The purpose of this study was to explore college students' recognition of temporal magnitudes associated with durations of scientific changes through construct validation of a 30-item instrument. We administered the instrument to 514 students from 10 higher education institutions in the United States. Among them, 419 students took the instrument…

To explore how elementary teachers may differ from secondary teachers in their views about NOS, a professional development experience involving explicit reflective instruction on NOS, discussions about science with scientists, and exposing the teachers to the practices, techniques, and collaborations fundamental to scientific research was…

A university Environmental Sciences curriculum is described against the background of requirements for environmental problem solving for sustainability and then analyzed using data from regular surveys of graduates (N = 373). Three types of multiple regression models examine links between qualifications and curriculum components in order to derive…

Presented are the results of an approach to teaching physical chemistry designed to increase student motivation. Student achievement in a course utilizing motivation variables such as self-pacing, no dropping of grades, no pop-tests, and taped lectures, indicated significant gains over a course taught by a traditional approach. (SL)

Presents concept mapping as an effective tool for developing an integrated curriculum. Includes examples of concept maps that represent an entire veterinary curriculum, specific courses, and case-based exercises. (21 references) (Author/JRH)

Examines three issues: the negative nature of today's stereotype of a scientist; the relationship of present stereotypes to course enrollment; and the relationship of the closeness of self-image and stereotype to course enrollment in science. Analysis of semantic differential items reveal differences among science and nonscience college majors.…

Adolescents (n=151-158), adults (n=18), and scientists (n=5) were involved in two studies conducted to identify concepts of heat energy and temperature held by each of the participants and investigate the impact of a middle school science curriculum designed to help students understand everyday thermal events. Results indicate that each group had…

Reports a study of 922 college students that classified the students based on performance on formal operational reasoning tasks. Students were also administered seven logic tasks. Response patterns were analyzed and found to be similar to patterns derived from the multiple-hypothesis theory of advanced scientific reasoning and different from those…

Investigated were effects of learning structure on change in preference for science courses. Results indicated that physics students learning in ways they prefer register greater gains in preference for physics than do students in incompatible learning structures. No significant differences were found for students in biology, chemistry, or…

Reports on effects of Individualized Goal Setting (IGS) Audio Tutorial (AT) instruction compared to classic AT instruction and effects of pretesting compared to no pretesting on students' locus of control. Indicates no significant effect on students' locus of control between IGS-AT v AT or between pretesting v no pretesting. (DS)

Investigates the extent to which thinking skills and mathematical competency would predict the course performance of freshman and sophomore science majors enrolled in physics courses. Finds that algebra ability and critical thinking skills were the best predictors. (Author/YP)

Argues that concern for the needs of science department faculty in small colleges and universities is lacking in the science education research literature. Claims that such faculty's duties often include educating science majors and science education majors, and the unique problems arising from this dual role should be more thoroughly studied.…

Presents data on student performance in a competency-based, multiple-opportunity format physics course, indicating that costs are related to character of examination questions and comprehensional modes of students. Compares costs for single/multiple trial formats, showing that multiple-trial opportunity has lower costs and a higher yield of…

Reports results of a study investigating the ability of college students to solve problems using proportional reasoning. Also discusses implications for consideration of Piagetian cognitive level of students in planning college courses. (CS)

This study was undertaken to determine whether a biology preparatory course given at an urban community college was helping students to develop the proper skills and background necessary to successfully complete follow-up courses in biology. Data indicated a mathematics score was the main discriminator between pass/fail groups of the preparatory…