Wageningen University's extension science program shifted from a positivist to a constructivist foundation. Participatory methodologies and interactive policies are being developed, and the program's name has been changed to Communication and Innovation Studies. (SK)

Based on the results of a research and development project that was funded by the European Commission. Findings from previous research were synthesized into an innovative method that seeks to combine instructional and constructivist approaches in a single application. The integrated method applied in the design of the "PEC" (Procedures and…

Discusses how to design courseware programs that integrate benefits of instructionism (linear instruction) and constructionism in a hypermedia structure. A model of feedback that fades in and out is suggested, four examples are explained, and suggestions for redesigning programs are given. (LRW)

Studies aspects of the conceptual reorganization and change of students aged 12-18 (N=40). Describes conceptual change through case studies and students' identifications of chemical reactions. Contains 18 references. (DDR)

Explains the utility of using a postmodern feminist theory perspective for designing and teaching human sexuality courses, and presents strategies for helping students understand a constructivist framework. Concludes with a discussion of pedagogical and ethical challenges of teaching from a postmodern feminist perspective. (Contains 73 references…

Stories of 20 experienced Finnish human resource developers illustrate how expertise is constructed through the experience of problem-solving situations. Communication, interaction, collaboration, and management involvement are sources of problem situations. Expertise is a flexible and inclusive state of mind, not the application of routine…

Examines social contexts of beginning readers through an exploration of three dimensions that have an impact upon beginning readers' reading events: peer relationships and their role in children's reading development, children's oral language and discourse, and constructivism and sociocultural perspectives on learning. Offers implications for…

Uses Galileo's 'jumping-hill' experiment as an historical element to improve science teaching in the classroom. Illustrates that the experiment can stimulate an animated discussion in the classroom, even if precise historic circumstances are not mentioned. The historical dimensions bring some color into the lesson, which increases attention. (SAH)

Uses a constructivist framework in conjunction with an interpretive methodology to investigate the effect of an intervention using the metaphor "learning is constructing" on students' metacognition and learning process. Believes that contextual factors are key determinants of students' propensity towards enhancing their metacognition and…

This study attempts to rebut criticisms of the developmental theories of Jean Piaget by showing that most criticisms derive from misinterpretation and forget the dialectical, constructivist, and developmental nature of Piaget's work. Important aspects of Piaget's theory have not been assimilated by developmental psychologists. (SLD)

Student problem solving, even with emotionally disturbed children, provides students and teachers with a way to deal with impulsive behavior. Outlines steps to respectful problem solving by introducing students to ways to reframe their thinking. (JPS)

Describes a lesson designed to teach the probabilistic topics of permutation and combinations in a constructivist manner. (ASK)

Explores the types of written questions students ask after reading one or more chapters from a textbook and investigates students' ability to improve their questions during the course of a single semester. Examines two comparable populations, undergraduate students who were taught in the traditional lecture format and students who were taught in…

Examines the beliefs and practices of a high school biology teacher who developed an inquiry-based learning environment. Studies the process of day-to-day instruction, and analyzes classroom lessons and field trips to answer the question, How does a teacher establish an inquiry based learning environment? (Contains 36 references.) (YDS)

Contributes to the growing body of knowledge about students' conceptions and views of environmental and natural resource issues. Questions 9th and 12th grade Swedish students' understandings of the greenhouse effect, reduction of CO2 emissions, and the depletion of the ozone layer. Observes five models of the greenhouse effect that appear among…