This article seeks to provide researchers and practitioners in laboratory education, particularly those involved in the curriculum design and implementation of teaching laboratories at university level, with a conceptual framework and a working model for an integrated assessment of learning domains, by attending to a more holistic approach to…

Recent science reform documents have called for incorporating authentic scientific discourse into science classes as engaging in discourse has shown to result in numerous benefits. Whether these benefits are observed in students depends upon the quality of the discourse in which they engage. However, characterizing the quality of student-student…

The unit basis approach to problem solving analyzes a question in such a way that the student clearly sees what data are needed to solve the problem. Two examples are presented to illustrate the approach. (JN)

Presented are three methods for dealing with chemical problems involving reaction stoichiometry. (RH)

Described is a teaching method for chemistry that gives college students practice in experimental design. Students are given a problem and required to design a procedure to solve the problem. Problems increase in complexity as the students progress through the courses. (RH)

Describes a computer program used in an experiment in which the partial molal volumes of sodium chloride solutions are calculated as a function of concentration from densities measured with a pycnometer. The complete program listing (also available from the author on disk) and a sample run are included. (JN)

Outlines a problem-solving method for beginning chemistry students that utilizes specific, concrete steps as well as computer-assisted tutorials. The method involves an approach referred to as the Factor-Unit Method coupled with a graphical "road map" which allows students to trace problems from start to finish. (JN)

Presents problems appropriate for high school and college students that highlight dilution methods. Promotes an understanding of dilution methods in order to prevent the unnecessary waste of chemicals and glassware in biology laboratories. (JRH)

Describes a project-type experiment in which students each try to find the color indicator present in a particular flower. The philosophy of conducting such an experiment and procedures used are included. (JN)

Four papers are reviewed. They include a description of how instructional modules and small group problem-solving (PS) in a second-year plant anatomy course produced excellent PS skills and various ideas on PS in the context of chemistry. Also reviews guided-design as a strategy to help develop PS skills. (JN)

Considered are the main elements of computational chemistry problems and how these elements can be used to formulate the problems mathematically. Techniques that are useful in devising an appropriate solution are also considered. (Author/TG)

Describes a system of heuristics for problem solving and instructional methods for presenting it to secondary school students. (CS)

Describes the specifics of instruction in thermodynamics using a problem-solving technique introduced in a previous issue of this journal. (CS)

Describes a series of literature problems integrated into organic and biochemistry courses which direct students to seek specific information from specific sources. (GS)

Described is a laboratory activity to determine five unknown organic compounds. The procedures are designed to help students determine unknowns from a series of tests. (RH)