This study, an extension of previous studies, compared the views of freshmen college biology, chemistry, and physics students (N=229) with those of high school seniors (N=437), focusing on: (1) interest in different high school topics; (2) nature of high school laboratory experiences; (3) use of innovative instructional strategies in high school;…

Described is a study of 147 students that indicated a high proportion of students did not understand the concept of limiting factors. Textbook presentations that create problems are discussed. Strategies which may be more effective in teaching the concept are suggested. (CW)

Describes remedial instruction activities as well as activity developmental strategies that utilize the results obtained from previous research on students' misconceptions related to photosynthesis to enhance 11th- and 12th-grade biology students' understanding of photosynthesis. (ZWH)

Discusses responses to student questionnaires used to identify the effect of instructional strategies on study practices and attitudes towards biology. Concludes that while organized teaching has a stronger effect on study skills, teaching by enquiry has a stronger effect on curiosity and interest. (Author/CW)

Reviews a study that analyzed the inquiry-oriented matriculation tests of 12th-grade biology students (N=3650) in Israel for the purpose of finding the interrelationships among 21 process skills. Discusses the seven factors that emerged from factor analysis and indicates the theoretical and practical implications of the findings. (ML)

This study attempted to measure the functional availability of knowledge and skills acquired in high school biology as they affect the achievement of students in a first year university course. The study, referred to as retrospective curriculum evaluation, uses a self-assessment instrument, the Knowledge and Prior Study Inventory (KPSI). An…

A questionnaire was administered to first-year biology, physics and chemistry students in an Israeli university to assess their views on the nature of the contribution made by their high school courses to college achievement. Results indicate that high school curriculum influences attitudes, knowledge retention, expectations, and achievement in…

A great number of misconceptions in diverse subject areas as well as across age levels have been documented and described. Photosynthesis is one of the more intensively studied areas in biology. The purpose of this research was to carefully select and define misconceptions about photosynthesis needing remedial efforts. To achieve this, a specially…

The achievement of students in a first-year university biology course is related to two high school variables: the kind of curriculum followed and the level of students' high school biology courses. Students who specialized in biology are compared with students who did not specialize in biology. (Author/MLF)