What happens when students of chemistry fail to recognize the metaphorical status of certain models and interpret them literally? Suggests that such failures lead students to form perceptions of phenomena that can be misleading. Argues that the key to making good use of metaphorical models is a recognition of their metaphorical status. Examines…

Presents a study that investigated relationships between gender, interest, and experience in electricity. Also explored the effect of conceptual change text manipulations on learning fundamental concepts of direct current. Suggests that conceptual change text manipulations are likely to be effective for both men and women. Contains 57 references.…

Distinguishes among three kinds of standards: content, performance, and opportunity-to-learn. The standards concept has not been analyzed carefully enough to warrant establishing national standards, which could have undesirable consequences and require a different governmental role. Many adults willingly prescribe high learning standards but are…

Presents a study to determine whether biology students in preservice training to become high school teachers hold correct scientific views that will eventually allow them to plan and implement instructional strategies which in turn will lead their future students to achieve a correct scientific concept of force. (Author/DKM)

Mixed results for U.S. adults on the First International Adult Literacy Survey reveal the worthlessness of posting international test scores without considering cultural, social, and economic contexts. In the Third International Mathematics and Science Study, U.S. eighth-graders' performance was average, but fourth-graders' results were…

School personnel often misclassify a conduct-disordered student as severely emotionally disturbed, following a serious offense. Educators must remember, however, that mislabeling a child to obtain services, prevent expulsion, or remove the child to a special classroom is both inappropriate and unethical. Legal language should be clarified, and…

Provides a comprehensive review of literature regarding misconceptions that are held by secondary students in chemistry. Makes some recommendations based on the research. Contains 77 references. (DDR)

Presents an approach to explaining a relation, a - b = -(b - a), that is difficult for algebra students to understand. The approach came about as a result of discussions with students in which they provided many novel explanations. (DDR)

A critical issue is restoring education's central role--preparing people to live in a democracy, not a "government-industrial complex." Education should not be a training ground for business and industry. Common schools should be championed, not demeaned. Choice and charter school options must be more objectively evaluated. Better…

Examines images of principals' instructional leadership, based on 10 supervision textbooks published between 1985 and 1995. Textbooks portrayed principals as experts and superiors, teachers as deficient and voiceless, teaching as fixed technology, and supervision as a discrete intervention. Images of professional growth (stressing collegiality and…

Described is the relative complexity of commonly used diagrams in science instruction. Student interpretations of diagrams, implications for science instruction and the prevention of science misconceptions is discussed. (CW)

Described are the results of interviews of students regarding the concepts of "forced" and "natural" motion. Aristolean-like beliefs have been found to persist in students even though these views differ from orthodox physics views. (KR)

Investigated are the alternative conceptions of the concept "animal" held by African youngsters. Three forms of thinking among the pupils are identified. An attempt is made to explain the possible origin of anthropocentric thinking among pupils. Urban and rural groups are compared. (CW)

Discussed are the ways that misconceptions about chemistry are acquired by presecondary children. Several recommendations for teaching chemistry to children are presented including the use of variety, hands-on experiences, critical thinking skills, and appropriate timing of concepts. (CW)

Introduces one professor's endeavor, "Insect Fear Film Festival," to educate the public about entomology. Discusses some related topics and misconceptions. (YP)