Tested the effect of two systematically designed persuasive communications on attitudes toward energy conservation of 85 preservice elementary teachers differing in energy-related developmental advancement. One finding is that two-sided communication was more effective than one-sided communication regardless of level of developmental advancement…

A multi-institutional project was initiated to integrate findings of research studies directed toward major science education research questions. Overall operation of the project, research questions identified, and some rudiments of meta-analysis are described. (Author/JN)

Summarizes results of the meta-analysis of 105 research studies dealing with effects of new science curricula on student performance. Twenty-seven different new science curricula involving one or more measures of student performance were included in the analysis. Positive performance patterns were found in all new curricula examined. (JN)

Reports results of the meta-analysis of 130 research studies on effects of instructional systems used in science teaching. Studies coded gave rise to 341 effect sizes. Systems examined included audio-tutorial, computer-linked, individualized, and media-based instructional systems, personalized system of instruction, mastery learning, self-directed…

Two areas of research were explored in this meta-analysis: comparison of inductive versus deductive approaches and use of advance organizers. The study involved 128 characteristics for 39 studies spanning the period from 1957 through 1980. Coding variables included 57 concerned with treatment features and 12 with outcome attributes. (Author/JN)

A meta-analysis was conducted of 65 studies related to relationships between science teacher background characteristics and either their classroom behavior or student outcomes. In general, low relationships were found between these characteristics and classroom teaching behavior and student outcome characteristics. Summary tables showing strongest…

Relationships of student characteristics to student performance/attitudes were explored by meta-analysis for studies for years 1960-1981. Six characteristics (general ability, language ability, mathematics ability, socio-economic status, sex, and race) were selected for inclusion in the study. Indicates strong positive relationships between…

Consolidates information on selected matters reported in two or more separate meta-analyses reported in this issue (SE 533 494-500). Also examines the relationship between results of these meta-analyses and other work of this nature reported in other sources. Indicates high degree of consistency among results of these various meta-analyses.…

Reports on a study done in Quebec, Canada, to determine the level of agreement or disagreement between principals and teachers using established criteria to measure the effectiveness of a science teacher. Results were used in an attempt to construct a profile of the attributes of an outstanding science teacher. (TW)

Reports on a study designed to determine the influence of resequencing general science content on sixth grade students' science achievement, attitudes toward science, and interest in science. Results suggest that students experiencing the resequencing exhibited significantly higher science achievement, more positive attitudes toward science and a…

Reports on a study to determine the effects of the presentation of questions inserted into texts for students in introductory biology. Results indicated that students reading the text with questions at the beginning of the paragraph scored significantly higher on achievement tests than the students reading without questions. (TW)

Reports on a study designed to examine the effect of concrete and formal instruction upon reasoning and science achievement of sixth grade students. Results indicated that the concrete instruction group had significantly higher levels of performance in science achievement and cognitive development and that males outperformed females. (TW)

Reports on a study intended to compare the effects of two methods of instruction designed to teach preservice elementary teachers to acquire and retain integrated science process skills. Results indicated that the self-instructional method was significantly more effective than the teacher-directed method. (TW)

Reports on a study of the interactions of students in Australian high schools and was designed to focus on "target students" who monopolized whole class interactions. Students who were asked by teachers to be target students tended to have higher formal reasoning ability and achievement levels than the other students. (TW)

Reports on a study designed to identify "teaching oriented" students among freshmen at a midwestern engineering school who have chosen not to become teachers. Discusses the reasons these "potential" math and science teachers have for making that choice. Examines how this problem could be alleviated. (TW)