Discusses some of the ways in which interviews, questionnaires and classroom observation may be used to explore the extent to which curricular innovations are being implemented in schools. The focus is on exploring the problems of implementation of the Scottish Integrated Science Scheme used in Scotland. (HM)

Traces physics curriculum innovation in Southeast Asia since the 1950s. The unique features of such innovation in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand are highlighted. Forecasts for the future of physics education in part of the world are also discussed. (Author/HM)

Evaluates the Southeast Asia Science and Mathematics Experiment (SEASAME) which is a regional pilot project of the Regional Center for Education in Science and Mathematics (RECSAM). Five phases of the SEASAME curriculum materials for grades one through six used in the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand are being evaluated. (HM)

Examines problem solving in mathematics teaching, giving consideration to various models of the problem-solving process and concentrating on strategies inherent and implied in the models. The notions of vehicles, operations, and levels of thinking are introduced and a teacher development project concerned with considering perspectives of…

The level of meaning (membership, partial association, or generalization) that English-speaking (N=1635) and Hindi-speaking students (N=823) preferred when thinking about each of 16 key concept definitions associated with the theme "the nature of matter" was measured for each concept. Results and implications for science instruction are discussed.…

Compared performance of Malaysian children with that of English children on a test into the understanding of number concepts. Findings indicate that difficulties of Malaysian children may be quite different from those of English children. Among the difficulties identified were misconceptions about the order of operation in division and…

Reports the results of a cross-cultural study of the development of five spatial competencies in samples of Thai and Australian children. The pattern of development was found to be similar for seven- and eight-year-olds but different for four- and five-year-olds. (Author/JN)

The interview-about-instances technique was used to investigate the conceptual frameworks that 17 Form Four Southeast Asian students held about forces acting on an object at rest or in motion. Results show a number of alternate frameworks which are similar to those found in research conducted in western countries. (Author/JN)

Discusses the need for including noise pollution in the science curriculum and describes 10 activities for improving students' awareness and understanding of and concern for noise and its effects. (Author/JN)

Test items were developed to assess a child's understanding of certain mathematical concepts. The taxonomy and criteria for developing superitems are described in some detail. The developed items were tried out with students and data are given on test results. (MNS)

This study investigated the effects of specific criteria for marking a test on its reliability and validity. Eight algebra word problems were administered to grade 10 students. The objectivity of scoring criteria improved the reliability of the test, but did not affect its validity. (MNS)

The study investigated the extent of process skill achievement among a sample of recent Malaysian high school graduates, and the relationship of these scores to science scores. Among the conclusions is that the science tests placed little emphasis on the assessment of process skills. (MNS)

Reported is a series of curriculum research studies carried out in Papua New Guinea between 1972 and 1980 into the effects of formal schooling, with compulsory component of science instruction on attitudes toward investigation, control, and manipulation of natural phenomena and toward traditional religion. (MNS)

Provided are some ideas on teaching elementary numerical methods to sixth-form students. Comments are included on the syllabus recently introduced at Advanced Level in Hong Kong. (MNS)

Comparisons of four videodisc systems are given, and then compared with videotapes. Education projects using videodiscs are noted, and problems of using videodiscs in education are noted. It is believed that videodiscs, especially when operated by a microcomputer, will open new aspects of computer-assisted instruction. (MNS)