To obtain a more complete understanding of personal epistemology this study examines two epistemic paradigms - ways of knowing (specifically connected knowing and separate knowing) and epistemological beliefs (specifically beliefs about knowledge structure, knowledge stability, learning speed, and learning ability). Participants were 107 college…

This paper analyzes Bogdanov's theory of knowledge as found in philosophical dialogues and essays. The style of Bogdanov's writing and his ideas on philosophy, science, scientific constructs, truth, human knowledge, objectivity and ethics are discussed. These ideas are compared to the constructivist view of knowledge. (CW)

Contends that many students reject historical study because they see no connection between factual information and their own needs and interests. Suggests that this epistemology of the self can be used to analyze historical information. Recommends helping students see that historical fact is subject to individual and group interpretation. (CFR)

A constructivist analysis of the concepts of communication and environment may go against the traditional ideas of realists. Both concepts are treated as subjective constructs of a cognizing agent. It is held that the basis of the constructivist theory of knowing as the idea that knowledge is a mapping of ways of acting and thinking and the result…

This book presents the findings of a longitudinal study of 101 college students and the development of their ways of knowing over a 5-year period, focusing particularly on the role of gender in intellectual development. Part 1, "Understanding Gender-Related Patterns of Knowing," introduces different ways of knowing. Chapter 1 reviews the…

Recent research in cognitive science and science education suggests that science-naive individuals have an understanding of the natural world based on their interpretation of everyday experience. This can make the process of conceptual change difficult. This paper presents ideas related to the acquisition of knowledge in astronomy. A theoretical…

Contrasts recent views of learning and cognition with cognitive learning theories of the late 1950s and early 1960s. Maintains that Jerome Bruner's spiral curriculum approach, still valuable, is not sufficient to explain cognitive development. Proposes a lattice-like cognitive development structure, inviting differing paths of exploration. (CFR)

Discusses the use of Aristolean logic in developing practical reasoning and arguments. Asserts that practical arguments are used to explain why an individual took action based on practical reasoning. Contends that this approach should be used by teachers in applying research findings to instruction and in encouraging students to support their…

This paper reviewed literature on cognition to help art teachers understand what they can learn from the huge body of literature that has been generated by cognitive psychologists. It is argued that, in this information society, teaching memorization skills is not enough; students must learn problem-solving skills. A long list of specific thinking…

Reports on an exploratory study of a metacognitive approach to teaching low achieving secondary students. Asserts that the research team hoped to examine a process whereby a dialog about learning processes would develop. Finds that all students indicated that they were able to focus on learning as a topic of conversation. (CFR)

Describes the use of practical rationality from the vantage point of a graduate student and an elementary teacher in an urban school. Discusses how using the approach led to revised policies regarding reading strategies and discipline. Contends that practical argument philosophy can be useful in practical classroom applications. (CFR)

In today's climate of content standards and high-stakes testing, science teachers are under more pressure than ever to focus on the "ready-made" knowledge of science content. Yet, science educators have long advocated a more balanced approach to science instruction, including emphasis on the processes by which scientific knowledge is produced, as…