In teacher professional development (PD), grouping teachers with varying levels of experience can be a productive and empowering way to stimulate the exchange and co-generation of content and pedagogical knowledge. However, less experienced teachers can face socio-emotional risks when engaging in collaborative science content reasoning tasks with…

The use of unifying themes that span the various branches of science is recommended to enhance curricular coherence in science instruction. Conceptions of spatial scale are one such unifying theme. This research explored the accuracy of spatial scale conceptions of science phenomena across a spectrum of 215 participants: fifth grade, seventh…

Identifies, describes, and categorizes events occurring between members of different learning groups in three ninth-grade physical science classrooms. Explains how concepts, ideas, tools, tool-related practices, and materials diffused throughout the classroom environment were appropriated by learners in various ways to contribute to the…

High school chemistry students were grouped according to their scores on a divergent thinking test into either a homogeneous or heterogeneous group. Concluded that following an instructional film, there was more verbal interaction in the homogeneous group. (MLH)

Studied a group of high school biology, chemistry, and physics classes; concluded that there was no relationship between scientific attitudes and class size, but there was a significant improvement in achievement in smaller groups. (MLH)

Argues that assessment should be an integral component of the science curriculum and that assessment should assist students and teachers in accomplishing their goals. Points out the failures of the process-product models of school reform. (DDR)

Determined: (1) if elementary education majors (N=91) from different levels of reasoning ability learned more science concepts under different grouping methods in an inquiry/learning cycle-based physical science class; and (2) if these students became able to reason more effectively under the different grouping methods. (JN)

One thousand twenty-two seventh grade students in country and city schools enrolled in Intermediate Science Curriculum Study (ISCS) programs were the subjects of this study. Differences in learning rates and retention levels were found to be related to pacing, mental ability, and grouping. (CP)

Describes a study designed to provide insight into the strengths and limitations of using groupwork to promote excellence and equity in science education. Argues that students need more guidance in how to talk and do science. Contains 40 references. (DDR)

The effects of controversy and concurrence seeking and participation in age-homogeneous and age-heterogeneous cooperative learning groups were compared on achievement, achievement motivation, perspective-taking accuracy, and interpersonal attraction. In addition, the interaction among students (N=112 fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-graders) within the…

Determined if grouping preservice elementary teachers (N=91) in physical science laboratories by their formal reasoning ability affected: (1) their science content achievement; (2) the learning environment in the laboratory; (3) their formal reasoning ability; and (4) the relationship between individuals in a particular group. (Author/JN)