It is well known that interesting questions can stimulate thinking and invite participation. Class exercises are designed to make use of questions to engage students in active learning. In a project toward building a community skilled in software verification and validation (SV&V), we critically review and further develop course materials in…

Discusses strategies for overcoming common student misconceptions. Strategies include using pretests followed by teaching techniques planned to contrast new information with students' previous ideas; using pretests followed by time for students to question ideas and test their knowledge; and giving students a real-world task that can only be…

Describes the use of a quiz that asks elementary but probing questions about chemistry and delivers the message to students that they have much to gain from chemical education. Arises out of concern over lack of student motivation in chemistry. (DDR)

Presents a variety of strategies for determining students' ideas about scientific concepts. Explains how the strategies may be used with special-needs students. (WRM)

Recommends pretesting intermediate grade students' basal skills to eliminate unnecessary basal skill instruction. Provides guidelines for pretesting reading comprehension skills. (MM)