In this study, we explore six students' conceptions of Z[subscript n] in an effort to understand students' conceptions of quotient groups in general. We discovered that there were three different ways our students thought about Z[subscript n], namely as infinite sets, element-set combinations, and representative elements. We explore how…

In recent years science educators have placed increasing emphasis on the importance of understanding student knowledge. The research aimed at exploring student knowledge--misconception research, nature of science studies, and conceptual change research--has proved useful in telling us what concepts students know before and after instruction.…

Researchers spend much time and effort developing measures, including measures of students? conceptual knowledge. In an effort to make such assessments easier to design, the Principled Assessment Designs for Inquiry (PADI) project has developed a framework for designing tasks and to illustrate that its use has ?reverse engineered? several …

Interviews with 4- to 8-year olds indicated that children's understanding of how it is that they can see object develops gradually. This article presents a map of this development in terms of two distinct modes of cognitive functioning, the ikonic mode and concrete symbolic mode, drawn from the interviews and the SOLO (Structure of Learning…

When permitted, children frequently devise approaches to solving problems that are distinct from those typically used by adults. Presents examples of children's thinking from Project IMPACT which illustrate the crucial interplay between a teacher's instructional decisions and children's thinking while confronting mathematical misconceptions.…

Outlines methods for presenting grammar and punctuation in a one-semester community college classroom. Discusses misconceptions often held by students and misconceptions occasionally held by instructors. (RS)

Solving the school dropout problem requires accurate data about the actual rates and counts for all student groups residing in the community. This article discusses ways to improve demographic accounting accuracy. Reporting only dropout rates diverts attention from dropout counts and increases the likelihood of making incorrect demographic…

Studies the conceptual changes and factors affecting eighth- grade physical science students (n=180) investigating elementary thermodynamics. Classifies three types of students regarding their learning methods: converging, progressing, and oscillating. Reports that original intuitive conceptions are difficult to change and that students engaged in…

Expresses concern about the scientific accuracy of 2 series of books intended for years 7-8 working toward Key Stage 3. Discusses three examples that relate to the liquid state, solutions, and genes and chromosomes. Includes the criteria upon which the appraisal is based. (Author/JRH)

Debunks five misconceptions about improving creative thinking. To encourage students to think creatively, instructional techniques should reflect an integrated set of mental skills, use materials mimicking real-life situations, consider students' beliefs and tendencies toward creative thinking, show metacognitive sensibility, and foster a creative…

Explores whether older students were less ready than younger students to change their alternative conceptions. Findings indicate that after reading a refutational text, conceptual change occurred in 35% of Year 6 students and 44% of Year 10 students. Concludes that there was no evidence to suggest that conceptual change is more difficult for older…

Teachers and students alike report difficulties with the measurement unit called mole. This article tries to demonstrate that mole and the corresponding quantity are not exceptional. Mole lacks the context of a given amount because the unit measures the relative number of atoms compared with those present in a standard. Discusses history of…

Presents the results of a study that identifies misconceptions in chemistry by means of a two-tier diagnostic instrument. Data indicate that similar misconceptions are held by both Singaporean and Australian populations. Focuses on covalent bonding and structure. (DDR)

Holland says comparing public and Catholic schools is pointless, since they have different values, financing, admission practices, and political realities. Paserba and Bennett, two Catholic superintendents, disagree with Holland, citing similarities in negotiating labor contracts, serving special-needs children, satisfying accreditation…

A task related to knowledge and beliefs was completed by 154 researchers, graduate students, and undergraduates. Greater expertise led to more varied views. Common beliefs and misconceptions can be made explicit through appropriate formative assessment and a focus on transformative learning. (SK)