This study focuses on the mentor relationships between science teachers and their scientist mentors in a summer Research Experience for Teachers program at a United States national laboratory facility. Using mixed methods, the authors surveyed and interviewed (semi-structured) the eleven participating teachers before and after the program. The…

This book contains selected refereed papers from the 21st Annual Conference of the Australasian Science Education Research Association. The papers are as follows: "A Learning Model for Science Education: Developing Teaching Strategies" (Appleton); "Researching Balance between Cognition and Affect in Science Teaching" (Baird et…

Explores different ways individuals conceptualize quality learning in physics. Uses semi-structured interviews that explore aspects of learning that respondents regard as worth fostering in their classrooms. Discusses different respondent conceptions with regard to four significant aspects of physics learning: doing experimental work; linking…

Early science educators need a gradual introduction to peer review activities. Employs cultural sociology and activity theory to identify patterns of coherence and coexisting contradictions that create tensions to catalyze improvements in science education. (DDR)

Analyzes some experiences with peer review and suggests that the process should be reconceptualized as one that involves an attempt to understand what an author is trying to do and helping authors achieve their goals. (DDR)

Explores the peer review process in electronic and print science education journals and addresses how to submit manuscripts, criteria for reviews, and reviewer qualifications. (DDR)

Suggests that even if the use of the Internet leads to significant changes in peer review, there is no value-free scientific knowledge and evaluation that are separate from predominant paradigms. (Contains 16 references.) (DDR)

Consists of a metalogue between two authors in which critical issues associated with peer review are identified. Highlights theory and practices that are salient to the continued improvement of science education. (DDR)

Describes the conceptions of (n=8) preservice teachers about how they would recognize a "good" teacher of elementary science and the people and experiences they believed influenced the formation of these views. (Author/MKR)

Explores the dynamics in the loci of commitment of several participants in a university-level biology course developed for elementary school teachers. Concentrates on two instructors with almost opposing loci of commitment. Contains 19 references. (DDR)

Reports on studies that examine reasons and justifications trainee science teachers give for the ways they conduct practical work. A case for the reevaluation of practical work in science education is made and it is argued that science teacher behavior is best understood anthropologically. Implications for mentoring and school-based training are…

Describes various tools, materials, and experiences used to facilitate critical reflection in teaching prospective science teachers. Tools discussed include portfolios, journals, learning maps, the use of metaphors, and proverbs. Such tool use may provide support to generate science-education reform. (AIM)

Investigates the views of 10 university chemistry lecturers, 85 pre-service chemistry teachers, and 23 chemistry students on the particulate level of a chemical reaction. (Author/CCM)