This paper describes a preservice science, mathematics, and technology methods class at The Ohio State University--Columbus that was designed to challenge students' assumptions about teaching, students, and schools while engaging students in study of their own activity and reflective writing. The course experience suggests that teaching about…

The University of Houston-Clear Lake has developed a systematic design process to use in facilitating the development of online distance education courses. The process incorporates three semesters, during which faculty members have the opportunity to consult with a design team that consists of instructional designers, World Wide Web developers,…

This paper explores whether new information technologies are appropriate for use with young children. The paper concentrates on theories related to young children's use of "new media." Sections are: (1) "Defining the New Media by Its Functions"; (2) "Constructivism and Interaction with New Media"; (3) "The…

This study investigated United Arab Emirates (UAE) high school students' views about the epistemology of science. About 1,600 high school science students, from the seven Emirates that constitute the UAE, participated in the study during the 1997-98 school year. Students responded to a questionnaire composed of 15 items selected mainly from the…

Demonstrates how to use the concept of phlogiston to teach oxidation and reduction reactions. Discusses the project as an exemplar for integrating the history, philosophy, and sociology of science to teach basic scientific concepts. Contains 70 references. (DDR)

Provides details of a study on mathematics learning that applies Bruner's concept of format of interaction which is employed in language acquisition theory and in understanding mathematical augmentation. Describes the interactions among tutors, students, and their linear algebra text. (DDR)

Evaluated whole-literacy curriculum's effects on literacy achievement among native Hawaiian students in grades K-6. Found that teachers entered curriculum project with proficiency in some areas of implementation, such as classroom organization, but required support in other areas, such as portfolio assessment. Also found that full implementation…

Argues that constructivist science education works with an unsatisfactory account of knowledge which affects both its account of the nature of science and of science education. Includes a brief survey of realism and anti-realism in science. Contains 42 references. (DDR)

Discusses and criticizes a number of constructivist positions in education that are based on distinctions between the metaphors of "finding" versus "making" for the obtaining of new knowledge. Discusses what is of value in constructivism and what is ill-founded baggage. Contains 25 references. (DDR)

Describes a preservice program to prepare teachers for a curriculum based on the realistic approach. The program appeared successful in changing student teachers' views of mathematics education towards this more inquiry-oriented approach and in promoting effective teacher behavior in classrooms. Only a small number of teachers recognized the…

Describes a model to illustrate the range of beliefs that mathematics teachers may hold about how mathematics should be taught. The model explored relates philosophy and beliefs through a study of the literature. Concludes that faculty development is one way to change beliefs and break the cycle that perpetuates the traditional approach to…

Changes in conceptions of the learning process were studied for 31 Finnish educational psychology students in constructivist and traditional learning environments. Conception changes were similar in both groups, although by the end of the course, those taught in the constructivist environment put more emphasis on critical thinking. (SLD)

Considers the contribution psychology has made to understanding the way children learn science. Reviews the work of Piaget and the subsequent application of his theories to understanding science teaching and learning. Contains 150 references. (DDR)

To determine how best to use the Internet as a constructivist environment for learning, graduate students in the University of Colorado at Denver's School of Education formed a task force that designed, developed, and implemented a learner support system, including connections to databases related to learning technologies, an online help desk and…

Describes how 2 10-year olds developed drawings and numeral systems to symbolize their mental operations while dividing unit bars into thirds and fourths using TIMA: Bars, a computer microworld, as a medium for enacting mathematical actions. The symbolic nature of their partitioning operations was crucial in establishing more conventional…