This comment attempts to identify different "semiotic perspectives" proposed by the authors of this special issue according to the problems they discuss. These problems can be distinguished as problems concerning the representation of mathematical knowledge, the definition and objectivity of meaning, epistemological questions of learning and…

The knowledge construction and scientific reasoning of two classes of seventh grade students (22 to 24 students in each class) were examined during a 3-week inquiry unit in genetics, in which anomalies were used as a catalyst for conceptual change. During the unit, students used genetics simulation software to mate fruit flies that varied on a…

This paper gives an overview of the Inspiration Software, a package that is designed to facilitate the construction and use of concept maps in the classroom. The first section discusses concept mapping, defined as any graphic production that is constructed specifically to represent knowledge. The following basic functions of Inspiration are then…

Shares perspectives on the history and current status of ethnomathematics. Speculates as to whether this field is revisionist and discusses the features of ethnomathematics that distinguish it from mathematics. (DDR)

Explores children's understandings of insect life cycles through pre- and postinstructional interviews, analysis of children's journal entries, and talk that occurred throughout the instructional unit. Contains 38 references. (DDR)

Provides further details regarding a philosophical reconstruction of the structure of Classical Genetics Theory that can facilitate problem-solving instruction. Describes how that reconstruction can facilitate realistic problem solving on the part of students. Contains 60 references. (DDR)

Explores the current images that students have of scientists, student perceptions of science study in school, and student awareness of their use of science outside of school. Fifth grade students (N=117) were the subjects of this study that asked students to sketch scientists and school science. (DDR)

Points out that today's taxonomy is very different than what many biology teachers learned when they were in school. Traces the history of some of the changes and describes the current taxonomy. (DDR)

Describes the architecture of PRABODH, an intelligent tutoring system with six components, designed for teaching language skills to young children and for providing them meaningful practice for developing grammar skills. Discusses PRABODH's language-learning philosophy, results of formative evaluation of its knowledge component, and overall impact…

Argues that the challenge for teachers of algebra in Australia is to find ways of making the structural aspects of algebra accessible to a greater percentage of students. Uses the zero product principle to provide an example of a common student error grounded in the difficulty of understanding the structure of algebra. (DDR)

Presents an overview of artificial-intelligence-based inductive learning techniques and their use in information science research. Three methods are discussed: the connectionist Hopfield network; the symbolic ID3/ID5R; evolution-based genetic algorithms. The knowledge representations and algorithms of these methods are examined in the context of…

Describes the assumptions of a constructivist epistemology, contrasts them with objectivist assumptions, and describes instructional systems that can support constructive learning at a distance. Highlights include paradigm shifts in learning and instructional design theory; computer-mediated communication; computer-supported collaborative work;…

Analyzes students' representations of fractions as they work on fraction comparison tasks and justify their solutions in a collective classroom activity. Emphasizes the importance of setting a problematic situation and encouraging students to make various representations for their learning. Suggests some implications for teacher activities and…

Presents a seven-step methodology for utilizing integrity constraint knowledge from heterogeneous databases. Describes generating a set of integrity constraints applicable at the integrated level from constraints specified on local databases. Introduces the concept of constraint-based relationships between objects in heterogeneous databases;…

Supports the use of microanalysis of conceptual change as a tool for reconceptualizing the nature of students' knowledge-in-development and dissolving concept-misconception and expert-novice dichotomies. Contains 48 references. (DDR)