A study comparing cooperative and competitive learning approaches in science was conducted with 630 eighth-grade Nigerian students using five different treatments. Combinations of cooperation and competition were found to be the best methods of instruction. Procedural demands on teachers using these methods were relatively easy. (DH)

Determined how 430 eighth-grade students perceived science teaching as a career. One area investigated was the relationship between student ratings of science teaching as a career and such variables as sex, race, age, educational aspirations, and mother's/father's education and job type. (JN)

Describes a method for interpreting and representing children's science conceptions as expressed during clinical interviews. Also demonstrated how application of the "Interview Vee" yields important insights into the long-term growth of several children's conceptions of "molecules." (JN)

Reports on a comprehensive, longitudinal investigation examining influences on commitment to science and achievement in science among adolescent students (N=821). Findings show that science attitude and achievement motivation declined throughout the year, life science achievement increased, and differences in achievement motivation occurred…

Investigated attitudes toward lectures, self-concept, and locus of control of Egyptian middle school teachers with (N=40) and without (N=40) professional educational training. A set of more desirable attitudes toward lectures, higher self-concept, and greater internal locus of control were found in the group with professional training. (DH)

Students from 15 intact classes in grades 6 and 7 (N=142) from suburban schools in Perth, Australia, were used to investigate their time on task and achievement in process-oriented lessons. One finding noted is a positive relationship between achievement and student reasoning ability and engagement in planning and collecting tasks. (JN)

Determined that graphic organizers are effective in increasing the achievement of sixth-grade (N=235) and seventh-grade (N=220) middle school students who used the organizers. Reasons why the graphic organizer enhances student learning and is an effective and practical teaching strategy are also discussed. (JN)

Determined that the majority of 299 preservice teachers did not use formal reasoning patterns when they attempted to solve a variety of problems. Results obtained for controlling variables and for proportional, probabilistic, correlational, and combinatorial reasoning are discussed with implications for middle/junior high school science teaching.…

Investigated use of concept and Vee-mapping strategies with regular seventh- and eighth-grade science students (N=155), focusing on changes in student acquisition of science knowledge and problem-solving performance. Includes methods of teaching Vee mapping, evaluating the maps, anectdotal records of Piagetian clinical interviews, findings, and…

Describes an effort to identify topics that should and should not be emphasized in a workshop for elementary and junior high school teachers. Questionnaires, administered to teachers (N=135) before and after workshops, focused on topic familiarity and teaching experiences with topics before and after workshop. (JN)

Presents results from a secondary school science teacher needs assessment for the state of Illinois. The Moore Assessment Profile, developed specifically to identify the needs of secondary school science teachers, was used to survey a random sample of 4965 Illinois science teachers in grades 6-12. (CS)

Proposes a model of parent and teacher influences on the science attitudes of eighth-grade students using data from the base year survey of the National Educational Longitudinal Study of 1988 (NELS: 88). Utilizes structural equation modeling methodology for analysis of categorical data. Contains 61 references. (DDR)

Identifies those aspects of family support that have the most influence on students' learning in mathematics and science. Examines the relationship of the mother's support and participation to the eighth-grade minority child's score on standardized tests. Contains 36 references. (DDR)

Focuses on one target group of seventh-grade science students (N=19) who are working to achieve consensus and a coherent explanation of light and shadow effects. Articulates the beginnings of a framework for consensus building with inquiry discourse. Contains 41 references. (DDR)

Describes a model-centered, computer-supported semester-long science curriculum (Model-based Analysis and Reasoning in Science) for middle school students designed to encourage conceptual understanding and to foster the development of model-based reasoning skills. (ZWH)