Explores the evolution of the relationship between researcher and participants in longitudinal, constructivist studies. Issues inherent in this evolving relationship are examined and the authors illustrate how the resolution of these issues influences the researcher. Asserts that the lessons learned can be applied to practice and advocate using a…

Discusses the problem based learning (PBL) environment and positive and negative factors affecting the implementation of PBL in K-12 education. Identifies and examines design guidelines for PBL. (Contains 23 references.) (YDS)

Introduces a new way of evaluating instructional strategies using computers. Discusses two basic theories, instructivism and constructivism, in terms of their effectiveness in conceptual learning. Outlines the radical forms of constructivism. Introduces and evaluates two versions of a multimedia physics software based on the inventive model and…

Describes initial results of a collaborative action research endeavor between a university and a magnet school (grade 6 level) using learning environments research to monitor alignment of classroom learning activities with a constructivist viewpoint while integrating technology into the curriculum. Discusses use of the Constructivist Learning…

Describes an evaluation of an online course at the University of the West of England that was designed to move towards a student-centered, constructivist learning approach. Highlights include student perceptions of online learning; patterns of use of online resources; and the need for developing facilitator skills to promote discussion.…

Discusses the importance of the teaching and learning of science/technology in the context of human experience. Highlights the role of constructivism in Science Technology Society (STS) reform efforts. (JRH)

Investigates the use of mathematical representations in 3 grade-8 general science classes (n=65) that engaged in a 10-week open inquiry about the correlations between biological and physical variables in the environment. Demonstrates the use of representations as conscription devices, and illustrates how the use and understanding of inscriptions…

Used a three-phase constructivist teaching sequence in a graduate-level elementary science methods course to improve preservice teachers' knowledge of density and to provide a model for approaching the teaching of science. Reports that the preservice teachers (n=23) showed gains in content knowledge and self-reported confidence levels. (Author/JRH)

This article reviews articles within this special issue on science education for students with disabilities, examining the articles in the context of current activities and resources in science education. Constructivism and alternative assessment techniques are seen as especially noteworthy movements in improving science teaching and learning.…

Defines and describes virtual reality technology and differentiates between virtual learning environment, learning material, and learning tools. Links learning rationales to virtual reality technology to pave conceptual foundations for application of virtual reality technology education. Constructivism, case-based learning, problem-based learning,…

Describes an attempt to encourage fifth- and sixth-graders to invent their own ways of solving problems involving division with fractions. Emphasizes the importance of social interaction in Piaget's constructivism and explains why debate and verification are important for children's construction of logico-mathematical knowledge. (22 references)…

Considers radical constructivism in light of poststructuralism and hermeneutic phenomenology and shows how this forces a reassertion of the teacher's role in the student's constructing of mathematical knowledge. (48 references) (Author/MKR)

Discusses the idea of expertise as it relates to education and to situated learning based on previous articles and responses. Highlights include apprenticeship and the acquisition of expertise; competence versus expertise; teachers' pedagogical content knowledge; instructional design and traditional schooling; functionalism; and alternatives to…

Examines the history, characteristics, and value of designed instruction that is grounded in behaviorist, cognitive science, and constructivist theory. Changes that have allowed developmental phases of instructional design are considered, including instructional design methodology, physical technology, and programing mechanisms used to develop…

Rebuts the arguments made by Suchting criticizing constructivism. (MDH)