This study designed and developed a CP-MCT (content-rich, photo-based multiple choice online test) to assess whether college students can apply the basic light concept to interpret daily light phenomena. One hundred college students volunteered to take the CP-MCT, and the results were statistically analyzed by applying t-test or ANOVA (Analysis of…

Typically, teachers use tests to evaluate students' knowledge acquisition. In a novel experimental study, we examined whether low-stakes testing ("quizzing") can be used to foster students' learning of course content in 8th grade science classes. Students received multiple-choice quizzes (with feedback); in the quizzes, some target…

An increasing number of instructors are seeking to provide students with online anatomy resources. Many researchers have attempted to identify associations between resource use and student learning but few studies discuss the importance of usability testing in resource design and modification. Usability testing provides information about ease of…

The first of two short articles describes the American Association for the Advancement of Science elementary school program; the other describes an experimental school-based testing program for the assessment of biology students in England for the award of certificate offered by an external examinations' board. (AL)

In this study an experimental test was constructed requiring high school students in introductory physics to use graphic rather than verbal skills in identifying relational concepts of physics. The effectiveness of the test was examined using both traditional and contemporary-PSSC (Physical Science Study Committee) physics. Two hundred twenty-six…

Suggests that a possible explanation of why student achievement in science is higher than nationwide statistics rests in the combined systemwide philosophy of education combined with the implementation of science curricula K-8 which was compatible with the district philosphy. Data tables are presented. (EB)

Reported is a study to evaluate the Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS) program at the fourth-grade level, in particular the unit, "Relativity." To avoid the problems of a written test, an alternative test involving examples of relative position and motion was developed. This 30-item planetarium test was used as a pretest and…

Compares teacher predictions with student-use data for nine teacher-selected activities during field testing of the Human Sciences Program (HSP). The comparison reveals that in six of the nine activities, a large discrepancy exists between teacher predictions and actual student-use data. (HM)

The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is an information-gathering project that surveys the educational attainments of 9-year-olds, 13-year-olds, 17-year-olds, and adults (ages 26-35) in various learning areas. All areas are assessed by a group of educators who design objectives for each area and create measurement tools…

This collection contains revised versions of 15 state-of-the-art papers and 7 commentaries given at the first conference of the New Zealand Association for Research in Education (NZARE). Each article surveys a single field relating to contemporary educational research in New Zealand, including the aims, methods, and significance of the studies…