This paper builds on the current literature base about learning progressions in science to address the question, "What is the nature of the learning progression in the content domain of the structure of matter?" We introduce a learning progression in response to that question and illustrate a methodology, the Construct Modeling (Wilson,…

This study examines the impact of standards-based professional development on teacher efficacy and instructional practice of elementary and middle school science teachers. Professional development activities were conducted over a period of 3 years and included content courses as well as teacher involvement in professional learning communities.…

Criticizes weaknesses in the Gagne research model for checking the validity of learning hierarchies, and proposes a new model which is designed to overcome these weaknesses. (JR)

Argues that affective learning is a poorly understood phenomenon and that objective-setting and evaluation for learning in the affective domain are often neglected in educational programs. Addresses the problem this creates for nonformal science-learning centers. Contains 38 references. (DDR)

A model of the character and mechanism for knowledge restructuring is presented and a model of educational practice designed to facilitate this form of restructuring is described. A broadened and integrated view of assessment and instruction called a portfolio culture, central to the educational model, is discussed. (KR)