Results from Biology Cognitive Preference Inventory taken by grade 12 Jewish (N=406) and Arab (N=297) biology majors revealed similarities between cognitive preferences, achievement, and background variables. Reports that, in spite of substantial cultural and home differences, both groups became oriented toward principles/questioning rather than…

A sample of 2175 students in 116 science classes provided their perceptions of actual and preferred classroom openness along five continuous dimensions (personalization, participation, independence, investigation, differentiation) and responded to cognitive/affective measure. Among findings reported are relationships between actual classroom…

Reviews efforts by science educators to reduce sexism in science textbooks. While there is agreement about the extent of sexism found in the books, there is some confusion as to the best method of changing it. An analytic framework for clarifying the problem and possible affirmative action are proposed. (JN)

Investigated ideas used/favored by 40 California students (ages 8-12) who received little/no formal teaching about electric currents. Also investigated whether they were interested in or could discuss other childrens' ideas and whether they would change their ideas following exposure to experimental evidence that was at variance with these ideas.…

Examines science course selection by curriculum candidates (N=2178) for Northern Ireland GCE 0 level in 1980. Data are provided for nature (biology, chemistry, physics) and number of courses selected, and achievement (pass/failure rates). Data are also reported for males/females and type of school. (JN)

A-level engineering science constitutes an alternative approach to A-level physics, linking teaching, student experiences, and assessment to engineering philosophy and practice. Discusses the nature and development of the curriculum and its examination, factors related to its growth and acceptance, and future prospects. (JN)

Cognitive preferences of chemistry students (N=156) in School of Basic Studies (SBS) at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) were investigated. Results indicate that the four preferences (recall, principles, application, questioning) appear to be unrelated to sex and location of previous school for these Nigerian subjects. (JN)

Argues that fostering early science interest could act as a stimulus for lasting interest, affecting numbers of students opting for secondary school science courses. Identifies problems in testing this argument by research, highlighting two areas: control of inter-school variables and need for a measure of quality of primary science itself. (JN)

Discusses methodologies used to observe children at work in science classrooms and to handle data collected from such observations. Audience, observational mechanisms, and research strategies are considered in separate sections. Methodologies as applied to the Learning in Science Project are also considered. (JN)

Analyzes factors associated with entry to skilled trades through the Australian apprenticeship system. Data were collected from nearly 2,500 17-year-old males. Results indicate that young males whose fathers were tradesmen are more likely to participate in apprenticeship training. Other findings are reported and discussed. (JN)

Examined students' conceptions of the words "force" and "energy" using the interview-about-instances approach. Implications for science instruction and instructional strategies are discussed based on findings that many students have views of these concepts that are different from accepted scientific views. (JN)

Discusses the nature of naive conceptions and the influence of these conceptions on students' interpretations of instructional events. Also discusses implications of this research for designing instruction to facilitate the reconciliation of naive conceptions with scientific theories. (JN)

Compared student attitudes (N=211) toward chemistry/mathematics. Results indicate no significant differences between liking a subject and its importance or application, with mathematics being seen as more important and more useful than chemistry. Suggests that teachers must spend more time and energy in developing positive attitudes toward…

Student teachers exposed to combined course on science history/philosophy showed increased understanding of the nature and language of science as result of the course. Indicates that such a course could enhance prospective science teachers' understanding of science and consequently the students they will teach after training. (Author/JN)

Determined reliability/usefulness of a simple anxiety measure administered to 2,068 grade eight and nine students. Also found relationships between anxiety and such classroom characteristics as participation, teacher support, and competition. Suggests use of the measure in guiding teachers to change classrooms to reduce student anxiety. (JN)