Conceptual change theory

These historical implications lead straight back to the theories of conceptual change. Especially the well-known theory by Posner et al. (1982) is much inspired by epistemological considerations. Posner et al. themselves characterise their theory of conceptual change as... 

As a second source, Piaget s theory of accommodation has to be mentioned, which greatly influenced the meaning of the term conceptual change . How does conceptual change take place And what are the similarities to the Kuhnian epistemology We will again quote from the Posner et al. (1982) paper (see also Table 10.1) ... 

Posner, G., Strike, K., Hewson, P, Gertzog, W. (1982) Accommodation of a scientific conception Towards a theory of conceptual change. Science Education, 66(2), 211-227. 

Accommodation of a scientific conception Toward a theory of conceptual change. Science Education, 66,211-227. 

Chi, M. T. H., Slotta, J. T., de Leeuw, N. (1994). From things to processes a theory of conceptual change for learning science concepts. Learning and Instruction, 4, 27-43. 

In order for conceptual change to take place, it is necessary for students to become dissatisfied with their present conceptions (Posner et al., 1982). In order to teach chemical equilibrium successfitlly, one must have knowledge of student preconceptions about the topic and what revisions are necessary. Furthermore, one has to understand the cognitive mechanisms responsible for the development of these personal theories and models, and why they are resistant to change (Glynn, Yeany Britton, 1991). 

Many other time parameters actually enter - if the molecule is conducting through a polaron type mechanism (that is, if the gap has become small enough that polarization changes in geometry actually occur as the electron is transmitted), then one worries about the time associated with polaron formation and polaron transport. Other times that could enter would include frequencies of excitation, if photo processes are being thought of, and various times associated with polaron theory. This is a poorly developed part of the area of molecular transport, but one that is conceptually important. 

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