Many researchers in the field of education aspire to influence what actually happens in schools and classrooms. They entered their profession aware of the need to improve educational practice; many of them want to make a difference. Yet few observers would claim that the results of education research are eagerly awaited by teachers, school…

In this paper, it is suggested that while there are a variety of frames or perspectives that guide research into learning science, a pre-paradigmatic field need not be a "free-for-all". Lakatos suggested that academic research fields were characterised by research programmes (RP), which offered heuristic guidance to researchers, and which…

More recent work has complemented earlier studies of the "student voice" in science education by redirecting research attention to focus more directly on what students think about the form, content and purpose of their school science education and exploring the curriculum and pedagogical implications of the findings. Researchers have…

The starting point for this article is the lack of a clear or emerging consensus of what is generally understood by the term "health education", or its role as a component of the school science curriculum which requires a particular research focus. One of the purposes of this article is to explore the concept of health education as one…

Uses and explains the Piagetian model to provide a conceptual framework for a discussion of intellectual growth in relation to science education and points out inadequacies of the model. (PEB)

Examines Ausubel's theory of learning as a model of the role concerning the influence of prior knowledge on how learning occurs. Research evidence for Ausubel's theory is presented and discussed. Implications of Ausubel's theory for teaching are summarized. (PEB)

Reviews studies of cognitive preference tests, outlines the nature of cognitive preferences, and presents an analysis of cognitive preference data. Presents a six-point summary of this analysis and lists four statements that need supportive evidence before further studies using these tests can have any value. (GS)

Presented are several articles and reviews which are related to science education in the following areas: (1) achievement, mastery, proficiency, competence; (2) personality and the pursuit of science; (3) skill integration, Piaget, and education; (4) recent research grants in the United Kingdom; (5) a listing of theses and dissertations for higher…

Serves as an introduction to the field of educational evaluation by clarifying the aims and methods of evaluation and outlining points of conflict that exist between the various practitioners. Presents five evaluation studies as examples for discussion and assesses the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches. (GS)

Outlines the criticisms of science education research related to the following points: absence of an adequate theoretical framework, methodological shortcomings in design and evaluation, and inadequate attention to science-specific problems of learning and characteristics of the learner. (Author/GS)

Presents a personal view of the experience and course work necessary in the training of personnel who wish to work in sociological, psychological, or curriculum aspects of science education. (GS)

Reviews nearly 100 studies concerning the process of concept formation in adolescent science students. (CP)

The operation of the Hall of Science as a museum and as an educational center is noted. Descriptions of 30 science education projects currently underway are provided. (CP)

Cites reasons for the formation and continuance of the Intellectual Development Project ( IDP). The impact of IDP research is described. (CP)

Evaluates the Nuffield Combined Science program in terms of the Piagetian developmental levels required for successful achievement in the various program divisions. (CP)