The need to make higher education curricula gender-inclusive is increasingly pressing as student cohorts diversify. We adopted a student-staff partnership approach to design, integrate, and evaluate a module that taught first-year science students the difference between biological sex, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation in…

[This paper is part of the Focused Collection on Curriculum Development: Theory into Design.] In the "standard" physics education research curriculum-development model, researchers are cast primarily as producers of curricula and instructors are cast primarily consumers, i.e., adopters and adapters. We illustrate a complementary model in…

The present paper is a case study based on a first year BA Hons Education Studies module that explores a number of important questions about the relationship between technology, knowledge and society and begins to think about how our ideas about each of these contribute to an understanding of what education means. Following a Foucauldian…

The present paper is a case study based on a first year BA Hons Education Studies module that explores a number of important questions about the relationship between technology, knowledge and society and begins to think about how our ideas about each of these contribute to an understanding of what education means. Following a Foucauldian…

A number of authors have recognized the importance of understanding the nature of science (NOS) for scientific literacy. Different instructional strategies such as decontextualized, hands-on inquiry, and history of science (HOS) activities have been proposed for teaching NOS. This article seeks to understand the contribution of HOS in enhancing…

In response to continuing concerns about student attainment and participation in science and mathematics, the "epiSTEMe" project took a novel approach to pedagogy in these two disciplines. Using principles identified as effective in the research literature (and combining these in a fashion not previously attempted), the project developed…

This study reports on a science professional development initiative with elementary school teachers in Canada. Grades 4 and 5 teachers were involved in the implementation and modification of science kits, together with corresponding professional development activities. Each kit was aligned to specific outcomes in the curriculum and provided a…

The Open University's "Into Science" is a learning pack of materials that introduce adult students to science and math. Tutors approved of the quality and coverage but thought the cost was high. They said that students found the materials interesting and about the right level of difficulty. (SK)

Describes issues and decisions relating to the introduction of the East Anglian Examinations Board (EAEB) modular science syllabus, discussing several factors contributing to its development and rapid dissemination. Considers the place of modular science in the curriculum and EAEB modular science as a model for curriculum reform. Includes syllabus…

The recent structural reforms in New Zealand education have given schools and teachers unprecedented freedom in curricular design and delivery. Using official educational award statistics for 2004 and data arising from a study of 23 schools' upper secondary science curricula in the same year, this study represents an early monitoring of the impact…

Discusses aims and objectives of the "Modular Courses in Technology" project. Project aims include developing intellectual ability in a technological context and practical technological skills. Modules, module format, different approaches in forming examination syllabi, and other areas are considered. (JN)

A two-semester basic chemistry course for nonchemistry engineering majors is described. First semester provides introductory chemistry for freshmen while second semester is "customer-oriented," based on a departmental choice of three out of six independent modules. For example, aeronautical engineering "customers" would select…

A combination of factors including longer working hours, emphasis on professional development, and increased access to the Internet have fuelled the current high demand for distance learning options in tertiary biology. Distance learner students come from a heterogeneous pool of ages, backgrounds and abilities and they require choice in how they…

Describes the approach taken in the development of a modular curriculum which integrates the study of technology. Provides a rationale for the program and specifies its advantages. (ML)

This report outlines the range of existing problems in science education and proposes that a modular based physical science curriculum would contribute to solving some of the identified problems and produce numerous advantages. The physical science curriculum will be divided into a "core" of fundamental modules (the absolute minimum…