Bandura (1997) contends that when compared to other sources of efficacy, mastery experiences, when presented appropriately, have the most powerful influence on self-efficacy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of community-based service learning (CBSL) experiences on preservice elementary teachers' personal self-efficacy…

Control group students (receiving descriptive, non-inquiry science) and experimental group students (using Science Curriculum Improvement Study-SCIS "Interaction and Systems" materials) were later combined in grade 4 for instruction with SCIS "Subsystems and Variables" materials. Results show similar difficulties in learning…

How to help children develop time telling and other aspects of time sense, such as understanding the language of time, duration and sequence, and the cyclical nature of recurring events, is discussed. Activities are included. (MNS)

The importance of using concrete materials to teach fractions is emphasized. Suggestions for preparing inexpensive sets of such materials are given, with nine activities for their use. (MNS)

The need for developing a geometry curriculum sequence is discussed. Work by a group of about 50 mathematics educators on intuitive aspects of Euclidean classifications and relations is presented. Textbooks were analyzed, a sequence of concept clusters developed, and a scope-and-sequence chart included. (MNS)

Describes changes in teacher attitudes after completion of an inservice energy education workshop. Although there was a decrease in favorable attitudes towards curricular change, there was a modest, positive effect on participants (N=132) which should help to promote energy education. (DH)

The use of a variety of models to develop number concepts is advocated. Four models are discussed, with illustrations: the cardinal number of a set, Cuisenaire rods, the number line, and the Papy Minicomputer. (MNS)

Data were collected from 293 fifth-grade students. Significant positive relationships were found between science achievement and all of the attitudinal tendencies tested. (MNS)

Activities with balance beams were used to motivate students and help them to learn basic mathematical principles. Illustrations are included. (MNS)

This study was designed to determine the effectiveness of two microcomputer instructional games in teaching probability and measurement estimation to 78 preservice elementary school teachers. The probability game did not seem effective, and the estimation game was only marginally effective. Patterns of change are discussed. (MNS)

The relationship between eight skills and one concept used on maps and their companion spatial abilities in mathematics are presented and discussed: symbols, perspective, location, direction, distance, relief, elevation, scale, and territoriality. (MNS)

Presents a developmental taxonomy which promotes sequencing activities to enhance the potential of matching these activities with learner needs and readiness, suggesting that the order commonly found in the classroom needs to be inverted. The proposed taxonomy (story, skill, and algorithm) involves problem-solving emphasis in the classroom. (JN)

Seventy fifth-grade students in Australia were observed as each solved a jigsaw puzzle. Boys obtained higher scores on a measure of cognitive style and took less time to complete the jigsaw task; the two measures were significantly correlated. Uses of tangrams are also discussed. (MNS)

The learning potential of Logo programing language is discussed. Observations of students in kindergarten and first grade interacting with a sequence of Logo activities led to the development of nine benchmarks. (MNS)

Science education is viewed from a framework that integrated sources of knowledge with the traditional processes of scientific inquiry. Sciencing is then described, and how it could be implemented with young children is discussed. (MNS)