This theoretical paper introduces a new way to view and characterize learning astronomy. It describes a framework, based on results from empirical data, analyzed through standard qualitative research methodology, in which a theoretical model for a vital competency of learning astronomy is proposed: "reading the sky," a broad description…

This article describes the thinking behind the development of "Scholar," a "social knowledge" technology developed as part of a series of research and development projects at the University of Illinois. Seven pedagogical openings are identified in this article, possibilities for the creation of innovative learning environments…

An educational assessment embodies an argument from a handful of observations of what students say, do or make in a handful of particular circumstances, to what they know or can do in what kinds of situations more broadly. This article discusses ways in which research into the nature and development of expertise can help assessment designers…

Examines the reconceptualization of the relationship between knowledge and ability related to reassessment of the problem of theory and practice in teacher education. Discusses the implications of central ideas and core assumptions of the tacit knowing approach to teacher education. (CAJ)

Introduces this special issue which describes several approaches to semantic knowledge representations. Discusses the various quantitative procedures employed in the articles, noting that they can also serve as theoretical approaches to knowledge representation. (SR)

Provides a detailed, technical introduction to the state of cognitive science research, in particular the rise of the "new cognitive science," especially artificial neural net (ANN) models. Explains one influential ANN model and describes diverse applications and their implications for education. (EV)

This third part continues the exploration of how we can overcome the limitations of the present knowledge system. In preparation, two aspects of current engineering theory and practice are examined because they are paradigmatic: the concept that engineering is essentially problem-solving, which goes against our understanding of human skill…

Discusses two models of the mind: the influential model of "mind as container," in which the mind is akin to a computer storing data; and a connectionist model, in which the brain does not actually store or contain knowledge in the sense traditionally believed. Discusses the second model's implications for education. (EV)

This paper gives a brief introduction to a discipline called the cognitive science of mathematics. The theoretical background of the arguments is based on embodied cognition and findings in cognitive linguistics. It discusses Mathematical Idea Analysis, a set of techniques for studying implicit structures in mathematics. Particular attention is…

This paper offers an argument for the return to a consideration of the basic issues in mathematics education research in order to better understand the mechanisms of mathematics learning. A return to these basic issues can also shed light on the difficulties students encounter in learning mathematics. In organizing the argument, three kinds of…

Explains the origin and goals of cognitive flexibility theory and discusses new directions being explored. Topics include hypermedia systems; multiple knowledge representations; interconnectedness; context-dependency; digital video cases; experience acceleration; and bridging knowledge and practice, cognitive, individualistic practices and…

Addresses the question of what bearing the nature of educational theories has on their application to practice and focuses on the application of normative goal-directed theories of science education. Contains 40 references. (DDR)

In response to an article in the same issue by Norris and Kvernbekk, argues that the theory of Driver and associates, elaborated upon in the three articles which form the basis for their analysis, is not a normative goal-directed theory. (DDR)

Explores whether exposure to increasingly sophisticated mental models at different points in a chemistry education class showed up in patterns of preference and use of models in interpreting physical properties and phenomena. (Contains 92 references.) (DDR)

Identifies certain conceptions regarding the science content studied by students aged 9-11 years and develops a strategy for altering these conceptions. Reviews research on misconceptions and defines action research. (DDR)