The education of First Nations people has been used primarily for assimilation purposes. The last 30 years have witnessed the beginnings of First Nations' control of education with the primary impetus being self-determination. Achieving self-determination through education has been hindered by the social and cultural problems associated with…

This study addresses questions about particle physics that focus on the nature of electrons. Speculations as to whether they are more like particles or waves or like neither illustrate the difficulties with which students are confronted when trying to incorporate the concepts of quantum physics into their overall conceptual framework. Such…

This paper reports on the latest outcomes of an ongoing cross national research project that examines the relationship between teachers' beliefs about the nature of science and the classroom learning environment from a reform-oriented constructivist perspective in junior high school science classrooms in Australia and Taiwan. The focus is on an…

This book presents research into the ways in which Indigenous peoples of the Andes create, transmit, maintain, and transform their knowledge, and the related processes of teaching and learning. Most chapters are based on papers delivered at a round-table conference at the University of Cambridge (England) in 1996 and include contributions from…

In an effort to manage change at Bennington College (Vermont) in the face of financial problems, its trustees engaged in an institutional symposium for a year and a half and issued a report addressing some significant questions in liberal education, including pressures for political correctness, the relativity of truth, individual responsibility,…

Native Americans have oral traditions that are distinct from the European literacy consciousness, having different modes of discourse, different kinds of metaphorical thinking, and different conceptions of teaching as storytelling. Storytelling is important in children's education, but to be effective and respectful of Native culture, school…

Examined how high school students, in individual and peer conditions, process scientific information that contradicts what they believe, and assessed the contribution of this activity to conceptual change. Results indicated two processing approaches: (1) direct assimilation; and (2) knowledge building, suggesting that knowledge building as a…

This study reports a new analysis of data on children's ideas about direct current (DC) electrical circuits. The analysis is theoretically informed by Piagetian stage theory of genetic epistemology. The limits of the genetic epistemology are discussed. (KR)

Examines relations between the philosophy of science, scientific research methods, and the methods of school science teaching. Discusses a "Standard Philosophy of Science" and a "New Philosophy of Science." Proposes that the epistemological, sociological, and psychological aspects of scientific knowledge are important…

Criticizes current educational trends, specifically the lack of critical standards and the tendency to sacrifice content in favor of promoting self-esteem. Argues that the depth and greatness of the humanities is lost in classrooms infatuated with feel-good activities and cultural relativism. (MJP)

New constructivist approaches to teaching and learning are at odds with much of what teachers believe. Four questionable sets of beliefs that may be obstacles to adopting a constructivist approach to teaching and learning are reviewed. Real educational reforms will require changes in many teacher ideas. (SLD)

Discusses hypermedia; examines cognitive theories of learning and hypermedia; and describes hypermedia applications in science education, including physical delivery of information, curriculum design, and promotion of scientific inquiry. Research projects at Vanderbilt University dealing with aspects of science education, including elementary…

Contends than an important dimension of multicultural religious education is the development of cognitive, affective, and behavioral characteristics consistent with cultural pluralism. Presents alternative views to traditional Western epistemology, focusing on postmodern feminist theories of learning. (CFR)

Presents chapter 2 from Ele Isaevich Monoszon's 1987 book, "The Establishment and Development of Soviet Pedagogy." Focuses on achievements of the 1920s in establishing a Soviet system of education. Reviews biographies and ideas of five eminent Soviet educators. (CH)

A study investigated differences in epistemological beliefs among junior college (n=116) and university (n=76) students and among technology and social science majors. Other student demographic and background variables were considered. Results suggest colleges should consider epistemological beliefs as factors in academic achievement, attrition,…