Reports on a study to extend the concurrent and predictive validity of the Teacher Performance Assessment Instrument by including a sample of middle school science teachers. The validity criteria for the study involved observing student engagement and integrated process skill achievement. (TW)

Examines the mastery learning model as proposed by Carroll and Bloom in the context of science instruction, addressing issues related to classroom application. Discusses expected results of implementing mastery learning and its impact on students and teachers, recognizing the additional burden on teacher time required by mastery learning…

Presents the experience of a Canadian Science-Technology-Society (STS) curriculum project as an indication of the problems that likely follow from attempts to introduce a STS curriculum piecemeal. These problems include redundancy within school curriculum and reduced time for science concept and term acceptability of the STS proposals. (PR)

Reviews the history of elementary/lower secondary school science, appraising the impact of various curriculum projects. Summarizes United Nations involvement in providing leadership and support in curriculum development. Concludes with a review of science education research and the interrelationships between local culture and science teaching, and…

Examines the role of affective behavioral objectives in science education. Includes a survey of what "affective" means from various perspectives. Defines "scientific attitudes" versus "attitudes to science" to clarify a conceptual framework for research. Presents problems with previous research and raises basic…

Compared formal reasoning responses of seventh-and eighth-grade students on three tests of formal reasoning. The three tests differ only in the mode of equipment presentation on identical test items and problems. Tests included three-dimension demonstration (Lawson), two-dimension showing drawings of materials used in three-dimensional test, and…

Described are some of the factors that have influenced the introduction of instructional change into Black South African classrooms. The Science Education Project of the 1980s, teacher uncertainty, pupil expectations, the epistemology of science education, resources, and the image of innovation are discussed. (CW)

Proposes the following recommendations: (1) research should be a collaborative endeavor; (2) teachers should be action-researchers; (3) research must be close to the classroom; (4) an investigative society should be created; and (5) research should inform policy. (PR)

Argues that the failure of modern courses to achieve their declared goals in relation to children's understanding of science has two causes, namely teachers views about the nature of science, and a degree of confusion in the philosophical stance implicit in many science curricula. Presents a philosophical model for curricula. (CW)

Describes the adaptation process involved in modifying the outdoor biology instructional strategies (OBIS) project to the local environment and educational system in Israel. (HM)

Contains the fourteenth installment in the series of annual Summaries of Research in Science Education. The review is organized around specific disciplines at specific grade levels. Topics without specific disciplines or age levels and those that cut across these categories have been given separate headings. (ML)

Discusses the dangers of quick-fix solutions to the current crisis in science education and the need for a philosophical base and theoretical teaching strategies. Proposes science and mathematics study as requirements for grades K-14 and implementation of a vertically articulated curriculum. Concludes by calling for pluralistic response to the…

Described is a graduate science education program, at the University of Northern Colorado, for elementary teachers and junior high school science teachers in which they can obtain an external degree at the Master's level. Faculty responsibilities, funding, and program evaluation are also discussed. (HM)

Discusses the learning potentials of science museums. Examines studies that relate to visitor use and learning. Contrasts learning in museums with most school-based learning, particularly with regard to the museum's emphasis on the use of objects as the focus on learning. (TW)

Responding to the increasing math and science teacher shortage in the United States, this study intended to determine which science, engineering, and math (SEM) majors during which years in their undergraduate education and from which academic performance levels are most interested in K-12 teaching. Results may aid policymakers and practitioners…