Describes a study of Indian and Fijian pre-service primary teachers that reveals how many hold alternative conceptions of fundamental scientific concepts. Focuses on conservation of matter. (DDR)

To test the language experience hypothesis, the comprehension of high-, moderate-, and low-familiarity idioms was examined in 24 African-American and 24 European-American fifth graders. Results indicated a significant effect of group on idioms rated as low-familiarity. The influence of social and regional culture on idiom comprehension is…

Compares a school that integrated mathematics, science, and technology in grade nine to a school in the same district that taught the same courses separately. Discusses the benefits of an integrated-learning setting for the students. Contains 31 references. (DDR)

Focuses on the responses of elementary school children (N=336) to an "Awareness of Technology Survey" question intended to explore how they would begin the technological problem-solving process. Contains 29 references. (DDR)

Synthesizes the concept of "cultural border crossing" with "collateral learning," its cognitive explanation. Examines and advocates the efficacy of reanalyzing previously published interpretive data in light of this conceptual synthesis. Contains 59 references. (Author/WRM)

The Waldorf philosophy of education is about awakening and growing an active, inquiring, imaginative mind; a healthy body; and a heart of compassion. This is accomplished by tapping into the natural well of children's rhythmic natures using multisensory approaches. The importance of rhythm in nature, developmental stages, sequencing, and…

Describes the current situation of teaching and learning in China and the features of biology science; reviews existing theories of cognitive and learning styles as well as concept mapping. A Concept Mapping Training Course is outlined which incorporates concept mapping into biology learning. Students' different cognitive styles are taken into…

Presents a teacher's experiences with teaching fractions by employing the constructivist approach. Concludes that children will go much further with depth, pleasure, and confidence if they are allowed to construct their own mathematics to make sense to them every step of the way. (ASK)

Discusses paradigm shifts needed in today's evolving information-based society related to distance education. Topics include dissonance between ideals and practice, information technology and global competition, demographic changes, increased costs, resistance to change, the issue of quality, the Internet, research into learning, and curriculum…

Examines issues concerning the learning process in the information age. Highlights include new concepts of literacy, including information literacy; teaching methods and instructional design, including global influences, faculty as facilitators of learning, and learning environments; learning to learn; learning strategies; the presentation of…

This article presents reconstructionism (the process of critique and reformulation of practice) as a useful way to design curriculum in inclusive schools. Theoretical foundations and the use of learner-centered, process-oriented, and communication-based instructional approaches are proposed as promising practices in curriculum design for diverse…

Argues that reform in curriculum and instruction should be based on students resolving problems rather than mastering skills and applying them. An alternative is proposed that builds on John Dewey's "reflective inquiry," arguing that this approach would facilitate students' understanding. This proposal is compared with other views on the…

Describes how a problem-based learning approach is used in a course on general surgery and reports the results in terms of degree of satisfaction of students, teachers, and patients. Employs interviews with a real patient with a real condition. (DDR)

Captures the complexity of incorporating new technologies in an advanced foreign language course. Describes the activity in which participants engaged to acquire cultural knowledge through use of the Internet. Examines how the instructional context advanced learning. Findings suggest learning can be assisted by computers when this use is supported…

Discussion of information technology and course redesign focuses on readiness criteria that can help identify which courses are successful redesign candidates. Examines impact on the curriculum; capitol-for-labor substitution; collective decision making; faculty attitudes; curricular materials; requisite skills for participants; learning outcomes;…