Examined the evolution of the knowledge and the notions of students in order to see how after one year of university study their concepts and ideas of scientific theory in chemistry had progressed. Reports that sometimes the students' conceptions are modified in the wrong way. (Author/YP)

Reports on the results of an investigation into the understanding of the concepts of basic electricity by French students from grade six up through the fourth year of college. Discusses the misconceptions formed and the challenges these present to physics educators. (TW)

Recounts the adventures of a journey taken through France and Italy. Makes an analogy of this trip to that of the one Charles Dickens took in 1844. Describes silicified horizons of the southern Paris Basin, moraines, outcrops, and "Hoodoos." (RT)

Describes a study of the understanding of basic electrical concepts shown by 15-17 year-old students in England, France, Netherlands, Sweden, and West Germany. Reports substantially the same pattern of learning difficulties across countries. Provides sample items. (Author/YP)

Describes the development and courses of an annual nine-month professional training program in urban management. Evaluates the experience of the nine sessions organized for this program. (YP)

Presents examples of didactic computer software developed in a college of engineering, along with a discussion of pedagogical and systems considerations. Discusses the use of the computer in relation to Bloom's Taxonomy. Describes the system approach, which is used to sequentially develop valid and relevant software. (TW)

This document is one of a series developed by the American Federation of Teachers to help fill a chasm in knowledge regarding world wide educational goals. It is intended that this document serve as a resource to anyone involved in setting or evaluating academic standards for students, whether at the national, state, local or school level. This…

Describes an application of methodology based on the Information Integration Theory to study intuitive mastery by 13-14 year-olds of Archimedes' Effect in physics. (Author/YP)

Described is a study that determined the long-term evolution of engineers' needs. Four essential tendencies which can be considered basic postulates for consideration and action are included. Recommendations based on the four postulates are presented. (KR)

Discusses two audiences for whom classical teaching and training courses are intended. Provides an analysis of these audiences with regard to the use and relevance of Computer Assisted Education (CAE). (TW)

Most physics problem-solving studies provide data that indicate problem representation is different between experts and novices. This paper presents "cognitive aids" guiding the process of elaboration of a problem representation through intermediate representations. Intermediate means that the representation is situated somewhere between…

The structures of French secondary and higher education are described and analyzed from the perspective of student opportunities. Experiments at the University of Grenoble in 1982-88 that improved information dissemination and student guidance and dramatically affected dropout and pass rates are discussed. Limitations inherent in the French system…

Criticizes the present state of foreign language learning for French engineering students. Suggests possible solutions. (JM)

Provides an overview of France's research and development capabilities and accomplishments. Cites examples of technological advances and explains why France has been successful in aerospace, electronic, and chemical and pharmaceutical research. Also explores the impact of education and culture on innovation attempts. (ML)

Points out the need to provide engineers with training in human relations. Describes the process of developing a document defining the problem and steps to be taken toward solution, submitted to students for their evaluation. (JM)