Compared two methods of instruction for improving the computer literacy of preservice elementary teachers (N=94): computer assisted instruction in an earth science course and computer programming in a mathematics education course. Computer literacy was measured by the Minnesota Computer Literacy and Awareness Assessment. Methodology, findings, and…

Examined grades 6-12 students' (N=2000) preferences and choices regarding science subjects and relationships of these preferences to school type, age, and sex. Findings indicate that zoology and human anatomy/physiology were most preferred while ecology was least preferred. These and other findings are related to a previous study conducted in…

Determined relationships among teacher classroom management behavior, student engagement (N=269), academic achievement (N=570), and academic aptitude (N=649). Twelve indicators from Georgia Teachers Performance Assessment Indicators were used to measure teacher classroom management behaviors. Results, obtained during 2-week units taught by 30…

Investigated effects of using laboratory photomicrography as a motivational technique in the teaching/learning processes involved in the study of microbiology in Nigerian schools. Of the 720 students participating in the study, those taught using the photomicrographs scored highest on posttests and indicated that they were highly motivated by the…

Examined field dependence/independence in the context of other variables for its value in providing a clearer understanding of the problem-solving process. Results from 150 students indicate that field independent students significantly out-performed field dependent students on the six problems administered. (JN)

Investigated effects on meaningful learning achievement of concept-related instructional organization and locus of control orientation of 541 high school students. Indicates that externally-oriented subjects exposed to the treatment generally retained more than those in a comparison group. Other results are reported and discussed. (Author/JN)

Examined sex differences in science/mathematics achievement and preparation of students (N=269 males; N=239 females), following their performance and participation during high school and college. Indicates that women took fewer science/mathematics courses than men but performed at a higher level in both high school and college. Other results are…

Two response formats and request for reason-for-choice on a traditional cognitive preference test (CPT) and an open-ended CPT were used to test for consistency across methods of observation at individual/population levels. Results indicate that validation of CPT constructs has not reached state of unequivocality necessary for their application in…

Six biology teachers and 90 students participated in this study. Results indicate that teachers can be trained to use a systematic questioning technique, trained teachers can employ the technique in classroom settings, and students taught by the technique achieve higher and retain knowledge longer than those in control groups. (JN)

Identified personality traits (extroversion/introversion and neuroticism/stability) that distinguish medical technologists (N=83) and college-level biology, chemistry, and physics teachers (N=57) using the Eysnck Personality Inventory. Also compared personality profiles of these subjects using Holland's Vocational Preference Inventory. Results and…

Perceptual orientation (field dependence/independence) was related to 47 biology/earth science students' attitudes toward science. In addition, students who were field dependent and possessed a positive attitude scored significantly higher on a science achievement test than students who were field dependent and possessed a negative attitude. (JN)

An instructional program based on expert-novice differences in experimental problem-solving performance was taught to grade six students (N=265). Performance was assessed with multiple-choice and open-ended measures of specific transfer. Between-group comparisons using pretest scores as covariate showed treatment condition students consistently…

Investigated convergent validity of individual Piaget/Inhelder clinical task interviews with Reasoning Test (Ankney and Joyce), Logical Reasoning Test (Burney), and Classroom Test of Formal Operations (Lawson). Indicates that correlations obtained are not sufficiently strong to warrant selection/categorization of individual students based on their…

A 20-item double-Q sort was used to measure differences in perceptions of grades 8, 10, and 12 students (N=215) according to letter grades and sex. Differences in perception according to success were found for both ideal and actual student behavior, while sex differences were not noted. (Author/JN)

Assessed influence of subsidiary learning activities in a physiology class on attitudes of students (N= approximately 173) toward contraceptives. A significantly larger number of students possessed positive attitudes after engaging in such activities as reading assignments and large/small group discussions during the course of one semester. (JN)