Results found that schoolboy understanding had seven foci: evolution as a phenomenon, why evolution occurred, the process of change, adaptation, selection, chance, and inheritance. The concept of adaptation was found to be particularly well established, that of chance least so. Naturalistic and Lamarckian interpretations of evolution were…

Reports and discusses the findings of a pilot study concerned with the diffusion, adoption, and implementation of the Nuffield A-Level Biological Science Project. (JR)

Describes the objectives, intended outcomes, subject matter content, and methods of examining practical and theoretical work in Nuffield A-level biology. Outlines rationale for the organization of the materials produced, justifies using compulsory investigative student projects, suggests procedures for introducing the course and lists relevant…

Reports the findings of evaluations of the trial versions of the course, concentrating on the aspects that appear to have significance for biology teaching in a wider context." (AL)

Rates organisms by frequency of use and ease of maintenance in English elementary and secondary schools. (AL)

The final part of a five-part series reporting the results of the evaluation of the trial version of the Nuffield A-level Biology Project presents data from a follow-up study of students one year after they completed the trials. Student perception of the objectives of the course is reported, and employer or supervisor comments on strengths and…

Relates results of analyses of student performance on the final course examination to differences in sex, previous educational background, concurrent studies, attitudes toward the course, reasons for studying biology and career aspirations. (AL)

Teacher motivation, class size, type of school (administrative arrangement), and instructional facilities available had little differential influence on student achievement in the trials of the Nuffield A-Level Biology course. The mean achievement of the students in the schools tended to reflect the general calibre and aspirations of past and…

Reports the results of evaluation of specified student and course objectives by teacher ratings and test results. Includes a discussion of the evaluation of the materials as a result of formative evaluation. (AL)