Science education researchers and curriculum documents have advocated scientific inquiry for more than six decades; however, inconsistent findings concerning its effects on students' learning outcomes have been revealed in recent analyses of large-scale international assessment data (e.g., the Programme for International Student Assessment…

Provides a brief analysis of the nature of science teaching and curriculum development in science in Africa during the past two decades. Also suggests possible future directions. Included is a table listing several African curriculum projects with related general principles fostered and materials used. (JN)

Discusses some of the problems faced by technical advisors implementing projects for the improvement of science education in Africa and reasons for these problems. Problem areas considered include underdevelopment, underestimating the process, finances, personality conflict and motivation, and opposition from key groups. (A list of major UNESCO…

Discusses the effect that Botswana's relatively strong economy has had on its growth and development as well as the obstacles that stand in the way of progress. Four critical issues are identified: (1) education system; (2) teacher education; (3) conditions of teaching and learning science; and (4) science curriculum. (ZWH)

Provides a synopsis of the UNITWIN/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Chairs scheme in science and mathematics education in southern Africa. Examines the possible impact of the brain-drain phenomenon. Discusses the successes and failures that have attended efforts directed at capacity building in science and…

Explores African students' use of traditional Sotho cultural metaphoric reasoning in classifying everyday situations as "hot" or "cold" in order to document the extent to which such metaphoric reasoning is related to science misconceptions of heating. Finds that university students were able to distinguish between types of…

The purpose of this 2-year study was to investigate Malawian teacher educators' perspectives and dispositions toward teaching about ecological sustainability issues in Malawi, a developing country in sub-Sahara Africa. This study was embedded in a larger theoretical framework of investigating earth systems science through the understanding of…