This article builds on a previous 2004 "Journal of Vocational Education and Training" (JVET) contribution by Biemans et al., in which several possible pitfalls in designing and implementing competence-based education (CBE) were discussed. The present article reports on the results of an extensive research programme on competence…

Several factors have been identified that influence a teachers' use of curriculum materials. This paper focuses on the development of materials as a key factor in this process. Clarification is given on how a sophisticated design of curriculum materials can improve curricular implementation processes and outcomes. An overview of the implementation…

Describes and analyzes five years of an attempt to introduce the public understanding of science as a subject in its own right to be taught in The Netherlands. Concludes that in spite of its status as a separate subject, the current vision of the course does not yet have a clear identity that distinguishes it from traditional school science…

Some aspects of the reform of chemical education in the Netherlands are presented. These aspects include the reason for the reform and the results of the effort. Examples regarding the way entropy is treated and the treatment of quantitative chemical problems are given. (Author)

The paper deals with the facts obtained from TIMSS 2003 (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study). This international comparative study, which includes 47 participant countries worldwide, explores dependence between eighth grade students' achievement in the areas of mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology and geography, and basic…

Describes conferences to be held in Kiel, Germany, April 2-6, 1984; Utrecht, the Netherlands, August 20-25, 1984; and Brisbane, Australia, December 10-20, 1984. Includes topics to be covered and addresses for additional information. A call for papers is included with the Kiel information. (JM)

Since 1998, upper level secondary education pupils in the Netherlands are required to choose one of four study profiles with their own specific and fixed combinations of final examination subjects. With the aid of multilevel analyses, the extent to which this situation has led to changes in the determinants of mathematics and science choice (i.e.…

Investigated what abilities and objectives can be measured on practical tests. Results suggest that these tests be composed of separate parts which measure the ability to perform an experiment and the ability to interpret and analyze an experiment. A brief description of the Dutch school system is included. (JN)

Student perceptions of the behavior of physics teachers in relation to selected variables in the classroom setting were investigated. High correlations between student perceptions of teacher behavior and affective outcomes are reported. (CW)

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)

In this paper, we report on a study of the beliefs of chemistry teachers about the teaching and learning of chemistry in upper secondary education in The Netherlands. This study was conducted in the context of the planning of a national revision of the chemistry curriculum towards a context-based approach. Chemistry teachers' beliefs were…

What it means to be a "student" varies within and between countries. Apart from the wide variety of school types and school quality that is experienced by young people, there also is, accompanying increased rates of school participation, a growing population of students who work part-time. The theoretical and actual consequences of…

Discusses the chemistry and chemical engineering curriculum, programs, and activities at Delft University of Technology (Netherlands). Chemistry and chemical engineering are combined into a single department (subdivided into 10 workgroups) at the state-supported university. An outline of the four-year study program (which includes research/design…

Discussed are college courses taught in the Netherlands that are concerned with the role of science, technology, and scientists in contemporary society, sometimes called STS (Science, Technology, and Society) courses. Topics include STS as a movement and an educational innovation and the agenda for STS courses. (JMK)

Presents a case study of the teaching of an environmental issue in the physical science curriculum at a Dutch secondary school. Focuses on the interaction between the development of the teaching unit and its use in classroom practice from the student perspective. (DDR)