Discusses the goals, procedures, and findings from a survey which focused on curricular assessment and evaluation programs in the science departments of northwest English schools. Survey items addressed issues related to curriculum planning, assessment, and data interpretation. Priorities included inservice programs focusing on teacher test…

Examines the influence of both teacher and pupil use of science equipment on Nigerian students' attitudes to science. Test results from students in 36 secondary schools indicated that schools making considerable use of science equipment, particularly with girls, were associated with more positive attitudes to many aspects of science. (ML)

Explains an investigation which examined Nigerian students' (N=200) ability to respond to depth cues and to visualize the effects of rotations. Study results indicated that performance on cues tests correlated significantly with performance on rotation tests suggesting that cues influence students' ability to visualize the effects of performing…

Presents the information and opinions obtained in a survey of the penetration made by technological and socio-economic aspects of science in English schools. Findings indicate that technological, social, environmental, and economic aspects received greater emphasis in further education institutions than in secondary schools. (ML)

Discusses the responses of science graduates (N=34) to control of variable problems. Two content areas (biological/plants and physical/pendulum) and two formats (experimental planning and data interpretation) were employed in their study. Results suggest that different problems elicit a variety of solution procedures and are affected by prior…

Describes the procedures and techniques employed in a peer-group approach for promoting conceptual change. Explains how a series of cards were used to challenge student's conceptions of energy. Suggests that a systematic development of skills is needed to maximize the benefits of a peer group discussion approach. (ML)

Discusses the role that children's ideas and questions have in learning science. Explains four techniques which aim to promote primary students' question-asking. Also suggests specific approaches that were developed in the Learning in Science Project to assist teachers in making use of children's questions. (ML)

Provides an overview of the educational program of the Seychelles and focuses on an evaluation of the final phase (P7-P9) of the nine-year school program. Reports how findings from content analyses of materials, teacher and student interviews, and student test results were used to develop the new Seychelles Integrated Science program. (ML)

Reports a study's findings of which factors influence Nigerian secondary school students' choice of science subjects. Variables considered were sex, age, group of study (arts or science), attitudes, intelligence (IQ), and personality. Results from 1240 students indicated that attitude to science was most important factor followed by IQ. (ML)

Investigates differences in marking standard and reliability when experienced teachers carried out assessments of the performance on practical exercises. The results showed that there was no difference between the assessments from the groups containing 5 and 20 students. (Author/YP)

Explores the concept of construct validity in the context of a public examination. Multitrait-multimethod analysis and factor analysis were used. Discusses the analyses in terms of theory versus practical components and experimental versus observational investigation in practical components. Sample items for the practical examinations are…

Reported are two studies considering factors affecting students' attitudes to science by using television programs. Describes the results on students' attitudes by sex and grades. Hypothesized that the use of space programs and other fantastic aspects of science could improve the attitudes of children towards science. (Author/YP)

Explores the possibility that the concept-mapping strategy could be a fruitful way of reducing the anxiety levels of students as well as helping to change their attitudes towards concepts. Concepts from the areas of ecology and genetics were given to pre-degree biology students. Experimental results confirmed the effect. (YP)

Evaluated is a course for twelfth graders to demonstrate a variety of aspects of applied science. The basic structure and content of the course are described. The evaluation results including achievement, interest/difficulty with other courses, lateral transfer, and attitudes are reported. Examples of problems and application questionnaire are…

Studies the interviews of 24 professional scientists to seek their views on the long range effects of their initial training. Analyzes the interviews for content, teaching, and types of learning experience. Concludes with a discussion of the implications of the findings for science education. Argues for a reduction in content. (CW)