The importance of educating people to live in our increasingly science- and technology-rich world is well established. Many institutions require students to take one or more courses in science. Some nonscience majors are intrigued by this opportunity, while others are less inclined to take science classes. This project used a mixed-methods…

Presents results of a national survey collecting data about the current status of and trends in elective social studies programs in secondary schools. Reports that most schools offer elective programs, usually optional rather than required electives. Concludes that psychology and sociology were the most common electives. Includes tables showing…

This study reports on the measured change in the attitude of students toward teaching science as a result of their experiences in an elementary activity-based science course for preservice elementary teachers. Overall, the students in this study showed a positive shift in attitude as measured by the Revised Science Attitude Scale instrument that…

This paper reports on the examination of physics teachers' beliefs and perceptions of laboratory and ICT supported physics instruction. The findings indicate that the teachers in the sample were generally positive about the affordances offered by the physics lab and ICT in physics instruction. However, school culture context, mainly the need to…

Analysis of data from an annual graduating medical students' survey revealed that a required third-year family medicine clerkship of at least four weeks is associated with a higher percentage of students choosing training and specialty certification in family practice. Whether clerkship inspires or reinforces preexisting choices is not indicated.…

This study was undertaken to determine whether a biology preparatory course given at an urban community college was helping students to develop the proper skills and background necessary to successfully complete follow-up courses in biology. Data indicated a mathematics score was the main discriminator between pass/fail groups of the preparatory…

Investigates factors affecting teacher attitudes and the resultant impact on student learning. Uses data from a 1987 National Assessment of Economic Education (NAEE) survey. Finds that state-mandated economics courses cause a decrease in teacher enthusiasm but that training in how to teach economics increases teacher enthusiasm and has a positive…

This study examined whether students at the Northeast Missouri State University felt the present Liberal Arts and Sciences Core Study requirements allowed enough freedom in choosing classes, and how students would respond to more free electives. Responses of 508 students were obtained to a questionnaire addressing the following areas: (1) how…

Reports on a study of the differences in economics education between private and public schools. Finds that public school students are less likely to be exposed to economic concepts prior to high school economics courses than private school students. (CFR)

Presents data from the National Education Longitudinal Study (1988) concerning attitudes and academic experiences of eighth graders. Includes academic requirements for different geographic regions; number of hours spent watching television and recreational reading; emphasis given to English topics; time spent on English and social studies…

Reports that university education departments in England and Wales plan and deliver courses according to externally imposed criteria. Presents student and teacher responses to a evaluation questionnaire on a one-week compulsory unit on gender-related issues in a preservice teacher education program. (CFR)

The question of whether a 15-week capstone course in agricultural communications for seniors in agricultural communications builds leadership skills beyond technical classroom learning was examined in a study of 15 students enrolled in the capstone course. The descriptive study used a pretest-posttest design and a leadership skills inventory to…

In 1976 Richard Gross surveyed state social studies specialists and local supervisors to determine the status of the social studies. To determine whether the generalizations from his study are still applicable today, a questionnaire was sent to Council of State Social Studies Specialists. Results of the two studies are compared. (RM)