The author defines and discusses the cognitive theory of constructivism as it relates to teaching mathematics. It is suggested that the philosophical and theoretical view of knowledge and learning embodied in constructivism offers hope that educational processes will be discovered enabling students to acquire deep understanding rather than…

Tested children with apparatus that dropped balls through clear or opaque interwoven tubes. Found that older children could solve configurations with greater number of tubes than younger children. Success with clear tubes did not transfer to opaque tubes. Significantly, errors were consistently directed to location directly below ball's last seen…

This paper presents a theoretical framework for investigating the role of algorithms in mathematical thinking using a combined ontological-psychological outlook. The intent is to demonstrate that the processes of learning and of problem solving incorporate an elaborate interplay between operational and structural conceptualizations of the same…

Compared are the van Hiele levels of geometric thinking and the geometry curriculum recommended by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics. Activities which illustrate the various levels are provided by grade level with procedures. (CW)

Reports an experimental study of 80 ninth grade biology students randomly assigned to treatment and control groups to determine whether the use of human examples in instructional strategies on Mendelian genetics increases acquisition and retention of genetics concepts. Results indicate that use of human examples in contrast to traditional examples…

Reported is a naturalistic study of the role of mathematical paradoxes in the preservice education of high school mathematics teachers. Findings indicate that the model of resolving paradoxes as applied in this study has relevance to such aspects of mathematics education as cognitive conflicts, motivation, misconceptions, and constructive…

The main thesis of the paper is that geometry deals with mental entities (the so-called geometrical figures) which possess simultaneously conceptual and figural characters. The paper analyzes the internal tensions which may arise in figural concepts because of their double nature, developmental aspects, and didactical implications. (Author/MDH)

Describes the MAOF physics education program which is designed to relate large parts of mechanics and electromagnetism to each other via the key concepts of field and potential, while at the same time treat students' conceptual difficulties. Finds that students who studied with the MAOF program significantly improved their physics knowledge…

Assessed the impact of elementary science experiences on the development of sixth-graders' epistemological views. Found that, compared to students in a traditional science classroom, those in a constructivist classroom developed an epistemological stance toward science that focused on the central role of ideas in the knowledge acquisition process.…

This study reports on an analysis of the relation between kindergarten children's developing theory of mind and their understanding of characters' actions and consciousness in story narrative, based on Bruner's (1986) notion of the dual landscapes of action and consciousness. Wordless picture books were used to model these two aspects of…

The adult cerebral cortex can adapt to environmental change. Using monocular deprivation as a paradigm, we find that rapid experience-dependent plasticity exists even in the mature primary visual cortex. However, adult cortical plasticity differs from developmental plasticity in two important ways. First, the effect of adult, but not juvenile…

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…

Years of research have shown that student learning is based on cognitive development. This finding has implications for the teaching of vocational education, especially to marginal students who are potential dropouts. Research has shown that students who have an internal rather than an external locus of control and who are more field independent…

This paper reports the latest in a series of studies on the impact of a multicultural education course for preservice teachers. The course is based on a conceptual model of multicultural teacher education that includes four interactive goals: (1) to develop multiple historical perspectives and cultural consciousness; (2) to develop intercultural…

Explores the rationale behind the importance of teaching young secondary school students how to look for correlation patterns. Describes two lessons that show how pupils can experience zero, positive, and negative correlation patterns between variables. Indicates the possible success of the Cognitive Acceleration through Science Education project.…