This paper investigates the effects of a computer algebra system (DERIVE) on students' comprehension and computational skills in Brief Calculus, a first course for non-mathematics majors. Research results indicate better conceptual understanding by the group using DERIVE without the loss of pen-and-paper computational ability. (KHR)

Researchers, educators, and science education organizations have accepted the importance of developing informed conceptions of the nature of science (NOS) among students. Despite attempts to improve both students' and teachers' perceptions of the nature of science, research shows that the desired understanding has not been attained. Evaluation of…

Living by Chemistry (LBC) is a high school curriculum project that proposes framing the big ideas of chemistry to provide developmental cohesion across the curriculum and promote conceptual understanding. The proposed framework, called perspectives of Chemists," is intended to allow measurement of individual conceptual change in chemistry…

This book, with accompanying CD-ROMs, was written to help readers understand children's intuitive mathematical thinking and use that knowledge to help children learn mathematics with understanding. Based on more than twenty years of research, this book portrays the development of children's understanding of basic number concepts. Detailed…

During the last decades, an increasing awareness has developed that humankind will have to make important decisions about the environment which will demand substantive knowledge of critical ecological phenomena such as the production and decomposition of biomass (World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987). As a biology teacher the…

This study examines what children learn about animals. The mental models that children reveal through their talk when they are faced with several different types of representations are reviewed. These representations are provided by robotic models in a museum, preserved animals in a museum, and preserved animals borrowed from a museum and…

This study contributes to an emerging body of research on the development of the human relationship with nature. One hundred and twenty participants from four grade levels (fifth, eighth, eleventh, and college) were interviewed about their environmental conceptions and values. Results showed that participants valued many aspects of nature and…

This paper explores the mathematical education of electronic engineering students through an analysis of how mathematics is constituted for the purpose of learning in a university setting. The nature and role of mathematics, offered to students via implicit and explicit messages within mathematics and engineering discourse, is described.…

This book presents a case for the development of classrooms in which students are encouraged to construct deep understandings of important concepts. The book contains 3 parts with 10 chapters. Part 1, "The Call for Constructivism," includes (1) "Honoring the Learning Process," (2) "Considering the Possibilities," and (3) "Coming to Know One's…

This book aims to develop an understanding of basic physics concepts among school teachers in grades 3-8. The concepts covered in this book include force, motion, gravity, and circular motion without intimidating detailed units and formulas. Chapters include: (1) "Newton's First One"; (2) "In Which We Describe Motion and Then Change…

A cross-sectional study examined age differences in children's conceptions of early U.S. history. Students in grades 2, 3, 6, and 8 (n=281) were asked to respond to a question about how the United States became a country. Their essays show significant changes with age. Older students were more likely to include errors of historical fact in their…

Described some principles underlying a concept which involves a community college without walls - a Community Renewal College. (Author/RK)

Multilevel visual models can make teaching and learning theories more easily understood. The idea of graphic visualizationas developed in this model utilizes three stages of abstract concept formation dealing with concrete visualization, abstract visualization, and abstract generalization, which would provide the learner with an intuitive grasp of…

Author reviewed two books: Schools of Hellas by Kenneth John Freeman and The Educational Theories of the Sophists by James L. Jarrett. (RK)

The present discussion centered on the role of core courses and also provided an opportunity to reexamine two basic questions facing each individual: What is life? How may I participate in this life more fully and more completely? (Author/RK)