In this paper, a learning progression for geometric transformations is developed based on research that demonstrates the importance of viewing transformations as functions of the plane. The 5 levels of the progression reflect a student's evolving understanding of transformations as functions and their evolving understanding of the domain of these…

This research took place over a one-year PGCE training period. The participants were given the opportunity to reflect on their experience in a verbal (focus groups, action learning sets and interviews) and in written (journal and questionnaires) form. These reflective learning techniques were interpreted using Dewey's five stages of learning. The…

This article reports on the use of a repertory grid as a tool for studying conceptual systems in line with Kelly's (1955) personal construct theory. Using 7-point construct continua, students rated the positions of major developmental theorists on various bipolar constructs (e.g., nature-nurture, continuity-discontinuity) representing salient…

A description is given of an inservice course designed to acquaint teachers with current constructivist thinking and research in cognitive and developmental psychology. The focus was on sensitizing the teachers to the challenges of creating a "thinking environment" in their classrooms. The course was designed to engage students as…

A written language learner must be given an environment that enables or fosters writing development. Unfortunately, the typical system of education and the learning strategies that are taught are at times the very things that deactivate, frustrate, and even pervert the writing program. In fact, some of the rules that student writers respond to are…

Most educators agree that concepts derived from the discipline areas of physical education are important. Selecting which concepts to teach is perhaps one of the most difficult decisions that teachers with reduced program time have to make. Once teachers select the concepts, they need to plan how to teach them over a curriculum, not just over the…

Spelling instruction for students with deafness is examined in the context of the whole-language approach. Stages in the development of spelling ability are identified, and five strategies for young writers are suggested. (DB)

A research project explored the idea that reasoning develops in distinct phases of thinking as individuals journey from simplistic learning of facts to highly proficient consequence predicting of integrated relationships. These results were derived from a study that examined the thinking processes and problem-solving actions of 13 students and…

This paper reviews literature on metacognitive (learning strategies) approaches to teaching gifted students with learning disabilities and on self-assessment as a component of those approaches. Two case examples illustrate application of the strategies at various levels of self-assessment ability, including task assessing, preassessing,…

Presented are the results of an analysis of the cognitive stages of tenth-grade pupils using a six-week unit on the respiratory system. The research design, instruments, and data analysis are discussed. A variety of cognitive levels was found and may be related to learning outcomes. (CW)

Reviews research on the physiology of learning, suggesting the development of a new educational model consistent with natural brain development. Considers connected learning a physiological imperative. Discusses ways of using the Natural Human Learning Process (NHLP) in the classroom and the development of an NHLP curriculum unit. (27 citations)…

The Directed Inquiry Approach to Learning Science Process Skills and Scientific Problem Solving [DIAL(SPS)2] is described. Concept mapping, advance organizers, Vee diagrams, the theme approach, and focusing are used to help students develop science process skills. (KR)

This book offers an alternative set of goals for physical education focusing on human needs and values rather than on fitness and sport skill development per se. The first chapter provides an overview of goals and strategies that respond to the trends in society that currently confront students. Descriptions are given of the developmental levels…

The Cognitive Levels Matching (CLM) project uses a constructivist base to teach teachers how to match the cognitive demands of curriculum and cognitive abilities of students. (MD)

Describes a classroom project for middle school students where developmental theory was translated into instruction promoting cognitive development. (MD)