Discussed is how modern physics is usually approached via the photoelectric effect and how this can lead to a physically wrong picture of light. The importance of using the quantum theory developed after 1920 to explain the properties of light is discussed. (KR)

Discussed are the recognition and the relevance, in terms of teacher/student awareness and subsequent effective teacher treatment techniques, of cognitive disequilibrium as experienced by the student, when such disequilibrium is provoked by mathematical contradictions and/or counterexamples, within the classroom paradigm of constructivism. (JJK)

Discussed are the results of a test administered to nonmajor biology students on the topic of natural selection. The description of student conceptions, effects of instruction, and the effects of a belief in evolution are included. (KR)

Four college educators critically examine an interaction in an introductory college physics classroom (HE 532 013). They explore the role of prior knowledge and new learning in the classroom discussion, misconceptions, the nature and content of the discussion, classroom techniques, use of language, and the process of concept formation. (MSE)

A questionnaire administered to 288 seventh- through tenth-grade students in 3 rural Oregon school districts revealed students' knowledge concerning the transmission and prevention of AIDS, student attitudes toward AIDS patients, and source of student knowledge; showed improvement over a previous survey of middle school students; and confirms the…

Presents a case study of a special education teacher candidate with a learning disability in mathematics. Issues discussed include the nature of learning disabilities in adults; possibility of workable interventions at the adult level; implications of these problems in teacher candidates; and implications for teacher education programs. (27…

Sketches a theory for designing teaching based on mathematical activity, situations, tasks, and interventions, exposing and resolving cognitive conflicts, changes of structure and context, feedback, reflection and review. Reviews the main psychological principles underlying this theory, then considers some examples of teaching designs in light of…

Considers topics about cell function often misunderstood, misrepresented, or omitted from biology textbooks: enzyme catalyzed reactions; RNA as a catalyst; protein levels in cells; amino acids; organic acids; glucose and fructose; gluconeogenesis; fatty acids and ketone bodies; diffusion; and transport across membranes. (Contains 25 references.)…

Survey results contrast teachers' (n=159) knowledge and understanding with the understanding levels expected by England's science National Curriculum. Teacher's understanding with respect to the concepts of force, energy, and changes in materials are discussed. (Contains 29 references.) (MDH)

Discusses (1) the need for teachers to understand student conceptions; (2) alternative conceptions that students formulate; (3) changing conceptions; (4) representing conceptual knowledge for studying conceptual change; (5) strategies for inducing change; and (6) a taxonomy of conceptual change. (Contains 61 references.) (MDH)

Describes the "Physics by Inquiry" course that is designed to address student misconceptions. Explains how the course was taught at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro for teachers and how it was taught at Ohio State University for elementary-education majors. Concludes the course is exportable to many different environments…

Conceptual change teaching is an instructional method that helps students modify, extend, or exchange their alternative conceptions for the appropriate scientific conceptions. Provides activities and a diagnostic test to apply the method to the concepts of heat and temperature. (MDH)

The articles in the December 1997 "Educational Administration Quarterly" about replacing the American comprehensive high school lacked historical perspective. Despite contributors' efforts to dissociate them from such schools, certain "innovative" restructuring measures (community building, team teaching, and block scheduling) have historically…

Parents and private schools are generally satisfied with Milwaukee's voucher program. Four results are fairly negative: loss of active parents from public schools; student attrition from private schools; closure of four private schools; and lower achievement-test scores. Also, proponents are using dubious findings to support unwarranted program…

Summarizes a complex study of a science-teacher-education program whose goal was to graduate teachers who held conceptual change conceptions of teaching science and were disposed to put hem into practice. Concludes that there are influences on prospective teachers from their content coursework that have significant implications for how they view…