This study examined university engineering and physical science students' misconceptions of the nature of magnetic field. It is assumed that a significant knowledge of the sources of magnetic field is a basic prerequisite when students have to think about electromagnetic phenomena. To analyze students' conceptions, we have taken into account the…

This paper introduces the four research papers in this paper set, which all derive from a European research project, STTIS (Science Teacher Training in an Information Society). The central concern of the project was to study curriculum innovations in science, and to investigate ways in which teachers transform these innovations when putting them…

In this paper we propose the construct of discursive identity as a way to examine student discourse. We drew from the work of Gee (2001, Review of Research in Education, 25, 99-125) and Nasir and Saxe (2003, Educational Researcher, 32(5), 14-18) to consider the multiple contexts and developmental timescales of student discursive identity…

Research on the relationship between teaching strategies and student outcomes supports the use of inductive/indirect teaching strategies. Research shows that this can be achieved through the analysis of model lessons with a systematic observation instrument. (MLH)

The editors of this review have focused on four purposes: (1) to portray the state of knowledge in science education, (2) to describe any existing trends, (3) to identify areas which need to be researched, and (4) to provide tentative answers to pertinent problems, if any seem to emerge from the research. Research studies reviewed have been…

Investigates how an inservice course using the Investigative Science in Elementary Education-Instructional Television (ISEE-ITV) model of instruction supported by professional reinforcement affected the attitude of elementary teachers toward a leadership role within their respective school buildings. (HM)

Investigated the relationship between syntactical complexity of high school students' written language and their ability to reason formally. Format reasoning ability of 50 high school students was measured by a 15-item group-administered demonstration test developed by Lawson. (HM)

Presents the new program of Science Education for Early Adolescence planned by the Science Education Directorate of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to improve science education for early adolescents. Outlines the rationale for this program, the ongoing planning effort, and the probable future plans. (HM)

Identified factors associated with college students' interest in science and mathematics and if these factors differed for men and women or for Blacks and Whites. Results are based on a 78-item questionnaire completed by 2,046 junior/senior students who participated voluntarily in the study. (JN)

Studied relationships of categorizing ability to socioeconomic status and strategies used in ability performance for 60 kindergarteners from families at two income levels. Concluded the presence of differences in test results, a similarity in cognitive developments, and a tendency of perceptual focusing in handling tasks. (CC)

Describes the teaching of geodesic-dome concepts to students in grades 3-5 through the trial use of Energetic and Synergetic Geometry as well as the undertaking of a workshop designed to prepare elementary and secondary school teachers to conduct further experiments. (CC)

Explains changes in programs, policies, and procedures in the Science Education Directorate. Considers administration, effects of reorganization of institutional support and curriculum development programs (including changes in peer/staff review procedures), and new administration's conception of its mission, relationship to groups making demands…

Describes the peer-review process which the National Science Foundation has established to evaluate science education proposals and award grants. (HM)

Describes four chemical terms that students with well-considered reasons use in a way that is not accepted in chemistry. From 4300-7500 senior high school students completed a series of multiple choice tests while other groups of students participated in discussions about the problem situations. Contains 34 references. (DDR)

Examines one theory used to justify science teaching on the basis of goals that transcend learning the content of science. Focuses on the goal of intellectual independence from science for nonscientists. Provides a brief overview of other content-transcendent goals in science education. Contains 45 references. (DDR)