Reports a study of 12 preservice elementary and 12 preservice secondary science teachers to determine the effects of methods instruction on their beliefs about the teaching/learning process. Results indicate that secondary teachers may have more complex belief structures than elementary teachers and that slight structural changes occurred for both…

Lesotho and Turkey are two developing countries, both relatively deficient in educational resources--one in Southern Africa, and the other straddling the continents of Europe and Asia in the Middle East. This study reports and compares the priorities and responses of (a) 172 Turkish science teachers, lecturers and students, and (b) 171 Lesotho…

We examine the science and pedagogy behind a historical approach to the professional development of pre-college science (primarily biology) teachers. Our intention is to reach professional scientists, who, as a group, are uniquely qualified to provide experience and insights essential to this approach. The underlying research for this article has…

This study was designed to pursue the question of the relationship between enablement, alienation, and attitude toward science in the seventh and eighth grades. Subjects are 2,159 students taught by 19 teachers in 4 middle schools. There are strong relationships between student perceptions of classroom structure and their attitude toward science.…

With funds received under the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act (ECIA) Chapter 2, the Computer Discretionary Grant was designed to train Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) School District teachers in personal computer operations. Teams comprised of middle and junior high school teachers were allowed to enroll in the staff development program.…

Reports results of a survey to identify and compare characteristics of active mathematics (n=2,510) and science (n=1,870) in Alabama. Characteristics compared included teacher certification, experience and age; gender; daily preparations required; microcomputer availability; and continuing education participation. Greatest needs identified…

The Teacher Assessment Scheme (TAS) is a form of school-based assessment that has recently replaced the external practical examination in AL Biology of Hong Kong. This study aimed at understanding the problems encountered by teachers in implementing this innovation. Over 300 teachers expressed their concern about different aspects of the TAS in a…

Inverness Research studied the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) Seminars on Science program for eight years, from its inception in 1998 to 2006. This paper presents teacher survey ratings for "Earth: Inside and Out", along with profiles of three teachers who took the course. Course takers report on the annual follow-up surveys…

Inverness Research studied the American Museum of Natural History's (AMNH) Seminars on Science program for eight years, from its inception in 1998 to 2006. This paper presents teacher survey ratings for "The Link between Dinosaurs and Birds", along with profiles of three teachers who took the course. Course takers report on the annual…

In October 1988, the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) became law in Canada and was applied to school classrooms and laboratories. Educators expressed concerns that difficulties in implementation would negatively affect student laboratory activity. In 1994, a survey of 219 randomly selected Manitoba junior and senior high…

This study examined how middle science teachers perceive the textbooks they use and how their perceptions varied with their personal attributes and professional backgrounds. A questionnaire was sent to 79 middle school science teachers in Missouri, and 66 responded. The questionnaire was designed to determine the teachers' perceptions about the…

This phase of a longitudinal study being conducted at Iowa State University compares the career paths of teacher education graduates with mathematics and science majors to elementary and other secondary area graduates. Participating in the study were teacher education graduates (N=842), out of a population of 1,411, who responded to a…

A statewide survey of 536 randomly selected Virginia secondary school teachers of academic subjects explored practices and opinions concerning various aspects of classroom testing and grading. The main focus was on the use of preestablished percentage scales as a basis for evaluating students. The responses suggested that large proportions of…

Abstracts and abstractors' critiques of six science education research studies and six responses to critiques are presented in this issue of "Investigations in Science Education" (ISE). Each of the studies addresses some aspects of teacher education. Areas investigated include: (1) effects of inservice training on student learning; (2)…

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)