Demonstrates how repertory grid technique was used to elicit students' ideas about energy. Constructs were divided from a sample of 55 Western Australian year-9 secondary students. A call is made for the development of a learning approach which is based on the unique views of students. (LZ)

The Assessment of Performance Unit recognized the importance of reading and interpreting data but saw them as discrete aspects of "process" science. However, pupil performance on different components of the same data-handling assessment question is often very variable, indicating that these questions carry "hidden" cognitive demands. (LZ)

The understanding concerning radioactivity and radiation of pupils ages 11-16 was studied using a closed-form questionnaire with a large cohort of children and interviews with subsets of this group. A majority of children demonstrated confusion about the environmental impacts of radioactivity and radiation. (LZ)

Demonstrates that 11-year-old children's scientific thinking in formal operational terms can be significantly developed through training in the cognitive style of field independence determined by the Group Embedded Figures Test. Suggests students could perform formal operationally if they had the skill of identifying the variables to be…

A three-year experiment was carried out with the goal of helping low achieving high school students progress to matriculation level. Results show a change in the class atmosphere, and students' self-image and motivation improved. High achievers in technology studies in mechanics increased, and nonmatriculating students decreased. (LZ)

To help in redressing a lack of studies on science teacher stress worldwide, this study reports on data from 230 high school teachers in Jamaica using a 40-item self-report instrument. The implications of the findings for the retention of science teachers and effective science teaching are underlined. (LZ)

Seeks to remedy a lack of studies that make direct comparisons using specifically designed instruments. Builds upon a previous parallel study comparing the views of teachers from Spain and England on problem solving by examining pupils' opinions of problems and the difficulties they encounter when trying to solve them. (LZ)

A geological investigation project named "Geotop" was introduced into the high school geography curriculum of Israel as a vehicle to enhance geology and science education within a non-science population. Findings of student attitude questionnaires indicate students hold high positive attitudes in the affective and cognitive domains of the program.…

Begins with an overview of the constructivist perspective and the pedagogical theory development upon which a constructivist teaching experiment with 20 prospective elementary teachers was based. Derives a theoretical framework for mathematics pedagogy with a focus on decisions about content and mathematical tasks. (49 references) (Author/DDD)

Discusses constructivist teaching, students' mathematical knowledge, activating prior knowledge, hypothetical learning trajectory, and reflection in teaching mathematics, all in reaction to Simon's model of constructivist pedagogy. (24 references) (MKR)

Discusses constructivist teaching, students' prior knowledge, teachers' construction of models of students' mathematics, and the need to make the role of the mathematics teacher problematic. (three references) (MKR)

Investigated relationships among interest, motivation, mathematical ability, quality of experience, and mathematics achievement among (n=108) high school freshmen and sophomores. Found that quality of experience was mainly related to interest in mathematics and not to ability. Achievement was most strongly related to ability. (45 references)…

Discusses the potential role of technology in evaluating learning outcomes in large-scale, widespread science assessments. Describes current state-of-the-art techniques in this area and looks at the past and future uses of technology in large-scale science assessments. (LZ)

Two methods of assessing student learning of a hands-on instructional unit are compared. One method involves manipulation of concrete materials, and the other method involves manipulation of icons on a computer to solve an electric circuits problem. Sixth-grade students in an inquiry-based science program completed both assignments. (LZ)

Reviews seven computer applications for science assessment including conventional, multiple-choice, constructed-response, adaptive, figural response, simulation, and an emerging approach to performance assessment termed solution pathway analysis. Virtually all computer-based testing systems are found to improve the quality and efficiency of record…