Asserts that college students lack understanding of the concept of function. Based on an epistemological theory, offers an instructional treatment using computers that presents a process concept of function and results in substantial improvements in student understanding for many students. (29 references) (MDH)

Argues that Frye's concept of academic freedom is based on an espistemological dualism that separates knowledge from experience. This distinction severely limits his account of academic freedom by excluding fundamental aspects of knowledge (experience, value judgments, teacher-student dialogue, rational argument, interdisciplinary inquiry,…

Describes two metacognitive tools, concept mapping and Vee diagraming, and reports on classroom research utilizing these tools in grade one through university instruction. Psychological and epistemological foundations of these tools are discussed, and student attitude changes after using these tools are reported. (64 references) (LRW)

Profiles a class exercise that teaches the importance of developing an accurate definition of a psychological construct (guilt, control, altruism). The more precise the definition, the easier it is to choose an appropriate technique to measure that construct. Discusses the Health and Psychosocial Instrument File, a recent measurement database.…

Presents results from empirical studies of physics learning for different age groups using a situated cognition perspective to construct detailed understandings of how individual learning processes unfold. Contains 35 references. (PVD)

A review of previous issues of the journal that focused on the nature of disciplines and college curriculum looks at the treatment of two themes: the interplay between predominantly sociological and predominantly epistemological accounts of knowledge communities; and the factors affecting the content and aims of university curricula, including…

The evolution and design of an interdisciplinary honors course at the University of Maryland at College Park are described. The course, on knowledge and its human consequences, brings together faculty experts, "teacher-learner" faculty, and first-year honors students to explore different kinds of knowledge and their philosophical,…

Utilizes the Psychology As Science (PAS) questionnaire to examine student's perceptions. PAS consists of a series of statements about Psychology followed by a strongly agree/disagree option. Reveals an overwhelming acceptance of psychology as a science among students. Includes a statistical breakdown of PAS statements and suggestions for future…

Focusing on academia as an organizational entity, this paper discusses feminist standpoint epistemology (FSE)--defined as the idea that the world looks different depending on the individual's vantage point--and offers tools to transform teaching and research endeavors in organizational communication. It also offers extended excerpts about the…

This paper explores how various perspectives influence inquiry in education. Normative perspectives function as implicit theories of inquiry as a researcher undertakes formal inquiry, and such theories should be acknowledged. Epistemological as well as methodological issues raised by conceiving of such theories as normative rather than merely…

These five issues of "Research in Developmental Education," examine the theoretical models and foundations of developmental education. Included are the following: (1) "Theoretical Foundations of Developmental Education," by Hunter R. Boylan, which examines the behaviorist, humanist, and developmental theories underpinning developmental education;…

This book describes the Reflective Judgment Model (RJM) and provides a comprehensive review of the research on it and the Reflective Judgment Interview (RJI). Chapter 1 defines reflective judgment as an often neglected aspect of critical thinking. Chapter 2 discusses stage-related assumptions that underlie RJM and relates RJM to current work in…

Sex differences on Perry's stages of epistemological development were investigated in a study of 100 freshmen (50 men and 50 women) at a large midwestern university. A semi-structured interview probed six domains related to Perry's theory, including the role of the learner, instructor, and peers in the learning situation, the question of…

In making a case for the liberal arts in teacher education, the point is made that the liberal arts contribute to the professional qualifications of teaching. If teachers are to be more than mere technicians, the professional skills of problem solving, analysis, and critical thought are needed. A discussion is presented of the specific need for…

Focusing on computers and television and their applications both on campus and for distance education, this Unesco report on the role of instructional media in the system of higher education in the USSR argues that the new technologies are capable of performing three main instructional functions within the context of any teaching-learning process:…