Calculus, perhaps more than other areas of mathematics, has a reputation for being steeped with procedures. In fact, through the years, it has been noticed of many students getting caught in the trap of trying to memorize algorithms and rules without developing associated concept knowledge. Specifically, students often struggle with the…

Radical constructivists advocate discovery-based pedagogical regimes that enable students to incrementally and continuously adapt their cognitive structures to the instrumented cultural environment. Some sociocultural theorists, however, maintain that learning implies discontinuity in conceptual development, because novices must appropriate expert…

This collection of 58 articles from the recently-published third edition of the International Encyclopedia of Education focuses on learning, memory, attention, problem solving, concept formation, and language. Learning and cognition is the foundation of cognitive psychology and encompasses many topics including attention, memory, categorization,…

This study reports an adaptive digital learning project, scientific concept construction and reconstruction (SCCR), that was developed based on the theories of Dual Situated Learning Model (DSLM) and scientific reasoning. In addition, the authors investigated the effects of an SCCR related to a "combustion" topic for sixth grade students…

This mixed-methods study probed the effectiveness of three kinds of objects (video, theory, metaphor) as common reference points for conversations between online learners (student teachers). Individuals' degree of detail-focus was examined as a potentially interacting covariate and the outcome measure was learners' level of tacit knowledge related…

This study was designed to theoretically articulate and empirically assess the role of computer scaffolds. In this project, several examples of educational software were developed to scaffold the learning of students performing high level cognitive activities. The software used in this study, Artemis, focused on scaffolding the learning of…

Reflects upon the nature of theory-driven computer assisted second language learning (CALL), particularly as it relates to the courseware development process. The study examines the implications for theory-driven CALL as well as the concept of "fit" between the theoretical framework or pedagogy and the computer's capabilities. The study addresses…

To study the effects of learner generated imagery on the learning of science material a series of three experiments were conducted. Interactive graphics using the plasma panel, a touch panel interface of the PLATO system, were used to simulate the topography and functions of a battery to teach elementary concepts in electrochemistry. Following a…

The purpose of this study was to examine how students acquire their knowledge through peer collaboration in a new educational environment called "Computer Supported Intentional Learning Environment (CSILE)." Twenty-seven 5th- and 6th-grade students were instructed to create their collective database for a study topic,…

In a discussion of human institutions and modes of conduct, a basic analytical shift from absolutism to relativism is noted. From this frame of reference the conceptual changes in mathematics, the sciences, and esthetics are reviewed. The paper also discusses the implications of this change for the psychology of human thinking and for children's…

The second in a series of three articles, some themes of an undercurrent of educational objectives that move beyond the evident content goals are outlined. The themes relate the computer software materials analyzed in Part I to the cognitive experiences that students should have in learning about subject matter. (MDH)

The mathematical experiences of elementary students often focus on memorizing facts and rules as opposed to making sense of the subject and developing problem solving skills. Students spend large amounts of time processing, memorizing and sorting collections of data which are tasks well performed by computer technology. To correct this situation,…

This study focused on the transition in memory between conceptual knowledge formation and procedural knowledge development. The first variable--display time interval--controlled the amount of instructional display time of each interrogatory example; the second variable--content sequence--sequenced examples according to response-sensitive decision…

The purpose of this paper is to provide a conceptual foundation for the development of hypermedia as an instructional tool for addressing individual learning style differences. Various learning theories and their relationship to hypermedia are examined, including information processing theory, semantic networks, concept webbing/mapping,…

Challenges the assumptions concerning the necessity of feedback in children's cognitive development. Suggests that during a certain and limited phase, cognitive development may occur due to cognitive restructuring. Discusses the implications of this for educational programs, especially computer assisted learning. (MJP)