Discusses the lack of primary teachers' focus on explanatory understanding and explores whether primary science books show a concern for explanatory understanding. (Contains 69 references.) (DDR)

Explores what kinds of calculus-related insights seem to typify calculus-related reasoning. Introduces "qualitative calculus" in which learning is focused on synthesis. Discusses the resemblance and difference between traditional calculus and qualitative calculus, advantages of learning qualitative calculus, and how understanding qualitative…

A study at a South African university investigated the mathematical reasoning ability of 314 first-year chemistry students and 69 mathematics students regarding ratios and proportions in non-chemistry-related problems. Results indicated students' mathematical readiness in these areas was only weakly linked to their previous achievement in…

Discusses the teaching of linear algebra with and without computer software. Considers class format with regard to computer usage, the effect of holding classes in the computer laboratory, homework, computer projects, and student responses. Appendices contain topic tutorials and sample computer projects. (DDR)

Presents background to the descriptions and discussions of child language that are presented in this issue of the journal on the theme of developing pragmatic competence. This background information, referred to as "intuitive knowledge," serves as a framework for understanding children's development of pragmatic linguistic competence and…

Based on research on the geometric understanding of regular and gifted middle school students, this article describes a procedure for assessing geometry readiness in mathematically able middle school students. The procedure utilizes the vanHiele model of stages of geometric understanding and distinguishes between readiness for algebra and…

Studies the developmental process of how the concepts of ratio and proportion do not develop in isolation, but rather are part of the individual's multiplicative conceptual field, which includes other concepts such as multiplication, division, and rational numbers. Follows one fifth-grade student as he attempts to schematize his…

Presents a study that examines the beliefs of teachers (N=24) and their interpretations of a two-week summer institute intended to change their treatment of scientific knowledge and assessment strategies at the classroom level. Contains 31 references. (DDR)

Focuses on one target group of seventh-grade science students (N=19) who are working to achieve consensus and a coherent explanation of light and shadow effects. Articulates the beginnings of a framework for consensus building with inquiry discourse. Contains 41 references. (DDR)

Describes a study that examined changes in the structural complexity of knowledge held by two groups of introductory college-level biology students (N=68, N=93). The subjects constructed concept maps at four-week intervals throughout the instructional term. Contains 49 references. (DDR)

The effects of the integration of art and science through instruction in computer art graphics on learning geology were studied with 53 college students and 189 comparisons in the same geology class. Results indicate that building representations of scientific concepts through computer art may improve students' achievement. (SLD)

Demonstrates the consequences of teaching rules without understanding using examples from two 3rd grade children. Suggests alternative instructional strategies. (KHR)

Explores how students' concept formation can be promoted and outlines findings from an action research project undertaken with a class of 17-year-old AS Media Studies students as a submission for the British Film Institute's MA Certificate in Media Education in 2001. Argues that academic concepts can neither be allowed to develop spontaneously nor…

Offers tips to help teachers in early childhood settings guide children toward integrating their sensory experiences into basic scientific concepts and skills. Provides examples of observing, identifying, comparing, classifying, communicating, and utilizing within a developmentally appropriate classroom practice. Includes suggestions for setting…

Investigates proficiencies when students work on mathematics problems and the extent captured by knowledge categories. Explores competency that goes beyond knowledge to include mathematical 'dispositions' and 'practices' in which students engage. Considers ways in which research knowledge is conceived and developed, reflecting upon the role of…