Presents arguments for the need to examine programs that prepare science teacher educators and discusses the significant role that mentoring plays in preparing future science teacher educators. Examines features of an exemplary mentor model and suggests that a formal program of mentoring the preservice science teacher educator should be part of…

Describes a successful program in which older medical students act as tutors to first-year students in small-group teaching sessions. Describes the organization and evaluation of this program. (MKR)

Project C-BE and CONDUIT had overlapping research objectives concerning the transferability of computer-related curriculum materials. In this regard, the projects co-sponsored an advertisement placed in the Journal of Chemical Education offering a "Free Demonstration of Computer Based Education in Chemistry." Forty packets were mailed.…

Describes how to create good physics programs in small colleges. (PR)

The Undergraduate Course and Curriculum Development Program of the National Science Foundation supports the development of courses in all disciplines to improve the quality of undergraduate courses and curricula in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology. The purpose of the program in Curriculum Development in Mathematics: Calculus and…

Contains descriptions of 11 college chemistry education programs that were awarded grants by the Pfizer Foundation because they make the introductory chemistry experience more positive and engaging for students, especially women and minorities. (LZ)

Describes reforms of university engineering education in Spain and suggests these reforms as guidelines for the training of European Engineers. Discusses the cyclic approach whereby an engineer acquires generalized "formation" via specialization. States that cultural differences should be respected. (CW)

Highlights the need to make the undergraduate physics laboratory more exciting and commensurate with the time assigned for it in the curriculum. Suggests establishing a model undergraduate physics laboratory at one place then reproducing it in five places for a massive reorientation program for teachers. Contains brief outlines of 30 experiments…

Presents an interdisciplinary approach to introductory biology using a learning community model that addresses many of the American Association for the Advancement of Science's (AAAS) and Sigma Xi's objectives in the teaching of introductory science courses. (PR)

Presents the Belgian viewpoint on the educational curriculum for engineering at the university level. Discusses existing program content and compares it to European professional standards. Gives ideas about improvements that consider technical developments and professional aims. (CW)

Explains the importance of introductory science courses and presents characteristics of exemplary courses. (PR)

The Materials and Assistance in Science Teaching project carried out a model program for improving science teaching in all 125 elementary classrooms in the Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District of Northern California. The project was a cooperative activity involving Sonoma State University and the school district, with funding shared by…

Both quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods were used to compare perceptions of teacher participants and non-participants in a Title II science update inservice program. The purpose of this article is to compare participants' and selected non-participants' perceptions of their motivations to learn using two evaluation methods. Qualitative…

Discussed are similarities between college courses described as exemplary by the Society of College Science Teachers. Various strategies used to teach problem solving based on a three-stage model are highlighted. The process of identification of exemplary programs is discussed. (CW)

This report describes a three-part effort by the Florida Postsecondary Education Planning Commission to identify some of the current outstanding efforts to improve science and mathematics at the postsecondary level and to explore ideas on how these positive practices can be expanded. Site visits to three selected postsecondary institutions…