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…

This paper addresses the question of how teachers can support and facilitate conceptual change in student thinking. It begins with a discussion of the multiple meanings of the term conceptual change. An argument is presented for the notion that recent developments in research in science learning have dramatic implications for what students are…

In order to name an animal they see, children must use their existing mental models to provide the animal with a name. In this study, pupils between the ages of 4 and 14 are presented with preserved specimens of 6 different animals and asked a series of questions about them. The results indicate that pupils of all ages mainly recognize and use…

Examines some of the misconceptions about the nature of critical thinking. Focuses on the characterization of critical thinking in terms of processes or skills and the separation of critical thinking and knowledge. Offers a different conception of critical thinking. (Contains 46 references.) (DDR)

Focuses on student and in-service primary teachers' learning about balanced and unbalanced forces in a range of contexts and identifies significant features of the learning process from the learners' perspectives. (Contains 33 references.) (DDR)