This was an experiment to test the extended discretion laboratory approach versus a guided-inquiry approach for teaching biology in a university setting. Among three criterion variables (examination, reports, and quizzes), only the laboratory report scores showed differences between groups and group-by-instructor interaction. (Author/YP)

Identifies some of the problems of attitude assessment in science education. Describes the development of the Attitude Toward the Subject Science Scale (ATSSS) and gives an overview of the Ajzen and Fishbein attitude theories. Provides five sample items. (YP)

Tests on diffusion and osmosis given to (n=116) secondary biology students, (n=123) nonbiology majors, and (n=117) biology majors found that, even after instruction, students continue to have misconceptions about these ideas. Appendix includes diffusion and osmosis test. (MKR)

Assessment of practical objectives by means of a project which occurred in an operational Advanced level examination in the United Kingdom is analyzed for construct validity. As in previous research, low correlation were found between scores of (n=218) candidates on the project and on the other components of the examination. (18 references)…

Provides six problems to help students understand new concepts of force using situations they already understand concerning velocity, acceleration, and momentum. (MVL)

Describes a strategy to incorporate the theme of cooperative learning into the format of graded examinations. (JRH)

Described are the results of a formal reasoning test taken by both Japanese and American students. The most likely reasons for the difference between test score results are discussed. Japan's "hands-on" and group inquiry-oriented curriculum approach is cited as one difference. (KR)

Describes the findings of secondary analysis of data from the Assessment of Performance Unit (APU) Science. The most striking feature of the study is the extremely low level of scores obtained for questions which invite a written response. The results also clearly show the consistent negative reaction of girls to the technical context of…

A marginal maximum likelihood estimation algorithm is presented for the ordered partition model of M. Wilson that does not require the set of available responses to be fully ordered. The model and its estimation algorithm are illustrated in a comparison of alternative scoring schemes for open-ended science items. (SLD)

Science test results are often used to evaluate differences in achievement between males and females. Analyzes data collected in Ohio at the statewide level and suggests that it could be important to consider the rate of item omission before scores are computed. Contains 17 references. (DDR)

A sample of Australian Year-12 students (n=16) who participated in the TIMSS testing were interviewed immediately after the test about their responses to test items. Students had trouble relating TIMSS questions to generalized aspects of everyday life and to school science topics. Students seemed to place little value on performing well on the…

Summarizes trends in New Zealand's Sixth Form Certificate assessment, explains teacher views about it and a sixth-form major subject area (science, represented by National Standards Syllabus biology, chemistry, and physics), and discusses findings in the context of the National Qualifications Framework. Official scrutiny over this exam has…

Describes the purpose of the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and analyzes the results of the study. First published in 1999. (YDS)

The theory of evolution, pioneered most famously by Charles Darwin, posits that humans and other living creatures have descended from common ancestors over time through a process of random mutation and natural selection. It is widely considered to be a pillar of modern biology. Over the past year, however, public education has been roiled by…

In this study, we juxtapose the purpose and procedures for school science inquiry activities as they are portrayed in curriculum policy statements, provincial assessment materials and teacher resources with a teacher's enactment of these policy and resource directives in her classroom. This article draws on data collected during a Grade 6…