Describes an approach to science instruction that motivates students by tapping into their prior knowledge and by employing specific questioning techniques. Provides information on matching the questioning technique to the instructional goal. (DDR)

Presents science activities used to teach 7th-grade students about the atom. Examines student misconceptions, age-appropriateness, and conflicts between state and federal science standards. (DKM)

Describes how the technique of concept mapping can be useful for identifying gaps in preservice teachers' knowledge. Validity of the technique was tested using blind interviews with a representative sample of eight trainees. Has potential as a valuable self-diagnostic tool for teachers teaching outside their area of specialization. (DDR)

During a (hypothetical) phone interview with a university researcher, an elementary principal reminisced about a lifetime of reading groups with unmemorable names, medium-paced math problems, patchworked social studies/science lessons, and totally "average" IQ and batting scores. The researcher hung up at the mention of bell-curved assembly lines…

Describes a study that investigated probabilistic intuitions held by students (N=98) from grade 7 through college through the use of a questionnaire. Of the misconceptions that were investigated, availability was the only one that was stable across age groups. Contains 20 references. (DDR)

The phrase "school/business relationship" is misleading, since such "partnerships" encompass everything from genuine altruism to cynical exploitation of the "youth market." Corporate infiltration could signal privatization of public education, despite conspicuous failures like Education Alternatives, Inc. Instead of…

Reports findings of a survey of 48 undergraduate students regarding their perceptions of academic librarians and discusses ideas for addressing existing misconceptions. Highlights include perceptions concerning librarians' education; librarians' skills, knowledge, and expertise; librarians versus clerical workers; and librarians' attitudes toward…

Investigates the thinking process underlying students' improper linear reasoning and how this process is affected by their mathematical conceptions, beliefs, and habits. Explores the actual process of problem solving from students falling into the linearity trap and the mechanism behind it. Discusses specific mathematical conceptions, habits, and…

Teaching the geography of the United States to gifted elementary-level children in a way that challenges preconceived ideas about people and places is the focus of this article. Detailed student instruction is described, including thinking and writing activities that enable students to compare preconceived notions and reality. (CR)

Highlights students' ideas about the particle model of matter and its use. Discusses the atomic model in teaching and the rules of the particle modeling game. Demonstrates how a complete understanding of the rules of the model construction yields guidelines for didactic practice. Focuses on problems connected with visual communication through…

Disputes eight myths about special education relating to inclusion, including automatic individualization of instruction and negative effects of attending special classes, the potentially positive effects of eliminating labeling, and the neighborhood school's general education classroom as the least restrictive environment for all children.…

Disagrees with Mark Eblen's proposal that the costs of obtaining a college education should be tax deductible. College tuition is not closely analogous to other investments. Although federal subsidization of postsecondary education is desirable, a tax deduction is a poor delivery method. Government already provides subsidized state colleges,…

Imported from New Zealand in 1984, Reading Recovery currently operates in 9,800 schools nationwide. Now the much- touted program for teaching at-risk readers is facing questions about its effectiveness and cost. According to one researcher, Reading Recovery temporarily increases the rate of reading development but has little effect on developing…

Reports on a pilot study which sought to find out what 4- to 8-year-old rural Australian Aboriginal children think about night and day. Findings indicate more variations in thinking than were found in earlier research. Raises questions about the framing of cross-cultural research and the realization of indigenous data. Contains 40 references.…

Preservice elementary school teachers in Israel (n=608) answered questions about energy concepts. Results revealed the following: (1) many hold alternative conceptual frameworks, not accepted scientific concepts; (2) many do not accept the idea of energy conservation or degradation; (3) they confuse energy and force; and (4) they have an ambiguous…