Discrepant events are surprising occurrences that challenge learners' preconceptions. These events puzzle students because the results are contrary to what they believe should happen. Due to the unexpected outcome, students experience cognitive disequilibrium, and this often leads to a desire to solve the problem. Discrepant events are great…

This study investigated the effectiveness of three different instructional materials for learning how to identify fish at the species level in a blended classroom and out-of-classroom scenario. A sample of 195 first-year students of biology or geoecology at the University of Tuebingen participated in a course on identification of European…

Context-based chemistry education aims to improve student interest and motivation in chemistry by connecting canonical chemistry concepts with real-world contexts. Implementation of context-based chemistry programmes began 20 years ago in an attempt to make the learning of chemistry meaningful for students. This paper reviews such programmes…

addresses the topic of managing motivation in Keller's Personalized System of Instruction (PSI). Outlines the reinforcing features that are at the foundation of PSI theory, and examines methods used to ensure that these reinforcing properties are fu lly utilized. (JR)

Discusses the implications of piaget's intellectual developmentmodel with respect to teaching at the college level. Many students operate at the concrete level and are incapable of abstract formal operations, however their interest and motivation can be maintained through active involvement with the representative ideas and materials of the…

Uses extracts from a Learning Activity Package in basic surveying to illustrate the motivating factors found in the audio-tutorial system of instruction. (JR)

Describes how case studies, involving written accounts of engineering jobs as they were actually done or problems as they were actually encountered, can be effectively used to motivate engineering students. (JR)

One of the challenges in teaching biochemistry is facilitating students' interest in and mastery of metabolism. The many pathways and modes of regulation can be overwhelming for students to learn and difficult for professors to teach in an engaging manner. We have found it useful to take advantage of prevailing interest in popular yet…

Describes a project to determine the impact of weekly quizzing on student performance in general chemistry. Notes final exam scores were the same for students who took weekly quizzes as for students who took the quizzes but not for credit. Explores several possible explanations. (MVL)

Elementary teachers have been identified as the single most important influence on student's future attitudes and motivations toward science. Research indicates that K-8 science teachers emphasize memorization more than the exploration of questions or critical thought as a result of their college science experiences. The reasons students gradually…