This study aims to add to the growing research related to the implementation of non-traditional writing tasks in classrooms to encourage science literacy. A secondary reanalysis methodology was employed to review student interviews collected as a part of several individual studies during a ten year research program. This method established an…

Presents an elaboration of the theory on levels in learning with special emphasis on the relationships between the cognitive and the affective aspects of the learning process. Outlines an illustration of this theory based on empirical results and demonstrates how this theory can be integrated with other learning principles such as constructivism.…

Kindergarten children who had been given cues during instructional sessions on serial ordering performed significantly better on serial ordering posttests than did the control group (no instructional sessions). Author concludes that the acquisition of serial ordering capabilities depends in part on learning and not solely on the development of…

A mathematical model of information acquisition is presented and empirically evaluated in comparison to evidence obtained from experimental studies of science content acquisition. Implications of the model for human information acquisition and future research are discussed in the context of the unique theoretical framework of the model. (Author/JN)

The paper focuses on problems science educators and researchers must face before the advantage of paradigms can be realized. Examples of the role of paradigms in physics research are presented. A critique of paradigm use in physics is presented. Future variations of paradigms for science education are discussed. (Author/RE)

This paper examines how some fundamental mechanisms of nervous system activity can explain human information processing and the acquisition of knowledge and provides additional theoretical support for constructivist applications to science education reform. The implications for scientific epistemology and conceptual change processes in science…

Persuasion is presented as it may be applied by science educators in research and practice. The orientation taken is that science educators need to be acquainted with persuasion in the context of social influence and learning theory to be able to evaluate its usefulness as a mechanism for developing and changing science-related attitudes. (KR)

Presents a progress report on some methodological advances made on certain facets of the problem of the learning of a structure of a subject matter. (PEB)

Extends P. E. Jonson's studies of physics learning by analyzing, on the basis of a 12-student control group, 24 high-school students' word associations, aptitude scores, and achievement results during instruction. Indicated a positive relationship between problem-solving ability and meaningful concept formation. (CC)

Examines conditions for the acquisition of the proportionality concept and attempts to improve the ability of remedial college students in an urban university to solve proportions. Specifically, the study was designed: (1) to observe the acquisition of the proportionality concept through training on the operations of group-structured tasks, and…

Presented is a paradigm for science education research. The paradigm advances the reception learning theory, where regularities to be learned are presented explicitly to the learner. A tool for the study of knowledge production in science education, the Gowin "V," is presented. (RE)

Discusses a study which examined the last factor of Piaget's model of intelligence-functioning. Sought to determine if empirical evidence could be formed to support the existence of assimilation, disequilibrium, accommodation, and organization in the learning of physics. Naturalistic data provided support for the Piagetian functioning model of…

Synthesizes the concept of "cultural border crossing" with "collateral learning," its cognitive explanation. Examines and advocates the efficacy of reanalyzing previously published interpretive data in light of this conceptual synthesis. Contains 59 references. (Author/WRM)

This study investigated whether Science Curriculum Improvement Study or more recent interpretations of the learning cycle could be used by teachers to engage students in social constructivist learning. Two researchers and six science teachers implemented instruction based on the reciprocal use of language and action. Changing beliefs and practices…

Reports on a study which investigated the order of acquisition of intuitive notions of qualitative speed. Results indicated that an array of prerequisites, equivalent, and independent relationships existed among the tasks administered. Confirmed the evolution of reasoning for notions of qualitative speed found by Piaget. (Author/TW)