Describes a preliminary survey of the views held by second-year sixth form students (n=421) on a range of subjects at A level and degree level, with a particular focus on mathematics and physics. (ZWH)

Engages 260 fifth form chemistry students in a study aimed at identifying some correlates of students' performances in chemical problem solving at the secondary school level. Results revealed that students' attitudes, possession of the relevant chemical and mathematical knowledge and skills, and ability to think logically were significantly…

Describes an instrument developed to assess students' or teachers' perceptions of five dimensions of actual or preferred classroom environment: student cohesiveness, open-endedness, integration, rule clarity, and material environment. Instrument is included in the appendix. (ZWH)

Analyzes curricular implications regarding theoretical versus applicative preferences of students (n=119) studying a scientific-technological subject. A major conclusion relating to the curriculum designers and implementors was that even students who have difficulties with theoretical subjects stand a chance of coping with the demands of the…

Examines the following hypotheses: (1) a relationship exists between school achievement and success in first year university physics; (2) tertiary success is a function of the motivation and metacognitive strategies of the learners; and (3) a weighted combination of indicators will allow significant discrimination between levels of tertiary…

Discusses a study designed to investigate pupils' conceptions about fluids and particularly liquids in equilibrium, with reference to the concept of pressure. Based upon the results obtained, several mental models of how pupils understand liquids in equilibrium were proposed. (ZWH)

Reports on gender differences in the perceptions of General Certificate of Secondary Education and A level pupils toward technology-based courses. The study involving 90 male and 94 female pupils revealed that technology is perceived as being similar to science subjects rather than to craft subjects and both group's perceptions of technology are…

Discusses a study designed to obtain information about the activities of the coordinators (teachers with subject expertise) in regard to both initial teacher training and inservice education and training for science coordination. (ZWH)

Reports on the findings of a questionnaire developed to determine the extent to which General Certificate of Secondary Education syllabuses affect science curriculum and pedagogic practice in schools in England and Wales. (ZWH)

Involves 135 eighth graders in a study designed to identify those conditions that favor the transfer of laboratory-based science process skills to other areas of study. Data showed that a significant correlation exists between planning and performing (p<0.01), communication and interpreting (p<0.01), and performing and interpreting (p<0.05). (ZWH)

Grammar school students (n=1073) completed a repertory grid comprising 20 constructs to measure their perceptions of the difficulty of, intellectual freedom offered by, social benefit derived from, and interest in eight academic subjects. Results indicate that A level subjects are chosen on the basis of pupils' interest in and perceived academic…

Analyzes construct validity of two different methods of assessing practical skills in advanced level biology by considering how candidates' scores on practical objectives relate to each other and to those on theory papers. Differences were found in the interrelationships among scores of the two methods. (ZWH)

Focuses on the work of one experienced physics teacher and his attempts to come to grips with a new curriculum. This study confirms that change is not a linear process but is characterized by uncertainty, hesitancy, and gradualism. Strategies to help others change are provided. (ZWH)

Assesses and profiles the science technology, and society (STS) views, positions, beliefs, attitudes, and literacy of social studies and science prospective teachers and of practicing secondary school social studies and science teachers. Significant differences between the aforementioned groups are discussed. (ZWH)

Reports on a 3-year study of approximately 100 students through grades 4, 5, and 6 on the impact of a variety of second-language learning options among English-speaking children in francophone Canada. Finds that those options that use early, French-only environments were most effective. (CFR)