This paper seeks to unpack some dimensions of formative assessment not yet fully articulated in the existing literature. It introduces the term, pre-emptive formative assessment to denote teacher actions which attempt to clarify student understandings before misconceptions have resulted in ineffective learning outcomes and/or loss of marks in…

This study explores the parameter-related misconceptions of two college students enrolled in a Pascal programming course. Findings indicate that both students appeared to conceive a direct procedure-to-procedure linkage, with the connection being made by identically named formal parameters. Both students were able, by making seemingly innocuous…

This article outlines and appraises the method of shared concern as developed by Anatol Pikas and applied as a technique for resolving bully-victim problems in schools. It includes a description of how the method can be applied in schools, and critically examines some objections that have been raised to its use. These objections are shown to be…

The results of this survey are widely distributed to educators, policymakers, business executives, and the media to help America's leaders and the general public better understand what Americans know about the environment and how that knowledge relates to their attitudes and daily actions. The 1999 National Report Card examines the results of a…

Discusses the problem of dissemination of misinformation--either intentionally or innocently--while attempting to change environmental attitudes. Warns about unwillingness to engage in self-examination in ways that other professional fields do, and states that interpreters, in exchanging accuracy of information for persuasive power, risk losing…

Examines the relationship between science knowledge and pseudoscientific beliefs. Uses a survey method in the study and investigates paranormal beliefs as a whole. Concludes that strong scientific knowledge does not prevent a person from having pseudoscientific beliefs. (Contains 14 references.) (YDS)

Using a new method of data analysis (statistical implication) and a method of postcorrelative treatment reveals students' preconceptions in conditional probability stemming from concrete references and makes explicit the procedures of problem solving that reflect these conceptions. (24 references) (Author/MKR)

Outlines a test-based diagnosis system for misconceptions in DC electric circuits and its three parts: problem library, problem selector and diagnoser. Discusses misconception discrimination and diagnosis theories, and reports the system supports satisfactory diagnosis. Includes an analysis of nine student misconceptions about electrical circuits…

Some beliefs expressed by clinical nurses in an observational study were (1) the best research design is experimental; (2) the best measurement is physiological; (3) anyone can do research; (4) funding and hiring someone for data collection are essential; and (5) it is not necessary to inform anyone or discuss ownership issues. (SK)

Presents statistics of deaths caused by medical errors and argues the effects of misconceptions in diagnosis and treatment. Suggests evidence-based medicine to enhance the quality of practice and minimize error rates. Presents 10 evidence-based lessons and discusses the possible benefits of evidence-based medicine to evidence-based education and…

Explains astrobiology and indicates the possibility of life on other planets and the interest of humankind in this possibility. Defines topics open to public misconception and their primary reinforcements by television shows. Expresses the need for students to learn the connections between different science majors. (YDS)

Explores 11-year-old children's approaches to the concept of volume using 6 tasks that were developed to identify commonalities in children's responses. Results suggest that children hold and use different conceptions, in their effort to explain and compare aspects of volume, which fall in certain categories which were met in almost all the tasks.…

Explores the relationship between the descriptive categories and structural characteristics of students' conceptions so that a theoretical framework may be developed to explain and predict students' alternative conceptions in science. The descriptive categories were developed through a process of coding, grouping, and labeling; the structural…

Presents ideas for introducing the nature of scientists' work to students. Focuses on clothing to discuss the uses and properties of materials and features scientists visiting classrooms and interviewing with students to develop children's sense of science and scientists. (YDS)

There are many reasons people are afraid of bats but most are myths. Many people are also afraid of bats because they believe all bats are vampire bats, or bats that feed on blood. There are a few species of bats called "vampire" bats;however, these bats are found in Central and South America--there are no vampire bats in the United…