This paper asserts that teachers need to understand the logic of young children's behavior in their joint play and in their conflicts in order to respond sensitively, and that children construct logic-in-action (procedural knowledge) long before they are able to verbalize their logic in narratives. The basic assumption of the paper is that there…

The objective of this paper is to show how science, writing and technology can be successfully integrated to maximize learning for all students. A recent research study infusing the writing process into hands on science lessons will be discussed, along with recommendations on the use of technology to support instruction in the areas of science and…

This study investigates the teaching practices of newly certified elementary teachers in an alternative master's degree program. This study evaluates questions concerning teaching methodology utilized by the respondents in the major curriculum areas of elementary education. The questions ask about the new teacher's use of direct instruction,…

This paper explores the nature and status of the mathematics reform movement (focusing on California's initiatives) in America's public schools, the connection between the reform movement and constructivist epistemology, the development of an assessment tool for measuring the degree of reform present in a secondary mathematics classroom, and the…

This book is a collection of essays that deal with 10 current controversial issues. The issues are also the topics of 10 recent fastbacks from the Phi Delta Kappa fastback series published between 1993 and 1996. Following the introduction, the articles include the following: (1) "Accountability" (Jack Frymier); (2) "Assessment…

This study, part of ongoing research to establish the construct validity of a science attitude assessment instrument, evaluated the instrument with 72 elementary school science teachers. The measure, "Assessment of Attitude Toward Science and Science Teaching," contains 27 statements to which the respondent expresses degrees of agreement. This…

This research employs an ethnographic approach in the examination of the effects that computers in schools have on student learning in the United States. It is argued that emphasis on technology, science, and mathematics is not enough to meet educational needs in America. The enthusiasm fostered by technological innovation often overshadows…

This paper describes the Environmental Challenges Project which will culminate in the production of a CD-ROM for use in environmental education in secondary schools. Disk contents include case studies of environmental problems and programs to facilitate learners' discussion of the issues raised. The constructivist pedagogy that informs the project…

This paper outlines assumptions and principles related to computer mediated learning (CML) and suggests instructional design and classroom strategies for CML planning and practice. The pedagogy of control is contrasted with the pedagogy of choice and the latter constructivist viewpoint is recommended as the basis of CML. Assumptions about learning…

The principle of education for all is one which few people, if any, would argue against but putting it into practice is one of the biggest challenges facing everyone involved in education. Internationally, nationally and locally attempts are being made to develop and put in place policies and structures which will lead to an inclusivity of…

This document contains summaries of research in science education for the year 1998 and provides easy access to research findings and a critique of research efforts. Contents include: (1) "Science Education Research Published in Professional Journals" (Judith Sulkes Ridgway and Hyonyong Lee); (2) "Science Education Research Papers,…

The purpose of this paper is threefold: (1) to discuss issues related to the design of interaction on the World Wide Web using models of interaction developed for distance education; (2) to examine several techniques for the analysis of interactions and the quality of the learning experience in a computer-mediated group conference; and (3) to…

This paper summarizes what the author has seen go wrong in six years of participation in online discussions and recommends some remedies. The emphasis is on helping discussion leaders to structure and guide online discussions for maximum effectiveness. The paper has a focus on learning environments, which are central to both formal academic…

This paper presents an integrative model for developing collaborative academic structure between education and science/mathematics content departments. The model was developed through active partnerships with selected professional development schools (PDS PreK-12), College of Science and Mathematics faculty, and teacher educators in a professional…

Influenced by constructivist philosophy and advances in technology, there is increasing interest in authentic activities as a basis for learning in both face-to-face and Web-based courses. Whereas traditionally, activities have primarily served as vehicles for practice of skills or processes, a more radical approach is to build a whole course of…