Describes development/validation of short forms of Individualized Classroom Environment Questionnaire (ICEQ), My Class Inventory (MCI), and Classroom Environment Scale (CES). In addition to these forms measuring perceptions of actual classroom environment, ICEQ and CES short forms measuring preferred classroom environment were also developed.…

Compared formal reasoning responses of seventh-and eighth-grade students on three tests of formal reasoning. The three tests differ only in the mode of equipment presentation on identical test items and problems. Tests included three-dimension demonstration (Lawson), two-dimension showing drawings of materials used in three-dimensional test, and…

Proposes four specific actions to maintain science education's viability and plan for its future, focusing on scientific literacy. These proposals are based on: (1) an analysis of historical determinants of federal role in education; (2) interpretation of the Reagan administration's decisions influencing education; and (3) projections for federal…

Examines changes in the broad cultural background which provide the context for thinking, and how such life-style changes may have influenced the decline of reasoning skills and styles fundamental to the sciences. Considers peasant/rural farming, new world, and postaffluent society life-styles and science education in the latter. (Author/SK)

Questionnaires were sent to biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science teachers (N=100) to determine practical problems at the student/teacher/subject matter interface. Responses related to importance of content area for students and difficulty students have in learning the content are discussed. (SK)

Analysis of 1976-1977 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) data indicate that although minority students have positive attitudes toward science, science-related careers, and scientific research, these attitudes have not been accompanied by higher achievement levels in science. Educational changes are suggested which will increase…

Results from meta-analysis of studies on student attitudes toward science are discussed. Includes description of meta-analysis techniques, discussion of attitudes toward science (with a proposed definition), a theoretical framework for studying attitudes which provides a structure for synthesis studies, and recommendations, including those related…

Following descriptions of a semantic differential (SD) and test of science-related attitudes (TOSRA)--a Likert-type scale--reports results of using the instruments with secondary school students in various Australian schools (N=1,049 for TOSRA and 1,116 for SD). Suggests SD for general attitude and Likert-type scales of specific attitude…

Discusses value of computer diagnostic testing (CDT) including time factors in preparing programs, cost analysis, and possibilities for activities other than CDT. Includes a computer program, written in BASIC for a PET, and instructions for using the program. (SK)

An instrument for the continuous assessment of high school physics students' laboratory performance was developed and evaluated. Physics teachers (N=25) observed students conducting experiments on film to judge student performance against a standard set of criteria. Results suggest increases in observational objectivity and precision as well as…

Discusses the meaning of Schwab's "substantive structures" of a discipline in terms of science philosophy. Presents three techniques for representing substantive structures and discusses some of their uses in science education research. (SK)

College students (N=52) were given unfamiliar or novel problems (written and interview responses) to determine how they characterize living things, criteria they use to distinguish between living/dead/nonliving, and to determine if their idea of life included the interrelationship between organisms and biosphere. Results and implications are…

Suggests, by argument and example, that the views which children bring with them to science lessons are, to them, logical and coherent, and that these views have considerable influence on how and what children learn from their classroom experiences. (Author/SK)

Compared performance on Piagetian tasks to determine differences between students (N=52): (1) external subjects having access to manipulatives and those not having access, and between internal subjects having access to manipulatives and those not having access. Indicates access to manipulatives benefits those exhibiting externality with respect to…

Investigated effects of an environmental science education program on inservice teachers (N=51) views of science and attitudes toward environmental science education. Results indicated that the year-long program had positive impact on attitudes of those in the control group. (SK)