Examines existing research and instructional design theories for guidelines that encourage a deep approach to learning, i.e., meaningful learning, critical thinking, or independent learning. Highlights include sequencing strategies and elaboration theory, linking concepts, student misconceptions, changing the attitudes of teachers, and projects…

Discusses a misconception about the cycloid that asserts the final point on the path of shortest time in the "Brachistochrone" problem is at the lowest point on the cycloid. Uses a BASIC program for Newton's method to determine the correct least-time cycloid. (MDH)

Discusses some misconceptions relating to location and to the earth's hydrosphere, atmosphere, and lithosphere. Provides correction and explanation of various phenomena. Includes ocean names and sizes, sea level, coriolis effect, greenhouse effect, lightning, magma, and mass wasting. Suggests that myths can be dispelled by exposure combined with…

Presents a problem in which the incorrect application of the Law of Sines leads to an erroneous solution. Demonstrates that the commission of this error by an ophthalmologist using laser trabeculoplasty could lead to patient injury. (MDH)

Richard Jaeger owes "Kappan" readers apology for violating ethics of his profession in deliberately propagating erroneous information. Jaeger rejects the positive correlation of large class size with high mathematics test scores in Korea and Taiwan and ignores Japan, another high-scoring nation with high class sizes. However, Jaeger…

Historical accounts by fourth graders at the beginning stage of learning history show that these young students lack an experience-based framework for grounding and connecting historical teaching. Implications for teaching history to elementary school students and aspects of children's reliance on imagination in constructing historical narratives…

Questions some new orthodoxies of British elementary education: fitness for purpose, planning based on subject order requirements, and differentiation (learning described by hierarchical levels). Teachers cannot implement National Curriculum goals without substantive professional development and deeper subject area knowledge. A fruitful change…

An update on the changes in the infection pattern of the HIV virus in the United Kingdom and the United States and comments on misunderstandings about how HIV is spread in developed countries are presented. The implications for teachers in both countries are discussed. AIDS education resources are listed. (KR)

Discussed is misinformation people have on the subject of radiation. The importance of comparing artificial source levels of radiation to natural levels is emphasized. Measurements of radioactivity, its consequences, and comparisons between the risks induced by radiation in the environment and from artificial sources are included. (KR)

Addresses misconceptions concerning CD-ROM technology. Topics discussed include changes in CD-ROMs and possible obsolescence; high-speed wide area networks, frequency of updates, and pricing; CD-ROM databases in academic libraries; local area networks; interfaces between CD-ROM drives and computers; CD-ROM speed; uses of CD-ROM; and write-once CD…

Uncritically accepted assumptions of adult education are it has humanistic goals; it narrows the gap in educational attainment; it is learner centered and empowering; (and it advances equality. The reality of practice must be confronted through critical pedagogy and participatory research. (SK)

Adolescent childbearing is embedded in persuasive societal problems and is not limited to ethnic minority groups or females. Although youth are reaching biological maturity earlier, society has delayed their acceptance as adults by requiring more years of education to secure decent employment. Also, today's economy makes family formation more…

Investigates Grade 12 students' understandings of the nature of chemical bonds and the energetics elicited across five familiar chemical reactions following a course of instruction. Discusses the many ways in which students can misconstruct concepts and principles. Contains 63 references. (DDR)

Reports on research designed to discover whether certain conceptual difficulties experienced by present day students in the realm of action at a distance are parallel to the experiences of scientists in previous generations. Contains 60 references. (DDR)

Shows how 28 contemporary films' messages about educational administrators shape and limit popular discourse about schools and their mission. Hollywood's celluloid images cannot capture our school communities' complex, challenging everyday realities. Practitioners should understand how mass media shapes policy debates about public institutions and…