A neuromathematical model of information processing applied to science learning is expanded to include two coefficients representing the motivational state of the learner. The inclusion of these coefficients (which are described) permits modeling of the effects of variations in motivation on the rate and amount of information in learning tasks.…

An empirical analysis of the relationship between science reasoning skills and the amount of information acquired during science learning as predicted by a neuromathematical model of information processing is presented. Subjects were 93 adolescents (mean age of 15.4 years old) with a IQ range of 91-142. (Author/JN)

A comparison of the theories of Jean Piaget and William Perry (using individual interviews with college students) shows that the two theories outline different and independent processes for assessing intellectual development. (JN)

Presents meta-analysis of 54 articles and dissertations dealing with cognitive preferences. Information provided includes: test reliability; comparisons by country, grade level, gender, disciplines, and curricula; relationships between cognitive preferences and career orientation, science achievement, interest, and aptitude; and effect sizes.…

Describes the development and validation of a 56-item science and engineering career interest survey for seventh- through ninth-grade students. The survey includes questions on occupational activities, selection of occupations, and an internal verification scale. Results indicate significant differences in career interest for boys and girls. (DH)

Describes changes and effects of the Israeli paper-and-pencil matriculation examination in biology since first analysis in 1972. The examination has been significant for implementing an inquiry-oriented high school biology program based on the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study. Implications for upgrading science education are discussed.…

Tested two hypotheses: (1) formal reasoning is required to balance simple one-step equations; and (2) formal reasoning plus sufficient mental capacity are required to balance many-step equations. Independent variables included intellectual development, mental capacity, and degree of field dependence/independence. With 25 subjects, significance was…

Investigated a persistent error among introductory college biology and genetics students, namely, that amino acids are produced by genetic translation (protein synthesis). Contributors to this misconception were revealed through multiple-choice items and interviews. Implications for education are discussed with specific steps suggested to correct…

Compared preservice elementary teachers (N=58) and geology students (N=51) on their ability to identify rocks and minerals. Anxiety levels were different between the preservice teachers (high) and the geology students (low). Further analysis of geology students indicated a reverse relationship between anxiety and exam performance. (Author/DH)

Examines readability of elementary science textbooks regarding visual supplements (color, visuals, and page layout). Significant relationships were found between cloze scores and both grade level and content. Also found significant interaction between grade and sex in favor of older males. Eight of nine texts were at or near readability…

Determined whether small groups would stimulate creativity more than individualized learning environments for fifth- and sixth-grade students (N=111). Results indicated that small groups were more creative with electrical circuits and that this grouping format should be used in elementary classes. (Author/DH)

A 31-item survey was sent to New England teacher education institutions (certified to prepare elementary teachers) to compare the elementary science education resources available in their libraries. Discussed are implications of such findings as significant differences between graduate and nongraduate institutions' journal holdings for science…

Examined 103 articles from journals/periodicals related to science education to: (1) determine which were most popular; (2) verify or refute paucity of research data about secondary teachers' journal/periodical reading patterns; and (3) study reading patterns within the secondary school teaching areas. (JN)

Investigated spatial thinking abilities of sixth- and tenth-grade students from two locales--a school on the Navajo reservation and schools in Mesa, Arizona. Overall findings support the contention that there were no substantial time delays or advances in development of selected spatial abilities of Navajo students compared to parallel non-Indian…

Investigated proportional reasoning of a select group of older, college-bound adolescents on a task set in a geometric/spatial context with a multiple-proportion, multiplicative structure. Sex-related differences and the influence of course experience in mathematics and science were also investigated. (JN)