Describes a study which explored some difficulties related to technical and nontechnical vocabulary and the structure of the examination questions in electrochemistry. Includes results from a sample of 1,500 students in the fourth forms. (DS)

Discusses techniques utilized by some science education researchers to assess and represent information in an individual's cognitive structure such that it can be compared to the subject matter structure taught. The author recommends caution in utilizing such techniques. (HM)

Described are national methods of assessing and monitoring the achievement in science of students of 11, 13, and 16 years old in England and Wales. The tasks of the Assessment of Performance Unit (APU), a unit within the Department of Education and Science, are also described. (HM)

Described is how tests that accompany texts can be effective if items selected relate to topics stressed in class. Identified are problems commonly found in these types of tests and directions on how to improve problem questions. (KR)

Examined is the question of how science attitude scores can be expected to predict science-related behaviors. Discussed is a historical perspective of this problem and five attitude-behavior perspectives. A summary for science educators is provided. A list of 77 references is included. (CW)

Clarifies the basic structure of a science, technology, and society (STS) course for using a tool to evaluate the course. Reports empirical data about an STS examination from 16-17 year-old British students. (Author/YP)

Discusses the difficulties which students have in interpreting science diagrams and the ways in which some diagrams may be misleading. Presents several diagrams as examples. (YP)

Describes the Second International Science Study. Analyzes several variables mitigating the interpretative power of the study, including different needs and agendas, cultural bias, equivalence of data, data analysis, student retention rates, comparability of target populations, and test validity. (YP)

The Individualized Eclectic Examination is described. The format, design, and philosophy of the examination that emphasizes problem solving are discussed. Sample questions, student projects, and an illustration of the implementation of the exam are included. (CW)

Investigates Italian high school and college students' awareness of the risks connected with both the civilian and military uses of nuclear energy. Summarizes some findings of this analysis and concludes that the education regarding nuclear issues does not meet current needs. Provides a questionnaire on nuclear issues. (YP)

Data from 30 studies involving gender differences related to science achievement were synthesized using analyses of effect sizes and vote-counting estimation procedures. Reports that males showed advantages in biology, general science, and physics. (Author/YP)

Describes a computer program presenting four genetics problems to monitor the problem solving process of college students. Identifies three main areas of difficulty: computational skills; determination of gametes; and application of previous learning to new situations. (Author/YP)

This study compared the effects of an advance organizer and a prerequisite knowledge passage on learning and retention measured at low and high levels of the cognitive domain. The advance organizer group performed better on the framework test; the prerequisite knowledge group performed better on prerequisite knowledge test. (Author/YP)

Refutes 14 items from "Computer Test Bank for Heath Physical Science." Discusses the correct answers item by item. (YP)

Reports that 26 of 199 responding colleges require the Fundamentals of Engineering examination. States that of the 26, 16 require it to be taken college-wide and 3 require the student to pass. It was estimated that fewer than half of all graduating engineering students take the exam. (MVL)