Dispels misconceptions about print journal publishing so electronic publishing will not be based on old myths. Explains the truth behind 10 myths that have arisen in the publishing community over the past 20 years. Finds that scientists are using more library-provided journals, and that libraries are reducing journal collections by relying on…

Students' understanding of the concept of relative speed is described. A variety of ways of understanding relative speed and of viewing a problem that dealt with this concept were uncovered. The results are used to suggest ways for teachers to proceed in assisting students to enhance their understanding of relative speed. (PR)

Presents a diagnostic test for measuring college biology students' understanding of diffusion. Three general steps were used: (1) defining the content boundaries; (2) collecting information on students' misconceptions; and (3) instrument development. The split half reliability was 0.74, difficulty indices ranged from 0.23 to 0.95, and the…

Although 1988 Chicago Reform Act mandates changes in decision-making structures to empower teachers, parents, and community members to make financial, hiring, and curriculum decisions, many teachers are opting out of change process. Interview data from 30 Chicago teachers describe principals as "powerhouses" or "benevolent…

Discusses the teaching of vectors and the inadequate and inappropriate examples given in many textbooks. Suggests using the motion of a sailboat or the motion of a car moving on the Earth's surface as possible examples. Details a proper vector teaching example. (MVL)

According to Herrnstein and Murray's "The Bell Curve" (1994), public education cannot alter the economic, social, or political stratification of American society. Intelligence is supposedly being combined and concentrated, and there is no inexpensive, reliable method to raise IQ. Actually, the book justifies the economic status quo and a…

Education is on the wrong track largely because of "solutions" that have isolated teachers and students from one another and from sensible ways of spending time. Assessment is a full-fledged disaster that discriminates, stigmatizes, and disempowers individuals for life. Education is not an orderly, rational system. Educators should…

Debunks nostalgic beliefs about traditional family life. Throughout most of U.S. history, families have been diverse and needed more than one breadwinner. Women and children have borne the brunt of poverty, and violence and abuse were once a normal part of maintaining family order. Today, many stable, intact families depend on illegal immigrants'…

Focuses on the intellectual history of American higher education and how it has shaped the current issues around cultural diversity and political correctness. Shows how a major part of the controversy over cultural diversity in higher education stems from the ideology of white superiority, which is pervasive and deeply rooted in American higher…

Investigated students' understanding of the concept of weightlessness and found it to be influenced by the confusion between the concepts of weight and gravitational force. The causal structure of students' knowledge presents a platform for interpreting students' alternative ideas about weight and related physical concepts, which could guide…

The problem-solving difficulties of Nigerian preservice chemistry teachers (n=300) were investigated. The results from written tests and an interview show students were capable of constructing mental representations but not solution plans; had inappropriate approaches and strategies; exhibited structural errors relating to a disregard of given…

An alternative procedure to the draw-a-scientist test (DAST) was used to uncover students ideas about science, scientists, and technology. A series of illustrations (based on the interview-about-instances (IAI) procedure) concerned with appearance, gender, work place, and employment were developed. Through interviews, students (n=121) responded to…

An intervention study with 12- to 13-year-old students which attempts to move students' thinking about matter and the dissolving process toward the school science view by use of activities and group discussion tasks which directly address some of the thinking underlying students' prior ideas is described. Students responses to the strategies…

Reviews research relevant to the problem of unsatisfactory student problem-solving abilities and suggests a teaching strategy that addresses the issue. Author explains how she uses teaching aloud problem solving (TAPS) in college chemistry and presents evaluation data. Among the findings are that the TAPS class got fewer problems completely right,…

Discusses difficulties of examining Jean Piaget's work, caused in part by his own revisions and earlier, inadequate interpretation in English translation. Examines common misunderstandings of Piagetian developmental stages and similar misinterpretations of his ideas on education. Focuses on importance of other disciplines, including psychology and…