Presents a study where astronomy teachers (n=66) try to predict student (n=330) outcomes on astronomy and related topics pre- and posttest. Suggested findings include a course in astronomy did not result in an overall knowledge gain, teachers fared well at predicting prior student knowledge, and teachers vastly overestimated student gain in…

Reports on a study of children ages 10-11 years (N=6) exploring forces. Reveals a gap between the ways that measurement is used in mathematics and the ways it is used in science. Reviews the focus of the National Numeracy Project. (DDR)

Examined how situative knowledge, embedded in student teachers' prior experiences and a dilemma-based case, influenced their analyses of the case-as-written. Analysis of students' pre- and post-discussion writings about one case and during-discussion dialogue indicated that homogeneous thinking limited their ability to reflect critically and…

Follows the progress of one preservice teacher during the early stages of struggling to shape her teaching career. Her growing self-knowledge as an educator, her image of teaching, and her beliefs are juxtaposed with literature on teaching and the expectations this literature holds for candidates like her. Barriers to the development of reflective…

Argues that teachers are challenged to understand how constructivism can serve as a referent for teaching. Discusses one approach that provides opportunities for teachers to practice innovative strategies while engaging in discourse about the process. Contains 25 references. (DDR)

Presents a description of anchored instruction, a model of curriculum integration combined with inquiry learning that builds prior knowledge and engages students in the application of the language arts. Sets out the eight steps involved in creating an anchored instruction unit. (SR)

A social studies methods course for preservice Inuit student teachers in Canada mediated between the knowledge and professional skills required of social studies teachers as presented in the textbook and the knowledge brought by the Inuit students. Using genealogy, concept webs, and timelines, the instructor gave Inuit knowledge as much weight as…

Investigated undergraduate art history majors' image retrieval tasks and image query modes. Discusses gender differences; prior information retrieval experience; significant differences between the number of search terms users planned to use and the number they actually used; and implications for image indexing tools, image retrieval system…

Discusses the limitations of dominant notions of background knowledge (BGK) as neutral information and objective knowledge and of the reading techniques that accompany these notions. The article argues that the notion of BGK should be broadened to include awareness of the social processes of production and interpretation of text. (26 references)…

Explains the process of creating a curriculum based on the National Science Education Standards (NSES). Introduces an activity where students experience flowers and their environments. Focuses on Content Standard C of the NSES. (YDS)

Explores the interface between skills used outside college and those perceived as relevant to studies in college, based on a survey of mature part-time undergraduate students. Respondents also rated personal abilities and characteristics of mature students and offered suggestions for integrating their skills and experience into the study programs.…

Provides strategies to help teachers develop their self awareness and voice about what they know in the following knowledge areas: (1) self knowledge; (2) child development knowledge; and (3) knowledge about individual children and families. Suggests that these strategies help teachers consolidate their knowledge and develop professionally. (SD)

About one quarter of first-semester students enrolled in engineering technology programs at a Newfoundland (Canada) college dropped out. Student interviews and surveys indicate that academic difficulty was the most significant factor. Part-time attendance, uncertainty about future employment opportunities, work, and time elapsed since high school…

Discusses results of an evaluation of a Web-based course at the United Kingdom's Open University relating to student satisfaction. Considers skills versus academic content, previous computing experience, interaction through computer conferencing, online group work, online tutoring, lack of time, and course revision; and compares results with three…

Discussion of the design and development of multimedia learning materials to foster sound pedagogy focuses on a set of 10 principles that reflect current beliefs about the processes and contexts of optimal learning, especially within multimedia environments. Highlights include motivation, prior knowledge, learner control, critical literacy, and…