This essay is based on observation and interpretation of the mathematical language of children while they engage in situations involving fractional numbers. This interpretation includes the consideration of various levels of language use, informal metamorphic and metonymic uses of fractional number language, and the interplay between language use…

Describes a study in which secondary students (N=32) were interviewed to determine their understanding of the nature of scientific knowledge. Presents some of the strengths and weaknesses of these views and provides cross-cultural comparisons. (DDR)

SCALE-UP is an extension of the highly successful IMPEC (Integrated Math, Physics, Engineering, and Chemistry) project, one of North Carolina State's curricular reform efforts undertaken as part of the SUCCEED coalition. The authors utilize the interactive, collaboratively based instruction that worked well in smaller class settings and find ways…

This paper suggests that the systems of representations that we use in mathematics have a cultural origin and concludes that the knowledge produced with the help of these systems of representation likewise has a cultural origin. This assertion forces a reformulation of the issue of objectivity in terms that differ from those inherited from…

Reports on the field of experimental economics and speculates about why we value fairness and cooperation over the seemingly more rational selfishness. Illustrates a typical decision making situation using the Ultimatum game. (DDR)

Describes six divergent forms of constructivism in providing an overview of constructivist theory. Suggests a scheme for characterizing constructivist writing on the basis of its relative emphasis on personal versus social construction of knowledge, and objectivist versus relativist views of the nature of science. Contains 31 references. (DDR)

Argues that some forms of constructivism propose an epistemological idealism with a concomitant relativism, while other forms are explicitly opposed to such positions. Explains that all forms of constructivism are often presented as being relativistic. Contains 31 references. (DDR)

Examines central parts from the first two papers in this journal by Peter Slezak criticizing the "sociology of scientific knowledge". Considers some of the main philosophical issues raised by sociologists of science. Contains 87 references. (DDR)

Traces the development of an open-ended instrument, the Views of Nature of Science Questionnaire (VNOS), and outlines the nature of science framework that underlies the development of the VNOS. (Contains 63 references.) (DDR)

Interacting cognitive subsystems (ICS) is proposed as a unified cognitive theory that can be used as the basis for representations in human-computer interaction, and two approaches based on the theory are described: one entails the description of cognitive task models, and the other entails the production of less complete diagrammatic notations.…

Explores whether construction of integrated knowledge structures by students can be stimulated by concept mapping and better visualization of concepts and their interrelationships. Significant effects of concept mapping as an instructional method could not be detected. (Contains 18 references.) (DDR)

Constructs the philosophical background and underpinnings of the Science Education Portfolio Instruction and Assessment (SEPIA) project. Explains that students must develop skills in order to participate in epistemic interchanges. They must also be provided opportunities and materials to develop those skills. Contains 29 references. (DDR)

Distinguishes between psychological constructivist and social constructivist groups. Explains the reasons for the growing acrimony in debates between the two groups. Discusses social constructivist accounts of the causes of belief in science. Contains 43 references. (DDR)

Presents three studies that demonstrate the efficiency of the kinesthetic conflict in promoting the understanding of three scientific concepts among children aged 5-12. Results support Piaget's theory which determines the origins of scientific thinking. Contains 26 references. (DDR)

The Student-Centered Activities for Large Enrollment University Physics (SCALE-UP) project at North Carolina State University (NCSU) is developing a curriculum to promote learning through in-class group activities in introductory physics classes up to 100 students. The authors are currently in Phase II of the project using a specially designed…