Panels of 30 "outstanding" educators in Colorado and Georgia rated 23 basic competencies for teaching secondary school science. Means, standard deviations, and rakings of the 23 basic competencies and 20 added competencies are given. Identified were seven fundamental areas of skills representing basic science teaching competencies. (SL)

Described is a pilot study at North Carolina State University that assessed introductory science education students' reactions to the effectiveness of three instructional techniques (small group discussions, role-playing, and computer-based simulation) in dealing with incidents of classroom management. Conclusions indicated no statistical…

Found that the strength of the relationship between peer and individual attitude toward science increases significantly from grades 6-8 (peaking in grade 9) and that the relationship increases during the school year such that, by the end of the year, there are no differences between grades. Implications for science instruction are noted. (JN)

Discusses a study that was designed to track achievement in science during a school year and determine if self-reports of affective constructs could be successfully used to predict achievement. Demonstrates that affective behaviors in the science classroom are strongly related to achievement. (CW)

Examines the relationships between environmental influences and adolescent's attitudes toward science. Designed as a part of a large longitudinal, multidimensional study, this research focused on the role that self, family, and classroom environment had in attitude formation. All variables indicated a positive relationship, with classroom…

Approximately 4000 students participated in a study to determine relationships between attitudes toward science, achievement motivation, and demographic variables over the school year and across grades (6-10) by sex. Positive attitudes and motivation declined steadily across the grades with significant sex differences (males having more positive…

Reports on a comprehensive, longitudinal investigation examining influences on commitment to science and achievement in science among adolescent students (N=821). Findings show that science attitude and achievement motivation declined throughout the year, life science achievement increased, and differences in achievement motivation occurred…

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…

Major findings and prediction models resulting from longitudinal research are presented. Discussed are the study design; variables, trends, and profiles; a follow-up study; and implications and policy recommendations. A summary model designed to explain this phenomenon is given. (CW)