Uses Karl Popper's theory that knowledge is produced through continual trial conjectures and error elimination to argue that students are fallible creators of knowledge and that the primary role of the teacher is as a critic. (EV)

Responds to F. Uhlig's article on linear algebra that appeared in an earlier edition of this journal. (KHR)

Explores how to develop children's understanding of mathematical vocabulary. Presents a lesson in which the class works on the concept of dimension, and issues raised by a discussion of applied linguistics and mathematics education. Discussion was stimulated by advice from the National Numeracy Strategy (NNS) vocabulary book. (KHR)

Points out that pupils often misunderstand the concepts of accuracy and reliability. Introduces a course in which students are involved in a two-week practical project that emphasizes checking anomalous points, improving accuracy, and making readings more sensitive. Describes the process of teaching students how to prepare their projects.…

Focuses on the conceptual understanding held by (n=78) preservice elementary teachers about moon phases before and after instruction. Compares instructive effect between two groups--inquiry-based physics instruction and no instruction. Reports that without the instruction, most preservice teachers were likely to hold alternative conceptions of the…

Highlights activities that develop conceptual understanding of mathematics topics. (Author/YDS)

Presents the technique of mind mapping and points out its special fitting as a pedagogical tool for mathematics education. Discusses possible applications of mind mapping in mathematics education together with their advantages and limitations. (Author/NB)

Describes how 7th grade students were transitioned from using informal, conceptual methods to solving proportion problems using a formal procedure. (YDS)

Describes the processes used by middle school students to expand their thinking about the formula for the area of a parallelogram by observing patterns in the operation of a flexible parallelogram. (YDS)

Suggests teaching strategies for overcoming the lack of student understanding of the principles of the bubble photometer by helping students compare the bubble photometer with the weighing method, develop the concept of assumptions, and resolve cognitive conflicts. Uses an interactive activity to help students expose their preconceptions.…

Questions why the presentation of evolution in class frequently does not achieve acceptance of evolutionary theory. Suggests using a simple test formulated to try to direct students toward the application of information on evolution to material already familiar to them. Reports positive impact of the questionnaire on student attitudes towards…

Considers examples of aspects of the infinitely small and large as they unfolded in the history of calculus from the 17th through the 20th centuries. Presents didactic observations at relevant places in the historical account. (Author/MM)

A year-long study was conducted in three high school physics classes to provide empirical support for the existence of levels of language-rich teaching. Three levels of language-rich teaching were investigated: (1) low level by hands-on; (2) medium level by small groups; and (3) high level by active mental processing (AMP) journal keeping.…

Compares resistance by scientists to new ideas in scientific discovery with students' resistance to conceptual change in scientific learning. Studies the resistance by students to abandoning their misconceptions concerning scientific topics and the resistance by scientists to scientific discovery. (Contains 64 references.) (Author/YDS)

Describes an educational game designed for engineering majors that demonstrates engineering economics and business strategies, specifically the concepts of customer perception of product value, convenience, and price differentiation. (YDS)