In an empirical study, the use of knowledge by two groups of students and a group of professional engineers' use of knowledge when solving complex problems was investigated. The applied method was adopted from similar investigations within the field of medicine. Qualitative analysis of problem descriptions, solutions and interviews show…

In this article, the author describes how middle schools can prepare young people for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. Integrating 21st century skills deliberately and systematically into middle school education will empower educators to accomplish many of the elusive goals they have tried to reach for years. Twenty-first…

Focuses on teachers' research in their own classrooms and how teachers make sense of what they see and hear during open-ended technology construction projects. Traces aspects of learning trajectory as a teacher researcher in a year 6 classroom and aspects of improved classroom outcomes. (Contains 41 references.) (Author/YDS)

Focuses on 181 school children's (aged 5-13) responses to an Awareness of Technology Survey question intended to explore their conceptual knowledge of structural strength. Explores how the framework of the program and professional development opportunities did not help teachers implement the program. (Contains 13 references.) (Author/YDS)

Cooperative learning allows individuals with varying abilities to work alongside their peers. Students are placed into achievement levels based on placement test scores. The Regular College Preparatory (RCP) level is a score of 59% or lower and Academic College Preparatory (ACP) level is a score of 60-92% on the placement test. The purpose of this…

Provides details of a science teacher inservice model centered around the methodology of problem solving and ownership of outcomes associated with an issue or problem. Describes perceptions of the program by staff and participants. (Author/MKR)

This book reports on the first wave of the Mosaic Project which investigates the effects of educational change and teaching practices in mathematics and science on student achievement. The Mosaic project was supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and featured two waves. The states that participated in the first wave were State Systemic…

A study was initiated at the inception of the Exploring the Environment (ETE) project to look at critical factors concerning the use of problem-based learning in Earth science classes. During the 1995-96 school year, the Tropical Poison module from the ETE Project was evaluated in nine high schools across the country. The module introduced…

Presents a graduate course targeting the improvement of teaching and learning with regard to professional development. Argues that practicing teachers need opportunities to interact with one another and other individuals in the research community. Examines how private research and development works. (Contains 23 references.) (YDS)

Discusses examinations as the major determinant of student behavior and suggests that no improvement in the effectiveness of biochemistry courses will occur until examinations are so integrated into the educational process that they reinforce educational objectives. Includes discussions on self-education, cooperation between students, and problem…

The concept of a collaborative math and science project grew out of the need expressed by Cleveland State University (Ohio) engineering faculty and junior and senior high school teachers. These groups sought to provide students with connections to "real world" situations that they will face as they transition into the workplace of the…

The Mathematics-Science Integration Project is a continuation of an ongoing series of inservice workshops oriented towards the professional development of elementary school teachers and early secondary school mathematics and science teachers. The teachers served by this project included 75 elementary school teachers, 35 middle/junior high school…

This guide for elementary Teacher preparation programs in science education comprises three sections: "Introduction"; "Guidelines"; and "Implementation." The reform efforts, particularly those pertaining to science education, are characterized by a shift towards shared responsibility for the preparation of teachers to…

Creative thinking and how to foster it is the focus of this resource book for teachers. Part One of this book emphasizes the theoretical background of the creative thinking concept and discusses the relationship between creative thinking, problem solving, science, and technology. Part Two focuses on three levels of inventing, each examining…

Selections of papers from the 19th annual conference of the Australian Science Education Research Association are presented in this volume. A diversity of themes are addressed and include new topic areas as well as concerns that have been cited in previous issues. These papers focus on issues including: (1) students' misconceptions; (2) classroom…