This article seeks to provide researchers and practitioners in laboratory education, particularly those involved in the curriculum design and implementation of teaching laboratories at university level, with a conceptual framework and a working model for an integrated assessment of learning domains, by attending to a more holistic approach to…

In school districts and charter school networks nationwide, instructional leaders are developing plans to address the enormous challenges faced by their students, families, teachers, and staff over the past year. While different communities are resuming in-person learning at their own unique paces, all school leaders have their eyes on the same…

The purpose of this study was to explore a new learning environment instrument which could be used by teaching practitioners and other educators to measure the language learning environment in the secondary science classroom. The science teacher is central in creating science classrooms conductive to the language needs of students and should be…

Problem-based learning, process-oriented guided inquiry learning, and peer-led team learning are student-centered, active-learning pedagogies commonly used in science education. The characteristic features of each are compared and contrasted to enable new practitioners to decide which approach or combination of approaches will suit their…

Discusses the use of student-generated performance rubrics as a substitute for traditional teacher-generated three-part performance objectives. Gives three examples. (MKR)

Presents alternative assessment tools, including concept maps, initial and summary assessments, Vee diagrams, and three types of alternative learning activities that assess different levels of understanding. (MKR)

Describes a procedure for ascertaining secondary students' misconceptions about concepts relating to astronomy. Summarizes results that indicate the usefulness of the approach and the range and extent of the misconceptions which could be revealed. Makes suggestions about how to use the technique in such a way that the findings will challenge the…

The author outlines the inquiry approach to elementary science teaching, cites its advantages and disadvantages, provides sample lesson objectives and student evaluation methods, and lists sources of further information on this method of science teaching. (SJL)

Presents a meiosis reasoning problem that provides direct access to students' current models of chromosomes and meiosis. Also included in the article are tips for classroom implementation and a summary of the solution evaluation. (ZWH)

Describes a method to prevent and uncover cheating during testing in large university classes. (PR)

Systems incorporating two advanced technologies, hypermedia systems and intelligent tutors, are examined with respect to their potential impact on science education. The conceptual framework underlying these systems is discussed first. Applications of systems are then presented with examples of each in operation within the context of science…

Describes various aspects and advantages of the use of rubrics as tools for assessment. Presents additive rubrics as assessment tools that allow students to assume responsibility for the quantity and quality of their work and to see its value beyond the letter grade they receive. (JRH)

The article explains how students keep work portfolios and exhibit portfolios to organize their written work and showcase their accomplishments in science; it also explains how students learn about scientific concepts through hands-on research and how portfolios are integral to the program. Teacher tips are included. (SM)

Discusses the following questions for science faculty: What do we teach? How do we teach? How do we evaluate or assess what we teach? (PR)

This handbook, part of the GEMS (Great Explorations in Math and Science) series, contains ready-made assessments for teachers to integrate within their presentation of activity-based mathematics and science units. The first main section of the book is called "Pearl's Journal: A Year in the Life of...." This fictitious teacher's journal…