Investigated problem- and solution-related activity of (n=28) fourth and fifth graders in ill-defined and open-ended settings. In the course of their negotiations, students demonstrated an uncanny competence to frame and reframe problems and solutions and to decide courses of actions of different complexities in spite of the ambiguous nature of…

Examined how elementary students in three classes using different teaching strategies, presented with discrepant event problems in science, begin the problem-solving process by exploration of the problem space. Because of the constraints imposed by each teaching strategy, none of those used was considered entirely satisfactory. Appendix contains…

Describes the conceptions of (n=8) preservice teachers about how they would recognize a "good" teacher of elementary science and the people and experiences they believed influenced the formation of these views. (Author/MKR)

Explores the relationship between a teacher educator's explicit modeling of reflection on practice and (n=9) student teachers' developing use of reflection on practice. (Author/MKR)

Analysis of interviews, observations, and surveys using the Science Teaching Efficacy Beliefs Instrument of (n=37) primary science teachers indicated teachers with high personal science teaching self-efficacy have had a long interest in science and a relatively strong background of formal science studies with opportunities for exploring…

Reports perceptions of (n=207) first-year physics students about how they should learn physics, what is intended they should learn, and what they believe to be the functions of the various teaching situations in which they are placed. Appendix includes questionnaire. (Author/MKR)

Describes and compares physics students' understanding of concepts associated with electric and magnetic fields using interviews and written tests. Provides insights into a more detailed view of students' understanding of fields using the theoretical framework of the Structure of the Observed Learning Outcome Taxonomy. (Author/MKR)

This newsletter is concerned with energy education programs for the general public. The nature of the target audience is analyzed first, then the discussion turns to the questions of what goals may be set for such programs and what vehicles or agencies may be used. Four new curriculum project materials are reviewed and descriptions of nine…

Abstracts and abstractors' critiques of six research reports related to preservice teacher education and instruction are presented. Aspects addressed in the studies include: (1) teaching strategy analysis models in middle school science education courses; (2) concerns-based adoption model (CBAM): basis for an elementary science methods course; (3)…

Abstracts and abstractors' critiques of nine published research reports related to problem solving, elementary school science, science process skills, and curriculum and instruction are presented. Aspects addressed in the studies include: (1) problem-solving skills of high school chemistry students; (2) spatial puzzles and the assessment of…

Abstracts and abstractors' critiques of six science education research studies and six responses to critiques are presented in this issue of "Investigations in Science Education" (ISE). Each of the studies addresses some aspects of teacher education. Areas investigated include: (1) effects of inservice training on student learning; (2) description…

Abstracts and abstractors' critiques of six science education research studies and two responses to critiques are presented in this journal issue. Each of the studies addressed some aspect of instruction. Areas investigated include: (1) the effects of teacher-demonstration as compared to those of self-paced instruction on student achievement; (2)…

Abstracts and abstractors' critiques of eight science education research studies and two responses to critiques are presented in this journal issue. Each of the studies reviewed focused on a different research theme. Topics addressed include: (1) validation of a learning hierarchy for the mole concept; (2) transfer of learning with emphasis on…

Abstractor's analyses of 15 science education research studies are presented in three sections. The nine analyses in the first section focus on studies dealing with preservice and inservice teacher education. Areas investigated in these studies include: effectiveness of some inservice practices; teachers' perceptions of the importance of some…

Abstracts and abstractors' critiques of ten articles dealing with various aspects of teacher education are presented in this journal issue. Studies reviewed focused on: (1) preservice secondary science teachers' understanding of the nature of science; (2) laboratory teaching skills; (3) science backgrounds of elementary teachers; (4) use of…