The terms generalization and abstraction are used with various shades of meaning by mathematicians and mathematics educators. Introduced is the idea of "generic abstraction" that gives the student an operative sense of a mathematical concept and provides a passage point in the process toward formal abstraction. (MDH)

Argues that it is time to begin integrating models of second-language (L2) research, to test and develop integrated models for L2 data, and to develop integrated explanatory theories to explain these data. (22 references) (JL)

Grapples with the theories on learning through language (as imitation and parody) expressed in David Bartholomae's "Inventing the University." Invents an interpretation of Bartholomae's texts, discovers Bartholomae's discourse community, invents an argument against him, and invents an alternative. (SR)

Every college teacher has a professional obligation to formulate and articulate a rationale for his or her instructional world. Faculty members' personal theories about teaching and learning are often implicit and likely to be inaccurate. When implicit theories become explicit, they can blend with formal theories to improve the practice of…

Promotion of an alliance between college teachers and students requires shifting from a perception of the teacher as an agent of student change to that of teacher as partner in the change process. Twenty-five guidelines cover mutual respect, shared responsibility and mutual commitment to goals, effective communication and feedback, cooperation,…

Examines the nature of prior mathematical knowledge that facilitates the construction of useful problem representations in the domain of geometry. Indicates that high achievers build schemas that are qualitatively more sophisticated than low achievers, which in turn helps them construct representations that are conducive to understanding the…

Considers theories of cognition and consciousness in four traditions: neuroscience, cognitive science, activity theory and the distributed cognition approach. The primary focus is on social theories of consciousness--activity theory and distributed cognition, but biological and computational models are also considered as a foil or background…

Argues that research and teaching in physics and in the history of physics are complementary in nature. Explores some of the implications of this perspective. Contains 69 references. (DDR)

Presents a two-phase investigation of how Israeli students understand the concept of periodicity. Discusses related research with teachers and students (N=895) employing both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. Concludes that students understand periodicity as a process. Students' errors and preferences are discussed with…

Constructs case studies of individuals to explore the way conceptions change over time, and the difficulties presented by the concept of atmospheric pressure. Evaluates different structural theories of conceptual change. Contains 62 references. (DDR)

Defines learning communities as integrated comprehensive programs in which transformative learning takes place through community process as students develop professionally, civically, and ethically. Presents a model that explains the features, processes, and outcomes as necessary elements. Describes four well-known learning communities.…

Shares the results of a study in which 204 first grade students were interviewed. Interprets the findings in light of Piaget's emphasis on abstraction. Concludes that children represent ideas at their respective levels of abstraction. (Author/ASK)

Explores the relevance of hierarchies to information processing. Suggests that participants in all conditions create hierarchical representations as they work, and those in nonlinear conditions use this structure to guide their exploration of the material. An important function of hierarchies may be to define relationships between concepts.…

Describes five significant challenges to implementing inquiry-based learning. Presents strategies for addressing them through the design of technology and curriculum. (Author/CCM)

Discusses the role and value of scaffolding student discussions in advancing students' ability to coconstruct theories and models from data they have collected while investigating floating and sinking. (Author/CCM)