Examines mothers' discourse in joint picture book reading in terms of the level of abstract thought it requires the child to make and compares this with language used in an interactive, product-oriented task, modelling a clown using play-doh. (39 references) (GLR)

This paper theoretically characterizes number sense as a set of cognitive capabilities for constructing and reasoning within mental models. This perspective provides support for viewing various aspects of number sense as features of students' general condition of knowing about numbers and magnitude, rather than as skills needing specific…

Identifies and describes the problems students have with the concept of neutralization. Analysis of over 7,500 students' answers to test questions over neutralization showed that many students understand the concept in its original meaning. Students assumed that in any neutralization reaction a neutral solution is formed, even if a weak acid or…

Presents two demonstrations to compare the differences between the screen reproductions of a bulb when using a converging lens and a pinhole and how that reproduction image reaches the observer's eye from multiple vantage points. (MDH)

Examines seventh grade life science students, tenth grade biology students, and college zoology students for understanding of the concept of diffusion. Describes the differences among the grade levels in sound or partial understanding, misconceptions, and no understanding. Discusses the effect of developmental level on understanding. (KR)

Provides both a rationale and framework for Earth systems education and a description of the early development of the Program for Leadership in Earth Systems Education (PLESE). Presents the seven basic understandings that form the conceptual basis for the PLESE program. (five references) (MCO)

Examined Korean second and third graders' understanding of multidigit addition and subtraction. Korean children showed exceptional competence in multidigit addition and subtraction, and their solutions were based on quantitative understanding of multidigit numbers. Results are compared to the literature on the performance and conceptual structures…

Described is how an iconic model building software can be used to help students gain a deeper qualitative conceptual understanding of physics concepts. The program, STELLA, links research about misconceptions and new teaching strategies with the use of modern information technology tools. (31 references) (KR)

This excerpt from "A New View: Economics and the Zoo," by Diane J. Coleman and Joyce R. Monger, gives teaching suggestions for teaching economic concepts using the zoo as a case study. It gives texts of three readings for students on the purposes of zoos, evaluating a zoo's accomplishments, and economic decision making through analysis of typical…

One hundred students (ages 6-8) described similarities and differences among exemplars of different categories, identified the categories, and named the exemplars. Large performance differences were found between normally achieving and mildly retarded groups and between mildly retarded and learning-disabled groups, with small performance…

A set of procedures for designing instruction and teaching concepts to students with learning difficulties is outlined. The following topics are discussed: (1) concept analysis, (2) concept definitions, (3) use of examples and nonexamples, (4) instructional sequence, and (5) diagnostic assessment. The role of technology in concept instruction is…

It is argued that there are only three core instructional models (behavior, development, and apprenticeship) and that within the framework of these models, only five types of knowledge can be acquired: (1) declarative; (2) procedural; (3) conceptual; (4) analogical; and (5) logical. Examples are presented. (SLD)

Analyzes the nature and growth of students' algebraic knowledge and thinking from an epistemological perspective supported by historical observations. Focuses on two crucial transitions: from the purely operational algebra to the structural algebra of a fixed value of an unknown and then to the functional algebra of a variable. (Contains 58…

Discusses a teaching experiment with (n=19) senior and graduate mathematics students. Analysis suggests that students' difficulties with the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus stem from impoverished concepts of rate of change and from poorly developed and coordinated images of functional covariation and multiplicatively constructed quantities.…

This article provides a framework for selecting and analyzing an effective language curriculum, based on 11 design-of-instruction criteria such as specification of the objective, number of practice activities, and review in subsequent lessons. The 11 criteria are discussed within the context of analyzing a sample lesson selected from a basal…