A Teacher Education Program in Curriculum Studies, introduced recently in teacher education institutions in Israel, is described. The reasons for the program, including findings of a survey of curriculum studies in Israeli schools of education are given. A preliminary report on teacher reactions to the program is presented. (Author/MT)

In 1978, more than 100 science educators from Israel and approximately 50 leading science educators and researchers representing 13 countries convened at the Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot (23-28 July) and The Hebrew University, Jerusalem (30 July-2 August) to discuss problems and issues of curriculum development and curriculum…

One response to the disappointment from the curriculum reform of the 1960's has been an increased tendency towards more teacher autonomy in determining the curriculum. Seven modes of curriculum development in terms of the role of teachers have been identified. Listed from Center to Periphery these are: Centrally Based, Locally Centrally Based,…

Describes the "Computer Software Inquiry Inventory" (CSI), which was designed for content analysis of inquiry-based science computer software. Explains the five basic features of the instrument. Includes analyses of two programs using the CSI categories of evaluation. (ML)

Describes the rationale and activities developed and tested by the Biology Critical Thinking project (BCT). Presents the project guidelines for developing activities, a list of skills selected as goals of BCT, instruments used in determining effectiveness of the activities, results of the pilot study, and a sample activity involving vitamins. (MDH)

Proposes an approach to school laboratory experiences which leads to gradual acquisition of inquiry skills based on the idea of advance organizers. Presents a design which is context familiar and can serve as an introduction to scientific inquiry. Discusses student achievement, and teacher and student attitudes. (CW)

This study describes the rationale and activities developed and tested by a project in Israel entitled Biology Critical Thinking (BCT). The BCT project aims at developing a pool of activities that can be incorporated within the regular course of study without investing too much extra time. The purposes of the study are: (1) to present the…

Presents a rationale for teaching inquiry skills and describes a learning module which was designed to develop inquiry skills and provides a realistic view of the nature of scientific research for secondary science students. Explains the module's evaluation procedures and results. (ML)