Concept inventories (CIs)--typically multiple-choice instruments that focus on a single or small subset of closely related topics--have been used in science education for more than a decade. This paper describes the development and validation of a new CI for astronomy, the "Star Properties Concept Inventory" (SPCI). Questions cover the areas of…

In this study, the effect of 3 cognitive variables such as logical thinking, field dependence/field independence, and convergent/divergent thinking on some specific students' answers related to the particulate nature of matter was investigated by means of probabilistic models. Besides recording and tabulating the students' responses, a combination…

Numerous articles have been published that address problems encountered in teaching basic concepts of chemistry such as the atomic mass unit, Avogadro's number, and the mole. The origin of these problems is found in the concept definitions. If these definitions are adjusted for teaching purposes, understanding could be improved. In the present…

To promote a relational understanding of the equal sign (=), students may require exposure to a variety of equation types (i.e., 3 = 8 - 5; 2 + 3 = 1 + 4; 9 - 3 = 6). The purpose of this study was to evaluate 8 elementary curricula for degree of exposure to equation types. Across 6 elementary grade levels, curricula were coded for the number of…

The mythology surrounding the substitute teacher is not a pretty one: Paper airplanes, lost learning, bullying. But as schools collect more information about teacher absenteeism and its consequences, districts and schools are exploring ways to professionalize substitute teaching--or experiment with alternative ways of coping with teacher absences.…

Recent mandates related to the implementation of evidence-based practices for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) require that autism professionals both understand and are able to implement practices based on the science of applied behavior analysis (ABA). The use of the term "applied behavior analysis" and its related concepts…

This study explores biology undergraduates' misconceptions about genetic drift. We use qualitative and quantitative methods to describe students' definitions, identify common misconceptions, and examine differences before and after instruction on genetic drift. We identify and describe five overarching categories that include 16 distinct…

Learners are all different and teachers are all different, so why do we often ignore this reality when trying to explain, or demystify, some aspect of mathematics in the classroom? Enabling learning can be challenging, demanding of creativity, and needy of alternatives if understanding is the real goal. Here the authors offer ideas that are aimed…

This article identifies what student mental health professionals need to know about legal issues of relevance to threat assessment and management. The article summarizes the common law duties and the common law and statutory standards of care that are likely to apply to the work of college and university threat assessment and management teams. The…

Analyzing log data from educational video games has proven to be a challenging endeavor. In this paper, we examine the feasibility of using cluster analysis to extract information from the log files that is interpretable in both the context of the game and the context of the subject area. If cluster analysis can be used to identify patterns of…

The Intermediate Value Theorem (IVT) is not often proved in Calculus I classes because many teachers and students see the theorem as obvious and its proof as impenetrable. This article addresses those two misconceptions, showing "how" the IVT can be proved in Calc I... and "why" it "should" be.

In this article, I present a reexamination of the myth of inherent creativity in early childhood to elucidate how still-dominant discourses of optimization such as child development, individualism, expression, creativity, and visual realism exert limiting pressures on understandings of the art and visual culture that children consume and create.…

Peer victimization--or what's known as harassment or bullying--is not a new problem in American schools, though it appears to have taken on more epic proportions in recent years. The research about peer victimization has increased dramatically in the past 10 years, but there are still many myths about bullying. This article discusses six myths…

Mingroni proposed that heterosis or hybrid vigor may be the principal driver of the Flynn effect--the tendency for IQ scores to increase at a rate of approximately 3 points per decade. This model was presented as a resolution to the IQ paradox--the observation that IQ scores have been increasing despite their high adult heritability--on the basis…

Articulated bodies with an internal energy source require to be coupled to an external mass in order to accelerate themselves but the typical text book assertion that the net force is provided by the external mass is not correct. Arguments are presented demonstrating that the assertion is incorrect and reasons are suggested for the persistence of…