In this paper we demonstrate that "lesson study" may be adapted from its primary use as a professional development strategy for use as a research strategy, especially to identify principles of good lesson design. We report on a project undertaken in two Australian secondary schools where lesson study research was used to investigate the…

The purpose of this study was to enhance pre-service secondary mathematics teachers' skills of using the Geometer's Sketchpad (GSP) through Lesson Study. Twenty-four Lesson Study groups each comprising four or five pre-service secondary mathematics teachers who attended a mathematics teaching methods course in a local public university were set up…

Discusses some of the ways in which interviews, questionnaires and classroom observation may be used to explore the extent to which curricular innovations are being implemented in schools. The focus is on exploring the problems of implementation of the Scottish Integrated Science Scheme used in Scotland. (HM)

Explores the extent to which key concept words are accurately identified by secondary school students. Research results on concept definition recognition from student groups in English-speaking Tasmania and Hindi-speaking India are compared. Linguistic hypothesis are presented and analyzed. (ML)

Promotes the use of the microcomputer in mathematics instruction, reviewing approaches to teaching nonlinear equations. Examples of computer diagrams are illustrated and compared to textbook samples. An example of a problem-solving program is included. (ML)

Explains plausible strategies for introducing biotechnology into a science curricula through a microbiology course. Teaching strategies for large mixed-ability groups are presented. Concept maps, games, activities and materials references are included. (ML)

Presents a readability formula and compares it with existing formulas and procedures. The formula uses reader feedback (identifying unclear words, sentences, paragraphs, figures, tables, and equations of reading material) and is considered appropriate for science and mathematics curriculum materials. (JN)

Discusses the meaning of calculation errors, describing two error types (truncation and roundoff errors). Examples of calculator calculations are given to illustrate the importance of an awareness of significant digits and the effects of errors that may lead user to a mistaken interpretation of calculated results or to faulty conclusions.…

The level of meaning (membership, partial association, or generalization) that English-speaking (N=1635) and Hindi-speaking students (N=823) preferred when thinking about each of 16 key concept definitions associated with the theme "the nature of matter" was measured for each concept. Results and implications for science instruction are…

The interview-about-instances technique was used to investigate the conceptual frameworks that 17 Form Four Southeast Asian students held about forces acting on an object at rest or in motion. Results show a number of alternate frameworks which are similar to those found in research conducted in western countries. (Author/JN)

Discusses the need for including noise pollution in the science curriculum and describes 10 activities for improving students' awareness and understanding of and concern for noise and its effects. (Author/JN)

Attitudes toward science of 654 pupils aged 14-15 were assessed, and relationships between attitude and locality, achievement, and sex studied. Achievement was mildly correlated with attitude, but locality and sex had no influence. Other findings are also discussed. (MNS)

A group test of formal thinking was administered to all grade 11 entrants in National High Schools in Papua New Guinea, and readministered two years later. Only 8 percent operated formally on the initial test; two years later, 18 percent were operating formally and 37 percent were at a transition stage. (MNS)

This study sought to obtain insight into the pattern of relationships between students' achievement in science and study behavior variables. Surveyed were 17-year-olds in the science stream of two secondary schools in Kuala Lumpur. Sex differences were found. (MNS)

This study investigated the effects of specific criteria for marking a test on its reliability and validity. Eight algebra word problems were administered to grade 10 students. The objectivity of scoring criteria improved the reliability of the test, but did not affect its validity. (MNS)