Describes three perspectives from which middle school teachers can plan laboratory activities for the purpose of improving students' scientific literacy. Perspectives are the learning cycle approach categorizing activities by stages of development; problem-solving skills approach categorizing activities according to the amount of teacher control;…

Describes the use of a HyperCard-based computer-assisted instructional program at Otago Polytechnic (New Zealand) that replaces traditional lectures in analytical chemistry. Topics discussed include the instructor's role; computer-managed testing; writing the computer program; computer simulations; digitized video movies; and student reactions.…

Describes the effects of one computer program used in a nonmajors biology course to provide a model for implementing and validating the use of software programs that incorporate tutorials with laboratory simulations. (Contains 27 references.) (MDH)

To confront some of the challenges faced by teachers beginning to implement Standards-based inquiry activities in their middle school classrooms, learning coordinators and teachers selected an inquiry-based set of courses and created a District Science Curricula Scope and Sequence, which overviewed the major units and showed teachers and parents…

The development of communication skills is a key component in any science program. However, students do not see the connections between writing and science. In particular, students lack the enthusiasm when the time comes to write lab reports. Students say that they do not see why they should have to write dry, boring lab reports following an…

This paper describes two empirical studies which investigated the importance for spatial learning of view control and object manipulation within 3D environments. A 3D virtual chemistry laboratory was used as the research instrument. Subjects, who were university undergraduate students (34 in the first study and 80 in the second study), undertook…

The first step in an improvement effort involves reflection and goal setting. By focusing inward and identifying needs, a person or a school can make great changes. This article discusses how a writing center can be a locus for change within a school. Most high school writing centers start because a few English teachers share a passion for…

These proceedings contain the papers of the 11th International Conference on Cognition and Exploratory Learning in the Digital Age (CELDA 2014), October 25-27, 2014, which has been organized by the International Association for Development of the Information Society (IADIS) and endorsed by the Japanese Society for Information and Systems in…

This uniquely comprehensive and current survey of the research in science education has been compiled by the most prominent experts in the field. More than a summary of findings, the content of this comprehensive single volume provides an assessment of the significance of research; evaluates new developments; and examines current conflicts,…

This document, which is intended for use by community and junior colleges throughout Mississippi, contains curriculum frameworks for the course sequences in the veterinary technology program. Presented in the introductory section are a of the program and suggested course sequence. Section I lists baseline competencies, and section II consists of…

A description is provided of a program developed at Moraine Valley Community College (MVCC), in Illinois, for providing word processing instruction in the library, including recommendations for program development based on MVCC experience and results from a survey of program participants. The first part of the paper discusses a model development…

A project at Manor Junior College, Pennsylvania, developed further and implemented the tutoring programs in the Learning Center and integrated them with the Computer Tutorials Program. The objective was to increase retention and graduation rates and academic success of students enrolled in vocational programs. The reading, writing, and peer tutor…

Monroe County Community College (MCCC), in Monroe, Michigan, developed a "Writing Across the Curriculum" program in response to perceived deficiencies in the writing and critical thinking skills of its students. Major features of the program include a Writing Center located in the Learning Assistance Laboratory and Writing Fellows…

In 1989, Oakton Community College (OCC) in Des Plaines, Illinois, began developing an honors core seminar in the sciences. The course was to be an interdisciplinary, laboratory-based science and humanities seminar, designed to explore the nature, process, and methods of science and the place of science in society. Rather than mastering a body of…

Following the introduction of a one-credit practice lab, and computer-assisted practice into a developmental reading course at the Riverside Campus of Austin Community College (Texas), students made gains on course exit test scores. In an effort to determine whether the test-score gains were due to increased practice time or due to the use of…