This paper discusses the use of learner-authored texts to encourage conceptual change in college English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners, examining the process of and conditions for conceptual change and reasons to promote the use of student-authored texts. Participants were first-year accounting majors enrolled in a comprehensive EFL course…

Because research has found that many students experience science as fragmented, this study examined the impact of modeling by science teachers during faculty development programs on participants' subsequent classroom instruction and on their students' science achievement and motivation. In two programs, liberal arts college science professors…

This book is designed for middle school earth science or general science teachers to help their students learn scientific literacy through event-based science. Unlike traditional curricula, the event- based earth science module is a student-centered, interdisciplinary, inquiry-oriented program that emphasizes cooperative learning, teamwork,…

This paper describes a program of master's level professional development for experienced educators, discussing school change, teacher leadership, and reculturing of curriculum and schools. The program emphasizes integration of theory and practice, defining curriculum in ways that accord teachers their rightful place in curriculum leadership. It…

The purpose of this paper is to discuss how general problem-based learning (PBL) models and social-constructivist perspectives are applied to the design and development of a Web-based science program, which emphasizes inquiry-based learning for fifth grade students. The paper also deals with the general features and learning process of a Web-based…

This study examines the learning of five pre-service teachers investigating a question stemming from their mathematics teaching as part of a final course project in their elementary teacher education program. Analysis of video recordings of group meetings and interviews indicate that as pre-service teachers completed their projects they developed…

This guide is designed to help teachers develop an inquiry-oriented program for studying the animal kingdom in which live animals are collected locally, studied, observed, and then released completely unharmed back into their natural habitats. This book addresses such concerns of life science teachers as the environmental soundness of methods and…

This guide is designed to help after-school and in-school programs create and implement high-quality, technology-enriched learning activities. It contains hands-on lessons, worksheets, and sample activities that have proven effective at inspiring young people's curiosity and creativity. Chapter 1 provides an overview of the issues, including…

This paper describes an ongoing high school science teacher professional development project, Beyond Final Form Science, that focuses on developing teachers' ideas of scientific inquiry and inquiry pedagogy. It analyzes the first several months of the project, highlighting analyses of teachers' interactions during monthly professional development…

Science education standards urge less emphasis on memorizing decontextualized scientific facts and more emphasis on students investigating the everyday world and developing deep understanding from their inquiries. This paper describes work in developing science curriculum materials that support current reform movements. It includes assumptions for…

This paper presents a national study in which K-8 preservice and inservice teachers participated to gain information about their students' views of science. This project primarily focuses on engaging the teachers in classroom research. The first section includes specific components and the results of the project. The second section describes the…

This study investigated how six mentor teachers understood and negotiated their roles as mentors in an elementary professional development school (PDS). Data were collected over 18 months from mentor and intern journals, field notes, interviews, e-mails, meeting minutes, and transcripts from PDS meetings. Each teacher participated in interviews…

Results of a previous study indicated no difference in preservice teacher attitude/achievement using lecture/inquiry approaches. This study was replicated, also examining effects of sex and students' (N=471) previous science training. Although results for science understanding were not significant, analysis of attitude change indicates that…

Laboratory exercises from five chemistry curricula were examined to determine organization (integration of laboratory work with other parts of a course) and tasks required of students (assessed in terms of inquiry skills and behaviors required for the laboratory work). Implications and suggestions for instruction are included. (Author/JN)

Discusses three general characteristics and four criticisms of meta-analysis (statistical analysis of the summary findings of many research studies). Illustrates application of meta-analysis on research studies relating to school class size and achievement and inquiry teaching of biology. (JN)