Introduces the ideas of "distal" knowledge of the nature of science and "proximal" knowledge of the nature of science. Suggests that viewing these two kinds of knowledge structures within modern information processing frameworks that delineate roles of epistemological and metacognitive knowledge in learning should guide future research. (Contains…

Describes a simple 16-item instrument, the Propositional Logic Test (PLT), that is based on Piagetian theory and a study that explored the use of the PLT in diagnosing student misunderstandings. Analysis of individual student responses revealed a number of systematic errors in interpreting the logical operations in the PLT items. (Contains 23…

Investigates how librarians learn to teach and what they need to know. Highlights include information literacy; methods of instruction; learning and motivational theories; planning instruction; working with faculty; and an annotated bibliography of 28 sources of information on teaching librarians to teach, including Web sites. (LRW)

Discusses a theoretical framework for Internet-enhanced German language instruction based on sociocultural aspects of second language acquisition theory and Vygotsky's educational concept of zone of proximal development. These principles are illustrated in an Internet-based work unit on the topic of journalism. (Author/VWL)

Describes how the core principles of learning science lead to associated best practices in instructional design and how to translate those into practical applications in Web-based online courses. Topics include knowledge construction; student motivation; higher order learning; learning styles; experiential learning; cooperative and collaborative…

States that the proponents of "constructivistic didactic" are claiming a new approach in the field of General Didactic. Explores four background theories of constructivistic didactic, reconstructs its central arguments, offers examples of constructivistic teaching recommendations, and analyzes the constructivistic didactic in the context…

Examines the discussion of a constructivist consideration of learning for its capacity to limit the position of educational instruction by a new perspective on the subject. Offers a learning theory that understands learning as a subjective activity in the context of society. (CMK)

Points out that technology education in New Zealand provides an opportunity for societal issues to have equal space with technological capability and knowledge. There is a need for a teaching approach to engage in liberating technological literacy. (Contains 19 references.) (DDR)

Discusses differences in methods that are needed to effectively teach online courses as opposed to traditional classes. Considers the needs of online learners and suggests that andragogy, based on self-directed learning theory for adult learners, is more appropriate for distance education and nontraditional learners rather than traditional…

Argues that it is children's development of knowledge of written language that is key to literacy development. Offers models of emergent literacy and identifies differences between oral and written language. Poses implications for policy, research, and practice in home and school. (DLH)

Describes a qualitative study of a community college American history survey course using constructivist teaching, wherein all learning is filtered through the learner's lens of reality. Reports that one implication of the study was that applied constructivism may result in a more holistic approach to teaching and learning. (AUTH/NB)

Includes 10 theme articles addressing research uses in agricultural education, including research on effective teaching, classrooms as teaching labs, teacher inquiry, agriscience achievement, learning communities, applications of Bloom's taxonomy, use of the elements of reasoning, end-of-term student presentations, and personality types. (SK)

This paper considers experience of further education (FE) from a student perspective. Students were involved in a longitudinal research project designed to develop a comprehensive analysis and interpretation of their progress on a vocational study programme. Using case studies as part of a multi-method research strategy, students' motivation and…

In this article, the author, who wrote "Constructing a Pragmatic Science of Learning and Instruction with Functional Contextualism," feels honored that his article received commentary from several distinguished scholars in the field of instructional design and technology (IDT). In response to their comments, the author briefly discusses some of…

A cohort of secondary English preservice teachers was engaged in a series of articles designed to bring about a shift in their initial autonomous views of literacy toward a more sociocultural "Discourses and literacies" perspective. Students wrote an essay in which they articulated their initial assumptions about what literacy was and what…