Describes Diagnosis for Instruction in Problem Solving (DIPS), a new line of research for science educators interested in interdisciplinary efforts and ways in which computer technology might be used to better understand how to improve science teaching. Outlines the basic architecture of DIPS in terms of instruction and research implications.…

Searched for a learning hierarchy among skills comprising formal operations and integrated science processes. Ordering, theoretic, and probabilistic latent structure methods were used to analyze data collected from 700 science students. Both linear and branching relationships were identified within and across the two sets of skills. (Author/JN)

Outlines a narrative method for the study of classrooms. The main feature of the method is the reconstruction of classroom meaning in terms of narrative unities in the lives of classroom participants. The work's theoretical character is introduced by comparison and contrast with Schon's "The Reflective Practitioner: How Professionals Think in…

Determined whether the field experience component of an undergraduate science methods course influenced teachers' concerns and attitudes toward science and science teaching. Age, grade-point average, openmindedness, and school assignment were examined as variables which might explain some of the variance in the dependent measures. (Author/JN)

Performance on five logical, spatial, and formal tasks was used to make inferences about the reasoning structures of 101 middle and high school students. Findings (obtained during interviews) include grade level differences in performance and sex differences in performance on one of the tasks. Implications for instruction are proposed. (Author/JN)

Investigated effects of varied wait-time durations and cognitive questioning levels on student achievement. Analyses of achievement results (using 30 preservice elementary teachers and 129 students) indicated significant differences attributable to teacher wait-time and cognitive questioning level. (JN)

Examined some of the factors that affect the academic choices that students make and the consequences of those choices for later participation in science. Results (obtained from questionnaires completed by 302 students) show that women rated their science ability lower than men, although they performed better in high school science. (JN)

Reports on the analysis of science curricula carried out across Canada within the framework of the Second International Science Study by: (1) describing the background to the study and the research methodology employed; (2) showing how data were organized; and (3) discussing meanings derived from the data analysis. (JN)

Sex-related differences on Piagetian horizontality (water level) and verticality (plumb line) tasks were examined by testing 64 college students. Results showed that college-aged males and females generally did not differ in spatial competence although they may be differentially influenced by task content. Implications for theory and practice are…

The influence of five background variables (sex, race, home environment, amount of homework, and parents' education) on three dependent variables (student perception of science instruction, student attitudes, and student achievement) was examined. Sex, race and home environment were shown to have influence on science achievement. Other results are…

The actual and preferred students' perception of classroom learning environment was measured using a modified Hebrew version of the Learning Environment Inventory (LEI). This (validated and analyzed for reliability) was given to chemistry (N=1080) and biology (N=400) students. Results and implications are discussed. (Author/JN)

Examined trends in teachers' recommendations for changing elementary and junior high school science programs between 1978 and 1982. Results discussed are based on responses of British Columbia teachers- 3,040 teachers in 1978 and 1,631 in 1982, with return rates ranging from 77.5 percent to 85 percent. (JN)

Visits to six school districts which were identified by the National Science Teachers Association's Search for Excellence program were made during 1983 by teams of 17 researchers. Their reports were analyzed in search for common characteristics that can explain the requirements necessary for excellent science programs. These characteristics are…

Analyzed outcomes of using worksheets or simulation games in a high school biology course. Results (based on data obtained from 83 students) showed that students taught by the simulation game method had comparable achievement gains to students taught using worksheets. Differences related to sex are noted and discussed. (JN)

A Prelaboratory Preparation Period (PPL) was developed to introduce freshmen level students to weekly laboratories. Results (based on data obtained from 233 chemistry students) show that the PPL increased the academic achievement of students enrolled in the introductory chemistry course. (JN)