The issue of teachers' efficacy is of importance as teacher preparation programs throughout the world attempt to address shortages of qualified, competent teachers. In the field of science education, monitoring and reacting to the issue of efficacy seems to be one way in which teacher preparation programs are evaluating the structure of programs.…

Describes a study that investigated the self-efficacy and outcome expectancy of local teachers who participated in a professional development outreach program. Suggests that the outcome expectancy and self-efficacy of teachers did not depend on the students' economic status, geography, or ethnicity. (Contains 13 references.) (Author/YDS)

Presents an analysis of middle school science students' (n=886) responses to a survey of attitudes toward science as a function of race and gender. Finds that students' attitudes toward some aspects of science are a function of both race and gender. (Contains 15 references.) (WRM)

Presents a study comparing the understanding of the nature of science by preservice secondary science teachers in the mid-1960s and the early 1990s. Uses the Nature of Science Scale (NOSS) to determine teachers' understanding. Concludes with an evaluation of most items for which the responses changed dramatically in those 25 years. Contains 19…

Proposes that those who supervise and train science teachers can be better guided by collecting and evaluating data on preservice teachers' changing attitudes toward teaching practices in a hands-on science classroom. Provides an assessment of preservice teachers' attitudes toward selected teaching strategies before and after a field experience.…