Findings of experimental and qualitative research on construction of science knowledge by students with mild disabilities are reported. Both lines of research indicate these students are able to construct scientific knowledge using scientific methods, positive outcomes are associated with implementation of teacher effectiveness variables, and…

Three activities are presented to assess the level of students' geometric understanding according to van Hiele learning model. The activities--Descriptions, Minimum Properties, and Class Inclusion--are applied to the example of classifying quadrilaterals as squares, rectangles, rhombi, or parallelograms. Implications of this assessment are…

This article examines the relationship between cognitive, instructional and social psychology. It is proposed that all human activity is instructive with self-instructive activity opening the person to the instructive activity of others. The psychologist's job is seen as finding out what can be taught and to whom. (DB)

Describes a six-week summer remedial writing program at the State University of New York at Buffalo, which utilized instructional approaches designed to accommodate students' learning styles. Results on pre- and posttests of essay-writing ability, sentence fluency, and attitudes toward writing revealed improvements in all areas following the…

Asserts that qualitative research methodology represents a fundamental reconceptualization about knowledge, validity, and education. Reviews the history and trends of educational research and argues that it is increasingly legitimate to use qualitative methods. (CFR)

Describes a unit of hands-on activities on the corrosion of iron and steel. The unit uses the learning cycle and the science/technology/society approach. Three activities are presented. (PR)

This study of 72 undergraduates examined whether theories of learning from text may be extended to hypertext and the effectiveness of hypertext on learning. Participants worked with either a highly structured, unstructured, or linear hypertext system. Results indicated that less structured systems promoted more active processing and a deeper level…

Presents an annotated bibliography of educational resources supporting constructivist teaching. Includes books that illustrate active teaching strategies, general works on the philosophical bases for constructivism, guides to teaching strategies and assessment, theme issues of academic journals, and historical perspectives on constructivism. (MJP)

Offers suggestions for teachers who are interested in constructivist principles, but concerned about the classroom management required to accompany creative teaching. Outlines some procedures for achieving this goal. Includes an extensive list of student activities that can assist classroom-management efforts. (MJP)

Describes the planning and implementation of a team-taught two-course sequence for secondary educators on adolescent education. The courses included substantial information on disabilities and special education. The approach to team teaching, based on a constructivist model of learning, is illustrated through the presentation of specific learning…

Describes a case study of an experienced provocateur-teacher in which the teacher's theory for science learning and teaching during teacher-student interactions was inferred from classroom observations, teacher-student discourse, and stimulated recall interviews. The teacher's instructional moves were interrelated with the components of his…

Utilizes the psychological and sociocultural components of a constructivist paradigm to provide a detailed analysis of how the cognitive constructions students make as they enumerate 3D arrays of cubes develop and change in an inquiry-based, problem-centered mathematics classroom. Describes the classroom work of three pairs of 5th-grade students…

To equip young people to meet the challenges of the 21st century, educators must seek out the best understanding from current research on how humans learn before considering further school reform. A brain-friendly model of schooling would include smaller classes for young children, less formal instruction for adolescents, and learning integrated…

Presents examples of chemical education research that illustrate changes in focus, method, and direction over the past 50 years. Contains more than 50 references. (WRM)

Identifies metacognitive realism as the accurate assessment by a learner of their knowledge on a subject. Considers whether realism in metacognition is a stable trait, and possible influences. Briefly reviews the literature and experimental evidence and concludes that metacognitive realism is both style and strategy. (MJP)