Describes pedagogical and profession-oriented motivations as well as science and society-related aspects of project orientation and project-organized curricula in higher education. Argues that staff and faculties will need to establish a continuous process of organizational development in order to overcome obvious problems and constraints of the…

Provides a description of a method of updating biology curricula by using postdoctoral scientists to convey knowledge of biotechniques to broaden students' understanding of modern biological research. Describes the data collection methods used during the two-year project to assess its effectiveness. (DDR)

Traces the curriculum changes in science in junior technical schools in the 1960s. Focuses on one episode of curriculum change to illustrate how curriculum and cultural change are mediated by educational actors who employ the rhetorics and reforms which emanate from their society to pursue agendas within their workplace and locality. Contains 52…

Argues that active learning is the way to engage students in learning biology. Discusses the use of constructivism in biology instruction, resistance to cooperative learning, creating constructivist-based activities, and grading cooperative activities. Contains 18 references. (DDR)

Humor can not only provide motivation for learning but can also contribute directly to the learning itself. Presents and analyzes excerpts from a number of classic pieces of comedy writing. Contains 28 references. (DDR)

The development of assessment criteria for undergraduate project work in engineering design is perceived as a difficult task. Describes an innovative course that has been developed at the undergraduate level. (DDR)

Discusses the current science education reform movement in the United States and identifies some of the pathways seen as contributing to a new vision of science education. Focuses on the changing image of science, scientific literacy, linking science education with the work place, modernizing science curricula, and future policy in science…

Introduces a website that is used to present information, text, and images about science teaching dating from 1901 to the present. Topics include the subject teaching associations; the science classroom; science teachers; the science curriculum; pupils' work in science lessons; and science teaching, learning, and assessment. Describes the benefits…

Presents preservice elementary teachers' frames (points of view) on science curriculum. Uses Carl Sagan's text, "The Demon Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark". Explores how students retelling their reactions to experiences of their own design might influence their awareness of beliefs in general and reconsideration of…

Describes the purpose of the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and analyzes the results of the study. First published in 1999. (YDS)

Describes a system of postgraduate medical education in Great Britain that focuses on the emphasis given to the value of a planned structure and educational standards, the importance of knowing the facts, and the urgent need to support teachers. (DDR)

Outlines quality assurance schemes for distance-education technologies that are based on the ISO 9000 family of international quality-assurance standards. Argues that engineering faculties can establish such systems on the basis of and integrated with accreditation schemes. Contains 34 references. (DDR)

Details an 'explanatory Earth story' on plate tectonics to show how such a 'story' can be developed in an earth science context. Presents five other stories in outline form. Explains the use of these stories as vehicles to present the big ideas of science. (DDR)

The Force Concept Inventory (FCI) is a multiple-choice test designed to monitor students' understanding of force and related kinematics. Outlines how the FCI was used to evaluate student learning following a newly developed approach to teaching mechanics in a Finnish upper secondary school. Offers an example of the benefits that can follow from…

Ninety-six teachers were surveyed to assess their perceptions of the instructional role of the history of science and describe instructional practices that they use to integrate the history of science into their science curriculum. Proposes the history of science as an instructional approach to provide students with a broadening and unifying…