Discusses geometrical reasoning in the framework of the theory of Figural Concepts to highlight the interaction between the figural and conceptual components of geometrical concepts. Examples of students' difficulties and errors in geometrical reasoning are interpreted according to the internal tension that appears in figural concepts resulting…

Critiques Nicholas Lemann's recent book on the 1940-70 Black migration from the South to the urban North, particularly the thesis that the modern-day Black urban underclass is composed mainly of ex-sharecroppers and their descendants. Traces the theory's political history and discusses evidence that many Black migrants achieved relative success.…

Argues that entertainment media, especially feature films, have a powerful impact in shaping knowledge and beliefs about the world. Presents four ways that teachers can use feature films to enhance the teaching of world history and to counteract misconceptions that students acquire through the mass media. (DB)

Discussed are the implications of the three main stages of conceptual change--"awareness, disequilibrium, and reformulating"--on misconceptions of grade 10 students in Israel. The difficulties and problems encountered with the procedure are included. (KR)

Representing English, history, geography, science, graphic arts, intermediate special education, physical and health education, and environmental studies, six Ontario (Canada) teachers cooperating on an integrated curriculum project found that their "separate" subject areas came together naturally in a theme approach to teaching. Success…

Support for Minnesota's cross-district public school choice laws is strong. In 1992, 76% of Minnesotans favored choice as 1 part of the comprehensive reforms needed. This article debunks seven widely circulated myths about the state's choice plans, particularly regarding program effects, benefits for disadvantaged students, parental selection…

This study found no significant relations between junior high school students' (n=50) prior alternative frameworks on energy and their cognitive levels of operation. Significant differences in learning outcomes were achieved by students (n=29) who had higher cognitive level scores. The extent to which students succeeded in learning the energy…

Use of concept mapping as an assessment tool allows links to be made between concepts, and shows both scientifically correct propositions and misconceptions. Annotated drawings offer an alternative form of expression to children who may hold ideas but find it difficult to express them in words or to recognize links between them. (PVD)

Presents the history of the theory of evolution and states that the creationist world view had been abandoned by even religious scientists before 1859. Argues that the public's perception of evolution could be improved by presenting a more complete picture of the theory's development, emphasizing the contributions of Christian--often…

Discusses the approach of creationist groups to the distortion of science and the selective presentation of often-apocryphal evidence. Argues that the strategy is persuasive to those poorly educated in science, that people like to be persuaded that their views are right, and that they are intelligent people capable of figuring out science for…

Investigates whether and how collaborative learning at the computer fosters conceptual change. Employs a suite of computer-simulation programs developed to confront students' alternative conceptions in mechanics. Contains 46 references. (DDR)

Two elementary teachers teamed up to help colleagues develop classroom strategies to use with children suffering from attention deficit disorders. From a pilot test conducted with other volunteer teachers, they developed a systematic process featuring teacher-request consultation forms, strategy searches, action plans, implementation, and followup…

Parrot math (memorization) seeks to control children through external rewards and punishments, rather than harness their intelligence and curiosity. Recent standardized test results document parrot math's failure. Activities-based approaches, supported by a constructivist philosophy (involving classifying, inferring, generalizing, and…

Third International Mathematics and Science Study results show that high-scoring states and schools do not need standards; low scorers have too many other pressing problems to utilize standards. Recent studies indicate that the proportion of college students requiring remedial courses has been exaggerated by critics. (MLH)

Randomly selected high school students (n=13) who studied an ecology unit were interviewed, and narrative data analyzed for changes in knowledge schema. Data support the current theory that the amount and quality of prior knowledge substantially influence gains in new knowledge and are closely linked to a capacity to apply higher-order cognitive…