Introduces a semester-long project approach for science or mathematics nonmajor students and lists the objectives of the project. Lists criteria for student evaluation and provides examples of students' creative final projects. (Contains 18 references.) (YDS)

Presents an assessment tool for agricultural educators and curriculum specialists to assess the acquisition of knowledge among undergraduate agriculture majors. Points out the increasing importance of agriculture and agricultural education. Explains the design process of this instrument and provides the instrument. (Contains 19 references.) (YDS)

Based on the idea that learning is linked to personal relevance, this study examined knowledge retention of exercise physiology content between college athletes and nonathletes. No differences were observed between the groups. These findings have implications on understanding the relationship between personal relevance and memory. (Contains 1…

Discusses the use of models as an instructional method in science classrooms and makes suggestions on how to use models more effectively. (Contains 28 references.) (Author/YDS)

The same issues in science education have been discussed since the 1930s. Discusses the structure of college education and focuses on what students should know and be able to do. Points out the changes in college science instruction. (Contains 11 references.) (YDS)

Describes a system of self-evaluation by students designed to increase personal attention and interest in learning and to reduce uncertainty and anxiety. The system has been tested with more than 2,000 college students over a four year period. Its advantages and disadvantages are discussed. (JR)

The Mole Concept is a learning cycle (patterned after University of Nebraska-Lincoln's ADAPT model) for the chemical unit "mole." Discusses objectives and activities involved in each phase of the cycle: exploration, invention, and application. Indicates the cycle is superior to traditional lecture-demonstration for teaching the abstract mole…

Explains the phrase "What is Assessment?". Lists the principles of assessment and includes standards and goals, trust, total campus commitment, constant and continuing assessment, and incorporation of assessment research into practice and policy as the ideal components of assessment practice. Recommends the use of scoring rubrics for student…

Describes a laboratory notebook designed for junior and senior college students for a fish taxonomy course. Discusses the benefits of drawing and close observation on students' learning. (Contains 15 references.) (YDS)

Explains that trial and error learning is an important way for children and adults to learn. Open-ended activities have great opportunities for error and eventual feedback for error reduction. (PR)

Three-phased learning cycles (exploration, invention, application) were introduced into general chemistry laboratories at Northland College (Wisconsin). Discusses each phase and its use in a learning cycle on the functional groups of organic compounds. (JN)

Summarizes research that contrasts the approaches and attitudes of successful and unsuccessful problem solvers. Supplies a categorized list of problem solver characteristics. (RT)

Discusses science education reform and changes in teaching and learning processes. Compares higher order cognitive skills to lower order cognitive skills in learning, and gives rationales for advocating higher order cognitive skills. (Contains 38 references.) (YDS)

Zoo projects that encourage reflective learning and are legitimate undertakings for untrained undergraduates are hard to develop. In this article, the author, as a professor in anthropology, discusses and teaches primate studies. His pedagogical goal in teaching primate studies is to enhance the process of learning, and to consider that students…

Determined effects of including supplementary readings designed to help students (N=233) relate physics to other fields. Both achievement and attitude were measured and significant improvement differences were found for both due to the treatment. Sources for the supplemental readings are cited. (JM)