Presents a model for solving genetics problems when problem statements include information on which alleles are dominant/recessive and on what forms of a trait are coded for by the alleles. Includes procedural steps employed in a solution and conceptual knowledge of genetics/meiosis allowing students to justify what they have done. (Author/JN)

After discussing task-specific information and form/content dissociation, presents evidence from training studies which suggests ways in which the form/content distinction might guide researchers in designing diagnostic measures leading to specific instructional strategies based on the diagnostics. (Author/JN)

A longitudinal investigation is being conducted to examine commitment to science (attitudes) and science achievement among adolescents (N=4,500) in relation to individual/family/school influences. Addressed are the investigation's theoretical framework and major variables. Data analyses will serve to explain relationships among…

A test for measuring attitudes toward animal life (Fireman Test) was developed. The test was determined to be reliable, valid, free from social-response biases, easy to administer and score, and potentially useful in ascertaining whether changes in attitudes have occurred as a result of some planned intervention. (Author/JN)

Several new objectives for science education are discussed as a means of categorizing research findings. They include: definition, accommodation, oversimplification, exemplification, association, and representation. The objectives will require new styles of verbal interaction between science teachers and their students. (Author/JN)

Operationalizes a psychological theory of productivity with data from a large sample of 13-year-old students administered eight items concerning voluntary science activities in the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Discusses validity of model of the productivity theory and usefulness of secondary analyses of NAEP data. (Author/JN)

In a recent issue of "Science Education" (v.63: 395-406), Stewart criticized methods for assessment and representation of cognitive structure in minds of learners and attempts to link these structure to content structure in subject matter being learned. Presents counterarguments to Stewart's position. (Author/JN)

Argues that there is a strong nonrational component in conceptual change, analyzing aspects of the nonrational or aesthetic that are part of the conceptual change process. Shows that the results of Posner et. al. ("Science Education" 66: 211-27, 1982) support this thesis. (Author/JN)

Responds to comments by West and Pines ("Science Education" 67: 37-39, 1983) on rationality and learning. Discusses two views of learning, distinguishes between what learning depends on and what it is, and offers distinctions between rational and nonrational factors in learning. (Author/JN)

Presents a philosophical analysis of the creation/evolution conflict in which a deliberate attempt is made to highlight its wider curricular dimension. Argues that literature on the conflict focuses primarily on questions concerning nature of science and avoids discussing of equally pressing curricular/instructional issues, particularly…

Identifies issues related to science/mathematics education in precollege schooling. Issues discussed are products of a conceptual analysis and synthesis of reports, surveys, and other documents issued by scientific/professional societies within the past decade. Issues relate to curriculum, instruction, learning, educational quality, teachers, and…

A quantitative theory of teaching suggests that more teaching leads to more learning. Supplementing this is a qualitative theory of teaching, suggesting that learning is largely unafffected by the form of teaching. Four approaches accounting for the qualitative principle of teaching are discussed, including implications for science curriculum and…

Examined relationship between cognitive requirements of two chapters of a physics textbook for biology/pre-med students and their ability to use prerequisite reasoning skills required for its understanding. An average of 42 percent of students tested did not consistently use reasoning skills required to understand text concepts. Discusses tests…

Examined influence of teaching methods on content achievement of concrete and formal concepts by students differing in level of operational thought and influence of concrete/formal teaching on the intellectural development of students (N=86 grade 9-10 biology students). Methodology, results, conclusions, and implications are discussed. (Author/JN)

Tested Ausubel/Novak hypothesis that primary grade students can learn meaningfully certain aspects of science concepts in the "reception learning" model. Revised audio-tutorial instruction unit on earth based on understanding children's misconceptions; assessed impact of revised units with second graders; and compared results to concept…