5th graders (n=527) were randomly assigned to self-explain worked examples (WE) or solve problems during a yearlong study. WE students learned more algebra skills when given algebra worked examples on an end-of-year transfer measure. Comparing attempts, conceptual, and mechanical correctness by condition, results demonstrated that the condition…

This study explored the differences between eight-year elementary school pupils (before the curriculum reform) and nine-year elementary school pupils (soon after the curriculum reform) in Slovenia, as regards specific chemistry knowledge and motivation to learn chemistry. Altogether, 191 elementary school pupils participated in the study. The…

The question of how children solve force and motion problems in computer simulations without explicit knowledge of the underlying physics was investigated. Keystroke sequences made by children were saved and analyzed, and children were interviewed to understand their perception of the relationship between keyboard input and on-screen action. (CW)

Provided is a perspective on the teaching of a unit on the Earth in space. The themes to be found within the unit, approaches and resources that can be used for teaching and learning the subject, and some of the typical ideas that children hold about astronomical subjects are provided. (KR)

This paper describes how the learning cycle leads students to become more skilled reasoners. The three phases of the learning cycle are described and examples and goals of each are provided. Information is also offered on the three types of learning cycles: the descriptive; the empirical-inductive; and the hypothetical-deductive. Each is described…

The teacher's role in directing science activities is examined in this book. Suggestions are offered on what teachers might do with the activities and advice is given on how the activities could be used. Each of the eight chapters contains a brief summary at the beginning, a detailed review at its close, and a list of specific guidelines for…

In order to take into account in a more productive, effective manner children's prior science knowledge in the development of science curricula and in the teaching of science, it is important "to know how to explore it, to know about its nature, and to consider the various ways it may, or may not be modified" (Gilbert, Osborne, and Fensham, 1982).…

Major efforts are underway to identify and define a science of science education which will reverse the relationship between research and program development. This trend is toward using research on how learners grow and develop prior to program development and the organization of instructional techniques. Clear scientific explanations of how…

Selections of papers from the 19th annual conference of the Australian Science Education Research Association are presented in this volume. A diversity of themes are addressed and include new topic areas as well as concerns that have been cited in previous issues. These papers focus on issues including: (1) students' misconceptions; (2) classroom…

Diverse themes from the annual conference of the Australian Science Education Research Association are addressed in this volume. New topic concerns as well as concerns that have been cited in previous issues are identified. Papers focus on issues including: (1) science and technology; (2) classroom practices and processes; (3) international…

Abstracts and abstractors' critiques of 10 published research reports related to misconceptions, attitudes, gender and miscellaneous issues are presented in this issue. Studies include: (1) the development, revision, refinement, and partial validation of an instrument to assess preservice elementary teachers' process orientation toward science;…

In the course of the last decade the Dortmund Summer Symposium has developed into an internationally acknowledged conference, with English as the language of communication every other year. This book presents the following papers given at the 1992 conference: (1) Learning Science: Insights from Research on Teaching and Assessment (D. R. Baker);…

A diversity of themes are addressed in the papers presented in this document; they include new topic areas as well as concerns that have been cited in previous issues. The papers focus on such topics as: (1) problem solving; (2) cognition; (3) the learning environment; (4) energy education; (5) the use of diagrams; (6) scientific methodology; (7)…

This document contains the abstracts of most of the papers, symposia, and poster sessions presented at the 62nd Annual Conference of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching (NARST). Subject areas addressed include: teacher preparation; science, technology and society; classroom research, elementary science; process skills;…

This document contains the abstracts of most of the papers, symposia, and poster sessions presented at the 63rd Annual Conference of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching (NARST). Subject areas addressed include teacher preparation; informal settings; cognitive models; classroom practices; teaching methods; student learning;…