Examines problems that occur with the vocabulary used in physics textbooks related to heat and energy. Discusses the concepts of thermal energy and temperature, conservation of energy laws, and the first law of thermodynamics. (MDH)

Although Jonathan Kozol is well-informed about choice program imperfections, schools of choice are superior to traditional schools. In places like East Harlem, school choice is helping transform youngsters from captive, disenfranchised malcontents to true students involved in their education. The challenge is to make every district school worthy…

Analysis of essays by first-year college students on humanities and social science subjects suggests that problems in style and structure stem from student misunderstandings of discipline-specific assumptions and conventions concerning critical analysis and "argument." Discussions and models can help students create new, academically…

An extension is described to a product-testing model to account for misinformation among subjects that would lead them to perform incorrectly on "pick one of two" tests. The model is applied to a data set of 367 subjects picking 1 of 2 colas. Misinformation does exist. (SLD)

Identifies and describes the problems students have with the concept of neutralization. Analysis of over 7,500 students' answers to test questions over neutralization showed that many students understand the concept in its original meaning. Students assumed that in any neutralization reaction a neutral solution is formed, even if a weak acid or…

Describes techniques that can help classroom science teachers promote enthusiasm for activities and retention of information among all students, including females and minority students. (JJK)

The media have sensationalized the problem presented by children exposed prenatally to cocaine. Many people erroneously assume that all cocaine-exposed children are severely affected; little can be done for them; and all their medical, behavioral, and learning problems are caused by cocaine exposure. Each child must be individually evaluated. Not…

Examines seventh grade life science students, tenth grade biology students, and college zoology students for understanding of the concept of diffusion. Describes the differences among the grade levels in sound or partial understanding, misconceptions, and no understanding. Discusses the effect of developmental level on understanding. (KR)

Reports the relationship between student characteristics and results of a test of misunderstanding administered to 49 suburban high school students enrolled in a New York State Regents Chemistry Class. A multiple regression analysis of data revealed that the best predictors of performance on the posttest misunderstanding test was the pretest score…

A mechanical analogy between the microscopic motion of a charged carrier in an ordinary resistor and the macroscopic motion of a ball falling along a slanted board covered with a lattice of nails is introduced. The Drude model is also introduced to include the case of inelastic collisions. Computer simulation of the motion is described. (KR)

Described is how an iconic model building software can be used to help students gain a deeper qualitative conceptual understanding of physics concepts. The program, STELLA, links research about misconceptions and new teaching strategies with the use of modern information technology tools. (31 references) (KR)

As success of one Toyota-managed auto plant shows, U.S. workers can produce as effectively and competitively when given good, work-specific training and a well-managed environment. By blaming their own faltering performance on inadequate work force skills, the nation's top chief executives have found a cheap, convenient way to scapegoat U.S.…

Explores the relationship between schools and the surrounding environment. The literature stresses the need for organizations to adapt to external pressures and managers' key role in that process. Theoretical and empirical work questions the myths of individual leadership and organizational responsiveness. Organizations typically proceed…

Identifies barriers that keep education from contributing effectively to people's quality of life, focusing on typical community-based health promotion interventions concerning adolescent drug education, school readiness, and African American lifestyle choices. Resource people cannot determine a community's health education and promotion agenda.…

Mandating inclusion for all special-needs students would return education to the 1950s, when student options were extremely limited. Full inclusion, requiring the regular education teacher to learn a monumental number of additional skills, may be state-of-the-art education for the 90s--the 1890s. Restricting all students to the same learning…