Although the level of controversy varies from one community to the next, biology teachers across the United States struggle to teach evolution. Some face pressure to teach both religious and scientific theories of human origins; others did not have adequate coursework on evolution during teacher preparation. As a result, many biology teachers are…

Every aspect of teaching, including the instructional method, the course content, and the types of assessments, is influenced by teachers' attitudes and beliefs. Teacher education programs play an important role in the development of beliefs regarding teaching and learning. The purpose of the study was to document pre-service teachers' views on…

Investigated the nature of biology teachers' global content understandings, and sources and formation of subject matter structures (SMSs). Reports that the initial formation of SMSs was credited to college content courses and modified by the act of teaching. Variables that differentially affected SMS translation included teacher intentions,…

Twelve secondary preservice teachers participated in a study designed to assess the developments and changes in preservice science teachers' subject matter and pedagogy knowledge structures as they proceeded through a professional teacher education program. Results indicated that pedagogy knowledge structure had a primary influence on…

Discusses: (1) the place of physics in the 11-16 curriculum; (2) the content of physics courses; (3) physics examinations; (4) Manpower Services Commission (MSC) involvement; and (5) resources and staffing concerns. Indicates that there are difficulties in recruiting/retaining adequate physics teachers and that there are inadequate physics…

One study surveyed 187 Kentucky teachers (36% agriculture, 32% science, 32% technology education); they rated importance of content organizers, topics, transferable skills, and delivery methods for biotechnology. A second study received responses from 70 of 150 teachers; 45 thought science teachers or an integrated team should teach biotechnology;…

Provides background information on Advanced Placement science courses and how colleges and universities handle credit for these courses. Argues that university and high school faculty could work together with great benefit to students. (DDR)

Provides background information on Advanced Placement science courses and discusses several articulation issues between high school and college faculty. Argues that increased communication among university and high school faculty is an effective tool for enhancing science instruction. (DDR)

Focuses on how teachers understand the place of the laboratory and laboratory work in their practice. Observations are based on interviews conducted with secondary science teachers in England. Contains 27 references. (DDR)

Reports survey results which questioned biology teachers concerning evolution. Data from the surveys suggest that a majority of biology teachers moderately stress evolution and that most have worked out an effective accommodation between their teaching responsibilities, their own philosophy, and the mores of the community. (KO)

Describes and discusses an epistemological approach to the education of science teachers that emphasizes similarities in knowledge and modes of acquiring knowledge among children, scientists in their historical contexts, and student teachers. (ZWH)

Choosing the proper content for high school physics courses is not an easy task for the teacher or the school. Depth and breadth of coverage, student interests and background and teacher strengths may by considered. This paper provides help for teachers in choosing course content. Topics are: (1) scope of physics; (2) list of seven basic…

Inquires into the influence of subject communities on the practice of secondary school teachers as they teach a new science and technology course that crosses traditional subject and department boundaries. Contains 20 references. (DDR)

Changes in the national secondary science curriculum in England and Wales are discussed. The new syllabus is described and the problems for science teaching created by this new curriculum are highlighted. (CW)

Presents the results of a survey of high school biology teachers in Ohio. Indicates that Ohio biology teachers are far more likely to support the teaching of evolution, and less likely to support the teaching of creationism, than is the general public. Includes the questionnaire in the appendix. (TW)