While different approaches to evaluation will yield different results, depending on the purpose of the evaluation this article describes an evaluation approach that was aimed at investigation of the mental models of users of the programme. The study was driven by questions about the differences in mental models of the instructional designers and…

Summarizes theoretical and empirical aspects of research that is investigating how best to support conceptual learning and the critical role that representations have in complex scientific and mathematical domains. Explains Law Encoding Diagrams (LEDs) and considers how computers may further enhance the potential benefit of LEDs for conceptual…

Presents a summary of teaching practices that are successful in promoting conceptual change based on a study of Grades 4, 8, and 10 and on the research literature. Proposes improvements in teaching methodology. Contains 31 references. (DDR)

Examines the types of requests for information made by university students (N=60) as they evaluate scientific news briefs. Student requests most often focus on how research is conducted and why results might occur. Contains 47 references. (DDR)

This special issue includes four articles that address issues concerning conceptual change. Topics include analogical reasoning and a case study of Johannes Kepler; conceptual change and wine expertise; the role of extreme case reasoning in instruction for conceptual change; and dynamic science assessment: a new approach for investigating…

This paper discusses various aspects of conceptual change instruction and research related to conceptual change strategies. The role played by teachers in the conceptual change process has been neglected in the research and understanding that role requires that: (1) the Conceptual Change Model of Posner provide a reasonable framework for thinking…

The intent of this paper is to open for consideration the relationship between metacognition and the promotion of conceptual change within the classroom. This goal is achieved through a brief description of present research by the authors, drawing from the existing literature a summary of what is meant by conceptual change learning, defining the…

Provides a comprehensive review of literature regarding misconceptions that are held by secondary students in chemistry. Makes some recommendations based on the research. Contains 77 references. (DDR)

Argues for using "conflict maps" as a way of enhancing science teaching and learning. The conflict map emphasizes not only the use of discrepant events, but also the resolution of conflict between students' alternative conceptions and the scientific conception. Discusses the conflict map as an instructional aid for teachers or as a…

Explains how students can be guided to model the invention process using potatoes. Details the steps and the materials used in the modeling, including the phases of the invention process. Presents this activity as preparation for the Invent America program. (DDR)

Research has established that students enter their science classes with ideas about the natural world that do not align with accepted scientific beliefs. The diagnosis of these student preconceptions may be seen as an initial, crucial step in the process of teacher-facilitated conceptual change. So as to capture what science teachers do in their…

Student-centered classrooms are characterized by shared responsibility, curriculum adjustment to reduce the number of topics or to increase emphasis on a subset of topics, a high premium placed on student-generated questions and investigations, and collective validation of students' ideas as a central feature of the teaching and learning process.…

This paper states and discusses general guidelines in teaching for conceptual change. Several important factors that seem to be necessary in meeting the guidelines in normal classrooms are considered. The factors relate to the teacher, student, and the classroom climate. The guidelines are illustrated using examples drawn from a fifth-grade…

Presents stories that illustrate how children learned lessons about the nature of science. These lessons include such ideas as observing closely and keep records, accessing resources, and collaborating with each other. Describes the use of a classroom bird station and nature walks in accomplishing the goals. (DDR)

Focuses on how one teacher examined classroom discourse through a unit on tornadoes and natural catastrophes. Defines various types of discourse and discusses how discourse in a 6th grade class was analyzed. Details some of the activities that engaged students. (DDR)