Ability to distinguish between causal (cause-effect) and teleological (means-ends) explanations was measured in 1905 twelfth-grade biology students and found to be dependent on student knowledge. Although the inability to make these distinctions contributes to misconceptions in biology, appropriate instruction can easily remedy the problem. Sample…

Describes the validity and reliability of the Self-Report Knowledge Inventory (SRKI) and the Opportunity to Learn Inventory (OTLI) as self-assessment tools. Both instruments were found to be friendly, relatively easy to design, easy to respond to, easy to score, time-saving, non-threatening, valid, and reliable for comparing and making decisions…

Following a discussion of the role and importance of practical laboratory tests, describes an instrument designed for inquiry-oriented practical examinations. The instrument consists of 21 categories representing different inquiry skills. Examples and illustrative data based on results in biology matriculation examination in Israel are reported.…

Discusses uses of microcomputers as: a tutor (drill and practice, course review, and others); a tool (drawing, statistical analyses, word processing, and others); and a tutee. Also addresses major problems and issues in science education, noting how microcomputers may help in resolving the problems. Problems and issues include teaching science in…

This report reviews some goals for laboratory activities in contemporary science teaching, discusses an investigation that analyzed and compared laboratory activities from two major physics guides, and discusses the implications of the goals and analysis for physics teaching. Six major deficiencies in the two laboratory handbooks are identified.…

The achievement of students in a first-year university biology course is related to two high school variables: the kind of curriculum followed and the level of students' high school biology courses. Students who specialized in biology are compared with students who did not specialize in biology. (Author/MLF)

Reports results of a study of biology classes in Israel that includes describing transactions in a representative sample of biology classes (N=22) in the year 1973, comparing transactions in recitation with those of laboratory lessons, and studying the effects of subject matter on the classroom transaction. (CS)

Described are how invitations to inquiry have been used in presentations to effectively demonstrate and explain the notion of inquiry and its role in science teaching and how they can be used in teacher education. An initial segment of an invitation to inquiry script and a list of topics that have been used as invitations to inquiry are included.…

Describes the Iowa science-technology-society (STS) models and goals. Characterizes and gives examples of using the STS approach in classrooms. Reports the results of four studies that have assessed the outcomes of learning with STS instruction. Identifies some problems concerning the future use of STS in schools. (PR)

Students' justifications for the three-item formats provided were compared. The study confirmed the usefulness of justifications as a diagnostic tool and offered recommendations regarding the use of justifications, including their use in the construction of two-tier items. (Author/CW)

A first-year university biology course with explicit prerequisites, made known to students a few weeks prior to the course, is described. Analysis of students' responses to a post-course questionnaire showed that most were satisfied with the high level of instruction. Certain preferences resulting from different high school preparation are noted.…

Describes the "Computer Software Inquiry Inventory" (CSI), which was designed for content analysis of inquiry-based science computer software. Explains the five basic features of the instrument. Includes analyses of two programs using the CSI categories of evaluation. (ML)

Offers a conceptual framework for studying and analyzing potential benefits/disadvantages of homework. Also describes studies (measurement of conditions, practices, and attitudes toward homework). Findings show that students value homework, that few teachers regularly check homework, and that there are sex differences between Arab and Jewish…

The Self Lesson Report Form (SLRF) was designed as an alternative to direct classroom observation or to commonly used questionnaires in which students and/or teachers report on general practices used in their classes. Describes the SLRF, assesses its validity/reliability, and illustrates kinds of information obtained using the SLRF in Israel…

Describes the rationale and activities developed and tested by the Biology Critical Thinking project (BCT). Presents the project guidelines for developing activities, a list of skills selected as goals of BCT, instruments used in determining effectiveness of the activities, results of the pilot study, and a sample activity involving vitamins. (MDH)