Concept image and concept definition in mathematics with particular reference to limits and continuity

The concept image consists of all the cognitive structure in the individual's mind that is associated with a given concept. This may not be globally coherent and may have aspects which are quite different from the formal concept definition.The development of limits and continuity, as taught in secondary school and university, are considered. Various investigations are reported which demonstrate individual concept images differing from the formal theory and containing factors which cause cognitive conflict.     

Eight Pedagogical Preambles on Dolly the Sheep

This paper explores the assumptions underlying a commonplace school activity based on the mandated science curriculum: exploring the difference between natural and human made structures. Following a student's desire to use Dolly the Sheep as his example, a great array of contemporary and classical connections are explored.     

Disciplinary Literacies and Learning to Read for Understanding: A Conceptual Framework for Disciplinary Literacy

This article presents a framework and methodology for designing learning goals targeted at what students need to know and be able to do in order to attain high levels of literacy and achievement in three disciplinary areas—literature, science, and history. For each discipline, a team of researchers, teachers, and specialists in that discipline engaged in conceptual meta-analysis of theory and research on the reading, reasoning, and inquiry practices exhibited by disciplinary experts as contrasted with novices. Each team identified discipline-specific clusters of types of knowledge. Across teams, the clusters for each discipline were grouped into 5 higher order categories of core constructs: (a) epistemology; (b) inquiry practices/strategies of reasoning; (c) overarching concepts, themes, and frameworks; (d) forms of information representation/types of texts; and (e) discourse and language structures. The substance of the clusters gave rise to discipline-specific goals and tasks involved in reading across multiple texts, as well as reading, reasoning, and argumentation practices tailored to discipline-specific criteria for evidence-based knowledge claims. The framework of constructs and processes provides a valuable tool for researchers and classroom teachers' (re)conceptualizations of literacy and argumentation learning goals in their specific disciplines.     

Unchaining the slaves: discovery learning is not being told

The emotional and intellectual advantages claimed for teaching by discovery have a long history, but actual designs for instructional environments in which discovery learning is facilitated are still all too rare. Contrary to many people's assumptions, the Socratic dialogues show no evidence of discovery-based learning, nor are they even examples of good questioning technique. Those who work with hypertext need to give deep thought to what it means to discover while being told.     

Ten Years of the National Policy on Education in Nigeria: An Assessment of Policy on Special Education

The National Policy on Education in Nigeria is an important document that had attractive plans for the Educational System of the country in general and, in particular, for persons with a disability. As the policy concerns the welfare and education of persons with a disability, its implementation has been fraught with the problem of lack of a legal document to regulate implementation activities. Basic to this problem, of course, are those of funding, limited definitions and policy objectives. This paper highlights these problems with brief discussions and concludes with suggestions for effective implementation.     

A review of the use of video‐conferencing for actuarial education — a three‐year case study

This paper reviews the three‐year history of teaching actuarial studies in live time by video‐conferencing from The University of Melbourne to students at The Australian National University, Canberra. The paper discusses the practicalities of this programme including aspects relating to students, staff and the technology. The outcomes for students at both institutions are presented together with a discussion of a number of issues from the perspectives of the lecturing staff. Some limitations of the programme are also presented.