A movement of educational change in Portugal aimed at giving schools larger autonomy in curricular decisions is described. In reconceptualizing curriculum, the concepts of competence and innovation played a central role. An analysis of the curriculum development process is included and some suggestions are offered for future research and debate.…

This paper offers an argument for the return to a consideration of the basic issues in mathematics education research in order to better understand the mechanisms of mathematics learning. A return to these basic issues can also shed light on the difficulties students encounter in learning mathematics. In organizing the argument, three kinds of…

An alternative method of measuring the knowledge of students is to use mental models, and specifically concept maps. Concept maps provide a visual representation of conceptual and relationship knowledge within a particular domain. This study builds on previous studies and attempts to reduce their methodological weaknesses. Students in several…

Raises a number of questions about knowledge generation from mathematics education and the nature of pedagogical information in the field. Considers two main activities within the realm of mathematics education: (1) pursuing investigations to improve instruction and (2) redefining the boundaries of mathematics as a subject. (DDR)

Supports the approach for young children that allows them to perform actions on objects and observe the reactions. Describes some techniques to use to encourage an inquiry approach. (DDR)

This special issue includes four articles that address issues concerning conceptual change. Topics include analogical reasoning and a case study of Johannes Kepler; conceptual change and wine expertise; the role of extreme case reasoning in instruction for conceptual change; and dynamic science assessment: a new approach for investigating…

Describes a study in which teaching and learning activities are designed using a cognitive conflict strategy. Focuses on the effectiveness of these activities in classroom research in pre-university courses in Botswana and South Africa. Contains 39 references. (DDR)

Reports on a case study that is part of a larger study taking place in Trinidad, West Indies. Focuses on one subject and how a person makes use of conventional science and traditional knowledge in everyday life. Contains 29 references. (DDR)

Argues that the organization of cognitive structures for technical domains can be visualized as a network of connected thinkable models. Describes a taxonomy of models that has been developed and discusses the issue of how representations relate to human modes of perception and action. Contains 25 references. (DDR)

Explains the origin and goals of cognitive flexibility theory and discusses new directions being explored. Topics include hypermedia systems; multiple knowledge representations; interconnectedness; context-dependency; digital video cases; experience acceleration; and bridging knowledge and practice, cognitive, individualistic practices and…

Discusses current views on problem solving in the workplace, and identifies five areas for consideration: (1) knowledge representation; (2) verbally teaching strategy components of the skill--versus the learner acquiring it inductively through practice; (3) the principles of teaching procedures; (4) how to construct simulations; and (5) weighing…

Considers the idea that concept mapping has applications beyond those associated with student assessment. Outlines further uses for concept mapping in the classroom along with suggestions for implementing this powerful tool. (DDR)

Reports a study that tracks the changes in children's ideas about science and scientific concepts through the use of interviews and questionnaires. Students respond to seven questions about science learning, scientists, and their future relationship to science. (DDR)

Suggests that the development of good chemistry teaching and the pursuit of research have essentially the same structure. Similarities include the need for a clear focus, efficiency in time and effort, and a direction that is more often right than wrong. (DDR)

Describes a study that investigates the relationship between secondary students' written responses and the mathematical and cognitive processing used when solving a complex problem. Contains 40 references. (DDR)