Ability to represent life-size space in a small scale was examined by asking 4-year-olds to create a small-scale model of a familiar preschool classroom. Study 1 children with high or low restructuring ability completed the model under guided or nonguided format. Guidance given to Study 2 children emphasized a functionally clustered classroom…

Reviews consequences of the shift in emphasis from content knowledge to pedagogical method within teacher education. Identifies three forms (propositional, case study, and strategic) in which knowledge about content, pedagogy, and curriculum may be organized. Describes implications for teacher education and examination process and content. (KH)

The New Jersey Task Force on Thinking has taken the first steps toward statewide assessment of students' thinking skills. Efforts were made to (1) define requisite thinking competencies, (2) explore measurement of thinking competencies, and (3) make recommendations accordingly. Preliminary findings are reported. (TE)

This yearbook contains essays that examine the construction of knowledge. The 10 articles, which are called "opinions," are divided into 5 sections, most of which examine the construction of scientific knowledge. An editor's introduction begins each section. Section 1, "Constructivism as an Epistemology and Philosophy of…

A study examined the relationships between cognitive differentiation and three methods of influence. A brief summary of cognitive differentiation examined the historical formulation, the organizational applications, and the measures and methods involved. Similarly, a review of organizational influence summarized the importance of influence as well…

During the past 15 years, physics education research has revealed many surprising things about the difficulties introductory physics students have in learning physics. At the same time, the ongoing revolution in information technology has led to new tools for creating innovative educational environments. In response to these two developments, a…

This paper proposes a model for teaching and learning complex thinking skills developed from a synthesis of theories and research. The model functions like a concept map or a graphic organizer with five major components, each discussed in this paper: (1) presence of complex authentic life situations within a context; (2) activation and execution…

This paper provides practical advice for making online discussions educationally durable. This advice focuses on all stages of online discussions from designing the assignment guidelines through summative evaluation. While this practical advice is grounded in the author's experience, it is more substantively grounded in a framework defining…

Newell and Simon's new theory of thinking is summarized and some educational implications developed. The enaction theory implies that thinking is a skill and should be taught like other skills, by teaching methods of how to perform it. The traditional theory of thinking and its influence are briefly discussed. (Author/MH)

Describes six divergent forms of constructivism in providing an overview of constructivist theory. Suggests a scheme for characterizing constructivist writing on the basis of its relative emphasis on personal versus social construction of knowledge, and objectivist versus relativist views of the nature of science. Contains 31 references. (DDR)

Argues that some forms of constructivism propose an epistemological idealism with a concomitant relativism, while other forms are explicitly opposed to such positions. Explains that all forms of constructivism are often presented as being relativistic. Contains 31 references. (DDR)

Examines central parts from the first two papers in this journal by Peter Slezak criticizing the "sociology of scientific knowledge". Considers some of the main philosophical issues raised by sociologists of science. Contains 87 references. (DDR)

Examines counselor self-efficacy within two theoretical domains of the Integrated Developmental Model (IDM) of supervision. Results, based on 142 counseling graduate students, show that, of the three developmental levels predicted by IDM, level two trainees reported greater efficacy of microskills than level one trainees, and also exhibited…

Reviews a subjective exercise completed by students at the end of each of six units in an introductory organic chemistry course. Argues that instruction should be shaped by Ausubel's concept of meaningful learning. (DDR)

Examines how modern technology is redefining competences, particularly those required by aircrews in state-of-the-art cockpits and how rule-based descriptions may not always be as practical as cognitive schemas and frames or case-based reasoning. Concludes that a wider systems perspective must include a balance between intuitive and analytic…