This study explored the impact of cooperative learning in a college level laboratory science course by comparing classes taught by a conventional lab-lecture technique. Students in a basic science skills course for preservice elementary teachers participated over a 14-week period. Instruments used were the Science Attitude Survey, Test of Logical…

The Search for Exemplary Preservice Elementary Science Programs was undertaken to recognize programs that modeled effective teaching behaviors and prepared teachers for developing appropriate attitudes and skills in students. This document describes the seven exemplary programs that were recognized by the National Science Teachers Association's…

The factors which discourage prospective teachers from pursuing teaching careers are examined in this study. College freshmen from a medium-sized engineering university in the Midwest were selected to participate in the investigation. Based on responses to a questionnaire, these students were grouped as "teaching oriented" and…

The Peace Corps (PC) has provided teachers for Nepal's schools for 25 years. The increasing population and especially the increased demand for educational opportunities is exceeding the supply of available trained teachers. In response to this need, PC/Nepal has shifted its emphasis in the education sector from providing teachers to providing…

A common weakness characteristic of many instructional programs is that little advance planning is devoted to evaluation. The first stage of formulating and operationalizing an evaluation plan for the Iowa-Undergraduate Pre-Service Science Teacher Education Program (Iowa-UPSTEP) was to locate two external evaluators possessing experience and…

Reported are results of a study that investigated the effects of teacher training strategy on science activity lesson teaching behaviors of preservice teachers. The relationship between teaching behaviors and student achievement was also investigated. Preservice teachers (N=43) enrolled in elementary, middle, and secondary school science…

An experimental course in college teaching for graduate students in engineering and the natural sciences has been offered by the University of Texas at Austin. The program has also included students from a wide variety of academic disciplines. Most of the assignments and activities undertaken have been experientially based, but several tests and…

This paper focuses on the necessity for a holistic, responsive evaluation of the educational process due to education's complex, dynamic, and humanistic nature. Holistic evaluation involves the assessment of all intended goals, interactions, and program results, as opposed to selective evaluation of only a few key variables. Responsive evaluation…

Reported is an assessment of a competency-based physics course designed to develop concepts through an activity-centered approach incorporating the processes of science. It was assumed that such a strategy would enhance a future teacher's understanding of science concepts and processes in addition to developing more positive attitudes toward…

A four-plus semester cooperative school/university science teacher training program at Indiana University is described. This program prepares secondary science teachers with a curriculum that is based on core courses and experiences and minicourses and miniexperiences designed to provide for individual interests and abilities. All of the…

Reports on a study which tested eight categories of logical fallacies with secondary students, student teachers, and teachers from Australia, South Africa, and Israel. Results indicate that logical fallacies were exhibited by all the groups. Implications are discussed. (ML)

The implications of graduate level teacher training are discussed in terms of its effect on teacher quality and supply. Current licensing requirements in Indiana were studied and data analyzed about people who are currently seeking certification, The results are discussed within a framework of teacher supply and demand in math and science. (JL)

Studies the quality of graduating science education majors at Brigham Young University (BYU) and attempts to identify possible trends in the ability of students who entered secondary school science teaching. Concludes that there was no manifested trend toward lower quality college students entering the science teaching profession at BYU. (CW)

Describes a specially designed preparatory course in science and mathematics for relatively "unprepared" adult students in Israel. Compares the achievements of these students with the achievements of those identified as "prepared" according to their formal education and qualifications. (TW)

Reviews the efforts made in Michigan's plan of improvement in mathematics and science education. Assesses the progress attained in preservice and inservice programs, developing partnerships, attracting outstanding students, and increasing the quantity and quality of science and mathematics teachers. Includes a description of the operating…