Discusses several questions concerning the nature of cognitive preferences and their measurement. These questions are of two types: logical, pertaining to matters of principles; and methodological, pertaining to matters of procedures. (HM)

Reported is a method for the analysis of qualitative data, based on the linguistic device of systemic networks used to represent a structure of possibilities. Some initial applications are described, and work in progress, including a computing system, is outlined. (Author/HM)

Described are national methods of assessing and monitoring the achievement in science of students of 11, 13, and 16 years old in England and Wales. The tasks of the Assessment of Performance Unit (APU), a unit within the Department of Education and Science, are also described. (HM)

Describes a methods course to prepare teachers of computer science for the secondary schools. Aspects of the course include goals and objectives, programing projects, assignments related to teaching methods, group projects, planned teaching experiences, and lesson planning assignments. Provides a list of 38 assigned readings. (MDH)

Presents the underlying ideas of the Software Cost Reduction (SCR) approach to requirements specifications. Results of applying this approach to the teaching of programing to high school students indicate that students perform better in writing programs. An appendix provides two examples of how the method is applied to problem solving. (MDH)

Presents an overview of the guidelines adopted by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) for computer science education programs. Describes the review process utilized in developing the guidelines, changes made in the program resulting from the reviews, and the need for implementation models that meet the standards.…

Proposes using computer programing teaching problem solving. Describes the problem-solving technique of Top-Down Design, discusses its application to LOGO, and provides examples of programs using LOGO. (MDH)

The importance of student attitudes on teaching and academic achievement in science classrooms is discussed. Reasons for studying attitudes in science education are presented. The need for studies to determine the short-term stability of student attitudes and in the manipulation of attitudes is discussed. (KR)

An investigation designed to test the effectiveness of a computer program is described. The purpose was to determine whether the use of a simulation referred to as "The Factory" leads to higher scores on a standardized test of problem-solving ability. The procedures, results, and implications for science teaching are included. (KR)

The use of field trips for both conceptual and factual learning and affective objectives is discussed. Discussions on the general perception of field trips, perceptions from the perspective of research, implications for science education, and conclusions are presented. (KR)

The research focusing on the science achievement and career selection of females and the relationship of these variables to attitudinal characteristics is examined. The effects of classroom variables, such as questioning differences, expectations of students, and student interest, are also discussed. (KR)

A project called the Science Partners Program (SPP) is described. The thrust of the SPP is to develop an avenue whereby students and parents can explore related events around the home and community during out-of-school hours. Advantages of the SPP in enhancing an existing elementary program are presented. (KR)

The reduction of anxiety associated with teaching science and an increased confidence in science ability in elementary teachers is shown through the use of a properly designed introductory course that integrates teaching methods, the nature of science, and process skills. The course design, evaluation, methods, and discussion/results are included.…

Reports on how literature books can be used to create authentic contexts for teaching science at the second-grade level. Presents a unit on weather. (ZWH)

Describes how concept mapping were used in a teacher education program to help master the technique of lesson planning. (ZWH)