Explored relationship among female college students' (n=112) acceptance of traditional feminine roles, rape myths, and experiences of being physically or psychologically pressured into sexual intercourse. Found significant relationship between acceptance of traditional feminine social roles and belief in rape myths. Size of correlation (0.41)…

The future of curriculum studies is uncertain. Curricular language at the beginning of the 1990s demonstrates several features that inhibit our understanding of curricular phenomena. Persistence of the generic fallacy, confused conceptualizations, uncertain metaphoric transfer from other disciplines, and ideological commitment make optimism…

Phyllis Schlafly's and Beverly LaHaye's essays on outcome-based education contain numerous inaccurate points, assertions, conclusions, and allegations that have appeared in various conservative newsletters. OBE is a time-honored, highly effective, common-sense way of designing curriculum, delivering instruction, and documenting student learning…

Presents a summary of the research literature on students' ecological conceptions and the implications of misconceptions. Topics include food webs, ecological adaptation, carrying capacity, ecosystem, and niche. (Contains 35 references.) (MKR)

Results of a basic life science literacy survey of 300 undergraduates with both science and nonscience interests found that many do not know elementary facts and that women outscored men on 6 of the 12 questions. The study shows that scientific literacy remains a serious problem in the United States. (KR)

Notes that data on working for the nonprofit sector is not readily available to college students who are involved in career decision making. Identifies 10 myths about work in the nonprofit sector and discusses facts for each myth that reveal the myth to be untrue. (NB)

Some misconceptions about the roles of action and problem solving in environmental education are examined. It is argued that the use of the term problem solving exaggerates the abilities of environmental educators and students. The implications of establishing problem solving as a goal of environmental education are discussed. (KR)

Demystifies certain assumptions and beliefs about technology as applied science, deploring the macho, elitist public image of technology and the author's own technological deprivation as a child. Examines emerging beliefs concerning determination of technological availability, the importance of everyday technological know-how, market-driven…

Dispels some discouraging myths about authentic learning's context, mastery, originality, entertainment value, and task complexity. The main point is to let students encounter and master situations that resemble real life, which has its tedious and unengaging moments. Educators should work toward more (rather than complete) authenticity, exploit…

Investigates students' responses to presentations of experimental results that conflicted with their preconceptions regarding electric circuits, and how those responses varied according to the type of inquiry skills required to obtain the results. Contains 24 references. (DDR)

Examines the principles of diffusion and how it may be confused with convection. Suggests that educators may be misleading students and clouding their understanding of the process. Provides two contemporary examples to explain the process of diffusion and how it differs from convection. (Author/CCM)

Success for All, evaluated highly in several cities, has received unfair criticism. Opposing the process for developing, evaluating, and disseminating effective programs to high-poverty schools (particularly highlighting flaws in a tiny subset of studies) merely sows doubt and misinformation about a most promising reform development. (Contains 44…

Addresses deaf pupils' conceptions of directly-observed phenomena of the earth and sky. Studies 7-, 9-, 11-, and 17-year-old deaf pupils and uses 9-year-old Norwegian pupils with normal hearing as the control group. Reports that the children's conceptions are scientifically accepted. Indicates that the shape of the sign representing an object may…

Finds that students encountering thermal physics at the introductory level often have difficulty distinguishing between heat and temperature. Argues that challenging misconceptions through experiment and discussion can quickly enable students to develop an understanding of thermal physics. (Author/CCM)

Presents a collection of curious findings from one of the first textbooks studied, a 1958 edition of a fairly popular text. Concludes that the book presents a chance for teachers to enrich their physics classes. (CCM)