This guide is designed to help researchers make sure that their research reports include enough information about study measures so that readers can assess the quality of the study's methods and results. The guide also provides examples of write-ups about measures and suggests resources for learning more about these topics. The guide assumes…

Most academic science educators encourage teachers to provide their students with access to more authentic science activities. What can and do teachers say to increase students' interests in participating in opportunities to do real science? What are the discursive "resources" they draw on to introduce authentic science to students? The purpose of…

This paper attempts to discover and describe the salient common factors constituting four high school science teachers' role conceptions. In a year-long ethnographic study, two researchers worked as participant observers in various science classroom settings at an urban high school. Teachers in charge of these classrooms were interviewed on issues…

As an alternative guide to science teaching, a generalized theory of scientific observation defined in terms of human intentions and purposes is offered. The generalized theory, while based on assumptions different from those of the science education theory, can still account for the plausibility of many aspects of that theory. (JN)

Observed visitors (n=154) to a science museum discovery space as they interacted freely with the exhibits. Reports that attraction levels were highest for exhibits with concrete presentations, holding power was highest for exhibits with high interaction and concrete presentation, and engagement levels were highest for high interaction exhibits.…

Freshmen and sophomore science education students (N=32) were observed to determine their performance (attentive responses) on four cognitive variables. One result found is that 44 percent of students used the fastest mode of short stimulation/short response time, but had the lowest mean score on the four cognitive variables. (JN)

Conducted a study to determine the value of using metaphors to understand learning environments, determine if prospective elementary teachers gain an understanding of traditional and constructivist learning environment research, and explore the implications for teacher education. Reports that the use of metaphors helped teachers understand and…

Conducted an ethnography to evaluate the usefulness of the notion of community of practice in classroom settings. Documents how collectively available knowledge of a classroom community was transformed as resources and practices were adopted by more and more members. Discusses implications for the organization of classroom environments that…

Describes strategy analysis procedures which enable preservice teachers to implement science lesson segments in a manner that was consistent with strategies incorporated into science teaching models. Conformity to the model was uniformly high for phases related to preparing the learner, investigation planning, and data processing. (JN)

Investigated the problems chemistry majors have with learning distillation concepts in traditional chemistry laboratory courses. Reports that students take the generalized concepts at face value, construct decontextualized concepts for distillation, and cannot interpret their observations or make reasoned decisions based on the theoretical…

Describes a video monitoring technique for detailed analysis of student use of computer-based learning programs which produces a synchronized record of computer output and student use; a study concerned with developing computer-based learning programs in chemistry which utilizes the technique; and advantages and disadvantages of the technique.…

Describes a field test and results of a new didactic teaching method involving resource-based learning to teach various aspects of mathematics and science (fractions, magnetism, planets) to elementary aged hearing impaired student in Iraq. The dramatic improvements in language for learners is described and implications of the methods are…

Investigated the appropriateness of microcomputer-based laboratories (MBLs) for elementary school students. Reports that children expanded their repertoire of graph-making and interpreting skills and MBLs supported scientific inquiry for and by the children. (28 references) (Author/JRH)

The results of an in-depth analysis of the lab activities found in two popular high school biology textbooks are presented. Activities were rated against 24 task categories that parallel skills or behaviors which reflect scientific inquiry, problem-solving skills, manipulative skills, and observational skills. (25 references) (KR)

An ethnographic study of spontaneous conversations of elementary children and their accompanying adults during a zoo field trip was conducted. (LZ)