Defines attitude and distinguishes it from related concepts. Indicates some weaknesses inherent in attitude research and offers suggestions as to research that is needed. Reviews attitude research and identifies three measures for studying attitudes. States that attitudes are enduring, learned and related to behavior. (CW)

Reviews the literature concerning sociocultural factors, teacher influences and experiences that effect girls attitudes about entering science careers. Discusses a model of these influences on girls. Makes recommendations including increased opportunities and encouragement to foster more favorable attitudes toward science and increase science…

Identifies and discusses the epistemological roots of various terms that have been used to describe student conceptions in the literature with a view to suggest which term science eductors should adopt. Argues that "alternative conceptions" is preferable to "alternative frameworks" for use in describing student conceptions in…

Compares two high school chemistry teachers with two elementary science teachers from case studies from the Exemplary Practice in Science and Mathematics Education Project in Australia. Concludes that both pedagogical and content knowledge are important ingredients for outstanding teaching. (CW)

Examines ways in which description and explanation are used in science teaching, including word usage and the role of activities. Considers the desirable characteristics of explanation for teaching purposes. Raises major questions about explanation in science education. Shows the need to make a clear distinction between description and…

Aims to clarify the relationship between science education and the science-technology-society (STS) theme and to develop a justification for the inclusion of the STS theme. Examines the current debate over definitions in science education, and provides an historical perspective of science education's purpose as a social institution. (TW)

Discusses the learning potentials of science museums. Examines studies that relate to visitor use and learning. Contrasts learning in museums with most school-based learning, particularly with regard to the museum's emphasis on the use of objects as the focus on learning. (TW)

Reports on the results of case studies of science teaching at the elementary level. Two teachers from two elementary schools were studied. Addresses issues in elementary science teaching ranging from the importance at the elementary level to gender differences in science instruction. (TW)

Reports on a study to extend the concurrent and predictive validity of the Teacher Performance Assessment Instrument by including a sample of middle school science teachers. The validity criteria for the study involved observing student engagement and integrated process skill achievement. (TW)

Proposes a framework for interpreting current research in science education. Presents four prototypes for describing research which are derived from comparisons and combinations of "spontaneous" and "formal" knowledge. Discusses possible applications of the use of the framework in science education. (TW)

Found that the strength of the relationship between peer and individual attitude toward science increases significantly from grades 6-8 (peaking in grade 9) and that the relationship increases during the school year such that, by the end of the year, there are no differences between grades. Implications for science instruction are noted. (JN)

Investigated the grade/grade levels at which alienation from science occurs. Alienation is defined in terms of declining science subject preference and attitude scores of students (including Blacks and females) in cross sectional samples of adjacent grade levels. Data show that the greatest decline occurred between 6th and 7th grades. (JN)

Determined if a written, persuasive communication would positively affect the attitudes of preservice teachers (N=98) and if the communication would differently affect subjects rated on three levels of self-esteem. Results indicate written persuasive communication could change the attitudes of the preservice elementary teachers in this study. (JN)

Examined elementary and secondary education students' attitudes and understanding of science processes prior to taking methods courses, immediately after completing the courses, and upon completing their practice teaching experiences. Implications based on differences in attitudes between the two levels (including negative attitudes for secondary…

Approximately 4000 students participated in a study to determine relationships between attitudes toward science, achievement motivation, and demographic variables over the school year and across grades (6-10) by sex. Positive attitudes and motivation declined steadily across the grades with significant sex differences (males having more positive…