Although there were no differences in pretest scores, students with a background in high school agriculture courses achieved lower scores on tests in college biology than those without this experience. The supposed relationships between biology and agriculture courses are questioned. (AL)

Describes the examination scheme developed to evaluate high school biology students using the BSCS project in Israel. The scheme consists of a practical examination and a written test. Since the scheme is relatively new, little research has been performed. (MA)

Ability to distinguish between causal (cause-effect) and teleological (means-ends) explanations was measured in 1905 twelfth-grade biology students and found to be dependent on student knowledge. Although the inability to make these distinctions contributes to misconceptions in biology, appropriate instruction can easily remedy the problem. Sample…

Analyzes effects of different student backgrounds on success in an introductory college biology class. Students with BSCS Yellow Version high school courses were consistently superior to other groups. Results consistent with Ausubel's Theory of learning. (AL)

Reports on interviews with 28 high school biology students in Jerusalem concerning teleological and anthropomorphic formulations and reasoning. Results indicate acceptance of anthropomorphic formulations does not imply a prevalence of anthropomorphic reasoning. Most high school students can distinguish between anthropomorphic formulations and…

Using Israeli biology matriculation examination results from 1983 and 1984, this article compares the achievement of Arab and Jewish students on the paper and pencil examinations and the practical laboratory examinations. Achievement differences between girls and boys are discussed, as well as the effects of a inquiry-oriented biology curriculum.…

The present paper aims at a cross-validation of two theoretical constructs (the construct of cognitive preferences and the logical/associative model of a concept) that have been used as nonroutine measures of student assessment and curriculum evaluation. (BW)

This book presents multiple assessment formats and strategies appropriate for inquiry activities for both indoor and outdoor education. Chapters 5-8 feature examples of disciplinary assessment practices for biology, chemistry, physics, and earth sciences. Other contents include: (1) "A Rationale for Assessment"; (2) "Developing New Assessment";…

Following a discussion of the role and importance of practical laboratory tests, describes an instrument designed for inquiry-oriented practical examinations. The instrument consists of 21 categories representing different inquiry skills. Examples and illustrative data based on results in biology matriculation examination in Israel are reported.…

The marking, or grading, system used in Israel is discussed in terms of its history and current use. A standardized assessment instrument used as a practical biology matriculation test, the Practical Tests Assessment Inventory, is described. (LMO)

The achievement of students in a first-year university biology course is related to two high school variables: the kind of curriculum followed and the level of students' high school biology courses. Students who specialized in biology are compared with students who did not specialize in biology. (Author/MLF)

Reports results of a study of biology classes in Israel that includes describing transactions in a representative sample of biology classes (N=22) in the year 1973, comparing transactions in recitation with those of laboratory lessons, and studying the effects of subject matter on the classroom transaction. (CS)

Two dilemmas occur in studying Darwin's Theory of Evolution. One, concerning pedagogy, is solvable by offering theory basics in middle school and in-depth study in high school. Another, concerning faith, is extremely sensitive. The paper discusses successful approaches, noting the place of Darwin's theory in all-elective high school biology. (SM)

Utilizes the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS) "invitations to inquiry" in teacher training in analyzing a lesson's objectives and in microteaching. (LS)

This study examines the relationship between teachers' and students' priorities regarding instructional practices and the actual occurrence of these practices in the classroom. A Likert-type inventory provided the data. Levels of agreement varied. The validity of the results and their implications for curriculum evaluation and instruction are…