"Approaches and Strategies in Next Generation Science Learning" examines the challenges involved in the development of modern curriculum models, teaching strategies, and assessments in science education in order to prepare future students in the 21st century economies. This comprehensive collection of research brings together science educators,…

This study explored teacher perspectives on the use of socioscientific issues (SSI) and on dealing with ethics in the context of science instruction. Twenty-two middle and high school science teachers from three US states participated in semi-structured interviews, and researchers employed inductive analyses to explore emergent patterns relative…

Presented is a strategy which uses creationism and other pseudosciences as examples of non-scientific approaches to critical thinking to teach students the nature of science and the scientific method. Examples of the illogic of non-scientific approaches are given along with an explanation of how they can be used in teaching critical thinking to…

In this speech, the author describes what has been learned through years of experience teaching an introductory course in environmental issues at the University of California at Berkeley. The course is described as a broad interdisciplinary survey of the various environmental problems facing the earth; it is an examination of local and global…

Explores the classroom dynamics of multicultural courses, describes various forms of student resistance, and suggests appropriate teaching methods. Recommends using a case studies approach, short feedback evaluations, setting ground rules for discussions, using anecdotal texts to illustrate historical information, and establishing a climate of…

Discussed are the two sides to the question of laboratory dissections. Alternatives to dissection are proposed as well as the importance of incorporating dissections in a science curriculum. (KR)

The effects of controversy and concurrence seeking and participation in age-homogeneous and age-heterogeneous cooperative learning groups were compared on achievement, achievement motivation, perspective-taking accuracy, and interpersonal attraction. In addition, the interaction among students (N=112 fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-graders) within the…

Maintains that efforts to initiate classroom discussions of controversial topics often provoke uncomfortable silence. Describes a classroom exercise that encourages students to analyze from a sociological perspective classroom dynamics that make discussion difficult. (CFR)

Describes research conducted on the organization of information from many disciplines to teach social issues raised by nuclear technology. States that the social sciences provided the organizational base for most courses examined, courses emphasized moral responsibility and political choice, and syllabi emphasized technological, strategic, and…

High-school chemistry students (n=96) were studied to compare the effects of two forms of instruction on science achievement and anxiety toward science: (1) cooperative controversy with science, technology, and society issues; and (2) individualized instruction. Analysis of variance indicated significant reduction in anxiety of students instructed…

Recommends a combination of video and lecture material for an undergraduate unit on antisemitism. Divides the unit into three topics: (1) "Jews as the Other"; (2)"Stereotypes and Conspiracy Theories"; and (3) "Jewish Identity." Includes a pretest and posttest questionnaire on students' attitudes and knowledge regarding Jews and Judaism. (MJP)

Maintains that most high school social studies instruction emphasizes coverage and memorization of fragmented information. Presents a definition of in-depth study and describes its implementation in an issues-centered classroom. Provides suggestions and caveats for instituting issues-oriented instruction. (CFR)