This study examines the impact of organizational purposes and values on reforming physics instruction to align with a practice-based instructional approach, in a case of engaging in infrastructuring with a no-excuses charter network. The network's instruction was guided by organizational purposes of ensuring predictable academic success and…

Describes the teaching of drug interactions to a college science class, using supplementary literary and historical information provided by a literature professor. (MLH)

Reports an attitudinal study to determine the effects of an instructional procedure on the development of attitudes toward teaching and related activities. Positive effects were noted as a result of the program which permitted sophomore students to observe and participate in the duties and responsibilities of teaching. (Author/EB)

Investigated the change in the preferences of 361 undergraduate elementary education majors at Iowa State University for student-centered (SC) and teacher-centered (TC) teaching techniques, using the Elementary Science Teacher's Preference (ESCP) instrument. (HM)

Utilizes a pretest-posttest design to determine if participants (N=26) exhibit significant gains in organic, inorganic, and biological chemistry concepts as the result of a six-week summer program. Significant gains in these areas and in an understanding of the methods and procedures used in scientific explanation are found. (CP)

Compares the effectiveness of two instructional models in bringing about a valid understanding of science concepts in prospective elementary teachers. Describes the two instructional models; an expository model and a learning cycle model. Concludes that college students understandings of science concepts may be improved using a combination of the…

Examined the feasibility of using two microcomputer simulations to improve preservice elementary teachers performance in the formation and testing of hypotheses. Considers the effects of mode of computer instruction and cooperation on the acquisition of skills. (CW)

Analyzed and compared the teaching behavior of teachers who had been trained to use Science Education Project (SEP) materials with the teaching behavior of teachers using traditional approaches. Reviewed some relevant research on observations of science teaching and presented the results of the comparative study. (CW)

Examines various types of problems that researchers have used to demonstrate problem solving. Focuses on genetics problems. Discusses classes of learning outcomes, conceptual knowledge gains, content-independent heuristics, content-specific procedures, understanding the nature of science and a typology of genetics problems. (CW)

Reports on a study to determine the interaction effects of selected personality characteristics, science achievement, and two classroom climates, one which encouraged discovery learning and one that did not. Demonstrated that student achievement is influenced by dynamic interactions within classrooms. (TW)

Analyzes three approaches (physical, mental, combined practice) to improving freshman chemistry psychomotor laboratory skills. Although no significant differences were found between treatments, there were significant differences when each was compared to the control sections. Mental practice appears to offer an efficient methods for reinforcement…

Reviews and analyzes science education research completed in 1982. Areas considered include: student and teacher characteristics and behavior; instructional strategies and environment; instructional materials and technology; curricula and programs; teacher education; research and evaluation practices; and science education policy and practice. (JN)

Preservice teachers' (N=22) knowledge level of pendulums was experimentally manipulated to examine effects the manipulation had on the extent of inquiry behaviors exhibited when teaching the topic to grade five children (N-54). Videotape recordings were used to examine how teachers used specific science knowledge to make decisions while teaching.…

Provides summaries of 1981 science education research. Categories include cognitive style; Piagetian studies; student characteristics and learning; teaching strategies and learning; teaching use of instructional materials and learning; instructional technology; evaluation (instrumentation and methodology); curriculum research; teacher education;…

Compared effect of six instructional strategies (discovery, two expository lessons, prototype development, interrogatory, and combination of interrogatory/prototype development) on concept learning of college students (N=230). Results suggest use of prototype developmental method alone or in combination with interrogatory method if high levels of…