Science teachers expect students to use information contained in books. This makes text-based learning strategies important for student success at school and beyond. This paper explores the potential of science as a vehicle for the development of such skills, considers a range of learning strategies, and suggests ways of integrating them into…

Discusses the constructivist view of learning which emphasizes, among others, learning outcomes which depend not only on the learning environment but also on the knowledge of the learner. Implications for science instruction are also addressed. (JN)

Discusses several aspects of the relationship between teaching and learning in a way that may possibly stimulate thinking in the same manner as learning hierarchies, stage theory, and the abundant use of metaphor. (Author/JN)

Describes a physics experiment which demonstrates the pitfalls of assuming that a model which represents an ideal system is applicable to a real experiment. Explains how the failure may give greater understanding of the problem and may lead to improvements in the model. (ML)

Describes a study of concept mapping as a means of learning problem-solving skills. Concludes that the concept mapping subjects were significantly more successful at solving biological test questions than were the controls. Reports no significant differences between cooperative and individual mapping and mixed results for gender. (DK)

Addresses the problem of the effectiveness of teaching methodologies on fundamental engineering courses such as transport phenomena. Recommends the colloquial approach, an active learning strategy, to increase student involvement in the learning process. (ZWH)

Discusses learning modalities and learning styles in science education. Learning modalities characterize the way the brain takes in information (input) and restructures/expresses the information (output). Learning styles are ways that information is processed once it is obtained. Examples (including Kolb's "Learning-Style Inventory") are included.…

Discusses the advantages of and strategies in having students create analogies to facilitate learning biology. Presents a vocabulary worksheet to facilitate analogy creation and describes its use. The author discusses the use of instructional strategies including forced associations, metaphorical sketches, mnemonics, and association memorization.…

Students often complain that lectures requiring simultaneous writing and listening is a difficult task. An alternative method is provided to teachers to facilitate note taking by students. (ZWH)

Describes a procedure for teaching the "generator orbital" (GO) approach of molecular orbital bonding in polyatomic molecules. Explains how the GO can be utilized with students in generating the vibrational, rotational, and translational modes of molecules in a completely pictorial manner. (ML)

Describes an attempt to teach electronics to disadvantaged high school students in Israel through an instructional method based on guided individual learning combined with laboratory experiments. Discusses the successes of the program in terms of academic achievement, self-learning competencies, laboratory skills, and attitudes. (ML)

Explains an algorithm which details procedures for solving a broad class of genetics problems common to pre-college biology. Several flow charts (developed from the algorithm) are given with sample questions and suggestions for student use. Conclusions are based on the authors' research (which includes student interviews and textbook analyses).…

Examines various characteristics of: (1) science teaching; (2) children (including their misconceptions); and (3) the sciences. Suggestions related to these three areas are offered to improve the current condition of science education. (JN)

This book focuses on the integration of children's literature and creative arts. Each chapter begins with a "Background" section designed to familiarize the reader with the children's book that is showcased. This is followed by the "Hook" activity, a starter experience that involves the entire class in a doing-and-listening…

This article discusses problem solving and how science educators can integrate problem solving into their instruction. The Search, Solve, Create, and Share (SSCS) model was developed based on the findings of problem solving research. (YP)