Feminist recommendations were incorporated in a physical science course to gain new insights into the gender issues in science. Qualitative data from (n=45) elementary education students found themes of efficacy and empowerment but also of dissidence. Contains 74 references. (Author/MKR)

Presents a case study of problems that can occur when teaching the topic of redox reactions to grade-11 students. Concludes that the teachers' scientific expertise is an important source of difficulties when teaching redox reactions. Discusses implications for improvement of current chemistry classroom practice and content-related teacher…

Presents data collection activities for the home, school, and community that encourage students to summarize, interpret, and draw inferences. Four types of activities are discussed: observations, surveys, experiments, and sampling. (Author/MKR)

Conducted a study using activities based on historical data connected to heat and temperature to determine how and where it is possible to use the history of physics in a high school course. Analyzes episodes in which there was any allusion to history. Concludes that the history of science helps students understand the nature of science.…

Points out the incoherence of disciplinary assumptions within the field of composition regarding the research paper. Discusses writing technologies of the research paper, and the juncture between research and composition. Proposes that an ethnographic model would provide students with tools to work in the territory between the scientific model of…

A new theoretical analysis of the stop-signal model is proposed. Within the concepts of crude- and net-hazard functions, the nonobservable control-latency distribution can be estimated from observable reaction times. This result allows a test of the Logan and Cowan model (1984) without simplifying assumptions. (SLD)

This study, with 39 4-year-olds, found that children had better free recall accuracy and lowered suggestibility when they participated with a "babysitter" rather than observed a babysitter and child. Addition of forensic context (by a policeman prior to questioning) increased error in free recall but did not affect children's accuracy in…

Presents data from two studies determining the validity of various measures of physical activity in preschool children. One explored how certain measures of activity predicted observed behavior. The other examined the Caltrac motion sensor's predictive validity. Results indicate the Caltrac monitor is sensitive to children's individual differences…

Two priorities of a Colorado elementary school (increasing the quality of parent-school partnerships and modeling and building student self-esteem) led to the school's parent-observation process. An accountability team selected two parent-observers, who worked with the principal and two teachers to develop a training guide, an observation outline,…

Adults viewing a videotape of a basketball game were instructed to push a button each time the ball was passed. Adults without mental retardation performed better than those with mental retardation. When a woman carrying an open umbrella walked through the action, 15% of subjects without and 60% of subjects with mental retardation noticed her.…

Describes and evaluates the approach to observation of young children used in the PROCESS project in London, England. PROCESS observation uses broad categories, emphasizes cognitive processes, covers a wide range of contexts, involves partnerships with parents, and is intended to inform planning. Discusses observation materials, factors affecting…

Reviews two projects studying the nature of mental representations of space induced entirely by language. The first project investigates perspective in descriptions of large-scale (e.g., convention center, town) space. The second project investigates mental representations of objects located immediately around the body. (37 references) (KRN)

Reports, in French, an investigation on the use of graphic representations in problem-solving tasks of the type in Spanish Mathematical Olympiads. Analysis showed that the choice and interpretation of the first graphic representation played a decisive role in the discovery of the solution. (34 references) (Author/MKR)

Describes assessment strategies for individuals with disabilities: direct observation, sociometric measurements, attitude assessment instruments, probes, and expressive attitude assessment techniques. Suggests that the assessment strategy selected is dependent upon the aspect of attitudes to be examined. Suggests multimethod strategies based upon…

Presents three student exercises that demonstrate common perceptual errors described in social psychological literature: actor-observer effect, false consensus bias, and priming effects. Describes methods to be followed and gives terms, sentences, and a story to be used in the exercises. Suggests discussion of the bases and impact of such…