Investigates the extent to which computers were being used by middle and high school mathematics teachers in Missouri. Develops an understanding of the basis for teachers' decisions regarding the use of computers--or lack of--in instruction. Reports that the teachers did not use computers for purposes other than drill and practice. Contains 44…

Reports on implementation of a World Wide Web site for teacher professional development. Presents results of pilot project involving four high school and middle school mathematics teachers. Highlights three specific ways in which teachers can benefit from Web: (1) consistent opportunities for reflection and sharing; (2) shortened cycle for…

Describes an educational software program for the study of and detection methods for the cosmic ray muons passing through several light transparent materials (i.e., water, air, etc.). Simulates muons and Cherenkov photons' paths and interactions and visualizes/animates them on the computer screen using Monte Carlo methods/techniques which employ…

Describes a simple 16-item instrument, the Propositional Logic Test (PLT), that is based on Piagetian theory and a study that explored the use of the PLT in diagnosing student misunderstandings. Analysis of individual student responses revealed a number of systematic errors in interpreting the logical operations in the PLT items. (Contains 23…

Examines 16 high school computer textbooks used in Taiwan with an attempt to analyze the nature and the presentation styles of programming examples in them. Concludes that presentation of programming examples in most of the analyzed textbooks lacked a detailed explanation of some of the problem-solving steps. (Contains 26 references.) (Author/ASK)

Discusses the results of a survey to gain insight into the relationship between the acquisition of Object Technology (OT) concepts and previous software development experience. Indicates that the fundamental concepts of OT and the management of OT projects are not difficult to understand while analysis and design topics are harder. (Contains 18…

Focuses on the use of in-class peer learning experiences in several typical Information Systems courses. Provides additional summaries of three semester-long learning projects in Structured Programming, Systems Design, and Database Design. (Contains 29 references.) (Author/ASK)

Discusses the concept of scientific literacy for all students. Addresses scientific literacy as it relates to students from diverse cultures and languages. Discusses the nature of science, the norm of science instructional practices, and ways to achieve scientific literacy for all students. (JRH)

Examines which of the warrants of authority, coherence, and empirical evidence were invoked by grade 8 science classroom participants in their daily interactions, and whether these were linked to particular teaching referents. Results indicate that when the teacher embraced a context exposure referent at the expense of constructivism, the warrant…

Presents a case study of an experienced high school chemistry teacher. Examines the teacher's conceptions about teaching science and compares them with the observed patterns of practice. Highlights the complexity of characterizing a teacher's thinking and its relationship to actions. Discusses the value of the insight researchers gain from sharing…

Reports on a study in an introductory physics course in which 16 students were assessed using a portfolio-style procedure and 19 were assessed using traditional, objective examinations. Results suggest that portfolio-style assessment supports student achievement at least at the same level as traditional assessment procedures. It also appears to…

Investigates the nature of small group interactions among grade 4-5 students and between the students and their teachers. Provides evidence for the interactive flexibility of students; the construction of culture, power, and norms in each interaction; and the distributed nature of students' artifacts which exceeds social construction. Contains 47…

Explores a way to analyze and describe learning derived from both constructivist theoretical considerations and classroom practice. Presents a model describing possible student responses during science lessons. Provides a rationale on the basis of both constructivist theory and tests of the model in middle school science classes. Contains 42…

Argues that the time is right for science educators to assume leadership and assist science as a discipline and the public-at-large in turning science from an instrument of national and global war to an instrument for establishing and preserving peace and a sustainable lifestyle for all citizens. (DDR)

Presents a study that investigated relationships between gender, interest, and experience in electricity. Also explored the effect of conceptual change text manipulations on learning fundamental concepts of direct current. Suggests that conceptual change text manipulations are likely to be effective for both men and women. Contains 57 references.…