Explores (n=113) computer science majors' understanding of Lagrange's Theorem (the order of a subgroup divides the order of a finite group), its converse, and its applications. (SW)

Argues that the common rounding rule is wrong in itself and potentially dangerous to data. The rule may be phrased as follows: "When several quantities are multiplied, the number of significant figures in the final answer is the same as the number of significant figures in the least precise of the quantities being multiplied. The same rule…

Defines "paradigm" as a profound change in the thoughts, perceptions, and values forming a particular vision of reality. Identifies six paradigm shifts in teacher supervision: from control to empowerment, from separate to integrated functions, from sameness to diversity, from occasional assistance to continuous support networks, from…

Suggests that Americans often overlook the importance of historic preservation because of prevailing ideas of progress that devalue the past and a nouveau riche mentality embarrassed by the past. Points out the irreplaceable value of local landmarks that tie a community to its past. Describes instances where ordinary people pooled their resources…

Misconceptions include the following: (1) literacy changes the way people think; (2) illiteracy will soon be eradicated; (3) U.S. literacy is far worse than elsewhere; (4) U.S. government has made major investments in literacy; (5) increased public awareness has led to significant improvements; and (6) better applications of technology will solve…

Discusses misconceptions about teen volunteers in public libraries: teens who hang out make good volunteers; teens who apply want to work; parents aren't important; incorporating volunteers is easy; enthusiasm means commitment; volunteers will tell you if they don't enjoy the job; non-performers are easy to fire; teens volunteer because they need…

Identifies four myths that prevent adolescents from fostering resilience. Warns educators and service providers to avoid these myths. Emphasizes the importance of positive relationships with adults for at-risk youth. (MKA)

Examines the myths of swimming-pool maintenance as applied to commercial pool use. Myths concerning backwashing filters, their run time and operational costs, and the necessity of pool covers for indoor pools are examined. (GR)

In a November 1998 "Forbes Magazine" article, Peter Brimelow claims that seven states, including Indiana, employ a greater percentage of "nonteaching bureaucracy" than classroom teachers. Using National Center for Education Statistics school staffing definitions, this article paints a different picture and decries the folly of…

Describes a simple and novel method for identifying misconceptions. Utilizes the Certainty of Response Index (CRI) in conjunction with answers to multiple-choice questions. (Author/CCM)

Finds that 75 students entering an introduction to astronomy course at university held a series of misconceptions about several central topics in basic astronomy. (Author/CCM)

Elaborates on the need for research to focus on specific concepts and processes related to technological literacy, students' conceptions or misconceptions about technology, and curriculum integration. (SK)

In the zeal to promote much-needed governmental funding of infant day care, there is tendency to glamorize alternative care-giving arrangements. In most cases, the quality of infant care will be optimized when delivered at home by mature, competent parents or parent surrogates. These benefits should not be devalued to bolster the cause of infant…

Argues that a confusion of craft and technology is responsible for the erosion and splintering of the discipline of educational technology. Describes the positive and negative qualities of craft and technology and gives examples of the consequences of emphasizing one over the other and recommends a greater blending of the two approaches. (PEN)

Discusses ideas about the particulate nature of matter and assesses the extent to which these represent a compromise between scientific and educational considerations. Analyzes relations between the particulate nature of matter in science and science education in an attempt to understand children's inclination to attribute all kinds of macroscopic…