Explores two metaphors for learning, the acquisition metaphor and the participation metaphor. After a critical evaluation of the interpretations and applications of these metaphors, the question of theoretical unification of research on learning is addressed, stressing the dangers of too great a devotion to one single metaphor. (SLD)

Trial-by-trial strategy assessments and a microgenetic design were used to examine the learning of rules for solving balance scale problems by 70 4- and 70 5-year olds. Developmental differences in learning that emerged seemed to reflect both distal and proximal influences. Encoding and initial rule use were related to different learning process…

What and how students eat can profoundly affect their ability to learn. Children require a high-protein breakfast for alertness, and a balanced diet, including complex carbohydrates throughout the day. Chronic stress causes the brain and body to deplete available nutrients. Nutrition is an important issue; better school food equals better school…

Examines the validity and effectiveness of the two-axes process model of understanding mathematics. Analyzes data collected in a case study of a third grade mathematics class in a national elementary school. Teaching and learning of mathematics that enables children to understand mathematics deeply and in their meaningful way is characterized as…

Evaluated multidimensional students evaluations of teaching (SETs), workload (workload for students), grades, perceived learning, and background variables through confirmatory factor analysis of previously published data. Results show that SETs and teaching effectiveness can both be improved by increasing good workload and decreasing bad workload.…

Studied ways of thinking about teaching and learning and the disposition to teach in particular ways for 39 academics, revisiting a previous study and re-evaluating the belief framework developed from that study. Proposes an extended framework that distinguishes between teaching-centered and learning-centered orientations to teaching and learning.…

Because the mathematics reforms challenge culturally embedded views of mathematics, realizing reform visions will require profound, extensive societal and individual learning--and unlearning. This article examines and discusses how teachers learn, new teaching approaches, and what teachers bring to learning about new pedagogies, what should be…

Explores the paradox of irrationality in a scientific age. Discusses three issues that contribute to the problem of science education. Science classes are primarily aimed at teaching students technical skills, and science is taught with little or no social context. Concludes that science education emphasizes elite behavior over concepts of common…

Surveyed first-year students at the University of Western Sydney about their perceptions of responsibility for learning and conceptions of learning. Found that students held perceptions of personal responsibility for their learning, but that their conceptions of learning were essentially quantitative in nature and were at the lower levels of…

Used a 2-phase, isolated-interacting elements learning approach in 4 experiments involving 22, 25, 18, and 18 vocational education students or apprentices of high-school age in Australia. Results provide powerful evidence that for certain groups of learners, information is better learned through the isolated-interacting elements instructional…

Purposes several questions to help teachers and principals collaborate to find effective alternatives to traditional staff development, such as: What are our goals for our students? What is the best design for this learning? Briefly describes three alternatives: Teacher study groups, discussion of student work, and teacher-to-teacher coaching and…

Defines the terminology associated with the topic of assessment and evaluation in mathematical learning and teaching. (Author/CCM)

Aligns science curricula with the current benchmarks and standards. (Contains 45 references.) (YDS)

Discusses whether computer-based instructional materials improve student learning. Evaluates a computer-based hypermedia tutorial that was delivered over a web site. (Contains 24 references.) (Author/YDS)

Presents a review with the focus primarily upon what research has revealed about children's learning in science and how this is reflected in approaches to teaching. Aspects of teaching considered are those that are significant in taking account of children's ideas and development. Includes a preview of areas in which research is only just…