Introductory science, math, and engineering courses often have problems related to student engagement, achievement, and course completion. To begin examining these issues in greater depth, this pilot study compared student engagement, achievement, and course completion in a small and large section of an introductory biology class. Results based on…

We compare student learning and perception data from astronomy, physics, and geology courses taught in a traditional classroom with individual desks to the same classes taught in a large auditorium. In a large student sample (1,593 students), there is no clear difference between rooms in measures of failure rates or average final grades. However,…

Students in their first year of university face a number of transition issues that can make realising their academic potential difficult. In the sciences, first-year courses cover a large amount of material across broad subject areas, which can make them troublesome for students without background knowledge, and students need to adapt to typically…

Reviews research related to the question of whether or not science class sizes should be reduced. Research is grouped into two categories: (1) empirical research on achievement; and (2) research on teaching methodology. Discusses the Robert Slavin/Harris Cooper debate, when results defy common sense, and the Tennessee-based…

This report analyzes the relationship of Advanced Placement Program® (AP®) teacher practices and student performance on AP Biology and AP U.S. History Exams. Using a national survey of AP teachers, the study developed four models for each subject with public school teachers only and both public and nonpublic school teachers, using two standards of…

Discusses three general characteristics and four criticisms of meta-analysis (statistical analysis of the summary findings of many research studies). Illustrates application of meta-analysis on research studies relating to school class size and achievement and inquiry teaching of biology. (JN)

This publication describes the first phase of the Classroom Environment: Teaching for Learning Study in Australia, a six-year international research effort to identify correlations between teaching practices and student achievement. The report's first chapter presents a resume of the study and reviews research findings on managerial and…

Making students responsible for their own learning in biology is a national issue. The goal of this Master's project was to increase students' responsibility for their own learning in order to increase academic output and decrease the incidence of inappropriate behavior. The targeted population consisted of sophomore high school students in a…

The National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 (NELS:88) is the third in a series of longitudinal studies sponsored by the National Center for Education Statistics. This report profiles the mathematics and science instruction received by eighth graders (11,414 surveyed in mathematics and 10,686 in science) in public and private schools in 1988…