Students sometimes learn about a model of the "scientific method" that is linear and clear cut. While this approach may have pedagogical advantages, it does not reflect how science is often done in practice. The Experimental Modeling Framework (EMF) describes the complex and iterative process of experimentation in the domain of physics,…

By critically interrogating the methodological foundations of orthodox economic theory, Tal Gilead challenges the growing conviction in educational policymaking quarters that, being more scientific than other forms of educational investigation, inquiries grounded in orthodox economics should provide the basis for educational policymaking. He…

A partially unusual behaviour was found among 14 sophomore students of civil engineering who took a pre test for a free fall laboratory session, in the context of a general mechanics course. An analysis contemplating mathematics models and physics models consistency was made. In all cases, the students presented evidence favoring a correct free…

Too often teachers describe physics solely as a technical discipline, which contributes concretely to changing our material world. In a society where prejudices and superstitions still play an important, sometimes tragic, role, there is much more to emphasise about physics. A physics teacher should introduce high school students to physics by…

The views of 40 primary students on ozone and its depletion were recorded through individual, semi-structured interviews. The data analysis resulted in the formation of a limited number of models concerning the distribution and role of ozone in the atmosphere, the depletion process, and the consequences of ozone depletion. Identifies five target…

This paper compares the process and structure of institutional research with three ways of conceptualizing science. The first section examines the scientific method as a process of disciplined inquiry, then compares institutional research to that process. The second section compares the logical structure of institutional research with the logical…

Discusses basic weaknesses and limitations of models, simulations, gaming, and other analytical and behavioral approaches to simplifying reality for understanding. The development and use of scenarios and the model builder's basic conceptions of the aspects of reality being analyzed are described for a one-person, computer-interactive, quasi-rigid…

A child-centered model for elementary school gifted science education is proposed, utilizing an open environment, the scientific method, the teacher as facilitator, and techniques for affective development to attain scientific concepts, develop scientific skills, and foster appropriate scientific attitudes. (JDD)

Conducted classroom observations to determine students' understanding of the nature of science and the intentionality of experiments. Topics discussed include: does science seek to explain, using models, proving that the theoretical explanation is correct, and discussions of different interpretations. Concludes that most students in the 14-16 age…

Proposes a prototypical model for psychological assessment that reformulates a model of the counselor-as-scientist. Integrates the model's theory and research on human inference, judgment, and decision making; research on threats to accurate clinical prediction; and findings about counselor characteristics associated with effective judgment…

It is argued that educational evaluation can productively proceed from an artistic model as well as a scientific one. For such a model two processes are critical. The first of these is called "educational connoisseurship," the second "educational criticism." Educational connoisseurship is that art concerned with the appreciation of any set of…

This discussion of ecological approaches to special education suggests that the relative neglect of the ecological approach is partially a result of the apparent incompatibility between ecological theory and conventional scientific approaches. It is suggested that ecological theory and positivism may be reconciled by broadening and developing…

Describes a course in which counseling students were taught the scientist-practitioner model, giving them an opportunity to integrate theory, research, and practice. Several themes arose from the students' experiences: analysis of contradictory responses; an enhanced awareness that they should increase their awareness of clients' perceptions; and…

This paper identifies the major modes of thought that have characterized the conduct of teaching, research, and supervision at institutions of higher education, focusing specifically on the fields of psychology and education. These frameworks for thinking (paradigms) in both the social and "hard" sciences have progressed through three…

Man engages in the continuous construction of models to describe his reality. This assumption led to some instructional research at Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan, developing and testing a systems model for the classroom. A model building process labeled message storage and retrieval was developed in some detail. Using this retrieval…