In a best-evidence synthesis of studies that examine change in teacher candidates' conceptions and practices during their teacher education course work, too few researchers provide evidence for the linkage between candidates' beliefs and their learning. To address this problem, a mixed-design study explored on the micro-level (i.e., a lesson) the…

An alternative method of measuring the knowledge of students is to use mental models, and specifically concept maps. Concept maps provide a visual representation of conceptual and relationship knowledge within a particular domain. This study builds on previous studies and attempts to reduce their methodological weaknesses. Students in several…

With the establishment of the Internet and World Wide Web as part of the digital revolution, there has been a trend in which synchronous and asynchronous distance education opportunities have been made available to a greater variety of learners. However, students are indiscriminately pursuing online learning opportunities for the sake of…

This paper presents a slide presentation software that incorporates a concept map, which explicitly shows how the various slides (and other multimedia components) presented are related to each other. Furthermore, presentations are conceived as hypermedia systems, where the presenter can navigate among slides (and the concept map) instead of the…

This study was designed to explore the validity of scores from a select-and-fill-in (SAFI) concept map assessment as a measure of 130 undergraduate students' connected understanding of introductory astronomy. Scores from SAFI maps created for this purpose possessed high internal consistency and showed large mean increases from the beginning to the…

This paper uses a theoretical framework for concept mapping as an instance of a learning environment - the knowledge arena - and examines it against an existing framework for active learning called REAL (Rich Environment for Active Learning). The paper is intended to help in the understanding of environments for learning. Section 1 defines a…

Discusses use of a concept map in developing, teaching, and assessing the concept of "away" (as indicated by physical/chemical changes or changes in energy/human perception). A copy of the map and an activity (using a flashbulb) to get children thinking about what it means to throw something away are included. (JM)

Used concept mapping, along with other analytical techniques, to examine and address barriers to African-American families' involvement in the treatment of family members with mental illness. Focus groups recommended a variety of strategies for improving caregiver supports and for increasing the involvement of caregivers in the treatment process.…

Describes how the technique of concept mapping can be useful for identifying gaps in preservice teachers' knowledge. Validity of the technique was tested using blind interviews with a representative sample of eight trainees. Has potential as a valuable self-diagnostic tool for teachers teaching outside their area of specialization. (DDR)

Describes an undergraduate chemistry curriculum that capitalizes on the strengths of mechanistic organic chemistry. Enables students to grasp the conceptual unity that allows professional chemists to understand unfamiliar results according to few well-defined principles. Describes some instructional strategies that evolved from efforts to connect…

Describes how student teachers can use stimulated recall and concept mapping to elicit experienced mentor teachers' practical knowledge, noting that systematically examining experienced teachers' practical knowledge offers insight into teachers' observable teaching and opportunities to relate these underlying thoughts to theoretical and more…

Considers the idea that concept mapping has applications beyond those associated with student assessment. Outlines further uses for concept mapping in the classroom along with suggestions for implementing this powerful tool. (DDR)

Discusses the use of Post-it Notes as effective teaching devices. Presents activities that use Post-it Notes including concept mapping, molecular modeling, group activities illustrating multi-step biological processes, and genetics activities. Highlights the use of the constructivist approach. (JRH)

Reviews five methods of representing cognitive structures: (1) free word association; (2) controlled word association; (3) tree construction; (4) concept map; and (5) flow map. Discusses the applications as well as the limitations of these methods by comparing the types of analysis that are generated. (Contains 37 references.) (Author/YDS)

Reports in detail on the results of a study indicating that physics students' prior understandings of key concepts are systematically related to the way they approach their studies, their perceptions of learning context, and the quality of the outcomes of their studies. Includes references. (CMK)