Noting that parents are vital partners in the educational system, this French-language handbook provides parents with information about the Grade 1 curriculum in Alberta, Canada. Based on the Alberta Learning "Program of Studies: Elementary Schools," the handbook describes the knowledge, skills, and attitudes students in Alberta are…

This paper presents the theories of L.S. Vygotsky as a conceptual framework for implementing instruction that supports concept development and promotes higher level thinking skills in students. Three major components (i.e., language, scientific and spontaneous concepts, and the zone of proximal development) of Vygotsky's socio-cultural-historical…

Examines the relative effectiveness of two different chemistry curricula. African American students enrolled in an inner-city high school who took ChemCom, a Science-Technology-Society-based science curriculum employing cooperative learning as an integral component, scored significantly higher gains on a standardized measure of chemistry…

Urges making science and technology in primary and secondary schools in China accessible to all students. Recommends restructuring the curriculum and defines objectives for six-year mandatory elementary schools. Includes tables describing current structure. Describes research efforts undertaken to strengthen science and technology education using…

This journal issue, presenting review of 1990 science education research, is divided into categories, including among others Conceptual Change and Achievement; Problem Solving; Science Process/Inquiry Skills; Cognitive Development and Logical Reasoning Skills; Assessment and Research Design; the Nature of Science; Science, Technology, and Society;…

Illustrates how the sophistication of students' discussion on controversial issues can be increased by explicit attention to (1) the defensibility of more than one position, and (2) the relationship between protagonist's interests and the positions adopted. Presents a case study of a teacher using this scheme as he reflects on and modifies his…

Hearing-impaired students (32) and staff (25) of a 4-week summer program were interviewed. Among the conclusions are that teachers of hearing-impaired students should expect heterogeneity in terms of their preferred mode of communication, reading ability, lip reading ability, interest in science, etc. Effective instructional techniques include…

Describes the nineteenth-century object teaching revolution as a case study of educational change that occurred because of teacher education. Ideas of Pestalozzi were successfully introduced in America when Sheldon utilized inservice and preservice teacher education and education of teacher educators to spread the method. Object teaching shifted…

In recent years, the science teaching community and curriculum developers have emphasised the importance of teaching inquiry and teaching science as inquiry. One way of developing learners' skills for planning and carrying out scientific research is by allowing them to perform independent research, guided by a teacher. It was recently discovered…

Science notebooks can be a formative assessment tool for both teachers and students to determine: (1) prior knowledge and existing science ideas; (2) how conceptual understanding is being built; (3) procedural understanding; (4) mastery of curriculum goals; and (5) the ability to apply/transfer ideas to new context (Volkmann & Abell, 2003). Using…

In 2003 the first nationally-comparable science assessment was designed, developed and carried out under the auspices of the national council of education ministers, the Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs (MCEETYA). In 2006 a second science assessment was conducted and, for the first time nationally, the…

This article suggests that a genuine reform endeavor towards the "Science for All" paradigm should adopt a holistic approach. There are several countries around the world that adopted the "Science for All" paradigm at the beginning of the 21st century. However, while looking closely at the amount of change that took place in…

This DVD contains interviews with Black students, White and Black teachers, educational experts and school administrators that poignantly bring to life the issues, strategies and competencies that teachers need to engage with--if they are to create the conditions that will enable their students of color to succeed and excel. From these candid,…

Recent years have seen a growth not only in biological knowledge but also, and more significantly for teacher education, in the types of knowledge manifested in biology. No longer, therefore, is it adequate for teachers to retain a Mertonian or a Popperian conception of science. Today's teachers of science need also to be able to help their…

Parental involvement is critical to a child's success in school. This handbook provides parents with information about the Grade 7 curriculum in Alberta, Canada. Based on the Alberta Education "Program of Studies: Junior High Schools," the handbook describes the knowledge, skills, and attitudes students in Alberta are expected to…