Examined the effects of implementing the criterion-referenced assessment system on the views of year 10 students and teachers in 2 schools. Students and teachers were generally positive toward these methods of assessment. There was some sex bias in aspects of the system with females performing better on skill assessments than males. (MDH)

Pattern changes in science education are analyzed for the years 1962-77 in relation to pure science subjects studied by students. Numbers are analyzed of boy/girl entrants involved in (1) a balanced science course and (2) at least one pure science subject. (CS)

Sex differences in performance of year-11 British students in science are being explored in an ongoing study. Some early results and tentative conclusions are reported. Double award science was introduced in England to improve scientific literacy, to reduce sex imbalances in later science pursuits by females, and to encourage generally greater…

Presents findings that young secondary students have stereotyped ideas about the appropriateness of certain careers for men and women. Indicates that careers such as pilot, engine mechanic, electrician, and computer technician are viewed by all students as more suitable for males. Considers the consequences of these results relative to the…

Discusses the findings of a study of the views of 15 and 16 year-olds on the importance of biodiversity conservation. Reports general disapproval for human economic activities that might threaten wildlife with extinction, although significantly fewer boys than girls held this view. (Contains 16 references.) (Author/YDS)

A five-year longitudinal investigation was undertaken to identify factors influencing secondary school students in their choice of sixth-form courses and possible careers. The influence of intelligence, personality, aspirations, and family were studied. (Author/BW)

The principles that seem to govern the way people receive and use scientific knowledge are considered. The results of three surveys, conducted in England and the United States, are compared in terms of adult and student scientific literacy, gender differences, social context, and attitudes of people to scientific change. (KR)

Over 2,300 13- to 14-year olds in 7 mixed and 6 single-sex English high schools were tested on their attitudes to science, specific subjects, and school and asked to rank all school subjects in terms of liking and perceived importance. Results confirmed the tendency toward greater polarization of attitudes in mixed schools. (SK)

The incidence and causes of cheating were studied through a questionnaire completed by 943 English college students. Reported cheating was widespread, more common among men and less able students, and more common in science and technology students. Student motivation appears to be a major factor in explaining the differences. (SLD)

The postulate that reading is primarily an indicator of the general level of the individual's thinking and reasoning processes, rather than merely a set of distinct and specialized skills, is examined within the framework of a social psychological model of the structure of scholastic performance. Using data from the English subsample of the IEA…

Describes a study of gender differences in science achievement in England and Wales. Finds that the most pronounced gender differences in favor of males occurred in the higher-level papers taken by more able students, especially in physics. Also, more discriminating questions exhibited larger gender gaps in favor of males. Contains 21 references.…

A British study of 93 male and 35 female students taking advanced-level (A-level) physics showed that females who had chosen to pursue A-levels tended to have higher ability, preferred contextualized teaching and learning, and were more person oriented in their career choices. (SK)

Describes a three-year research project which explored how far, and in what ways, ninth-grade boys and girls can use the scientific knowledge they have gained in school when considering the energy predicament. External and personal factors influencing students' concern over the energy crisis are addressed. (JN)

Describes a study of undergraduates at Bolton Institute (England) that investigated biological sex, psychological masculinity and femininity, computer comfort, computer engagement, and computer over-use. Discusses the role of applications in determining sex differences, and explains findings that imply that some reduction of sex asymmetries in…

Exhibits are a way of self-guided presentation in which visitors use their own knowledge and understanding. Studies a self-guided group visiting an exhibition on dinosaurs which are displayed as robotic models. Finds that the animatronics have a well thought out storyline that increases family and school visitors' understanding of the exhibit…