Discusses recent research in cognitive psychology that identifies how students are likely to respond when controversial issues are included in course content. Points out that controversial material may lead to misunderstandings and forgetting. Provides teaching ideas to enhance student learning and remembering, to deal with emotions, and to foster…

The use of programs on the topic of dinosaurs in interdisciplinary exercises which may include mathematics, science, history, and language arts is described. Reviews of 16 different computer programs are included. Possible misconceptions and how they are dealt with in various programs are discussed. (CW)

Points out the power that television has in shaping opinions and in promoting and banishing stereotypes. Presents examples of positive role models in both entertainment and news programing. Emphasizes the importance of reflecting a pluralistic society in news reporting. (LS)

Presents an account of the historical evolution of the definition of variable and the way the concept is currently treated in textbooks. Shares activities to promote student discussion on the use of variables as constants, as quantities that vary, and as parameters. Provides a reproducible worksheet. (MDH)

Investigates the relevance and concomitant impact of sociocultural experiences upon the scientific literacy of 87 students, aged 13 to 16, concerning their comprehension and assimilation of scientific data involving solar eclipses. Results indicate that the students' nonscientific conceptions about solar eclipses, generated through sociocultural…

Found grades in science achieved by tenth-grade general science students correlated with their scores on Propositional Logic Test. The students' ability level was consistently related to the pattern of errors they committed on that measure. Mean scores were lowest on a subtest of ability to use the bicondition and implication, higher on the…

Focuses on the conceptual change processes of 17 fourth-grade students as they grapple with the abstract concept of human rights. Discusses limitations and successes in students' learning within the framework of conceptual change and motivation research. (CFR)

The "at-risk" designation attached to low-achieving children frequently sets them up for failure. Remedial programs are often ineffective, and skill drills rob students of in-context reading opportunities. Models like Success for All are so prescriptive that students cannot participate in open-ended discussions of literature. Unjust…

Process/product instruments of the 1970s attempt to evaluate teaching based on classroom observations. Performance-based teacher assessment is an ineffective, inappropriate method that does not truly assess teaching. Alternative methods (portfolios, student evaluations, peer evaluation, dossiers, and 360-degree feedback) support professional…

The Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory's Equity Center has identified several disturbing trends, including renewed physical separation, cultural biases, lower teacher expectations, and ability grouping, resulting in inequitable policies and practices and unsatisfactory student achievement. Seven key ameliorative components, including access…

A primary objective for science education is to impart robust knowledge that has applicability to real-world problems. This article presents research investigating the relationship between adolescents' conceptual understanding of the biological basis of HIV and critical reasoning. Middle and high school students were interviewed about their…

This paper examines the images middle school students have of science and technology, the workplaces, and the relevant professions. It also describes the effect on these images caused by an instructional initiative, "Investigation into Science and Technology" (IST), designed to introduce students to science and technology in the "real life."…

There is a widely and deeply held belief on the part of the author's white colleagues that racism is something done by individuals through overt or covert actions against other individuals. Sometimes this belief is tied to one specific characteristic--skin color. Some would believe that they cannot commit racist acts against anyone who looks like…

In a two-day workshop, 12 teachers who had not previously used graphics calculators not only learnt how to use a calculator but also completed calculator tasks designed to explore their misconceptions and then learnt about students' difficulties. Observation of lessons taught subsequently by 6 of the teachers, and interviews with 15 of their…

Education researchers suggest that teacher education candidates be taught that meaningful learning is essential and that conceptual understanding be infused into all lessons. However, many teacher candidates are unable to successfully develop conceptual level lesson plans and some are unable to differentiate between skills and concepts. The…