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Turtle Geometry presents an innovative program of mathematical discovery that demonstrates how the effective use of personal computers can profoundly change the nature of a student's contact with mathematics. Using this book and a few simple computer programs, students can explore the properties of space by following an imaginary turtle across the screen. The concept of turtle geometry grew out of the Logo Group at MIT. Directed by Seymour Papert, author of Mindstorms, this group has done extensive work with preschool children, high school students and university undergraduates.
Decades of research in the cognitive and learning sciences have led to a growing recognition of the incredibly multi-faceted nature of human knowing and learning. Up to now, this multifaceted nature has been visible mostly in distinct and often competing communities of researchers. From a purely scientific perspective, "siloed" science—where different traditions refuse to speak with one another, or merely ignore one another—is unacceptable. This ambitious volume attempts to kick-start a serious, new line of work that merges, or properly articulates, different traditions with their divergent historical, theoretical, and methodological commitments that, nonetheless, both focus on the highl...
This book examines the kinds of transitions that have been studied in mathematics education research. It defines transition as a process of change, and describes learning in an educational context as a transition process. The book focuses on research in the area of mathematics education, and starts out with a literature review, describing the epistemological, cognitive, institutional and sociocultural perspectives on transition. It then looks at the research questions posed in the studies and their link with transition, and examines the theoretical approaches and methods used. It explores whether the research conducted has led to the identification of continuous processes, successive steps, or discontinuities. It answers the question of whether there are difficulties attached to the discontinuities identified, and if so, whether the research proposes means to reduce the gap – to create a transition. The book concludes with directions for future research on transitions in mathematics education.
This book provides a collection of applicable learning theories and their applications to science teaching. It presents a synthesis of historical theories while also providing practical implications for improvement of pedagogical practices aimed at advancing the field into the future. The theoretical viewpoints included in this volume span cognitive and social human development, address theories of learning, and describe approaches to teaching and curriculum development. The book presents and discusses humanistic, behaviourist, cognitivist, and constructivist theories. In addition, it looks at other theories, such as multiple intelligences theory, systems thinking, gender/sexuality theory and indigenous knowledge systems. Each chapter follows a reader-motivated approach anchored on a narrative genre. The book serves as a guide for those aiming to create optional learning experiences to prepare the next generation STEM workforce. Chapter “The Bildung Theory—From von Humboldt to Klafki and Beyond” is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com
Computers are playing a fundamental role in enhancing exploratory learning techniques in education. This volume in the NATO Special Programme on Advanced Educational Technology covers the state of the art in the design and use of computer systems for exploratory learning. Contributed chapters treat principles, theory, practice, and examples of some of the best contemporary computer-based learning environments: Logo, Boxer, Microworlds, Cabri-Géomètre, Star Logo, Table Top, Geomland, spreadsheets, Function Machines, and others. Emphasis is on mathematics and science education. Synthetic chapters provide an overview of the current scene in computers and exploratory learning, and analyses from the perspectives of epistemology, learning, and socio-cultural studies.
This book explores the option of building on symbolizing, modeling and tool use as personally meaningful activities of students. It discusses the dimension of setting: varying from the study of informal, spontaneous activity of students, to an explicit focus on instructional design, and goals and effects of instruction; and the dimension of the theoretical framework of the researcher: varying from constructivism, to activity theory, cognitive psychology and instructional-design theory.
This volume supports the belief that a revised and advanced science education can emerge from the convergence and synthesis of several current scientific and technological activities including examples of research from cognitive science, social science, and other discipline-based educational studies. The anticipated result: the formation of science education as an integrated discipline.
Contributors. Preface. Introduction; M. LimÃ3n, L. Mason. Part I: Theoretical Perspectives. The Processes and Challenges of Conceptual Change; M.T.H. Chi, R.D. Roscoe. Why `Conceptual Ecology' is a Good Idea; A.A. diSessa. On the Nature of Naà ̄ve Physics; S. Vosniadou. Map Reading Versus Mind Reading: Revisiting Children's Understanding of the Shape of the Earth; J. Ivarsson, et al. Understanding Conceptual Change: A Commentary; R.E. Mayer. Part II: Motivational, Social and Contextual Aspects. The Role of Motivational Beliefs in Conceptual Change; E.A. Linnenbrink, P.R. Pintrich. Situating the Question of Conceptual Change; O. Halldén, et al. Participative Learning and Conceptual Chan...
The interdisciplinary field of the learning sciences encompasses educational psychology, cognitive science, computer science, and anthropology, among other disciplines. The Cambridge Handbook of the Learning Sciences, first published in 2006, is the definitive introduction to this innovative approach to teaching, learning, and educational technology. In this dramatically revised second edition, leading scholars incorporate the latest research to provide practical advice on a wide range of issues. The authors address the best ways to write textbooks, design educational software, prepare effective teachers, organize classrooms, and use the Internet to enhance student learning. They illustrate the importance of creating productive learning environments both inside and outside school, including after school clubs, libraries, and museums. Accessible and engaging, the Handbook has proven to be an essential resource for graduate students, researchers, teachers, administrators, consultants, software designers, and policy makers on a global scale.