Many chemists want to be effective teachers but have little background in psychology or education on which to build successful practices. The primary audience for this book is chemistry teachers at the secondary and tertiary levels, and its purpose is to encourage readers to construct a new understanding of how their students learn. This book is…

This guide discusses possibilities for implementing a mathematically powerful program in the classroom. The chapters highlight such issues as a constructivist perspective on learning, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics goals and curriculum standards, the classroom climate, integrated learning, and alternative assessment procedures.…

The main objective of this study was to explore the experiences of two novice elementary school teachers for factors related to self-efficacy and motivation to teach science. The experiences were analyzed for evidence of: (1) successful performance, vicarious experience, verbal persuasion, and emotional arousal as contributors to the development…

A study examined the relationship between two variable sets: (1) epistemological beliefs (Quick Learning, Simple-Certain Knowledge, and Innate Ability) and performance goals; and (2) conceptual understanding and application reasoning in conceptual change learning. In addition, effects of different kinds of prior knowledge on conceptual change…

Students in three levels of high-school physics classes (advanced, regular, and general) were studied as they learned concepts about gravity, balanced forces, and projectile motion to examine the effect of text and instructional techniques, such as prediction and labs, on learning. Reading appeared to be an effective influence on learning…

This book is designed to help the teacher become a reflective practitioner in the multicultural science classroom. The ideas presented are grounded in constructivist theory and emphasize a multicultural approach to science education. The first section, "Addressing Diversity," deals with issues germane to the science education needs of…

This pamphlet offers tips and strategies from teachers who are successful in encouraging both girls and boys to participate in the classroom. Although successful teachers are all different, each classroom has the following things in common: (1) the classroom environment is respectful of students and teachers; (2) all students participate in class;…

Because of the limitations of traditional text-based instruction, it has been recommended that teachers use additional resources to enliven their instruction and make it relevant to students' lives. Literature can serve as a segue into the sometimes difficult and scary world of science. Reasons for integration are explained and supported by…

This guide provides students with experiences similar to those found in a space laboratory such as the space shuttle. The activities are geared towards recycling, developing the perspective of a conservationist, taking action on a personal level that contributes to a healthy atmosphere, and preparing informed citizens that are capable of making…

This paper is the written account of a panel presentation about inquiry-oriented teaching practices. The purpose of this group of papers is to provide an opportunity to explore the state of knowledge of inquiry-oriented teaching based on direct observation of teachers, and analysis of those observations from an inquiry perspective. The paper…

This paper describes a study of whether and how collaborative learning at the computer fosters conceptual change. A suite of computer simulation programs developed to confront students' alternative conceptions in mechanics was integrated into a grade 10 science class in a high school in Melbourne, Australia. A Conceptual Test was administered as a…

The role of performance assessments in making cognitive activity apparent to teachers and students was studied through descriptions of the cognitive activity of 31 fifth-grade students. Differences while carrying out a science performance assessment reveal critical differences between those who think and reason well with their knowledge of…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the importance of teachers' professional preparation in mathematics and science, particularly with respect to student outcomes as measured through student test scores. The study uses the base-line data collected in 1988 for the National Education Longitudinal Study, a national study of 24,599 students…

This book provides teachers with strategies to engage students actively in learning and focuses on the mathematics and science curricula for the middle and high school years. The strategies selected facilitate connections between the familiar and the unfamiliar. This method promotes learning that students find relevant. The 14 strategies have been…

In six parts, this research panel report focuses on numerous aspects of an institutionally-supported project in Writing and Problem Solving across Disciplines conducted by four teachers at Central Oregon Community College in Bend, Oregon. The report's first section, "Introduction," is descriptive and gives some background on the research…