Recommends the use of an instructional strategy that is ideal for examining students' conceptions of the nature of science. Defines cooperative controversy as a situation in which one person's ideas, information, conclusions, theories, or opinions are incompatible with those of another. (DDR)

Discusses some features of instructional approaches that promote meaningful learning. Focuses on creating an environment in which students can be mentally attentive. (DDR)

Argues that the challenge for teachers of algebra in Australia is to find ways of making the structural aspects of algebra accessible to a greater percentage of students. Uses the zero product principle to provide an example of a common student error grounded in the difficulty of understanding the structure of algebra. (DDR)

Describes a module that combines a traditional hex nut activity with a sugar cookie activity to provide students with an in-depth understanding of balancing chemical equations. (DDR)

Presents an account of one teacher's path to realizing the depth of intuitive beliefs about science. Organizes chemistry misconceptions into eight patterns of reasoning that include thinking rules and alternative conceptions. (DDR)

Argues that students are conditioned by years of multiple-choice testing to use only simple recall and view knowledge as an uncataloged museum full of independent facts that are collected, recited, and left to gather dust. (DDR)

Supports the approach for young children that allows them to perform actions on objects and observe the reactions. Describes some techniques to use to encourage an inquiry approach. (DDR)

Considers the idea that concept mapping has applications beyond those associated with student assessment. Outlines further uses for concept mapping in the classroom along with suggestions for implementing this powerful tool. (DDR)

Reports on a technique used to enhance students' motivation to learn, their actual learning and application of information, and their ability to recall information for later use. The technique involves sharing learning and recall strategies with students. (DDR)

Demonstrates how teachers can move their students from the novice into the expert range of problem-solving strategies. Utilizes a problem-solving model that follows how such skills develop. (DDR)

Examines a classification system that offers a framework for discussing and choosing questions regarding curricular organization, classroom environment, and teaching and learning strategies. (Contains 21 references.) (DDR)

Examines quantitative models in school physics, looking particularly at the degree to which they match the real world. Explores the positive aspects of a mismatch between models and real world conditions. (DDR)

Describes the use of a scale analog model of an actual fractured rock reservoir to replace paper copies of fracture maps in the structural geology curriculum. Discusses the merits of the model in enabling students to gain experience performing standard structural analyses. (DDR)

Shows how box diagrams and AVOW diagrams may be used to solve problems concerning networks of resistors that obey Ohm's Law. Presents outcomes and feedback from students and teachers. Concludes with suggestions as to how these techniques might be incorporated into the teaching of basic circuit theory. (Contains 22 references.) (DDR)

Argues that there are many kinds of understanding and many ways to reach these different understandings. Suggests that this is the reason why articulating general rules that can consistently lead to understanding is difficult. Discusses the relationship between brain structure and learning. (DDR)