This paper reviews astronomy education research carried out among school students, teachers, and museum visitors over a 35-year period from 1974 until 2008. One hundred and three peer-reviewed journal articles were examined, the majority of whose research dealt with conceptions of astronomical phenomena with 40% investigating intervention…

This technical brief describes state-level policies and procedural requirements for guiding teacher evaluation practices at the district level in the seven states served by the Midwest Regional Educational Laboratory: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Building on the Issues & Answers report "Examining…

This article focuses on mentoring program practices in relation to issues of effectiveness, while recognizing that implications for program quality conceptualized more broadly is a key concern in need of greater investigation. The author provides an overview of selected conceptual and methodological issues involved with identification of…

This paper presents an investigation into how students studying at university engage actively with learning technology in their self-directed study time. The case study surveyed 250 students studying at undergraduate and postgraduate level from a purposive sample of departments within one institution. The study has also conducted focus groups and…

Investigates the behavior of the air fern in a search for its proper name. Concludes that the material is not a live plant but instead a dead animal that has been dyed. (CP)

Purpose: The study is a two-stage inquiry into the influence of high school principals and department chairpersons on the nature of science and mathematics teachers' community of practice participation. Of particular interest is the extent to which formal leaders influence the formation of productive communities of practice and the extent to which…

Presents activities that involve geological sleuthing to solve mysteries. Uses sand for teaching the scientific method, involving parents and community members, and helping students see connections between science and other disciplines. (JRH)

General education classrooms provide a common milieu for understanding and appropriating results of classroom research projects, which are typically viewed as having little application outside their original contexts. Here, results of an investigation into the "sophomore slump," where grades and class attendance rates typically suffer, are…

Noting that program evaluators can profit by adopting the investigative journalist's goal of discovering hidden information, this guide explores the journalist's investigative process--without its element of suspicion--and discusses how components of this process can be applied to program evaluation. After listing the major characteristics of the…

Presents investigations of leaf surface wetness that provide ideal opportunities for students to explore the relationships between leaf form and function, to study surface conditions of leaves and plant physiology, and to make predictions about plant adaptation in different environments. Describes simple procedures for exploring questions related…

Offers a group exercise for teaching students how to achieve consensus concerning rank order. Explains that students are assigned to rank the incidence of animals biting their own species in New York City. Reports that the teacher chooses a group member to explain the group's ranking. Identifies evaluation methods for the exercise. (SG)

Describes the use of investigations for the purpose of assessment, teaching, and learning. Lists types of questions that can be included in investigations. Explains how to write an investigation and provides some examples. (ASK)

MATHCOUNTS is a national coaching and competition program designed to stimulate 7th- and 8th-grade students' interest and achievement in mathematics. Teachers and volunteers coach students beginning each fall and continuing throughout the year. Participating schools can select individuals or four-person teams to compete in on-site competitions.…

The difference between mathematical "investigations" and "investigating," used in two different British reports, is discussed. Investigations means an extensive project or extended exploration into a mathematical problem or topic. Investigating is promoted as an ongoing teaching method. (MNS)

Reports on rich mathematical activities that integrate different mathematics strands and learning. Describes how to introduce the task and the classroom setting, set up the task, and continue the investigation. Presents student work samples. (ASK)