This study compares inservice (n=30) and preservice (n=30) earth and space science teachers on general mental abilities, content knowledge, Gagnean levels of content knowledge, and procedural knowledge in solving earth and space science problems. Results support Norman's theory of learning that inservice teachers function at the tuning mode of…

Discusses students' awareness of science/technology/society (STS) issues, the importance students assign to STS issues, and students' achievement in a genetics unit after infusing STS vignettes into class discussions. Recommendations are made on the use of STS vignettes by science teachers. (KR)

The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of two different types of post-instruction concept interviews: one that did and one that did not embed a concept mapping process as means of eliciting students' post-instruction conceptual understandings about the nature of, source of, and problems caused by chlorofluorocarbons…

This study was part of a project to develop science and technology (STS) issue investigation and action materials with the potential for use across science and social studies classes at the secondary level. Special emphasis was given to learning teachers' perspectives on the development of a unit on the impact of pesticides on society. Seven areas…

Seven checklists were developed to provide precise feedback to students on their teaching performance during secondary science methods microteaching sessions. These checklists measure performance related to: (1) lesson plans; (2) communications skills; (3) generic teaching; (4) concept demonstration; (5) manipulative skills; (6)…

The ue of hands-on models in teaching protein synthesis, in comparison to traditional expository methods, has been shown to improve the content achievement of biology students. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a set of models and the accompanying laboratory exercises in terms of content achievement and attitude toward biology and…

Support for science instruction has been increasing in Jordanian schools within the past two decades. Science is studied throughout all three levels of schooling. Corresponding with this growth in science education are improved programs for science teacher training. Inservice programs are offered to raise levels of teacher competence and…

The purpose of this study was to determine if elementary teachers' attitudes toward science and science education would become more positive if: (1) they participated in a four-week workshop on new science curricula; (2) the training they received was directed toward Elementary Science Study (ESS), Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS), or…

Using examples this article tries to dispel a common misconception that theories "mature" into laws by constant testing and confirmation. (GA)

Discusses the development, field testing, and validation of an instrument designed to assess secondary school students' understanding of the nature of scientific knowledge. (GA)

Provides a checklist for teachers to use in planning and implementing meeting presentations. It is composed of statements which describe appropriate presenter behaviors. (LHW)

Illinois principals (N=228) were surveyed to determine the qualities they examine when hiring mathematics and science teachers. Content area knowledge, area of certification, and personality characteristics were of higher priority than sponsoring extracurricular activities, references, and minor areas of certification. (DH)

Reports on the development and validation of an inventory designed to identify the needs of science teachers in developing nations, particularly the Arab countries. The instrument, Science Teacher Inventory of Need, consists of 83 items arranged under seven categories. (JN)

Determined degree to which Malaysian biology teachers (N=26) perceived they understood and used inquiry teaching. Data indicated that these teachers perceived they had a moderate amount of knowledge about inquiry and occasionally used the 21 inquiry-related behaviors assessed by "A Generic Problem Solving (Inquiry) Model" (Hungerford,…

Describes how videotape recording (VTR) technology was used in a short and intensive instructional training program for prospective Peace Corps instructors. Results show the effectiveness of VTR technology for providing feedback in instructor training. (CS)