Author R. Fuller

This book is an update of the workshop that introduced the work of Jean Piaget to the science teaching community in the U.S. The result of Robert Karplus’ introduction of Piaget’s theory and observations to the Physics community have resulted in the formation of a whole new sub-discipline named physics education research (PER). The theoretical underpinnings of Piaget’s theory of cognitive equilibration are described and contrasted with the work of Vygotsky. Piaget’s ideas spawned a number of Piagetian-based course programs in institutions of higher education in the U.S. which are described in the book. Examples of work in disciplines beyond the sciences from such programs are given.