Presents and discusses results of a project that studied the effectiveness of concept and Vee mapping strategies in helping Black inner-city high school students (N=250) learn biology concepts meaningfully. The project sought to assess effects on achievement of the two methods as part of a carefully designed sequence of instruction. (Author/JN)

Sixteen concept words related to "matter" were described as simple textbook definitions and 16 multiple-choice items were constructed for each concept definition. These materials were used to compare the ability of 1,635 Tasmanian and 826 Indian students to recognize the concept definitions and their attendant verbal labels. (JN)

Found that a text mode of programed instruction and tutorial computer-assisted instruction are equally effective modes of instruction for teaching internally- and externally-oriented preservice elementary teachers (N=81) the integrated science process skills. (JN)

Investigated the meaning that Hindi-speaking students (N=826) in India and English-speaking students (N=1,635) in Tasmania preferred when thinking about each of 16 key concept definitions associated with the theme "the nature of matter." Results show marked changes in the development of these preferences which raises issues for science…

Determined which form of kinetic structure (high or low) and/or micrograph content (unified or varied) was most effective on introductory college biology students' (N=100) achievement of reading micrograph skills. Findings, among others, suggest that high kinetic structure instruction does not affect actual reading micrograph skills, but…

Investigated various factors related to a project designed to increase scientific literacy of two age groups by simultaneously exposing middle school children and their parents to short science courses. Findings, among others, show that parents and children made significant gains in learning and that they found the experience enjoyable and…

Data from 60 observations of 10 teachers and 10 each of their students showed that type/quality of teaching strategy predicted 37 percent of variance in engagement and that the more indirect the teaching strategy, the greater the students' involvement in learning tasks. Implications of these and other findings are discussed. (Author/JN)

Monitoring student performance on microcomputer drill and practice programs over time provides evidence that students learn from the programs at different rates and that programs differ in the rates at which they impart learning to students. Implications of these and other findings for science teaching are addressed. (JN)

Investigated: (1) immediate and continuing benefits associated with using microcomputer-assisted testing with 42 biology students; (2) types of students benefiting from microcomputer-administered diagnostic testing; and (3) the feasibility of microcomputer-administered diagnostic testing. One finding is that such testing positively influences…

Compared selected teacher beliefs and verbal behaviors among secondary science and mathematics teachers. Teacher beliefs included teacher responsibility for student success and failure. Comparisons were made for these categories of teachers: (1) science/mathematics; (2) junior/senior high; (3) teachers of advanced/basic courses; and (4)…

As an alternative guide to science teaching, a generalized theory of scientific observation defined in terms of human intentions and purposes is offered. The generalized theory, while based on assumptions different from those of the science education theory, can still account for the plausibility of many aspects of that theory. (JN)

The effects of controversy and concurrence seeking and participation in age-homogeneous and age-heterogeneous cooperative learning groups were compared on achievement, achievement motivation, perspective-taking accuracy, and interpersonal attraction. In addition, the interaction among students (N=112 fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-graders) within the…

Examined 297 students in biology classes where girls are encouraged in science, focusing on actual science experiences, masculine/feminine tasks, extracurricular science activities, feelings about science classes, research funding, and science career interest. Suggests that equal experiences within science classrooms do not overcome advantages…

Investigated visuo-spatial ability of a control group and an experimental group (receiving 30 minutes of interaction each week) in undergraduate college biology. Results for the subjects (N=84) indicate that visuo-spatial aptitude can be enhanced through teaching. (Descriptions of interaction sessions and explanations of tasks are included.) (DH)

A matching model of instruction on independent variables of need level, cognitive style, and locus of control resulted in improved attitude toward science in general for ninth-grade physical science students (N=574). Although achievement and other attitudes did not improve, empirical evidence suggests some matching is better than none. (DH)