced by the Alberta, Canada government, this document encourages educators to promote tolerance, understanding, and respect for diversity in Alberta schools. Chapter 1 presents definitions of basic terminology, while chapter 2 outlines a school's role in creating positive conditions for student growth in understanding human similarities and…

This is a textbook of games for children of ages two through seven. In each section, games are listed from the basic to the more sophisticated and advanced. The book contains sections addressing: (1) counting and counting games; (2) travel games; (3) card games; (4) board games; and (5) games and activities with other things. (PK)

Thirteen papers submitted to a proposed conference (1986) at Gallaudet College on using computers to teach hearing impaired students are collected in this book. Many papers emphasize the use of word processing software to build language skills. Papers have the following titles and authors: "The Business of Writing: The Special Kids Card Company"…

The focus of this research was the conduct and analysis of six hours of clinical interviews with sixth and ninth grade students to investigate how they learn geometry in light of the van Hiele model. In chapter 1 an overview of the project and its four major goals is given. The theoretical model is described in chapter 2. In chapter 3 the…

This paper presents results from a study of 19 teacher education students' knowledge of mathematics and discusses an analytic framework for examing and appraising teachers' and prospective teachers' subject matter knowledge. Participants in the study were 10 elementary education majors and 9 mathematics majors or minors who were preparing to teach…

In response to theories of learning that attempt to get rid of contents, two arguments are provided which suggest that it is theoretically disputable that knowledge develops along the same kind of process for biology and history, physics and mathematics, or the geometry of the triangle, and the geometry of space. The first is that empirical…

A teaching model is a distinct set of ordered steps or phases created to achieve certain outcomes. These outcomes are different for different models, although some similarities exist among certain models, thus permitting the formation of model "clusters." These clusters or families include the information processing family, personal family, social…

Teaching is rarely theory related or experimentally oriented. The same is true of most teacher preparation courses in training institutions. Basically, both types of teaching involve the transmission of received knowledge and the imitation of performers judged to be skilled. The paradox of the uncritical acceptance of existing teaching practice…