Reviews four hypotheses about learning: Comenius's transmission-reception theory, information processing theory, Gestalt theory, and Piagetian theory. Uses the categories preunderstanding, conceptual change, and learning processes to classify and assess investigations on learning processes. (PR)

Explores many of the experiences that Black Americans have in science education in the United States and proposes changes so that Black Americans have an equitable opportunity to engage in and learn quality science. Suggestions include preparing multicultural science teachers, eliminating tracking in schools, equipping classes with science…

This study employed problem-based learning for project work in a year 9 biology class. The purpose of the study was to investigate (a) students' inspirations for their self-generated problems and questions, (b) the kinds of questions that students asked individually and collaboratively, and (c) how students' questions guided them in knowledge…

In recognition of the fact that science centers and other informal educational institutions can play a role in the reform of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, several major research and professional programs are currently underway. This article discusses one such effort, the Center for Informal Learning and…

This paper, from the UK group in the STTIS (Science Teacher Training in an Information Society) project, describes research into the nature of teachers' transformations of computer modeling, and the development of related teacher training materials. Eight teacher case studies help to identify factors that favor or hinder the take-up of innovative…

Secondary science methods students' thinking on coteaching practice was studied for the development of conscious elements of practical teacher knowledge supporting the use of structured inquiry. Reflective dialogue on practice in an electronic forum was analyzed for elements of formal learning and biography (past and present) that informed…

This paper describes the conceptualizations, or mental models, of the nature of the bonding and structure of metals of a group of U.K. college students. It is suggested that these mental models may be understood in terms of the students' prior learning about covalent and ionic bonding, and the prevalence of a common alternative conceptual…

Discusses the nature of the internal representation of cognitive structure, the methodological problems involved in mapping it, and the proposed kinds of "maps." Reviews research on the organization of scientific concepts in semantic memory. (GA)

Studied the consistency and formation of teacher's judgements about child's abilities by having science methods course undergraduates watch two 10-minute video-taped lessons conducted among nine children. Indicated the most agreement on two extremes and the use of children's accomplishment speeds as judgment criteria. (CC)

Discusses the behavioristically- and humanistically-oriented positions in teacher education, and suggests an eclectic approach to methods course implementation applicable to both elementary and secondary level science. (CC)

Described is a pilot study at North Carolina State University that assessed introductory science education students' reactions to the effectiveness of three instructional techniques (small group discussions, role-playing, and computer-based simulation) in dealing with incidents of classroom management. Conclusions indicated no statistical…

Describes a performance based teacher education study, with 27 student teachers. Investigated were cognitive statements, reinforcement patterns, effects of treatment on individuals, identification of individuals responding well or poorly, and performance criteria specified in measurable terms. Results indicated methods employed were effective. (SL)

Describes how Mexican-American language-minority students construct biology concept meanings based on extant linguistic skills. Provides an instructional activity that engages students in constructing meanings through mediational means. Contains 35 references. (DDR)

Describes an empirical qualitative analysis of some of the traditional practices and beliefs with respect to health regimens and marine-related activities that operate in the daily lives of people in a village in Trinidad and Tobago. Contains 28 references. (DDR)

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…