Background: In college science laboratory and discussion sections, student-centered active learning strategies have been implemented to improve student learning outcomes and experiences. Research has shown that active learning activities can increase student anxiety if students fear that they could be negatively evaluated by their peers. Error…

Questions serve as an element that can be used to access and stimulate students' thinking ability. This research aimed at analyzing the students' ability to pose Higher-Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) questions during the learning process. This research was a survey research using a descriptive quantitative approach. The samples used in the research…

This study explored the types, frequencies and quality of student questioning based on three kinds of question-stems (detailed-stem, simple-stem, and no-stem). A questioning-supported thinking and learning system (QSTLS) was developed to scaffold stem-based student questioning. One hundred fifth-grade students participated in this study. Students…

Too often, teachers scratch their heads and ask, "What were my students thinking?" then answer, "I don't want to know." But teachers should want to know, and students should question their own thinking, as well. Critical thinking involves not just problem solving, creativity, analysis, and synthesis but also self-awareness of learning and learning…

Assessment for Learning (AfL)--assessment that focuses on the gap between present performance and the desired goal--is integral to teaching and learning, and its importance has been recognised over a number of years. With the new status of science assessment in England, following the changes to key stage testing, a research team at the National…

With the widening knowledge base students will need to be more flexible in their learning habits. Traditionally, teaching school science often involves teacher-centred methods like lectures, experimental demonstration or guided inquiry. Plain knowledge dissemination will not adequately prepare students to cope with the changing world. Hence,…

Describes how two teachers developed an inquiry learning and teaching approach called KWLQ in which students recorded their prior knowledge, formulated questions, searched for answers, and finally noted more questions for further study. Describes how they used this approach in inquiry units in kindergarten, second-grade, and fifth-grade classes.…

Pedagogical strategies have been experimentally applied in large-enrollment biology courses in an attempt to amplify what teachers do best in effecting deep learning, thus more closely approximating a one-on-one interaction with students. Carefully orchestrated in-class formative assessments were conducted to provide frequent, high-quality…

Examines the work of people who design exploratory exhibits for science museums. Discusses asking good questions, meaningful learning, design criteria from "interest experts," and four concepts about ideal learning environments which include choice in formal and informal learning, expert jargon and natural language, skills and dispositions, and…

Recommends utilizing biochemistry problems to develop students' abilities to clearly identify the relevant questions hidden in problematic situations and to select the information required to solve them. This procedure is highly motivating and offers students a tool for evaluating their achievements. (Author/CCM)

This project consisted of a meta-analysis of U.S. research published from 1980 to 2004 on the effect of specific science teaching strategies on student achievement. The six phases of the project included study acquisition, study coding, determination of intercoder objectivity, establishing criteria for inclusion of studies, computation of effect…

Examines acquisition, maintenance, and transfer of a questioning strategy in second- and third-grade students using a multiple-baseline design. Indicates that knowledge of text structure increased and that students could reliably differentiate text structure. Describes the establishment of a 4-week procedure for integrating the questioning…

Reports a study that examined the effects of conceptual orienting questions and differences in prior knowledge on factual learning and problem solving in biology. Tenth graders who participated in control or orienting questions groups completed posttests. Results indicated that question groups outscored the control group. (SM)

Discusses the role that children's ideas and questions have in learning science. Explains four techniques which aim to promote primary students' question-asking. Also suggests specific approaches that were developed in the Learning in Science Project to assist teachers in making use of children's questions. (ML)

This study employed problem-based learning for project work in a year 9 biology class. The purpose of the study was to investigate (a) students' inspirations for their self-generated problems and questions, (b) the kinds of questions that students asked individually and collaboratively, and (c) how students' questions guided them in knowledge…