Describes the development and modification of a teacher education program based on a constructivist epistemology. Among the conclusions are that systemic change is a slow process. If reforms are to be permanent, it is necessary to change the referents of the culture and empower teachers to take personal actions to overcome perceived constraints.…

Three themes are identified in response to several papers about teachers' cognition and instructional improvement of students with learning disabilities: (1) the teacher's dilemma between attention to the individual or the group; (2) the content of the curriculum and perspectives on knowledge and knowing; and (3) staff development. Researchers are…

In this article, Kieran Egan contests the scientific foundations of Piaget's developmental theories and the scientific basis of much educational research. In so doing, he pushes researchers and practitioners alike to rethink the centrality of Piaget's tenets to teaching and learning. Egan traces the history of the developmental literature that…

This paper characterizes the views on mathematical learning of five high school students based on the students' reflections on their mathematical experiences in a longitudinal study that focused on the development of mathematical ideas and reasoning in particular research conditions. The students' views are presented according to five themes about…

Many believe that whether teachers teach students to "do" science, teach about science, or teach about technology instead, science teachers should be as culturally literate about science as possible. Also, it is believed that a philosophy of science course which uses history of science, some normative epistemologies, practical examples, and…

The theme of the meeting reported in this document was "Research in Mathematics Education from an Epistemological Perspective." In addition to the plenary session and reaction papers the conference proceedings contain papers grouped under the headings: (1) algebra; (2) computers and mathematics education; (3) early arithmetic (K-3); (4)…

Leading educational psychologists address problems in adult development and learning in this book. "What Does Educational Psychology Know about Adult Learning and Development?" (M. Cecil Smith, Thomas Pourchot) is the introduction. "We Learn, Therefore We Develop" (Nira Granott) tackles the problem of distinguishing between…

Argues that educational research and policymaking are hampered by increased intervention by governmental agencies and misrepresentation in the media. Asserts that current educational reform efforts are in conflict with research findings related to curriculum, learning, and assessment. (CFR)

Argues that arts education should be a basic subject in the school curriculum because perception which is a key characteristic of art education is basic to intelligence. Outlines three phases of research concerning spatial ability and theories of perception. Highlights higher education's role in the relationship between arts education and general…

Explores the term "story" as it defines method and object of inquiry in teaching and learning, and explores story as a mode of knowing. Considers the political context of the story and issues of gender, power, ownership, and voice and the contributions of stories to case studies. (SLD)

A study assessed the perceived effectiveness of cognitive theories of motivation on correctional educators in Tennessee in facilitating teacher attitude and performance as compared to noncognitive models. The Performance Motivation Questionnaire obtained demographic information and responses to items on motivational concepts and practices.…

Maintains that South Africa is on the brink of large-scale reform of its educational system, with emphasis on such areas as multicultural education, school restructuring, and comparative education. Asserts that comparative education is assuming a larger role in undergraduate teacher education and is becoming a full-fledged field of study. (CFR)

A new framework for designing qualitative studies is described to optimize the emergence, representation and presentation of insights. The framework, called Reflection Methodology, is presented as a "Conversational Paradigm" that includes four components--interviewer (researcher as participant); child, task situation, and observing…

This book explores the link between critical race theory and qualitative research methodology, interrogating how race connects and conflicts with other areas of difference and is never entirely absent from the research process. After an introduction, "Critical Race Theory in Education: Theory, Praxis, and Recommendations" (Sylvia R.…

Contends that knowledge and its representation in the scholarly community has undergone changes in the past two decades. Examines the nature and contributions of teacher knowledge in the scholarly literature of music teaching. Reflects on the contribution of teacher knowledge to existing university-based literature. (CFR)