This study compared the classroom environments as perceived by fourth-grade, seventh-grade and high school boys and girls in classes taught by males and females to determine if any perceptual differences existed. The analyses showed no differences for fourth-grade students, one for seventh-grade students, and three for high school students.…

Analyzed and classified were Individualized Science Instruction System (ISIS) minicourse performance objectives and criterion-referenced test items according to Bloom's cognitive "Taxonomy" to determine levels of cognition emphasized. The findings indicate that ISIS minicourse test objectives are written primarily at the knowledge and…

Examined the effect of matching learners' cognitive styles with science learning activities on changes in science knowledge and attitudes. Fifty-six elementary education majors, identified as Sensing Feeling types on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, participated in the study. Results revealed no significant differences between matched and…

Compares the professional need of science teachers across subject areas and countries by using the Science Teacher Inventory of Need. Reports the results and compares them with United States' research data. (YP)

Examines science textbook language and determines some characteristics of them: distant authorial voice, concern for precision, limited context, limited syntax, and rhetorical model. Suggests three further researcher needs. (YP)

Investigates whether enriching text with analogies, similes, and metaphors has an impact on student cognitive learning and attitudes. Reports no gain on achievement, negative gain on attitude, no gain on proposition recall test, and negative gain on student attention to the text. (YP)

Examines 11 elementary science texts in terms of conceptual structure and reasoning demands using concept maps. Reports that (1) the conceptual structures vary widely across texts; (2) most of the structures are well defined; and (3) the reasoning demands are above the developmental capabilities of most of primary-level children. (Author/YP)

Explains science teachers' perceptions and decisions about the development and implementation of a science/technology/society curriculum. Discusses the teacher interviews based on teachers' decisions. Summarizes five themes: concerns over content, discomfort with grouping, uncertainties about evaluation, frustrations about student population, and…

The 422 Presidential Science Honorees (1980-86) participated in a Delphi study composed of two surveys regarding their professional reading patterns including science education journals, general education journals, science indexes, and general education indexes. Demographic information about the respondents is provided. (Author/YP)

This study was undertaken to determine whether a biology preparatory course given at an urban community college was helping students to develop the proper skills and background necessary to successfully complete follow-up courses in biology. Data indicated a mathematics score was the main discriminator between pass/fail groups of the preparatory…

Described is a cost-effectiveness analysis applied to the question of the probable impact of 69 actions advocated for improving science education. The major objectives and the 11 categories of interventions are discussed in regard to effective schools and implementing educational change. (KR)