Uses concept-map content analysis and interviews to gain insights into the knowledge organization and knowledge processing of preservice teachers (N=48). Concludes that active cognitive processing of knowledge is related to complex cognitive structures. Contains 29 references. (DDR)

Explores the dynamics in the loci of commitment of several participants in a university-level biology course developed for elementary school teachers. Concentrates on two instructors with almost opposing loci of commitment. Contains 19 references. (DDR)

Investigates student teachers' understanding of science and their ability to learn what was needed when it was required for teaching purposes. Findings indicate that half the students were able to prepare themselves adequately through independent research with guidance although their initial background knowledge of science was weak. Discusses…

Fourth-year university students (n=12) in a secondary-science-education degree program in Singapore were interviewed after demonstrations of five familiar chemical reactions. The majority of interviewees used perceptually-dominated rather than conceptually-dominated thinking and were unable to use scientific concepts consistently across the five…

There is movement in Australia towards requiring an initial degree for entry into teacher education programs in hopes of improving science teaching in primary schools. Upon entry into preservice education degree programs, Australian and Canadian student teachers were interviewed to determine whether first degrees influenced perceptions about…