We examined physics graduate teaching assistants' views about introductory physics problem "types," i.e., different ways of posing the same underlying physics problem, within the context of a semester-long teaching assistant (TA) professional development course. Here, we focus on TAs' views about two types of broken-into-parts problems…

This research presents the investigation of physics students' and physics faculty members' professional development and a design methodology via which we could best support them in their professional development. In particular, the first part of this dissertation will focus on undergraduate upper-division physics students' conceptual learning and…

These proceedings contain the papers of the 14th International Conference on Cognition and Exploratory Learning in the Digital Age (CELDA 2017), 18-20 October 2017, which has been organized by the International Association for Development of the Information Society (IADIS) and endorsed by the Japanese Society for Information and Systems in…

Middle school science teachers were involved in a problem-solving experience presented and guided by research scientists. Data on the teachers' perspectives about this professional development and any impact it may have had on their teaching practices were collected through interviews, surveys, and classroom observations. The findings show that…

In higher education, instructors' choices of both curricular material and pedagogy are determined by their beliefs about learning and teaching, the values of their profession, and perceived external constraints. Dissemination of research-based educational reforms is based on assumptions about that mental structure. This study reports the initial…

Reports on the approaches of two classroom science teachers, supported by a research group, to understanding the consequences of a classroom change implemented in response to a perceived problem. Focuses on the consequences of using problem solving tasks for all students. (Author/YDS)

Imagine--you must bring water to a hurricane-ravaged area. There is only one bridge and only one truck, and the bridge can only hold so much weight. Your calculations determine if the truck--and its load of water--can make it safely over the bridge. This is a typical challenge during two-week summer camps for third-through fourth-grade students…

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…

Presents a study that assesses the implementation of a problem-solving model among teachers involved in an alternative in-service format. Teachers (N=13) participate in a year-long program that focuses on instructional methodology. Contains 60 references. (DDR)

Investigates teacher education methods for teacher development as constructivist science instructors. Explains a typical day in a classroom using the traditional teaching approach and makes recommendations for promoting scientific thinking and problem solving. (YDS)

The high expectations for scientific literacy for all students demands a certain quality of science education in lower secondary education. This program focuses on supporting teachers in implementing this new curriculum. There are three interconnecting components of the program: (1) curriculum resources; (2) professional development; and (3)…

Discusses challenges teachers face with learners from different backgrounds. Presents service learning as an alternative framework for teacher education with the potential for engaging teachers in an active construction of knowledge and development of connections between community and multicultural teaching practices. (Contains 27 references.)…

Introduces a professional development workshop designed for in-service secondary school science teachers that provides experiences for teachers in inquiry-based physical science. Features three components: (1) a three week summer institute; (2) two one-day, follow-up workshops; and (3) classroom visitation. Promotes the inquiry approach in science…

Describes the Envision Project to demonstrate how teachers designed and conducted their own study, and presented the results. Identifies project ideas for environmental problems with a site survey through the Internet, aerial photographs, and maps. (YDS)

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)