Science and Mathematics Education Commons^™

An Account Of Novice Phylogenetic Tree Construction From The Problem-Solving Research Tradition, Terrance E. Brisbin

Dissertations

Both the content and strategic knowledge used in phylogenetic tree construction are described to account for novice performance. A review of the literature is used to place this research with respect to studies in: problem solving studies (both expert, and novice), the history and practice of evolutionary systematics, and the teaching of evolution. The computer-based problem-solving environment is discussed along with model problems used for the research.

Each of the five research problems consists of an encoded matrix containing phylogenetic data organized by taxa and characters. Twelve participants (high school students) volunteered to solve the research problems, on their own …

Taking “Stock” Of Pedagogical Content Knowledge In Science Education, Harcharan Pardhan, Alan Wheeler

Institute for Educational Development, Karachi

This article focuses on efforts of facilitate the development of MEd science students' conceptual understanding of content, pedagogy and pedagogical content knowledge (PCK). A basic premise of the approach taken was that to teach conceptually, students must learn conceptually. A four-step conceptual process was followed with the participants to help them actively construct knowledge about fundamental science concepts and enhance their confidence and enthusiasm for science teaching. Equivalent forms of an assessment instrument entitled the Science Test of Content Knowledge (STOCK), used as per- and post-performance measures, revealed a significant difference. The article describes the structured activities built into the …

Curriculum And Assessment : A Question Of Politics?, Christine R. Brew, Gilah C. Leder

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) has been subject to ongoing modifications since its full introduction in 1992. These changes were largely driven by vocal opponents of this educational reform. In this paper we give voice to teachers charged with implementing the curriculum and assessment directives of the VCE. Specifically, we draw on the experiences of close to 500 senior mathematics teachers – through interview and survey data - to consider the impact on them of the evolution of the VCE.

Obituary: Elmer Clea Birney, 1940-2000, Hugh H. Genoways, Carleton J. Phillips, Jerry R. Choate, Robert S. Sikes, Kristin M. Kramer

University of Nebraska State Museum: Mammalogy Papers

On 11 June 2000, Dr. Elmer C. Birney unexpectedly passed away from cardiac arrest suffered while outside caring for his cattle at his home in Blaine, Minnesota. One of his former students, Robert Timm, probably best expressed the immediate reaction of his family and many friends: ‘‘He was too young and in too good of health to be gone so soon.’’ At the time of his death, Elmer was Professor in the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, the Curator of Mammals at the Bell Museum of Natural History, and Director of Graduate Studies of the program in Ecology, Evolution …

Recruitment And Retention Of African American Females In High School Mathematics: Have We Achieved Results?, Sheryl Mcglamery, Carol Mitchell

Teacher Education Faculty Proceedings & Presentations

"Our goal is to present the findings of the study and challenge the audience to consider the aspects of the program the researchers believe made the difference in recruitment and retention for these African American female students."

The Impact Of Varying Teaching Style Techniques To Better Match Learning Styles In The Science Classroom, Karen M. Santoro

Theses and Dissertations

This paper will address the correlation between student learning styles and the mode of delivery employed for instruction, and the outcome: student test scores.

By integrating a learning style assessment with a teaching style assessment the researcher challenges the belief that science needs to be taught in a systematic, methodical fashion and varying teaching style will result in significantly higher test scores. The test scores of a class taught with traditional science teaching delivery (lecture style) and the test scores of a class taught with various teaching styles were then compared.

The method employed involved using a learning style survey …

Language Implications For Numeracy: A Study Of Language Use Of Disadvantaged Students, Robyn Zevenbergen

2000 - Improving Numeracy Learning

Increasingly language is recognised as causing difficulties for students when they come to learn mathematics. Many different levels and aspects of language can be seen to create such difficulties for students. This paper looks at the implications of language on learning mathematics or developing a sense of numeracy.

The Story Of A Service-Learning Project: Mathematics In The Park, Joyce O'Halloran

Humanistic Mathematics Network Journal

No abstract provided.

Training Elementary Teachers For The New Millennium, Dixie Metheny, David Davison

Humanistic Mathematics Network Journal

No abstract provided.

Will You Still Be Teaching In The Twenty-First Century?, Theodore Panitz

Humanistic Mathematics Network Journal

No abstract provided.

The School/Home Communication Project: A Study Of The Effect Of More Frequent Grade Reporting On The Achievement Of High School Mathematics Students, Robert Dean Rogers

Humanistic Mathematics Network Journal

No abstract provided.

Book Review: Experiencing School Mathematics By Jo Boaler, Stephen Sproule

Humanistic Mathematics Network Journal

No abstract provided.

Book Review: Knowing And Teaching Elementary Mathematics By Liping Ma, Roger Howe

Humanistic Mathematics Network Journal

No abstract provided.

Weizmann Day’S “Math Night” Brings Parents To Their Knees

Humanistic Mathematics Network Journal

No abstract provided.

Senior Seminar: A Capstone Course In The Computer And Mathematical Sciences, Ken Oberhoff, Ron Barnes

Humanistic Mathematics Network Journal

This paper describes the evolution of a course developed to tie together many strands of activity encountered by students in the computer and mathematical sciences (CMS). The senior level course is required of all majors in our computer science, applied mathematics and statistics undergraduate degree programs. One of the primary purposes of the course is to refine writing and presentation skills needed for those who will later pursue individual research projects. Writing projects are organized around the theme of “Ethical Decision Making in the Computer and Mathematical Sciences”. Numerous case studies are investigated. Additional topics in the course include designing …

Maps Study Final Report For The Program “Museums And Public Schools” On Behalf Of Museums In The Park And Chicago Public Schools, Steven R. Rogg

Steven R Rogg

Evaluation of the first year implementation of the Museums and Public schools (MAPS) initiative is reported. The MAPS initiative is described in its original proposal in the following way: “Guided by the Chicago and Illinois academic standards, (MAPS) …will, over time, make museum resources a creative and integral part of classroom learning and teaching. In so doing, this partnership will enhance teacher knowledge and skills, enrich student educational experiences and advance the educational attainment of all children in Chicago’s public schools. In short, this collaboration is an investment in Chicago’s future.”

A New Course Promoting Science As A Way Of Knowing, Howard B. Dowse

University of Maine Office of Research Administration: Grant Reports

The objective of this project is to create an exciting interdisciplinary laboratory experience for a course promoting science as an objective tool for understanding the natural world. Establishing in the minds of the students a level playing field on which true science competes successfully with pseudoscience is central. The core of the project is biology, but many disciplines are introduced, providing a focused introduction to the scientific method. The primary goal is not scientific literacy per se. It is, instead, an introduction to the methodology of science. A select set of connected subjects were chosen for general interest, potential for …

Imsa Kaleidoscope, Stephanie Pace Marshall

Lectures, Speeches, and Talks

I collect kaleidoscopes. At first, I found their artistry magical; however, as I surrendered to the unique song of each kaleidoscope, I became aware that my surrendering was transformative.

The Benefits Of Observational Learning On The Mathematics Achievement Of Fourth Grade Students Involved In Peer Tutoring Sessions, Trisha R. Parish

Masters Theses

Many students struggle with mathematical concepts and operations. This leads educators to search for the most effective and efficient means of improving their academic performance. The present investigation sought to determine if a triadic peer-tutoring program would increase the acquisition of basic multiplication facts for fourth grade students. Secondly, this investigation assessed the extent to which students would benefit from observational learning opportunities within the peer tutoring sessions. A multiple baseline design across two peer-tutoring triads was utilized with student performance being assessed by measuring responses to flashcard presentations and completion of three types of mathematics probes. The first type …

The Challenge: The Newsletter Of The Center For Gifted Studies (No. 5, Summer 2000), Center For Gifted Studies, Tracy Inman Editor

Gifted Studies Publications

No abstract provided.

Nebraska Earth Systems Education Network – Summer 2000

Nebraska Earth Systems Education Network

Content:

“Everything is Connected to Everything Else.” by Dave Gosselin, NESEN Director

Central Plains Severe Weather Symposium 2000: Don't Miss the Opportunity; Students and Teachers Welcome! by Ken Dewey

Integrating Earth System Science Research and Education by Richard Levy

America's Farm by Charles Flowerday

Lessons From Environmental Change Workshop On-line by Mark Mesarch

New Publications and Teacher Resources Available by Judy Otteman

An Investigation Into Relationships Between Alternative Assessment And Pre-Service Elementary Teachers’ Beliefs About Mathematics, David Charles Coffey

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine how including alternative assessments in a reform-based mathematics course affects pre-service teachers’ mathematical beliefs. A single section of a mathematics course designed for elementary education majors that employed three different alternative assessments was the setting for the study.

A pre- and post-belief survey completed by students enrolled in the section under study represented the first level of data collection and analysis. The results of the pre-belief survey guided the selection of seven informants from the section and provided belief statements for the informants to verify during subsequent interviews. Based on the data …

Sym Bowl Update: Encouraging And Recognizing Student Proficiency In System Dynamics Modeling, Wayne W. Wakeland

Systems Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

The judging criteria and modeling process guidelines for the SyM Bowl modeling competition are briefly reviewed. Prize-winning student models from previous SyM Bowls are then discussed in order to show how the students and their teachers appear to have interpreted the criteria and process guidelines. The strengths and limitations of the selected student models, especially the basic model structure & logic, and the process they used to build the model, as evidenced in the reports they submitted, are then presented.

The paper then considers how the criteria and process guidelines may or may not have influenced the students, followed by …

Computers In The Classroom – Do They Really Make A Difference In Student Learning?, Colleen Fitzgerald

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if the utilization of computers in the classroom would increase student learning. The participants were eighty-two seventh grade students from Demarest Middle School in Demarest, New Jersey. The students were organized into four heterogeneously mixed classes. The study was conducted over approximately two weeks. All students received introductory instruction on amphibians and frog anatomy and physiology. Two classes then completed the traditional specimen dissection, while the other two classes completed a computer-simulated dissection. The classes then switched and performed the alternative dissection procedure. Their performance was measured by the results on the …

Ms-010: The Papers Of The Linnaean Association, Melodie A. Foster

All Finding Aids

The Linnaean Association collection is varied in its makeup. Series I consists largely of the published versions of addresses given by association-sponsored speakers between 1844 and 1861. Series II contains a number of copies of the four volumes of the faculty publication The Literary Record and Journal of the Linnaean Association of Pennsylvania College, both bound and unbound. Volume III is in scarcest supply, and many editions are incomplete. Series III contains items from the Library of the Linnaean Association: scientific journals from the 1830s and 1840s and a bound collection of catalogues and scientific articles from various sources.

The …

Nebraska Earth Systems Education Network – Spring 2000

Nebraska Earth Systems Education Network

Content:

“Everything is Connected to Everything Else.” by Dave Gosselin, NESEN Director

NESEN Member Recognized as the Scottish Rite Distinguished Teacher

The Nebraska Weather and Climate Web Site by Dr. Ken Dewey, School of Natural Resource Sciences High Plains Climate Center

Does Our Web Work For YOU?!?!?!

The Effect Of A Student Assessment Instrument In The Performance Of Basic Skills Mathematics Students At The Community College Level, Matthew Flacche

Theses and Dissertations

This study was conducted to see if implementation of a self-assessing instrument improved students' test scores when compared to no mid-unit assessment at all. The experiment involved basic skills mathematics students from Camden County College in Blackwood, New Jersey. Two Math Skills III (Elementary Algebra) classes, containing a total of 39 students, were included in the study. Both sections of students completed pretests. The students in both classes received similar instruction, however one class (the treatment group) received three weeks of instruction, completed and graded Student Assessment Instruments (SAI's) approximately every other class (during the instruction), and took a unit …

Impact Of The Implementation Of The New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards On Time Allocation For Elementary Mathematics Instruction, Angela Napoliello-Ivory

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the implementation of the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards for mathematics instruction three years after their approval by the State Board of Education. A survey methodology was used. The survey was mailed to the New Jersey school districts that include an elementary school. In addition to demographic information, the districts were asked how much time is allocated to mathematics instruction daily. The districts were also asked how much time is spent in direct instruction, in seatwork, and in problem solving each day, and has there been a change over the last …

2000 Twelfth Annual Imsa Presentation Day, Illinois Mathematics And Science Academy

IMSAloquium Event Booklets

" ... professional research journals such as Nature, Biology of Reproduction, Neuroscience Research Communications and Ceramic Engineering and Science Proceedings have all featured the research work of MSA students through presentations and publications."

A Survey Comparing Attitudes Towards Mathematics Of Students In The Interactive Mathematics Program, Anne Marie Dewitt

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine whether significant differences existed between the attitudes of students enrolled in the Interactive Mathematics Program (IMP) and students enrolled in traditional courses towards mathematics.

The population used for this study was comprised of approximately one hundred students from three IMP classes and students from three college preparatory geometry classes at Pennsauken High School in Pennsauken, New Jersey. A survey was designed to obtain information about students' attitudes toward mathematics. Survey questions were designed to measure their enjoyment of mathematics and their perceived value of mathematics. One-sample and two-sample t-tests were performed to …