Describes how concept maps can be used in biology teaching. Concept maps for genetics and ecology are presented as a model. How to use these maps as curricular and instructional tools and as a means of evaluation is also included. (HM)

Discusses how biology teachers can design or adapt existing laboratory and field experiences to promote reflective thinking and self-regulation of students. (HM)

Describes a study in which teachers indicated a more favorable attitude toward teaching students to learn from texts than a comparison group did toward teaching reading in the content areas. Suggests changing the slogan "Every teacher a teacher of reading" to "Every secondary teacher teaches students to learn from texts." (MKM)

Discusses the potential impact of microcomputers on physics computer-assisted learning in the United Kingdom. Explains some available systems, their requirements, advantages, problems, and the cost involved. (GA)

The Improving America's Schools Act amends the 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act making professional development a central component of its emphasis on improving teaching and learning through Titles I and II. A statement of principles of high quality professional development has been issued in support. (SLD)

Uses principles of validation as a conceptual framework for critiquing validity-invalidity evidence and arguments related to student ratings of teachers (SRTs). Also explores the utility of SRTs. (SLD)

Examines the hypothesis that children learn and retain conservation principles in school environments and transfer them to their parents. Students, parents, and an adult control group were given a pre-test and two post-tests eight months apart. Theorizes that parents did indeed learn from children and that both groups transmitted information to…

Uses a two-tier, multiple-choice diagnostic instrument to determine (n=915) grade 10 students' understanding of the acid, base, and salt reactions involved in basic qualitative analysis. Reports that many students did not understand the formation of precipitates and the complex salts, acid/salt-base reactions, and thermal decomposition involved in…

Discusses how a focus on learning can change teaching and identifies five key changes to practice that come out of a focus on learning. They are changes in: (1) the balance of power; (2) the role of the teacher; (3) the responsibility for learning; (4) the function of content; and (5) the purposes and processes of evaluation. (SLD)

Developments in cognitive and developmental psychology have broadened the inferences researchers want to make about students' learning and the nature and acquisition of knowledge. The principles of inference that led to standard test theory can support inference in the broader context of the cognitive revolution. (SLD)

Examines the classroom environment, describing various social forces embedded in the classroom climate, student-faculty interactions, and student-to-student interactions that either foster or impede student learning. The article highlights ways in which these classroom social forces perpetuate social inequalities that exist within society at large…

Conducted exploratory pilot studies of the uses of technology to enable learning in a formal educational setting in a higher education institution and within a corporation. Findings show there is insufficient followup on e-learning policies and a general lack of strategic direction and leadership in this area. (SLD)

Discusses the results of a study of high school students that was conducted to convey their attitudes and experiences to parents, administrators, and teachers. Topics include the stress that students are under to produce good grades and meet expectations; and feeling that showing achievement is more important than learning. (LRW)

Describes the development, implementation, and Web-based support for a new comprehensive system designed for the annual evaluation and professional growth of all teachers in the Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Florida. The system has been developed to embrace newer philosophies of professional teaching practice and new theories of teaching and…