This article describes the conversion of a lecture-based molecular biology course into an active learning environment in a studio classroom. Specific assignments and activities are provided as examples. The goal of these activities is to involve students in collaborative learning, teach them how to participate in the learning process, and give…

Discusses methods for addressing at-risk factors in introductory physics and how they can be implemented. Offers recommendations for creating an effective program within the structure of a research university. (MM)

Challenges ways in which a positivist view of science has led to hegemonic discourse on writing to learn science and highlights contradictions in this discourse. Argues for pedagogy that draws on critical, feminist, and hegemonic pedagogies and incorporates affective, creative, critical, cognitive, and diverse language practices set within…

Focuses on the marginalized discourses that have arisen to oppose the racism, sexism, and classism espoused and advocated by mainstream science since its institutionalization up until the first half of the 20th century. Contains 39 references. (Author/PVD)

One dominant approach to reforming science education implements collaborative approaches to learning. Feminist pedagogy is concerned with transforming both how students learn science and the science curriculum that students are expected to learn. Collaborative approaches serve to reproduce the dominant discourse of existing science systems.…

Questions the phenomenon and the implications of being female in school science through girls' and young women's stories interwoven with a narrative from the author, a female researcher in science education. Discusses several directions within teaching that interpret bell hooks' engaged pedagogy which emphasizes a commitment to self-actualization…

Good teaching highlights underlying connections between creation and dissemination of knowledge. Analysis of successful biology departments for underlying themes in improving undergraduate education led to the following conclusions: the best kind of teaching is one-on-one; change must be firmly grounded at the departmental or programmatic level;…

Poses some questions and practical answers to help teachers and students use computers effectively in science classes. Sample questions include: Does the increased use of computers in classrooms inhibit any student's progress toward scientific literacy? How do males and females respond differently to computer use in science classrooms? and How can…

Suggests that early in their education students be taught to use basic statistical tests as rigorous methods of comparing experimental results with scientific hypotheses. Stresses that students learn how to use statistical tests in hypothesis-testing by applying them in actual hypothesis-testing situations. To illustrate, uses questions such as…

Cases are stories that are meant to educate. Teachers can deliver cases by lecture, through Socratic questioning, through discussion leading, and in small group learning. Some cases are fact driven and deductive, whereas others are context driven. Science appears to demand closed-ended cases with correct answers; however, in frontier science,…

The Association for Women in Science (AWIS), in conjunction with the National Coalition for Women and Girls in Education (NCWGE), published a report card on how women have fared over the past 25 years since the passage of Title IX. The report card gave mathematics and science a C+. Recommends ways of encouraging active participation of women in…

Discusses how to promote scientific and technological literacy within a science methods course. Describes the rationale for the design of the course, the structure of the course, prospective students, the types of technological tools, the integration of those tools into the course with examples of student-constructed artifacts, and challenges…

Discusses the use of the content, teaching, and assessment standards of the National Science Education Standards in planning course changes in a physical science course for nonmajors at the university level. (JRH)

Describes a college-level course designed to increase students' scientific, technological, and ethical literacy. The course has no prerequisites and satisfies either a science or humanities elective. Course content and teaching methodology are included. (JN)

Addresses the principles and problems associated with the use of significant figures. Explains uncertainty, the meaning of significant figures, the Simple Rule, the Three Rule, and the 1-5 Rule. Also provides examples of the Rules. (ML)