Examined is what radical constructivism in connection with Intuitionism might mean to mathematics instruction. Implications for mathematics education, especially the potential consequences for the teaching of mathematics of a relativist view of mathematical knowledge, are suggested. (YP)

Conflict often arises among researchers when papers are reviewed, articles refereed, or peer reviews undertaken, because one's philosophy of research affects one's perception of it. This article presents a perspective of how professionals should consider their philosophy, demonstrating an interrelationship among kinds of research, philosophies…

Five models of the university are examined: traditional (medieval); liberal (English); positivist (French); relativist (utilitarian); and humanist (German). The models exist on three conceptual continuums, focusing on the goal of the university and nature and function of science. It is argued that, despite erosion, the humanist model is most…

In this article, the author describes how Eric Fox presents an interesting case for applying functional contextualism (FC) constructs and principles to learning and instruction. He draws several well-debated issues related to the instructional design and technology (IDT) field's shifting philosophical-epistemological roots and pedagogical…

Drawing from literature in the social studies of science, this paper historicizes two pivotal concepts in science literacy: the definition of life and the assumption of objectivity. In this paper we suggest that an understanding of the historical, discursive production of scientific knowledge affects the meaning of scientific literacy in at least…

This article proposes a model that integrates the traditionally conflicting objectivist and constructivist approaches to instructional design. I argue that these two approaches are complementary rather than oppositional. I present and analyze two learning programs in order to show how learning events can contain both objectivist and constructivist…

This essay addresses the topic of the state of qualitative research in education by asserting that qualitative research in education is in quite a state. Drawing heavily on Denzin and Lincoln's periodization of qualitative research as a guide, it outlines the various competing developments from within and outside that are vying to characterize the…

The purpose of this article is to examine "Ways of Knowing through the Realms of Meaning" by Dr. William Allan Kritsonis as a framework that innovative and progressive leaders in education can use to implement and utilize the absolute best practices regarding Human Resources in an educational organization. Dr Kritsonis's "Ways of Knowing through…

Many non-Western and non-English-speaking scholars express the need for supporting a methodological approach that foregrounds the voices of nationals and locals (or indigenous peoples). Supporting this stance, Western scholars will reach out in democratic and liberatory ways that effect research collaboration, helping to foster social justice and…

This paper suggests that the current confusion regarding character formation is related to a postmodern dilemma about the nature of the individual child. By looking at John Dewey's concept of "potentials," and by applying this concept to his ideas about the self and experience, this paper develops a naturalistic version of the idea of…

Curriculum knowledge cannot be legitimized until its method of construction is examined. Dominant curriculum theories, those that are well established by tradition, usually provide research results reflecting a deterministic or imposed reality. The basic premise of this paper is that curriculum theorizing has, for the most part, been a utilitarian…

States that educational researchers have very little knowledge that they know for certain. Provides an overview of the relationship between research and philosophy, addressing three questions: (1) What is real in education? (2) What can be known about educational reality? (3) What is the relationship between educational research and what we know…

Examines the claim that Habermasian critical theory is in a better position than other such perspectives to solve the theoretical and practical problems of educational administration. Concludes that critical theory has insufficient epistemological resources to justify its claims. The lack of empirical content questions the theory's value for…

Paul Hirst, a British philosopher of education, has something to say to American educators who are concerned with clarifying the purposes of secondary education. Hirst's thesis that liberal education is strictly grounded in the structure of propositional knowledge is discussed and critiqued. (RM)

Presents a sampling of commentary about epistemological function, about the diverse research processes that result from a particular philosophical position, and about technical implementation of various attempts to discover knowledge. Discussion of the qualitative versus quantitative research debate highlights ethnography, controlling for bias,…