Provides six problems to help students understand new concepts of force using situations they already understand concerning velocity, acceleration, and momentum. (MVL)

Describes a strategy to incorporate the theme of cooperative learning into the format of graded examinations. (JRH)

Described are the results of a formal reasoning test taken by both Japanese and American students. The most likely reasons for the difference between test score results are discussed. Japan's "hands-on" and group inquiry-oriented curriculum approach is cited as one difference. (KR)

Describes the findings of secondary analysis of data from the Assessment of Performance Unit (APU) Science. The most striking feature of the study is the extremely low level of scores obtained for questions which invite a written response. The results also clearly show the consistent negative reaction of girls to the technical context of…

A marginal maximum likelihood estimation algorithm is presented for the ordered partition model of M. Wilson that does not require the set of available responses to be fully ordered. The model and its estimation algorithm are illustrated in a comparison of alternative scoring schemes for open-ended science items. (SLD)

Science test results are often used to evaluate differences in achievement between males and females. Analyzes data collected in Ohio at the statewide level and suggests that it could be important to consider the rate of item omission before scores are computed. Contains 17 references. (DDR)

A sample of Australian Year-12 students (n=16) who participated in the TIMSS testing were interviewed immediately after the test about their responses to test items. Students had trouble relating TIMSS questions to generalized aspects of everyday life and to school science topics. Students seemed to place little value on performing well on the…

Summarizes trends in New Zealand's Sixth Form Certificate assessment, explains teacher views about it and a sixth-form major subject area (science, represented by National Standards Syllabus biology, chemistry, and physics), and discusses findings in the context of the National Qualifications Framework. Official scrutiny over this exam has…

Describes the purpose of the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and analyzes the results of the study. First published in 1999. (YDS)

The theory of evolution, pioneered most famously by Charles Darwin, posits that humans and other living creatures have descended from common ancestors over time through a process of random mutation and natural selection. It is widely considered to be a pillar of modern biology. Over the past year, however, public education has been roiled by…

In this study, we juxtapose the purpose and procedures for school science inquiry activities as they are portrayed in curriculum policy statements, provincial assessment materials and teacher resources with a teacher's enactment of these policy and resource directives in her classroom. This article draws on data collected during a Grade 6…

This study examined how resources, distribution inequality, and biases toward privileged students affected academic performance. Fifteen-year-olds from 41 countries completed a questionnaire and tests in mathematics, reading, and science. Multilevel regression analyses showed that students scored higher in all subjects when they had more resources…

The "Evaluation of the National Assessment of Educational Progress: Study Reports" describes the special studies that comprised the design of the evaluation. In the Final Report, the authors presented a practical discussion of the evaluation studies to its primary, intended audience, namely policymakers. On this accompanying CD, readers…

This action research project report summarizes the methods used to reduce boredom and frustration and increase students' academic motivation in three mixed-ability classrooms. This action research project included 21 third grade students, 23 fifth grade students, and 28 eighth grade students (n=72) during the dates of September 10, 2007, through…

This study compares performance on the GED (General Educational Development) Tests, U.S. edition, across three groups of examinees: (1) graduating high school seniors in the GED U.S., 2001 norm group, (2) GED Tests candidates who took one or more tests in the United States between 2002 and 2004, and (3) GED Tests candidates who passed the tests in…