This article evaluates a validity argument for the degree to which assessment tasks are able to provide evidence about knowledge that fuses information from a progression of core disciplinary ideas in ecology and a progression for the scientific practice of developing evidence-based explanations. The article describes the interpretive framework…

Biology instructors from middle school to university level recognize that natural selection is an essential topic in the curriculum. Numerous studies have shown the prevalence of many alternative conceptions about evolution that persist despite instruction in student populations all over the world. Having valid, reliable and easily used…

In this study we present an analysis of classroom interactions initiated by students' wonderment questions. Our interest in such events arises from their potential to stimulate active intellectual engagement in classrooms, which can impact upon the subsequent development of the classroom discourse. In investigating this issue we shall address the…

Finnish students' opinions about the frequency of learning activities and communication in the Finnish science classroom, their interest in science and science studies and careers, their sense of self-efficacy, and their beliefs about their own competence as well as their performance in science are analyzed based on PISA 2006 Scientific Literacy…

This study focuses on the structure and theoretical foundations of the book club for promoting multicultural understandings in science teacher education. The book club was defined as an informal, peer-directed group discussion that met regularly to discuss an ethnographic, multicultural text regarding issues pertinent to science teaching and…

Criticizes weaknesses in the Gagne research model for checking the validity of learning hierarchies, and proposes a new model which is designed to overcome these weaknesses. (JR)

Presents a new method in test construction which augments an instrument's validity beyond that possible by standard procedures. (Author/JR)

Examines, in some detail, the process of evaluation and describes methods that have been used in evaluation applied to precollege education. (PEB)

Describes the rationale, construction, administration, and analysis of an externally set examination for BSCS students at the end of the twelfth grade. Three areas covered in the examination were: functional information, identification and application of principles, and contributory mode understanding of the principles of biological enquiry.…

Analyzes ways in which biology is taught by experienced teachers and discusses contexts in which specific teaching strategies seemed successful. Analyses of teachers' responses reveals complex relationships among their perception of what was distinctive about their biology program and students, allocation of class time, efforts to individualize…

Utilizes a questionnaire to investigate the science teacher/science supervisor interaction in schools and whether or not there are differences in perceptions of supervisory effectiveness between science teachers (N=258) and supervisors (N=143). Differences were found in perceptions concerning inservice, interpersonal and support activities, and…

The traditional approach to educating language minority students separates English language development from content instruction because it is assumed that English proficiency is a prerequisite for subject matter learning. Takes an alternative view that the integration of inquiry science and language acquisition enhances learning in both domains.…

Summarizes major findings of the Harvard Project Physics research and evaluation activity, including data gathering techniques, descriptions of teacher characteristics, information about student responses and learning environments, and final evaluation year results. Indicates that the evaluation program is characterized by considerable research on…

Discusses activities that occurred during an elementary science methods course, and the fact that the students' success in these activities was not correlated with measures of success in a classroom teaching exercise as determined by assisting teachers. (MLH)