Effects of Knowledge-Building on Teacher-Education Students ’ Epistemological Belief Change

Abstract: Previous research indicates that epistemological beliefs are in relation to learning in various ways and have implications for teaching. This study further investigates whether it is possible to change teacher-education students ’ epistemological beliefs by engaging them in a constructivist way of collaborative knowledge building and learning in an online environment called Knowledge Forum. Findings indicate that Knowledge Forum as a knowledge-building environment is helpful in (1) engaging students in their online knowledge work; (2) making them more collaborative and reflective in the community; and (3) transforming their epistemological and pedagogical beliefs to become more constructivist-oriented