Presents a prototype of an instructional task that aims at improved problem-solving skills based on the understanding of domain knowledge. (Author/CCM)

Evaluates the scaffold designed as a dynamic modeling software tool called Model-It in terms of its ability to support learners' use of modeling practices. Discusses the continued empirical validation of types and instances of tool scaffolds. (Contains 50 references.) (Author/YDS)

Describes an assessment scheme in Hong Kong and investigates the degree of implementation of school-based assessment for practical science. Identifies five dimensions of implementation and uses three measuring instruments: (1) a student questionnaire; (2) a teacher questionnaire and (3) an observation schedule. Comparative analyses resulted in…

Examines inscriptions in texts usually available to students in high school and undergraduate science courses in course textbooks and journal articles. Reports on the differences existing in the frequency of different types of inscriptions that appear unrelated to the interpretive competencies of the students for whom they are intended. (Contains…

Evaluates the Predict-Observe-Explain (POE) technique that is used for identifying students' knowledge and understanding of science concepts. Reports that the children responded to the technique enthusiastically and the teachers were able to identify both their understanding and their process skills development. Concludes that the POE is a…

Introduces a new curriculum framework that was developed and mandated for implementation in Western Australia. Documents the process by which a mandated set of core shared values were incorporated into a statement describing the science curriculum. Provides a re-analysis of some school science issues. (Contains 24 references.) (Author/YDS)

Explores the development of partnerships in science teacher education as an example of the workings of the human element in the teacher education process. Concludes that the success of new experiments with partnership will depend ultimately upon the success of the human rather than the structural relationships established. Contains 39 references.…

Reports on a study that investigated the impact of a science teaching and learning program on families of children attending an Australian child care center. Findings indicate that science-based discussions in everyday family contexts were common among families during the program and that parents gained greater insights into specific aspects of…

Interviews 10 experienced science teachers about their understandings of the analogical models they use to explain science to their students. Investigates the notion that teaching pedagogy is influenced by the textbooks commonly used in class. Textbook analysis shows that chemistry textbooks used the most models and physics textbooks the least…

Focuses on the assessment of students' (N=138) versus their teachers' (N=8) self-perception of the latter's personal style in the context of science and mathematics teaching in college. Concludes that the teachers' preferred (ideal) and actual personal style profiles thus obtained indicate that there is good correspondence between the students'…

Features the use of case-based pedagogy as a context for exploring science teacher education reform. Suggests that science teacher education reform is a complex process characterized by the individual and collective narrative histories of teachers. Implications from the study emphasize that case-based pedagogy can serve as the basis for critical…

Lecturers may provide insufficient challenge when teaching first year university physics courses. Investigates comparisons in learning outcomes between a traditional teaching group and a constructivist-orientated teaching group along with lecturers' and students' perceptions of those courses. The lecturers emphasized the students' poor physics…

Investigates the impact an undergraduate quantum chemistry course has on students' knowledge and understanding of atomic orbitals, molecular orbitals, and related concepts. Analysis reveals that students do not have a clear understanding of these concepts and confuse the various atomic orbital representations. Includes some suggestions and…

Examines the contents of textbooks used in physics courses between 1967 and 1997 in Victoria, Australia for curriculum balance and emphasis on different aspects of scientific literacy. (Author/CCM)

Sets the stage for a theme issue on developing research in technology education. Discusses past reviews of research focusing on the purposes of technology education, the nature of technology, and assessment in technology education. (Contains 38 references.) (DDR)