Argues that recent decisions to outsource library collection development are not isolated incidents but attempts to privatize whole core services and even management of libraries. Examines three misconceptions about the private sector: that it can do it better and cheaper, that accountability to the marketplace is more effective than government,…

Presents an attempt to improve teaching and learning strategies for science as addressed by prospective teachers. Discovers that prospective teachers share a number of misconceptions with students. Contains 19 references. (DDR)

Argues that teachers need to dispel the misconceptions of the federal bureaucracy that are fueled by political rhetoric and the lack of information in textbooks. Addresses three misconceptions: (1) the autonomy of bureaucracies; (2) interest groups, Congress, and bureaucracies; and (3) public participation in the regulatory process. Outlines…

Contends that before teaching about the Holocaust teachers must assess their students' understanding of this event. Considers five student misconceptions about the origins of the Holocaust. Includes responses by students in grades 10-12. Explains the inaccuracy of each misconception, using the work of Holocaust historians as supporting evidence.…

Compares textbooks and trade books for elementary grade levels. Recommends integrating trade books into hands-on science during the introduction of terms and examples. Points out the role of book content on elementary students' concept formation. Makes recommendations for selecting the right books for teaching science. (YDS)

Educational reforms fail because they are usually based on certain myths about training, advocacy, theory, knowledge dissemination, complete restructuring, paradigm shifts, and small-scale studies. These misconceptions result in wasted resources for staff development and dissemination, few professional validation standards, repeat cycles of…

Discusses the scheme and findings of a study designed to identify the conceptual knowledge used by high school students to solve a significant problem related to osmosis. Useful tips are provided to teachers to aid students in developing constructs that maximize understanding. (ZWH)

Although the concept of diffusion is thought to be simple and easily understood by most students, research studies revealed that many misconceptions regarding diffusion exist among secondary education students as well as college freshmen. Describes a study designed to seek out the causes for these misconceptions and to find ways to eliminate them.…

Summarizes a study addressing two common misconceptions on U.S. college campuses: that choice of friendships is random and that minorities are given preferential treatment by faculty and administrators. Survey results (with 144 Caucasians and 69 minority students) showed that teachers often had low expectations of minorities and that socialization…

Critiques school reform evaluation and common misconceptions about it. The article warns against using evaluation to sort students in ways that hinder them from gaining quality education or force teachers into implementing school changes that are unresponsive to students' learning problems. Study findings involving school improvement efforts are…

General Motors Corporation's disastrous experiment with robots holds valuable lessons for school reform. Consumer choice can signal when reform is needed, but it identifies no magic bullets for achieving reforms. Market-based initiatives can succeed when based on five principles stressing worker understanding, incentives and problem-solving…

Examines the relationships and development of communities of concepts related to heat and convection among fifth grade students. Discusses the influence of familial and cultural experiences on conceptual development as well as the extent to which competing phenomena affect the development of new conceptual understandings. (Contains 49 references.)…

Researchers have found no stable relationship between self-esteem and academic achievement or other desirable behaviors. In psychological studies, the most self-assured subjects were more likely to want to harm someone. Healthy self-esteem comes from achievement. Schools should support and promote accomplishment over "feel-good"…

Answers a critique of the historical accuracy of the author's previous work. Argues that all science stories provide a source of material for analysis and synthesis of the nature of the scientific enterprise. (WRM)

Describes a study performed in a microbial physiology course to increase students' self awareness of their misconceptions, promote sound research techniques, develop written and oral communication skills, stimulate metacognition, and improve team work and interpersonal relationship skills. (Contains 19 references.) (Author/YDS)