North Central Regional Educational Laboratory (NCREL) describes constructivism as an approach to teaching and learning based on the premise that cognition (learning) is the result of "mental construction." In other words, students learn by fitting new information together with what they already know. Constructivists believe that learning is…

Presents personal reflections on experiences in distance education and teaching practices. Kolb's experiential learning cycle is discussed; technological, facilitation, and learning confusions are examined; and constructivist learning and common sense are considered. (LRW)

Reviews research on thinking aloud in reading comprehension that considers thinking aloud as a method of inquiry, a mode of instruction, and a means for encouraging social interaction. Current efforts in engaging students in constructing meaning from text in collaborative discussions indicate the increased importance of social interaction in…

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)

Constructivism is the foundation for viewing the self as an active agent in career development. As a counseling tool, narrative can be used to create life career projections from which to develop career plans. (SK)

One influential view of constructivism in science and mathematics educational research and practice is that of Ernst von Glasersfeld. It is a peculiarly subjectivist form of constructivism that should not be attractive to educators concerned with objectivity. Presents an example of a social constructivist alternative from pragmatic philosopher…

Reviews changes in the original Dick and Carey model of instructional design and considers its future usefulness. Topics include alternative instructional design textbooks, the influence of constructivist theory on the 1996 version of the model with its systems approach, and the influence of constructivist and objectivist models. (Author/LRW)

This article focuses on research findings concerning the relationship between young children's computer use in the classroom and constructivist education. Three ways of using computers emerged: computers as books or workbooks; computers for word processing; and computer programming of graphics. It was concluded that word processing was most…

Discusses emerging trends in education that are related to being digital. Highlights include the mind's processes and structures, including the cognitive spectrum, constructivism, and situated cognition; mass customization, including learning styles; context; our rapidly expanding knowledge base, including lifelong learning and just-in-time…

Examines two conflicting educational theories: constructivism and positivism. Constructivism sees human knowledge of the external environment as constructed and based upon the subjective observer, whereas positivism sees knowledge as fixed for scientific testing. Discusses their implications in the field of instructional development and recommends…

Documents the learning constructed by two preservice teachers. One illustrates how preservice teachers interpret children's literature to help them understand and apply academic theory. The other highlights how preservice teachers generate their own theories about the nature of teaching, learning, and classrooms while interpreting children's…

To improve the teaching skills of peer educators in Iowa Extension, workshops exposed them to constructivist and transformative approaches to adult education. Attendees identified two challenges as impediments to adopting or adapting the contemporary model for adult education: low confidence in facilitating discussions and concerns about…

Technology is driving much of education, but learning is socially constructed. Learning, including electronic forms, should be designed to create a social learning environment. This can help bridge the divide between the "analog" professor and the "digital" student. (SK)

Studied a socio-constructivist model for training teachers in Brazil, in the use of Informatics in education. Findings from a case study of the training of 29 teachers show the importance of care and coherence for knowledge creation in the socio-constructivist training model. (SLD)

Points out the importance of an understanding of a sense of scale and presents an activity that uses distance or time as a measure. The activity illustrates for students what the universe would look like at various scales. (DDR)