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)

An evaluation instrument, the Concept Inventory, was designed to be diagnostic, and to be helpful for student self-evaluation. A sample test instrument is shown along with some sample results. A discussion of test results is included. A bibliography is appended. (AJ)

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)

Reviews and compares results of content analysis studies of selected high school science laboratory handbooks using the Laboratory Structure and Task Analysis Inventory (LAI). Findings from two biology, two chemistry, and two physics handbooks indicate highly structured investigations where students perform manipulative and observational…

Although results of both formative and summative evaluation can be used for planning the next generation of a curriculum, a need exists for a third kind of evaluation, namely, Pre-Planning Evaluation (PPE). The purpose of PPE is to provide a database to curriculum development deliberations to assist in decision-making and to guard against neglect…

This study attempted to measure the functional availability of knowledge and skills acquired in high school biology as they affect the achievement of students in a first year university course. The study, referred to as retrospective curriculum evaluation, uses a self-assessment instrument, the Knowledge and Prior Study Inventory (KPSI). An…

Effects of instruction with Foundational Approach in Science Teaching (FAST) environmental science materials on Hawaiian high school students included increased interest in studying science and higher achievement in high school biology. On the whole the FAST program has had positive effects on students regarding achievement, interest, and…

The intended, perceived, implemented, and achieved curriculum of high school biology classes in Israel was studied using a variety of data sources and research methodologies. The intended curriculum was identified by analysis of commonly used laboratory manuals. The perceived curriculum was captured by procuring the views of teachers and students…