Discusses recent developments in the philosophy of social science, most of which reflect or grow out of the dichotomy between the empiricist and positivist schools of thought. Considers and rejects the realist response as being overly concerned with causal correlations to the exclusion of social mechanisms and processes. (MJP)

Discussed is the notion of ethnomathematics as an epistemological approach to mathematics. The relationship between ethnomathematics and mathematics education is described. Suggestions regarding mathematical pedagogy are provided. (CW)

Investigates conceptions of the geosciences held by a university geology instructor and five students before and after a teaching intervention. Argues for the use of repertory grids to elicit personal constructs. Advocates targeting the societal aims of geological education within a constructivist framework. Contains 54 references. (Author/WRM)

There has been some debate about whether "critical pedagogy," as a field of study, adequately incorporates issues of race and racism into its analysis of schooling and society. Among other things, researchers have suggested that critical pedagogy, with its foundation in Marxist critiques of schooling and society, has privileged issues of social…

We seek to understand why persons develop their musical preferences by identifying with a particular cultural group and social background. This identification is greatly shaped by experience in their environment. Resources employed for this identification are mostly different from those employed in schools to foster academic knowledge. We argue…

The papers in this publication are, for the most part, coupled as a statement of position followed by a response. The subjects addressed cover a broad spectrum of educational philosophy. Topics chosen for presentation include: (1) basic reading instruction for hermeneutic understanding; (2) the teacher as a philospher; (3) the classroom as a…

Examines curriculum change from a historical perspective, focusing on forms of knowledge/ways of knowing. Discusses curriculum development in relation to sociology of knowledge, tracing history of change as science matured. Suggests that school science is a social construct, questioning the manipulative use and responsibility for scientifically…

Science education researchers have not used conceptual content of science (with some exceptions) as an important variable in their research. Suggestions are offered as to what kinds of science education research could be done in which conceptual content of science is important. (Author/SK)

Describes and critiques the theory of knowledge that undergirds conventional pedagogy in higher education. Pragmatism is suggested as an alternative epistemology to illuminate the contextual nature of knowledge and affirm community, diversity, and engagement as pedagogical virtues. Comments on the significance and limitations of philosophical…

Advocates moving multicultural education beyond ethnic awareness into a more theoretical and constructive phase. Argues for incorporating epistemological theories regarding the subjectivity of knowledge with an awareness of the interdependence of different cultures. (MJP)

Based on interviews with 39 college teachers, a questionnaire was developed identifying 2 orientations to learning: knowledge transmission and learning facilitation. A survey of 170 faculty using the questionnaire found departments with high scores on knowledge transmission discouraged a deep approach to study; those in which learning facilitation…

In discussing the incorporation of constructivist instructional philosophies in education, this article examines the complicated shape-shifting that occurs across many constructivist ideas, demystifying constructivism by locating its identity or substance, synthesizing tenets that might bring identity to constructivism, and analyzing and…

Argues that the notion of leadership is difficult and potentially dangerous, particularly when related to academic matters. If applied to initiative, concern for exactitude, provision of a role model and authority, then leadership is a description of academic work generally. While the concept of academic leadership is inimical to knowledge…

This paper considers the work of Martin Heidegger and its relation to situated cognition. The motivation for the paper springs from the perceived misconception that many educators have on situated cognition by applying situated learning strategies in a dualistic orientation, whereas situated cognition is fundamentally relativist (non-dualistic) in…

This paper explores the relevancy of apprenticeships for professional training. While often neglected in current educational theory, apprenticeship training is common in the arts and in the mentoring and supervision of professionals. The apprenticeship model may provide solutions for some of the problems of the current educational system such as…