A long-term study was conducted to test the effectiveness of visual thinking networking (VTN), a new generation of knowledge representation strategies with 56 ninth grade earth science students. The recent findings about the brain's organization and processing conceptually ground VTN as a new cognitive tool used by learners when making their…

Studied was the performance of four Piagetian tests for formal reasoning by students between the ages of 9 and 15. Concluded that boys performed better than girls. (MLH)

Describes a group work approach to the teaching of ethical issues in biotechnology and evaluates its impact on the acquisition of the key skills of working together, communication, and problem solving. Uses the Key Skills Confidence Scale (KSCS) to evaluate post-16 students' self confidence. (Contains 30 references.) (Author/YDS)

Investigates the effects of web-based instructional materials on students' understanding of chemical concepts. Uses interviews with students, concept mapping, and a free-response survey for the study. (YDS)

Explores teaching methods to improve students' understanding of quantitative chemistry and their ability to solve related problems using the Multidimensional Analysis System (MAS). Investigates the relationships between MAS-classified chemistry problems and student achievement in solving these problems. Shows that improvement in student…

Investigates several aspects of undergraduate students' rules for projectile motion including general patterns; rules for questions about time, distance, solids and liquids; and changes in rules when asked to ignore air resistance. Reports approach differences by sex and high school physics experience, and that novice rules are situation…

This book provides teachers with effective strategies to help encourage all students but particularly young women who are apprehensive about science. Sections include: (1) Identifying and Overcoming Barriers to Success; (2) Specific Tactics for Classroom Success; and (3) Classroom Activities. This monograph features creative activities in life…

Discusses the use of a historical profile for illustrating the significance of the mathematical components of scientific laws. Addresses the need for the purposive use of scientific laws rather than the blind substitutionary procedures characteristic of most problem solvers. Claims the approach has the potential for increasing female participation…

Young pupils find collaborative learning hard to sustain, even though it is recommended by developmental psychology and classroom intervention theories. Investigates the effect of two role attribution strategies on communication in peer groups of different gender composition in 8th grade science classes. Confirms the effectiveness of social role…

Two studies were conducted to determine the effects of gender, reasoning level, and inductive and deductive computer-simulated experiments (CSE) on problem-solving abilities in introductory general chemistry. In the pilot study, 254 subjects were randomly assigned to control (computer-assisted-instruction tutorials), inductive or deductive CSE…

Preliminary work by Theresa McMillen and George Bodner has shown significant correlations between level of spatial visualization and orientation ability and success in a chemistry course designed for science and engineering majors. This study is an in-depth replication of McMillen's work with approximately 1600 science and engineering majors…

This study reports the preferences students expressed in regard to problem-solving modes for resolving environmental problems. There were many differences between students at different grades and between girls and boys. Implications for teaching are suggested. (YP)

This study investigated sex differences in chemical problem solving among Nigerian secondary school chemistry students (100 males and 100 females). Male students excelled over the female students in the following problem-solving processes: (1) problem understanding; (2) construction and execution of solution plans; (3) exhibition of structural…

This research study was conducted to investigate the interactions of specific student aptitudes with their ability to solve chemistry problems of varying structure and information. Fourteen classroom quizzes were validated and a number of in-task variables were identified for analysis. These variables included: the nature of information given…

Fourteen research reports related to mathematics education are abstracted and analyzed. Two of the reports concern studies funded by the National Science Foundation to provide an assessment of the status of science education; three deal with teaching methods, three with conditional reasoning, two with problem solving, two with intellectual…