Purpose: This study explored the relationship of robotics activity with the development of conceptual understanding skills among secondary school students. Method: Forty-four sixteen-year-old Form 4 (Year 10) students in a fully government-aided school who have access to functioning LEGO-Mindstorms sets during physics lessons participated in the…

This paper describes an activity which attempts to change the discourse of a mathematics classroom with the specific intent to help children who may have difficulties with mathematics and ways of communicating. Ten 8-year old children in the Learning Support Programme were engaged in an open-ended geometric task. In this paper a brief description…

Reports the results of a cross-cultural study of the development of five spatial competencies in samples of Thai and Australian children. The pattern of development was found to be similar for seven- and eight-year-olds but different for four- and five-year-olds. (Author/JN)

The interview-about-instances technique was used to investigate the conceptual frameworks that 17 Form Four Southeast Asian students held about forces acting on an object at rest or in motion. Results show a number of alternate frameworks which are similar to those found in research conducted in western countries. (Author/JN)

To obtain reliable and valid measures of cognitive development in group settings, the Test of Logical Thinking, a paper-and pencil test of formal reasoning ability, was developed. It was administered to high school stuents, and alternate forms were then devised. Applications are discussed. (MNS)

A group test of formal thinking was administered to all grade 11 entrants in National High Schools in Papua New Guinea, and readministered two years later. Only 8 percent operated formally on the initial test; two years later, 18 percent were operating formally and 37 percent were at a transition stage. (MNS)

Reviews major purposes and conclusions, and criticisms of cross cultural Piagetian studies conducted during the last two decades. The particular interest of science educators in the work is discussed in light of the availability of new instruments for assessing levels of cognitive development and for analyzing science curricula. (Author/JN)

Summarizes four stages in the development of causality obtained from interviews with Filipino children (N=1,228), reporting how they responded to questions and effect of grade/age levels on their characteristic responses. Includes a fifth stage, a logical analysis of what would be required of an adolescent trying to understand the sciences.…

Summarizes a pilot project which investigated how elementary school children in Southeast Asia learn science and mathematics concepts at different cognitive levels using the modified clinical method and group task approach. Includes the Concept Learning Project's basis, goals, phases, methodology, activities, and a summary of the findings. (DS)

Synthesized are a number of learning theories (those of Piaget, Bruner, Gagne, Dienes and Skemp) to form one composite teaching-learning model. This model is then applied to mathematics teaching. An example is provided to illustrate how the model may be used to elaborate a teaching-learning scheme for solving quadratic equations. (Author/DS)

Identified are common features of the present implementation of new school physics teaching in Southeast Asia. Implementation aids, methods, and teacher comprehension, student cognitive levels, learning styles, and a more functional physics curriculum are discussed. (DS)

Describes the three phases of the development of the pilot project on science concepts learning which was designed to be implemented nationally by the participating countries of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO). (HM)

Presents short descriptions of some research projects in science and mathematics education which have been conducted in the following countries in Southeast Asia: Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand. (HM)

This paper was presented at the Southeast Asian Workshop on new trends in the selection of content for chemistry curricula. The chemistry curriculum project developed by the Institute for the Promotion of Teaching Science and Technology (IPST) of Thailand was discussed. (HM)

Discusses the need for mathematics teaching to be matched to children's understanding rather than to the demands of mathematics. Illustrations are given from the results of testing British children by the Concepts in Secondary Mathematics and Science (CSMS) Project, Chelsea College, University of London. (HM)