Advocates the use of summary writing to enhance science learning. Presents a strategy to teach students how to identify and condense important information. (DDR)

Computer technology has afforded opportunities to design science curriculum experiences that capitalize on hypertext environments. Though these settings may provide students with flexibility as they explore science, the question remains, Does science inherently favor sequential approaches to curriculum? Addresses the tension this creates using an…

Examines the dip in achievement and interest in science that many students experience as they move into secondary schools. Explores the reasons for this phenomenon and possible solutions. (DDR)

Describes the achievement gap between minority and non-minority students in science and mathematics. Provides advice to parents, educators, and students on how to raise minority-group achievement. Describes the Meyerhoff Scholars Program at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, which recruits and supports minority students who excel in…

The use of computers in science assessment is examined for six considerations: (1) purpose of computer use in assessment; (2) value of program evaluation models; (3) possible harmful side effects of assessment; (4) nature of imbedded questions; (5) definition of treatment; and (6) computers and the classroom context. (LZ)

Discusses the place of authentic assessment in science education and presents one strategy, the Views on Science Technology and Society instrument, for helping teachers understand the extent to which students have achieved the complex learning that modern curricula demand. (11 references) (MKR)

The quite average performance of children in Canada and the United States on the International Assessment of Educational Progress is consistent with the foundations of school systems in both countries, which emphasize a sociocultural rather than academic purpose. Recent changes in Quebec stress education for academic reasons, with resulting…

An interactive computer/videodisc learning approach to the conventional laboratory approach for learning biology concepts and science process skills were compared. The two approaches appear equivalent when evaluated by traditional learning outcomes, but the interactive videodisc strategy was significantly more time efficient than a traditional…

Discusses case studies of the United States, Germany, and Japan included in the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). Highlights national standards, teacher training and working conditions, attitudes toward dealing with ability differences, and the place of school in adolescents' lives. Compared to Japanese and German…

The 12 chapters of this special issue focus on national findings and analyses from five Western European countries that participated in the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), an international comparative study of mathematics and science achievement. Focuses on populations of 9- and 13-year olds in England, Germany, Sweden,…

Despite Commissioner Pascal Forgione's claims (in the June 1998 "Kappan"), the final-year Third International Mathematics and Science Study obviates comparison of achievement across nations. Comparers are engaging in a political exercise. There are problems with age, cultural, and enrollment-rate differences; definition of the U.S.…

A study of 222 nursing students in England found no significant differences in performance in the sciences among those with different educational qualifications. Age was a better predictor of science performance. (SK)

Describes and analyzes the design and outcomes of the Mathematics and Science Literacy Study of the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) in the Netherlands, focusing on students in the final year of secondary school. In comparison with students from other countries, final-year secondary students in the Netherlands seem to be…

Studied the characteristics of effective high schools in rural Western Australia by investigating factors influencing science and mathematics achievement. Results for at least 1,024 students in each of 3 years show the most variability in achievement at the classroom and student levels, and show that teacher effects are substantial. (SLD)

Compared the impact of robotics (computer-powered manipulative) to a battery-powered manipulative (novelty control) and traditionally taught science class on science achievement and problem solving of fourth through sixth graders. Found that the robotics group had higher scores on programming logic-problem solving than did the novelty control…