Uses creative dramatics to introduce an exploration of the dynamics of pendulums. (YDS)

This paper answers several frequently asked questions about constructivism, including how to define it, how to plan the curriculum, how to assess student understanding, what to do with the information, where to begin, how students work in a constructivist classroom, and why constructivism is important. (SM)

Presents case study of one child, Scrap, as he uses play and experimentation within a facilitative classroom environment to resolve conflicts related to written language. Classroom practices are described. Shared journal entries are used to illustrate a conscious awareness of how words are written, morphosyntactic aspects of written discourse, and…

The teacher as a "sage on the stage" is being eclipsed by the learning facilitator, or "guide on the side." While there is room for constructivist methodologies, the rage against expertise and repetitive or rote learning practices is misguided. Students deserve a chance to learn from real experts. (MLH)

Focuses on the familiar problem of students' understanding of elementary electrical circuits from a much neglected point of view. Suggests that the patterning commonly found in students' ideas might have its roots in the cognitive processing with which students operate their mental models of d.c. electrical circuits. Studies Japanese 10-11 year…

Focuses on two aspects of the use of concept cartoons in preservice science teacher education: evaluating their use as a teaching and learning approach, and challenging student teachers' perceptions of how constructivist principles might be implemented in the classroom. (SAH)

Focuses on learning difficulties in procedural knowledge, and assesses the procedural difficulties of grade 12 and first- and third-year university students based on common sense reasoning in two areas of chemistry--chemical equilibrium and geometry, and polarity of molecules. (Contains 55 references.) (Author/YDS)

Introduces an activity of creating discovery centers that is designed for preservice elementary students using a constructivist approach. Encourages students to find science experiments and hands-on extension activities. (YDS)

Addresses the changing nature of social studies assessment and its importance as a curriculum component. Offers a brief history of social studies assessment and discusses the present stance on assessment and evaluation. Considers assessing student discourse in group settings and ensuring individual accountability. Provides guidelines for utilizing…

Annual informal conversational interviews (ten years) explore how young adults (N=39) take on responsibility, manage their affairs effectively, develop confidence, integrate and maintain identity, create meaning and organize experience, and make informed decisions in the face of societal demands and challenges. Higher education's role in promoting…

Argues that the traditional paradigm used in teaching science and mathematics should be replaced by one which focuses on the students' own conceptions, prior experiences, and active participation in learning. (DDR)

Draws on the new field of mathematical study called fractal geometry. Illustrates the pervasiveness and constraining tendencies of classical geometries. Suggests that fractal geometry is a mathematical analogue to fields such as post-modernism, post-structuralism, and ecological theory. Examines how fractal geometry can complement other emergent…

Provides a model for curriculum development using constructivism to help democratize science education. Illustrates how to put this model into practice, focusing on: (1) expressing current conceptions; (2) sharing and learning new conceptions; and (3) applying and testing conceptions. (CMK)

Discusses challenges facing teacher librarians to plan a future for the information-knowledge environments in schools and suggests that action and evidence-based, learning-centered practice focusing on a constructivist inquiry approach are important. Topics include perceived lack of support and understanding; funding; professional development; a…

Examines the paradigm debate over established (behavioral and cognitive) and alternative (constructivist) models of instructional design (ID). Discusses instructional strategies and principles, new terms versus new meaning, "straw man" and personalized arguments, expert-determined goals, research-based versus "brand-X" models,…