Discusses reliability, validity, and rigor in qualitative educational research and the need for replacing validity and reliability with a concept that values human affairs as the purpose of research. (Contains 28 references.) (YDS)

Presents a study to determine the methods inquiry geneticists use to solve dynamic complex computer-generated transmission genetics problems; specifically, their strategies and conceptual knowledge. Develops a hierarchical framework and pathway for solving problems through geneticist solution protocols and interviews. (Contains 32 references.)…

Examines how college-educated adults (n=135) from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds perceive the impact of evolutionary theory on individuals and society. Identifies a continuum of perspectives ranging from strong creationist to strong evolutionist. Reports differences between evolutionists and creationists in their prior exposure to…

Uses self-report data from school contexts to cluster participating (n=33) senior high school biology teachers in Harare, Zimbabwe according to their own perceptions of the contextual circumstances of their schools. Reports that in theory lessons, teachers from the self-perceived better-resourced schools used less individual organization and less…

Draws upon the distinction between fundamental and derived senses of literacy to show that conception of scientific literacy attends to the derived sense but neglects the fundamental sense. Makes suggestions as to how scientific literacy would be viewed differently if the fundamental sense of literacy were taken seriously. Explores some…

Explores the potential suitability of the press as a teaching resource for raising scientific literacy for citizenship within science education. Reports that the press is potentially a useful tool for teaching certain aspects of science and technology. (Contains 71 references.) (Author/YDS)

Presents part of a project that introduces a sufficient, simple, and relevant teaching approach to quantum mechanics into in-/pre-service teacher education and provides teachers with the indispensable scientific knowledge and epistemological base needed for reform in science education. (Contains 54 references.) (Author/YDS)

Investigates the process as three science teachers became active, effective teacher leaders in their schools, their profession, and their communities. (Contains 24 references.) (Author/YDS)

This paper will report on the development of a research program by a group of science educators at Kristianstad University, which has its roots in a longitudinal study I conducted concerning students' developing understandings of ecological processes. Following the insights generated in this first study concerning the nature of student…

Since the early 1980s we have been engaged in the design, implementation, and evaluation of "cognitive acceleration" programs, which claim to enhance students' general intellectual processing skills. We have published extensive data showing long-term effects of these programs on students? cognitive development and academic achievement. In this…

This paper describes the methods and outcomes of a 12-year longitudinal study into the effects of an early intervention program, while reflecting back on changes that have occurred in approaches to research, learning and instruction since the preliminary inception stages of the study in the mid 1960s. We began the study to challenge the prevailing…

This paper is a reflection on a three-year longitudinal study that explored the development of children's concept of a substance, for which detailed results concerning children's understandings have been reported elsewhere. The attention in this paper is on the methodological features related to the longitudinal nature of the study and the…

The growth in science understanding and reasoning of 12 children is being traced through their primary school years. The paper reports findings concerning children's growing understandings of evaporation, and their changing responses to exploration activities, that show the complexity and coherence of learning pathways. Children's responses to…

In this paper I describe and discuss the way that a book I had written on a five-year longitudinal study of school science teaching was received by the pupils and teachers it featured. By and large the pupils' reception was positive. However, one group of teachers was deeply hurt by the book. I trace this mainly to my failure to consider…

Aiming to encourage longitudinal studies in science education, we clarify conceptual and methodological aspects of longitudinal research. We use the studies that other articles in this issue describe to illustrate these aspects. The illustrations range from attempts to promote long-term change through experimental teaching to investigations that…