For more than a decade the U.S. Office of Education and the National Association for Research in Science Teaching (NARST) have collaborated in preparing an annual summary of research in the teaching of science. The present bulletin, under the same collaboration, begins a new series in which each successive issue covers a 2-year period; its…

Presents a position statement on preparation of middle/junior high school science teachers. Areas addressed include: preparation in science content; science teaching methods; field experiences and student teaching; faculty preparation; facilities, equipment, materials; and professional orientation. Recommended standards (intended to provide a…

An Indiana University at South Bend study examined the needs of nontraditional freshmen by determining difficulty levels of introductory course materials, identifying freshman reading and study skills levels, and providing coursework to increase retention. Results indicate that reading and study skills programs are essential. (MSE)

Reviews various factors of articulation within and between middle and secondary schools and suggests three approaches to solve articulation problems: (1) early and frequent evaluation; (2) establishing a positive social climate; and (3) extending science content using, for example, an interdisciplinary approach. (SK)

Describes an interdisciplinary minicourse on dinosaur fossils, morphology, ethology, and energetics. Suggests and provides examples of hands-on activities for junior high school- through college-level students. (DS)

Describes equipment, activities, and experiments useful in physics instruction, including among others, a list of articles relating to physics topics, computer interface that makes a computer cost effective, use of a guitar in vibrating string experiments, and photoelectric aids to the measurement of distance, speed, velocity, and acceleration.…

(NOTE: See HE 512 216 for journal name change in information.) The prevalence of the case method in preparing higher education leaders is examined. Responses to a Case Use Inventory indicate many variations are used, but that the case method may not be widely implemented among graduate higher education programs. (SF)

A recommendation is made to develop 20 Language and International Studies High Schools that will offer intensive foreign language and cultural studies. Such schools would reflect the interests of local ethnic communities, with encouragement given to Black and minority participation. Schools should be funded by the Department of Education. (PMJ)

The foreign language teacher should have cultural training and should teach the foreign culture from the onset of foreign language instruction. Seven goals for cultural instruction are suggested along with teaching strategies for their implementation. (PMJ)

Maintains that middle school is a crucial time to select challenging courses to maximize the high school experience and to open the widest range of choices for college and careers. Advocates college preparatory mathematics and science courses and describes a tool kit to help schools improve mathematics achievement. Suggests raising community and…

Provides some useful guidelines, activities, and a few warnings concerning using documentary movies in a U. S. history course. Although documentaries can pique student interest, they need to be previewed first and presented in historical context with supporting materials. Includes an overview of a course content and accompanying films. (MJP)

Examines how low achieving Australian students fit into the foreign language classroom beyond Year 7, and whether the course content or teaching method should be altered. Reviews the students' reasons for continuing language study, their feelings about certain teaching and learning strategies, exercises and activities, their perceptions of their…

Argues that adult learners develop strategies to suit their own learning styles. Points out that the goal of communicative language programs is communicative competence, that is, second-language learners are expected to acquire pragmatic, functional language by using it in meaningful and unrehearsed ways. (nine references) (Author/CK)

A study investigated the relationship of scores in the Texas Academic Skills Program, a minimum competency test for college-bound students, and performance in freshman and sophomore courses, and uses for that information in setting course prerequisites. Data were drawn from 18 courses at one community college. Results showed existing course…

Reports on a study of the effects of the curriculum material used and of teaching behavior in "Information and Computer Literacy," a new course introduced in the Netherlands. Suggests that education can diminish but not entirely eradicate gender-related ideas about computers. Includes statistical and tabular data. (MJP)