Alternative perspectives and practices for describing and documenting teaching practice and student learning relevant to classroom reform are identified, and a framework is provided for characterizing these process-focused instruments and indicators. Diverse descriptors were used to locate documents describing instruments and procedures used to…

This document examines children's and adults' knowledge of observational astronomy and characterizes the kinds of mental models students form when asked questions in astronomy. Mental models were grouped into three categories: intuitive, synthetic, and scientific. Implications for the design of curricula and for instruction are identified. In…

This report of the third session of the International Commission on Education for the Twenty-First Century describes the two main items on its agenda: the teaching of the sciences, and the production of knowledge, mentioning in this connection the particular role of the universities. From these debates and deliberations arose a number of central…

This study presents work in progress that investigates the use of visual learning logs by preservice elementary teachers as one component of developing visual literacy for science teaching and learning. The purpose of the study is to explore the use of visual learning logs as an alternative mode for thinking and communicating about experiences in…

Many primary school teachers feel a lack of confidence in teaching science and technology. This paper aims to demonstrate useful and practical strategies for non-specialist science teachers to use in stimulating a positive scientific attitude among primary school students. It proposes that teachers should strive to develop children's natural…

This document is a report of an intensive study of the K-12 mathematics and science programs in Milwaukee (Wisconsin) public schools (n=40) based on classroom observations, interviews, surveys, and focus group discussions. Results showed that students want practical experiences, less teacher talk, and more student talk. Teacher interviews…

Much Catholic school and church rhetoric suggests that Catholic schools possess distinctive learning environments. However, little empirical evidence has been found to support this assertion. Research has been hampered by the lack of an appropriate assessment instrument. This paper describes the development of a seven-scale instrument to assess…

This document, which was developed as a resource for adult basic education teachers in Victoria, Australia, contains six units of science activities to help students develop literacy and numeracy skills while learning basic scientific concepts. Presented in the introduction are guidelines for using the material and a table detailing those basic…

This study examined disciplinary differences in college teaching using data from a national study of peer review of teaching to look at values about teaching held by faculty in the contrasting disciplines of history and chemistry. Data for this study were from written exercises completed by faculty participants (14 historians and 12 chemists) and…

This guidebook resulted from a student mentoring and teacher ambassador project in applied science in Wyoming. For the teacher-ambassador component of the program, seven science and vocational teachers interned in science-related industries to investigate technical-level jobs at 11 business and industry sites. They documented skills needed by…

This document is the second volume of a three-volume set comprising a workshop leader's guide designed to help in-service providers conduct workshops on early childhood education for teachers, administrators, and others associated with Chapter 1 programs. The guide contains step-by-step procedures for preparing, organizing, and presenting a…

Recent surveys on writing in secondary school science classes indicate that a variety of modes of writing are incorporated for different purposes. The critical essay, the research report, and term paper assignments still demonstrate their usefulness as promoters of learning science. The study guide, another standard teaching tool, also continues…

This study describes the effects of ability-paired student interactions on achievement as fifth graders (ten-year-olds) worked on laboratory activities relating to balance. Achievement gains were assessed (n=83) by analysis of pre/posttest differences on the Lever Concept Test. Audio recordings and field notes (n=30) were analyzed for the…

If teachers do not determine children's understandings and beliefs the children cannot be challenged. Five individual units are presented that have the intention of drawing out the underlying beliefs that children hold with respect to various aspects of science. "Skateboard News" is a newsletter which discusses aspects of skateboards and…

This case study explores the relationship between one chemistry teacher's conceptions of teaching science and his teaching practice. The teacher, Mr. Corrigan, comments on the researchers' interpretations of his thinking and practice. Mr. Corrigan exhibited a high level of disciplinary knowledge and clear views on teaching, learning, and content.…