Science should provide students an accurate and contemporary education on genetic influence, particularly how it impacts trait variability and developmental norms. Stories involving familial, racial, and sexual differences routinely appear in the popular media and sales of over-the-counter genetic tests are mounting. Unfortunately, research…

We describe efforts toward the development of a hypothetical learning progression (HLP) for the growth of grade 7-14 students' models of the structure, behavior and properties of matter, as it relates to nanoscale science and engineering (NSE). This multi-dimensional HLP, based on empirical research and standards documents, describes how students…

This study employed hierarchical linear models (HLM) to investigate Peer-Led Guided Inquiry (PLGI), a teaching practice combining cooperative learning and inquiry and tailored for a large class. Ultimately, the study provided an example of the effective introduction of a reform pedagogical approach in a large class setting. In the narrative, the…

A Prelaboratory Preparation Period (PPL) was developed to introduce freshmen level students to weekly laboratories. Results (based on data obtained from 233 chemistry students) show that the PPL increased the academic achievement of students enrolled in the introductory chemistry course. (JN)

College biology students attending an audio-tutorial center with high kinetic structure performed significantly better on achievement tests than students in a corresponding low kinetic structure laboratory. Gives numerous other findings concerning measurable aspects of audio-tutorial settings. (MLH)

Presents a model of collective teaching and learning as a way to build deep learning of science concepts while learning about alternative ways to teach the same subject matter. Articulates coteaching/cogenerative dialoguing in terms of activity theory and the associated first-person research methodology that has been developed as a method for…

Determined the effects of questions on the learning of 55 undergraduate education majors from case exhibits associated with a "walk-through" museum exhibit. The case exhibits contained diagrams, some specimens, a large amount of written material, but no questions. Also compared the effects of experimenter generated questions versus…

Reports results of a survey developed to assess the use of learner-centered techniques in undergraduate science and mathematics classrooms. Reveals that learner-centered techniques are used infrequently, but when used, they are applied to all aspects of teaching. Suggests that federal funding has been slightly effective in promoting its use. (KHR)

This study investigated the national impact of the Collaboratives for Excellence in Teacher Preparation program (CETP). Impact of the program was examined in two different settings: institutions of higher education, and K-12 science and mathematics classrooms. The focus of this study was to determine the impact of the CETP program on the…

Concludes that the group taught by the audio-tutorial method made significantly higher scores than did the lecture-laboratory group on both (1) achievement tests and (2) a retention test administered 11 weeks after the termination of the college Animal Biology course. (MLH)

This study aims at giving a systematic description of the cognitive activities involved in teaching physics. The most important conclusion from the results is that teaching by experienced university teachers can be described in terms of instruction processes belonging to the two-dimensional model described in this study. (PR)

Argues that "truth" and "time" are defined differently by scientists and postmodern observers of science: a theoretical definition of "truth" is often applied to scientific knowledge within science education, whereas a practical definition, supported by evidence, is used within science. (Author/CCM)

Explores secondary school, undergraduate, and graduate level learners' mental models of bonding with ionic substances through an interview protocol involving the use of physical substances and a focus card containing depictions of ionic bonding and structure. Suggests that teachers and university faculty need to provide stronger links between the…

Explores how biology majors accommodate the theory of biological evolution with religious beliefs. Responses clustered under for evolution, against evolution, compromise, and neutral. Suggests that teaching about the nature of scientific facts and theories can enhance understanding of evolutionary theory if students can discuss their values and…

This study investigated interactions between student traits and treatments. Engineering and physics majors were enrolled in either a lecture-recitation-laboratory section, or an audio-tutorial section of an introductory physics course. No significant differences were found between the two groups, but an interaction was found between two traits…