Graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) who run independent sections for larger lecture courses typically receive insufficient feedback. Course evaluations, already flawed by numerous biases, offer an amalgam of student reactions to lecture and section, even when comments specifically laud or criticize section instructors. Course designs also vary…

The goals of nonmajor science education are to improve scientific literacy and produce pro-science attitudes. Together, these goals are expected to improve an individual's ability to make evidence-based decisions based on newer understandings of the natural world as well as developing technologies. In a post-COVID-19 world, public understanding of…

In response to the Howard Hughes Medical Institute/Association of American Medical Colleges Scientific Foundations for Future Physicians (SFFP) report and a concern for better preparing undergraduates for future doctoral programs in the health professions, the deans of the College of Arts and Sciences and Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences of…

Origins, philosophy, goals, textbook formulation, guidelines, other publications, and measurement of success for the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study program are discussed. (DF)

This address presents the results of a nationwide survey of science educators throughout Australia, including teachers, curriculum workers, and teacher educators. These educators were asked to comment on three categories related to science education: (1) past trends, (2) aims, and (3) future trends. Results of the past trends questions indicate a…

Analyzes some of the issues involved in the adaptation of science curricula. Identifies situation variables that affect "adaptedness," classifies these variables, and outlines the type of curriculum modification implied. Summarizes using a flow-chart indicating the sequence of questions preceding curriculum selection decisions. (GS)

The movement to shift the optometric testing focus from traditional visual sciences to the biomedical sciences is fortunate, but the optometric curriculum should also be carefully evaluated and redesigned to integrate the sciences better. (MSE)

This paper outlines a process that can be applied to the analysis or design of instructional programs and materials. The role of values in decision-making is discussed, with special emphasis on desisions concerning energy education. In addition, some criteria are given for effective programs and instructional materials for energy education. This…

The purposes of this study were: to determine the degree to which student attitudes were changed by the use of minicourses and to produce a model which could be used by other academic departments interested in the use of minicourses. The study included 240 students in four sections of Earth Science at the University of Northern Colorado. Each…

Describes a study which evaluates the effectiveness of the Thai biology curriculum developed by the Institute for the Promotion of Teaching Science and Technology (IPST). Investigates were classroom activities, student affective behavior, and teachers' attitudes toward the curriculum involving 40 teachers and 1,400 students. (Author/DS)

The analysis of data from a survey of lecturers and students in 13 universities/university colleges, together with evidence from other independent sources, shows that the introduction in the sixth form of a common core biology syllabus with specialist options is desirable. (Author/MA)

A very diverse population of students choose nursing as a profession in Israel. Although chemistry is basic for studying nursing, most of these students have not studied chemistry in school for longer than a single year--usually in grade 10. A chemistry curriculum for nursing schools was developed, implemented, and evaluated. This curriculum was…

Compared formal science scope/sequence with curriculum as it was taught in Little Rock (Arkansas) classrooms. Elementary teachers (N=126) were given a list of 273 concepts and asked if a topic was a significant part of their instruction and how much time was spent teaching it. Results are reported and discussed. (JN)

Describes the background and 38 steps of the development of the Australian Science Education Project (ASEP) Curriculum. Discusses some implications and eight points using formative evaluation to improve science curriculum materials. (YP)

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)