Reports on the approaches of two classroom science teachers, supported by a research group, to understanding the consequences of a classroom change implemented in response to a perceived problem. Focuses on the consequences of using problem solving tasks for all students. (Author/YDS)

Explores how case methods may be used to foster habits of praxis--that is, critical, reflective practices that enable beginning teachers to adapt to the many diverse contexts they will encounter in the field. Results suggest that student teachers: (1) understood an associated analytical framework; (2) effectively analyzed curriculum and pedagogy;…

The results are described of two case studies on the conceptions and classroom practice of two Portuguese physics and chemistry teachers on the role of problem solving in the teaching/learning of science. One of these teachers was a novice and the other had about 20 years of teaching experience. The data were obtained from a questionnaire, a…

The paper reports on part of a large-scale study aimed at examining students' perceptions of teacher-student interactions. This paper will report on a study utilising mixed methodology in 12 Queensland primary classrooms. After the students' perceptions were established, the teachers, through a consultative process, developed strategies to change…

In this paper I examine the phenomenon of university teachers as researchers in their own classrooms. I use examples of three research teams in which we studied: (1) student response to a science and society course; (2) teacher and student perceptions of inquiry in a physics course; and (3) teaching and learning about the nature of science in an…

Draws data from student responses to the Science Laboratory Environment Inventory (SLEI) and a curriculum analysis of the implemented laboratory tasks. Involves biology, chemistry, and physics students (N=387) in 20 classes in Tasmania, Australia. Contains 23 references. (DDR)

This study draws on recent research on the central role of representation in learning. While there has been considerable research on students' understanding of evaporation, the representational issues entailed in this understanding have not been investigated in depth. The study explored students' engagement with evaporation phenomena through…

This article discusses the results of a qualitative study, based on case studies, aimed at: (a) assessing a group of Portuguese secondary school natural science teachers regarding their conceptions of the nature, teaching and learning of science; (b) studying possible impacts of recent controversies surrounding scientific and technological issues…

This article reports on a qualitative and quantitative study that explored whether a constructivist Science learning environment, in which 9 to 10-year old Colombian girls had the opportunity to discuss scientific concepts and socio-scientific dilemmas in groups, improved their understanding of the concepts and the complex relations that exists…

Reports on a two-year study designed to investigate how a Web-Based Integrated Science Environment (WISE) project called "Plants in Space" featuring classroom investigations enabled 5th grade students to increase their understanding of plant growth and development. Investigates two versions of the curriculum and considers how understanding of the…

Investigates 20 elementary school teachers' perceptions of what the term "activities that work" means. Suggests that hands-on science activities are interesting and motivating for children, have a clear outcome or result, are manageable in the classroom, and preferably used in a context in which science is integrated into themes.…

Observes the progressive change in the cognitive development of students (n=141) over the course of their secondary education in an Australian private school. Analyzes data to investigate children's cognitive development across years 8, 10, and 12. Examines the influence of the Cognitive Acceleration through Science Education (CASE) Thinking…

Reports on a study done at Oxford University on why young people chose to pursue a career in the physical sciences and engineering. Characteristics of schools that appeared to influence students to pursue a study of science were also investigated. Currently, England, Australia, Canada, China, Japan, and Portugal have contributed information to…

Compares Reform of Secondary Education (ROSE) students' and nonROSE students' perceptions of five psychosocial dimensions of their science practical tasks: student cohesiveness, open-endedness, integration, rule clarity, and material environment. Contains 17 references. (DDR)

Provides a framework for and a guide to the multiple links between the 10 articles in this issue that address science and technology and science education. Argues for creating a more accurate image of science. Contains 30 references. (DDR)