Global progress has arisen from scientific advances and we currently live in the age of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM); science as a way of increasing the knowledge base, technology as a means of manifesting the science, engineering as a way of building and creating with it, and mathematics to devise the language we use…

Effective feedback can build self-assessment skills in students so that they become more competent and confident to identify and self-correct weaknesses in their work. In this study, we trialled a feedback code as part of an integrated programme of formative and summative assessment tasks, which provided feedback to first-year students on their…

Describes the approach used in one school to encourage the individual student to assume responsibility for planning and conducting his own work within a prescribed course of study. (AL)

Describes the evolution of techniques of teaching external and internal students identical biology courses (introductory and advanced). Identifies and describes solutions to problems of communication, organization of practical work, and presents a perspective of course. (AL)

Describes use of laboratory kits to provide practical work for students away from the laboratory. Opportunity for interpretative discussion of data obtained is provided by access to tutors in open laboratories, which contain more elaborate equipment for use when needed. (AL)

Describes an environmental education curriculum for Aboriginies of the Arnhem Land Reserve which takes into account the needs of the students, the local environment and the resources of the local community. (BR)

These proceedings of a conference sponsored by the International Biological Programme committee of the Australian Academy of Science contain the six major papers presented to the conference. An overview of the perspectives and responsibilities resulting from environmental change is followed by an outline of a strategy for curriculum development…

A cooperative venture between the University of New South Wales Faculty of Biological Science and the Department of Education is described, which has resulted in the setting up of a special unit within the university to supply teaching materials to New South Wales government high schools. (Author/JN)