Suggests a supplementary activity, a radio talk show, for botany students. The show highlights the current undertakings of plant scientists. (LS)

Considers what college students think reasoning about physics involves. Discusses whether it is possible to identify students' general conceptions of physics and the effects of a course on students' concepts. Data indicated that students' understandings had an effect on problem solving, qualitative problems, and misconceptions. (YP)

Student knowledge in a subject area prior to and after instruction has traditionally been assessed by administering a pre- and post-test, usually multiple choice, though recent studies criticize the use of even the best-constructed multiple choice tests. This study assessed college freshmen's knowledge before and after a laboratory experience in…

Presents a case study analysis which attempts to illuminate the difference between knowledge accumulation and ability to deal with problem solving in stoichiometry. Competence is presented as ability to properly represent, solve, and verify solutions. Discusses rule or algorithm based vs. heuristic based problem solving. (JM)

Preliminary results from a study of students' conceptions in introductory rotational physics are discussed. Analyses of data from problem solving interviews and written diagnostic tests provided evidence that many students had a poor qualitative understanding of torque. Even among students who answered questions correctly a percentage did so for…

Quantitative outcomes from the Attitudes toward Science Inventory, as well as interview results, indicate that nonscience college majors have high anxiety levels in combination with low levels of motivation when confronted with science material. Further, these attitudes toward science change with exposure to introductory, science instruction with…

This book introduces scientists, health professionals, and engineers to principles of communicating with the public and to practical aspects of dealing with the press. Part I focuses on the advantages, principles, and problems of communicating with the public. Part II discusses the nature of science reporting and offers advice for presenting…

This study was part of a continuing exploration of the naive misconceptions of students in the physical sciences conducted within the context of current literature in alternative frameworks. The sample was selected from among those students registered for a liberal education physical science class at a small private college. The method used was a…

Discusses the problems of lecturers and students in a college course. Describes a staff-student liason committee. Gives examples of lecture evaluation instruments. Analyzes the effectiveness of the staff-student liaison groups and emphasizes the value of communication. (CW)

Studies the interviews of 24 professional scientists to seek their views on the long range effects of their initial training. Analyzes the interviews for content, teaching, and types of learning experience. Concludes with a discussion of the implications of the findings for science education. Argues for a reduction in content. (CW)

Describes the use of role playing and creating videotapes as a technique for developing effective interpersonal communication skills in engineering students. Gives a procedure for instruction that includes integration of communication theory with the practical experience. Included in the appendices are several role-playing scenarios used in the…

Describes how to psychologically evaluate and take advantage of the four basic personality types that are encountered in job interviews. Discusses each personality type and makes generalizations about their dress, office, thinking patterns, and preferences. Summarizes how each might react to a woman in an interview situation. (CW)

This booklet provides summaries of discussions presented at a forum designed to aid persons new to the job market in selecting prospective employers and determining career goals. Salary ranges, employment opportunities and trends, hiring practices and policies, and job qualifications are among the areas addressed related to employment in: (1)…

Discusses some of the qualifications that recruits in computer and electronics firms look for in graduates who are applying for positions. Addresses the recruiters' interests in the applicants' grades, previous work experiences, interview dress, interview behavior, and resumes. (TW)

One area explored in the second (in-depth) phase of the Learning in Science Project was "children's science," defined as views of the world and the meanings for words that children have and bring with them to science lessons. The investigation reported focuses on students' (N=39) ideas on the concept of "animal." Data were…