Four-year-old (N=45) children were trained for eight weeks in one of three conditions: (1) logical foundations (classification and seriation); (2) number skills (counting); and (3) control. The experimental treatments were based on the logical foundations model of Piagetian theorists and a skill integration model. (Author/BS)

Describes six divergent forms of constructivism in providing an overview of constructivist theory. Suggests a scheme for characterizing constructivist writing on the basis of its relative emphasis on personal versus social construction of knowledge, and objectivist versus relativist views of the nature of science. Contains 31 references. (DDR)

Argues that some forms of constructivism propose an epistemological idealism with a concomitant relativism, while other forms are explicitly opposed to such positions. Explains that all forms of constructivism are often presented as being relativistic. Contains 31 references. (DDR)

Examines central parts from the first two papers in this journal by Peter Slezak criticizing the "sociology of scientific knowledge". Considers some of the main philosophical issues raised by sociologists of science. Contains 87 references. (DDR)

Argues that there are two misunderstandings of John Dewey's pedagogical and philosophical views: the erroneous assumption that Dewey favored an activity-oriented, child-centered approach to learning; and Dewey's view on the role of experience in knowledge acquisition. The article focuses on the practical and theoretical consequences that follow…

Scottish curriculum documents in science fail to offer adequate objectives for measuring knowledge and understanding of science concepts at the primary level. The behavioral objectives of the national curriculum are incompatible with the prevailing constructivist model of learning. In constructivism, students construct their own understanding…

Explores the type of school construction suitable for instruction that includes lectures, experiment, and creation. The philosophical bases of a triadic approach to learning that appeals to feeling, rationality, and imagination are considered. Four detailed diagrams portraying the author's concepts are included. (Contains four references.) (KRN)

Defines instructional design as a manifestation of specific educational theories that are founded on understandings about the nature of the learning process and of knowledge. Analyzes the specific background, main characteristics, and feasible prospects of worldwide changes in instructional design resulting from revolutionary changes in learning…

Draws on recent work leading to new conceptions of learning, induction, transfer, and strategy acquisition. Contends learning is no longer simply the acquisition of behaviors, but also includes storing knowledge about relations in the world, and acquiring structural representations and mental models. Sees learning and the growth of processing…

Despite widespread support for interdisciplinary curricula, there is little evidence that such courses are particularly efficacious or that they are superior to disciplinary courses in promoting student learning. To understand how and why interdisciplinary courses might promote specific learning outcomes, the authors apply cognitive and learning…

This paper addresses doubts concerning the reliability of knowledge being created by double loop learning processes. Popper's ontological worlds are used to explore the philosophical basis of the way that individual experiences are turned into organisational knowledge, and such knowledge is used to generate organisational learning. The paper…

This report begins by discussing the implications of a constructivist epistemology for instructional design and development, as well as drawbacks of the content database in instruction, the lack of special tools to help the learner actively construct knowledge, and emphasis on learning environments based on individual learning. The whole learning…

This discussion of the relationship between two related disciplines--cognitive psychology and instructional design (ID)--characterizes instructional design as a more applied discipline, which concerns itself more with prescriptions and models for designing instruction, while instructional psychologists conduct empirical research on learning and…

Noting that although a great deal of empirical research has been done to investigate the writing rules commonly taught, this paper points out that no one has yet constructed a deep theory of the relationship between cognition and writing that confirms the writing rules and explains how they work. The paper then uses theories and research in the…

Intended as a chapter in "Carmichael's Manual of Child Psychology," this paper provides an overview and interpretation of the work already completed on children's learning, remembering, and understanding with a major concentration on academic cognition. The first part of the paper provides a brief overview of the principal trends of the 1970s and…