Employs latent partition analysis (a multivariate technique) to reveal pre/postcognitive structure of freshman engineering students (N=70) taking general chemistry. Similarities and dissimilarities among high and low scorers are discussed. Arguments for use of this statistical techniques are presented. (DH)

Analyzes verbal and figural student concept schemes for environmental issues through aspects of differentiation (number of categories employed), discrimination (range of phenomena involved), and integration (efficiency of organizing method). Results indicate students (N=28) use discrimination most and integration least and constructed…

Examined the feasibility of using two microcomputer simulations to improve preservice elementary teachers performance in the formation and testing of hypotheses. Considers the effects of mode of computer instruction and cooperation on the acquisition of skills. (CW)

Analyzes three approaches (physical, mental, combined practice) to improving freshman chemistry psychomotor laboratory skills. Although no significant differences were found between treatments, there were significant differences when each was compared to the control sections. Mental practice appears to offer an efficient methods for reinforcement…

Critical shortages in science and mathematics teacher education enrollment at Black colleges and universities are discussed. Questionnaire results from Black colleges (N=47) are used to compare bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees awarded to Blacks in various fields. (DH)

The nature of cluster analysis and dendograms, subjects, tasks, and results of this study are described. Categories for problems were based on assumptions about the methods used by novice and expert problem solvers in a physics context. (CW)

Analyzed and compared the teaching behavior of teachers who had been trained to use Science Education Project (SEP) materials with the teaching behavior of teachers using traditional approaches. Reviewed some relevant research on observations of science teaching and presented the results of the comparative study. (CW)

Described is a systematic plan for implementing a national curriculum development effort in science education in Pakistan. The stages, curriculum tasks, and evaluation tasks of the six-year program are included. Implications for other developing countries are addressed. (KR)

Discussed is the use of concept mapping as a tool to enhance meaningful learning for college autotutorial biology students. Student attitudes toward concept mapping is described. The correlation between SAT scores and concept mapping was investigated. (KR)

States that the relationship between mathematics and physics in the first year college level might be similar for populations from different national and cultural backgrounds. Reports student responses in two schools on topics covered by a mathematics test. The similarities and differences between the two groups are discussed. (YP)

Describes an intelligent tutoring system named MENDEL, including problem GENERATOR, TUTOR, student MODELER, ADVISOR, hypothesis CHECKER, and problem SOLVER. This software may be used by high school or university biology students as a tool for learning concepts and problem-solving strategies in transmission genetics. (YP)

Examines various types of problems that researchers have used to demonstrate problem solving. Focuses on genetics problems. Discusses classes of learning outcomes, conceptual knowledge gains, content-independent heuristics, content-specific procedures, understanding the nature of science and a typology of genetics problems. (CW)

Discusses the history of American science and science education, with particular emphasis on the development of scientific inquiry and experimentation. Focuses primarily on the activities of individuals in the 1800's, and the introduction of science into secondary schools and higher education institutions in the early 1900's. (TW)

Presented are the findings of a naturalistic case study of science teacher thinking. The role of personal practical theories and curricular and instructional decisions is discussed. Suggested implications of understanding personal theorizing of science teachers and science teacher educators are included. (KR)

Compares the effectiveness of two instructional models in bringing about a valid understanding of science concepts in prospective elementary teachers. Describes the two instructional models; an expository model and a learning cycle model. Concludes that college students understandings of science concepts may be improved using a combination of the…