The primary purpose of this study was to identify those factors that most accurately predict a student's intention to complete a degree in a college of agriculture. Specific research objectives were to identify similarities and differences of college of agriculture freshmen from predominately urban backgrounds, as compared to those in an…

Reviews a subjective exercise completed by students at the end of each of six units in an introductory organic chemistry course. Argues that instruction should be shaped by Ausubel's concept of meaningful learning. (DDR)

Discusses how biologists use evolutionary theory and provides examples of how evolutionary biologists test hypotheses on specific modes of selection and evolution. Presents an example of the successful predictive power of one evolutionary hypothesis. Contains 38 references. (DDR)

This study focuses on the results of an open-ended questionnaire on positive and negative science experiences and the preliminary findings for the development of a survey instrument based on those results. The primary objective of the study was to determine if there are detectable differences in prior science experiences between those who become…

Lends support to the idea that the quality of the cases used in problem-based learning affects the nature of student learning in this context. Outlines seven principles adapted from research on learning and cognition that can help guide case design. Contains 22 references. (DDR)

Argues that the life sciences offer potential for practical work to be undertaken outside the classroom. Explores a rationale for such work and draws on reported studies from a number of countries. Contains 44 references. (DDR)

Explores the use of the vignette as a research tool in determining preservice elementary teachers', African American high school students', and Young Scholars' perceptions of transportation, communication, and various labor saving devices. (DDR)

To reduce curricular fragmentation in science education, reform recommendations include using common, unifying themes such as scaling to enhance curricular coherence. This study involved 215 participants from five groups (grades 5, 7, 9, and 12, and doctoral students), who completed written assessments and card sort tasks related to their…

A formative assessment pretest was administered to undergraduate students at the beginning of a science course in order to find out their prior knowledge, misconceptions and learning difficulties on the topic of the human respiratory system and energy issues. Those findings could provide their instructors with the valuable information required in…