View All Items

Title: A REALISTIC APPROACH TO THE TEACHING OF BASIC JUNIOR HIGH SCIENCE STUDENTS.
Creator: STULL, DONNA JEAN., Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: Changes took place in the science curriculum during the 1960's; the "classical" approach was discarded for laboratory oriented courses. The courses were excellent for highly motivated students but little was developed for the slow or basic students. This author found that in trying to develop a course for basics, one must look at the students and develop a program around their needs. They need to teel important and that they are not failures. This writer also found the teacher to be of prime...
Show moreChanges took place in the science curriculum during the 1960's; the "classical" approach was discarded for laboratory oriented courses. The courses were excellent for highly motivated students but little was developed for the slow or basic students. This author found that in trying to develop a course for basics, one must look at the students and develop a program around their needs. They need to teel important and that they are not failures. This writer also found the teacher to be of prime importance to the su.ccess of the program, strict discipline and lecturing will not work with the basic students. The teacher must be willing to remove failure from the classroom, make the material sufficiently elementary, arouse curiosity, and make the material appealing and relevant. A basic program must be based on a humanistic approach, if the children are to learn.
Show less
Date Issued: 1971
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13460
Subject Headings: Science--Study and teaching (Secondary)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Effect of graphic organizers on ninth-grade students' achievement in social studies.
Creator: Herbst, Paula Schweitzer., Florida Atlantic University, Gray, Mary B., Morris, John D.
Abstract/Description: This study investigated the effect of using graphic organizers on ninth grade students' achievement in social studies. Participants were 427 ninth grade students; 316 were regularly tracked with Stanford Achievement Subtest Reading Comprehension percentiles of 35% to 85%. One hundred and eleven students were honors and gifted tracked with Stanford Achievement Subtest Reading Comprehension percentiles of 86% to 90% for honors tracked students and 91% to 99% for gifted tracked students. The...
Show moreThis study investigated the effect of using graphic organizers on ninth grade students' achievement in social studies. Participants were 427 ninth grade students; 316 were regularly tracked with Stanford Achievement Subtest Reading Comprehension percentiles of 35% to 85%. One hundred and eleven students were honors and gifted tracked with Stanford Achievement Subtest Reading Comprehension percentiles of 86% to 90% for honors tracked students and 91% to 99% for gifted tracked students. The regular tracked students formed the sample for experiment one which used a 2 x 6 ANOVA to determine relationships between six graphic organizers and/or elaborations and their effect upon student achievement in social studies, grade nine. The honors and gifted tracked students formed the sample for experiment 2 which used a 2 x 2 x 2 ANOVA to determine relationships between two graphic organizers and/or elaborations and their effect upon student achievement in social studies, grade nine. For both experiments a mixed design was used, with strategy as a between-subjects factor and time as a within subjects factor. In addition, academic track (gifted or honors) was a between-subjets factor in experiment 2. Posttest 1 was an immediate recall test. Posttest 2 was a delayed recall test, which was given three weeks after posttest 1. The results indicated that the graphic organizers and/or elaborations SQ3R (experiment 1) and the Structured Conceptual Knowledge Development, with graphic organizers strategy and elaborations (experiment 1 and experiment 2) were the two most effective learning activities used by students (p $<$.0005). The best strategy for retention of information in the social studies ninth grade content area was the Structured Conceptual Knowledge Development, with graphic organizers strategy and elaborations. It was concluded that specific graphic organizers positively affected achievement of ninth grade social studies students. This study also found that the Conventional Method of Teaching: introducing vocabulary, reading chapter questions, reading the chapter and answering the questions in word or sentence form was the least effective way of improving the achievement of ninth grade social studies students.
Show less
Date Issued: 1995, 1995
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12419
Subject Headings: Social sciences--Graphic methods, Social sciences--Study and teaching (Secondary)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: IDENTIFICATION OF COMMON FACTORS LEADING TO SUCCESS IN THE WESTINGHOUSE COMPETITION IN THE POST NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION FUNDING ERA AND IMPLICATIONS FOR ADMINISTRATIVE DECISION-MAKERS.
Creator: TALBERT, MELVIN, Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: It was the purpose of this study to describe the common factors at select high-performing high schools leading to student success in the Westinghouse Science Talent Search Competition. A review of the literature indicated that some high schools have a high success rate in producing Westinghouse winners. The identified factors were translated into administrative practices which may foster success in the Westinghouse Science Talent Search Competition. The instrument used to determine...
Show moreIt was the purpose of this study to describe the common factors at select high-performing high schools leading to student success in the Westinghouse Science Talent Search Competition. A review of the literature indicated that some high schools have a high success rate in producing Westinghouse winners. The identified factors were translated into administrative practices which may foster success in the Westinghouse Science Talent Search Competition. The instrument used to determine commonalities was a twenty-two item questionnaire that probed the nature and function of the school's science research program. In addition, six schools were identified for an in-depth case study. Among the findings of the study are the following factors present in each of the successful programs: (1) a highly motivated and talented teacher who promoted enthusiasm; (2) teachers with advanced degrees in science; (3) teachers who kept themselves abreast of recent advances by reading journals and periodicals; (4) teachers who were free from homeroom or bus assignments in exchange for running the program; (5) successful programs without exorbitant facilities or equipment; (6) interested and talented students; and (7) a variety of competitions in which students participated. The major conclusion reached is that the most important ingredient in administering a successful science research program is having an interested and talented teacher who is able to promote enthusiasm for and originality in science. The major recommendations for School Boards and Superintendents who wish to provide a successful science research program are as follows: (1) Identify gifted and talented science students who are afforded equal opportunity to science research programs; (2) Organize science research programs that are based at the district level; (3) Seek state funding that is targeted to those districts without the resources to provide library and laboratory experiences; (4) Encourage school administrators who observe the following guidelines: (1) Establish a policy which supports science research programs at the high school level; (2) Recognize the fact that not any teacher can fulfill this position. Therefore, identify and recruit teachers with the necessary enthusiasm and commitment to coordinate this type of program; (3) Delegate the responsibility for the program to the person selected; (4) Provide released time for the coordinator of the program; (5) Seek community support; (6) Evaluate the program and the coordinator periodically.
Show less
Date Issued: 1986
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/11887
Subject Headings: Science--Study and teaching (Secondary), Science--Scholarships, fellowships, etc
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A standards-based content analysis of selected biological science websites.
Creator: Stewart, Joy E., College of Education, Department of Teaching and Learning
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study was to analyze the biology content, instructional strategies, and assessment methods of 100 biological science websites that were appropriate for Grade 12 educational purposes. For the analysis of each website, an instrument, developed from the National Science Education Standards (NSES) for Grade 12 Life Science coupled with criteria derived from the Web-based Inquiry (WBI) for Learning Science instrument (Bodzin, 2005) and other pertinent published educational...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to analyze the biology content, instructional strategies, and assessment methods of 100 biological science websites that were appropriate for Grade 12 educational purposes. For the analysis of each website, an instrument, developed from the National Science Education Standards (NSES) for Grade 12 Life Science coupled with criteria derived from the Web-based Inquiry (WBI) for Learning Science instrument (Bodzin, 2005) and other pertinent published educational literature, was utilized. The analysis focused on elucidating the appropriateness of the biology content, instructional strategies, and assessment tools of selected websites for facilitating the biological science education of Grade 12 students. Frequencies of agreement and disagreement of the content of each selected website with criteria included in the data collection instrument were used for alignment determination of the content of each website with the NSES. Chi-square tests were performed by Microsoft Excel to determine the statistical significance of differences of actual and expected 85% frequencies of alignment of the analyzed website parameters with indicators of alignment to NSES. Chi-square tests indicated that at a 0.05 level of significance there was an overall difference between the actual and expected 85% frequencies of alignment of biology content, instructional strategies and assessment methods with website indicators of alignment with the NSES (p < 0.05). Chi-square tests also indicated that there was a significant difference between the actual and expected frequencies of alignment of analyzed categories (biology content, instructional strategies, and assessment methods) of the sampled websites with website indicators of alignment with the NSES (p < 0.05)., Major findings of this study indicated that 3 out of 4 of the analyzed content attributes, 12 out of 13 of the instructional strategies, and all the assessment methods of the researched biological science websites were less than 85% aligned with the NSES. Only 11 out of 80 (13.75%) of the analyzed websites had collective biology content, instructional strategies, and assessment methods attributes that were 85% or more aligned with the NSES. Appropriately sequenced content that fostered acquisition of fundamental biology knowledge was the only content attribute with significantly more than 85% alignment with the NSES. Provision of illustrative examples to enhance understanding of facts and/or ideas in the context of a conceptual framework was the only instructional strategies attribute that was significantly more than 85% aligned with the NSES. Alignment of website attributes with the NSES has the potential to enhance the educational value of science websites. It is hoped that the findings of this study will motivate science website designers to comply with the NSES. Hope also exists that educators will be motivated to engage in standards-based reform measures for promoting scientific literacy among students.
Show less
Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/2683127
Subject Headings: Science, Study and teaching (Secondary), Technological innovations, Science, Study and teaching (Secondary), Standards, Internet in education, Standards, Web sites, Standards
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Advanced Placement (AP) social studies teachers' use of academic course blogs as a supplemental resource for student learning.
Creator: Alper, Seth., College of Education, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry
Abstract/Description: This mixed-methods study investigated the relationship between Advanced Placement (AP) social studies teachers' utilization of academic course blogs and student achievement. Simultaneously, the study examined the participating teachers' perceptions on the use of course blogs and other social media as supplemental learning resources. The study further explored a possible moderating effect of the social studies subject on student achievement and a possible moderating effect of students'...
Show moreThis mixed-methods study investigated the relationship between Advanced Placement (AP) social studies teachers' utilization of academic course blogs and student achievement. Simultaneously, the study examined the participating teachers' perceptions on the use of course blogs and other social media as supplemental learning resources. The study further explored a possible moderating effect of the social studies subject on student achievement and a possible moderating effect of students' previous academic blog usage on student achievement within the study. Quantitative data were collected from students' pre-tests and unit tests scores and analyzed for statistical significance. Qualitative data were collected through teacher-generated notes during the blogs, individual interviews, and a follow-up focus group interview. The results of this study indicated that there was no overall significant difference in student achievement between the blogging and non-blogging groups. On the contrary , a significant interaction between the social studies subject area and the use of academic course blogs was found when examining student achievement. However, this practical interaction was revealed to be a weak one. Further findings indicated that there was no significant interaction between students' previous blog usage and academic achievement during the study. From the qualitative data, participating teachers perceived the course blogs to be potentially advantageous for students and themselves, yet expressed frustration when implementing the course blogs with their students. Instead, they endorsed the academic use of Facebook, a resource that some students from two participating courses separately utilized instead of (or in addition to) the course blogs during the study. Teachers further expressed concern about relinquishing their subject knowledge and AP expertise to readily available course content on the Internet. Implications and suggestions for future f or AP social studi, teachers' promising use of Facebook and for researchers investigating the use of socail media at the high school level.
Show less
Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3360744
Subject Headings: Social sciences, Study and teaching (Secondary), Methodology, Information resources, Evaluation, Internet in education, Social aspects, Constructivism (Education)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Selected Student Characteristics and Science Achievement in a Mid-Sized Secondary School.
Creator: McDonald, Jack, Morris, John D., Weppner, Daniel B., Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: For 306 twelfth grade students, secondary science achievement by sex, race, and socioeconomic status (SES) was compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the relationship of a set of 22 predictor variables to science achievement was investigated using multiple linear regression. That the reduced regression model with its primarily cognitive characteristics exhibited the highest significant correlation coefficients in predicting science achievement for low SES, black students is a...
Show moreFor 306 twelfth grade students, secondary science achievement by sex, race, and socioeconomic status (SES) was compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the relationship of a set of 22 predictor variables to science achievement was investigated using multiple linear regression. That the reduced regression model with its primarily cognitive characteristics exhibited the highest significant correlation coefficients in predicting science achievement for low SES, black students is a finding that is at odds with much of the current literature, as is also the finding that females outperform males in science achievement. These anomalies, along with the implications of differences in science achievement based on sex and race, are discussed.
Show less
Date Issued: 1991
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000677
Subject Headings: Science--Study and teaching (Secondary), Academic achievement--Evaluation, High school students--United States, Motivation in education
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Virtual science instructional strategies: a set of actual practices as perceived by secondary science educators.
Creator: Gillette, Tammy J., College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this proposed research study was to identify actual teaching practices/instructional strategies for online science courses. The identification of these teaching practices/instructional strategies could be used to compile a set of teaching practices/instructional strategies for virtual high school and online academy science instructors. This study could assist online science instructors by determining which teaching practices/instructional strategies were preferred for the...
Show moreThe purpose of this proposed research study was to identify actual teaching practices/instructional strategies for online science courses. The identification of these teaching practices/instructional strategies could be used to compile a set of teaching practices/instructional strategies for virtual high school and online academy science instructors. This study could assist online science instructors by determining which teaching practices/instructional strategies were preferred for the online teaching environment. The literature reviewed the role of online and face-to-face instructional strategies, then discussed and elaborated on the science instructional strategies used by teachers, specifically at the secondary level. The current literature did not reflect an integration of these areas of study. Therefore, the connectedness of these two types of instructional strategies and the creation of a set of preferred instructional practices for online science instruction was deemed necessary. For the purpose of this study, the researcher designed a survey for face-to-face and online teachers to identify preferred teaching practices, instructional strategies, and types of technology used when teaching high school science students. The survey also requested demographic data information from the faculty members, including years of experience, subject(s) taught, and whether the teacher taught in a traditional classroom or online, to determine if any of those elements affect differences in faculty perceptions with regard to the questions under investigation. The findings from the current study added to the literature by demonstrating the differences and the similarities that exist between online and face-to-face instruction. Both forms of instruction tend to rely on student-centered approaches to teaching., There were many skills that were similar in that both types of instructors tend to focus on implementing the scientific method. The primary difference is the use of technology tools that were used by online instructors. Online instructors tend to rely on more technological tools such as virtual labs. A list of preferred instructional practices was generated from the qualitative responses to the open-ended questions. Research concerned with this line of inquiry should continue in order to enhance both theory and practice in regard to online instruction.
Show less
Date Issued: 2009
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/2182083
Subject Headings: Distance education, Computer-assisted instruction, Science, Study and teaching (Secondary), Computer-assisted instruction, Education, Effect of technological innovations on, Teaching, Aids and devices
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Exploring the influence of middle school leaders on middle school girls' interest in high school science enrollment.
Creator: Kijanka, Lori., College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this research was to explore middle school leaders' perceptions of the reasons girls' enrollment levels in science courses during high school declines and if the advice given to middle school girls may be perpetuating the diminished enrollment of girls in science courses as they move from middle school to high school. The study explored the contributions of expectancy and role theory using a qualitative method. Data analysis found that cultural influences on middle school girls...
Show moreThe purpose of this research was to explore middle school leaders' perceptions of the reasons girls' enrollment levels in science courses during high school declines and if the advice given to middle school girls may be perpetuating the diminished enrollment of girls in science courses as they move from middle school to high school. The study explored the contributions of expectancy and role theory using a qualitative method. Data analysis found that cultural influences on middle school girls' career goals emerged as a significant influence on school leaders' perceptions. Instructional methodology and cultural, gendered assumptions of women in science were found as themes in middle school leaders' perceptions that further shaped the advice to girls to enroll in high school science courses. The study provided information that clarified how middle school leaders can maintain the academic pathway for girls in science as well as recommendations for further study.
Show less
Date Issued: 2009
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/192985
Subject Headings: Science, Study and teaching (Secondary), Inquiry-based learning, Science, Study and teaching (Middle school), Curricula, Curriculum planning, Sex differences in education, Education, Aims and objectives
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A comparative analysis of teacher-authored websites in high school honors and advanced placement physics for web-design and NSES content and process standards.
Creator: Persin, Ronald C., College of Education, Department of Teaching and Learning
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether statistically significant differences existed between high school Honors Physics websites and those of Advanced Placement (AP) Physics in terms of web-design, National Science Education Standards (NSES) Physics content, and NSES Science Process standards. The procedure began with the selection of 152 sites comprising two groups with equal sample sizes of 76 for Honors Physics and for Advanced Placement Physics. The websites used in the...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to investigate whether statistically significant differences existed between high school Honors Physics websites and those of Advanced Placement (AP) Physics in terms of web-design, National Science Education Standards (NSES) Physics content, and NSES Science Process standards. The procedure began with the selection of 152 sites comprising two groups with equal sample sizes of 76 for Honors Physics and for Advanced Placement Physics. The websites used in the study were accumulated using the Google[TM] search engine. To find Honors Physics websites, the search words "honors physics high school" were entered as the query into the search engine. To find sites for Advanced Placement Physics, the query, "advanced placement physics high school," was entered into the search engine. The evaluation of each website was performed using an instrument developed by the researcher based on three attributes: Web-design, NSES Physics content, and NSES Science Process standards. A "1" was scored if the website was found to have each attribute, otherwise a "0" was given. This process continued until all 76 websites were evaluated for each of the two types of physics websites, Honors and Advanced Placement. Subsequently the data were processed using Excel functions and the SPSS statistical software program. The mean and standard deviation were computed individually for the three attributes under consideration. Three, 2-tailed, independent samples t tests were performed to compare the two groups of physics websites separately on the basis of Web Design, Physics Content, and Science Process. The results of the study indicated that there was only one statistically significant difference between high school Honors Physics websites and those of AP Physics., The only difference detected was in terms of National Science Education Standards Physics content. It was found that Advanced Placement Physics websites contained more NSES physics content than Honors Physics websites. There was no significant difference found between the two types of high school physics websites in regards to web-design, and NSES science process standards. It is hoped that the results of this study may serve as a guide for researchers to explore the role of Web-Assisted Instruction (WAI) as an enhancement to traditional instruction in physics. With the first generation to grow up in the digital age now in high school, WAI may prove to be useful as method to improve critical thinking skills and provide opportunities for inquiry beyond the classroom.
Show less
Date Issued: 2009
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/192988
Subject Headings: Science, Study and teaching (Secondary), Standards, Internet in education, Standards, Web sites, Design and construction, Standards, Technical education
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A ten year study of predictors of student success on the Advanced Placement Computer Science examination.
Creator: Cornnell, Walter A., Florida Atlantic University, Morris, John D., Weppner, Daniel B.
Abstract/Description: This study examined a model to predict success on the Advanced Placement Computer Science (APCS) examination. The sample included all students (N = 423) who participated in the APCS program in the Palm Beach County Public School System from 1985 to 1994. Predictor variables consisted of the number of courses taken in specific content areas at the secondary level, semester grades in the APCS course, grade point average, and gender. Multiple regression analysis indicated the significance of...
Show moreThis study examined a model to predict success on the Advanced Placement Computer Science (APCS) examination. The sample included all students (N = 423) who participated in the APCS program in the Palm Beach County Public School System from 1985 to 1994. Predictor variables consisted of the number of courses taken in specific content areas at the secondary level, semester grades in the APCS course, grade point average, and gender. Multiple regression analysis indicated the significance of these variables in predicting the score on the APCS examination (F (12,280) = 5.848, p $<$.001). Further discriminant analysis identified the most accurate subset of predictors. All students were divided into two groups based on their scores on the APCS examination (pass/fail). The variables that occurred most frequently in the best subsets included the number of semesters taken in advanced mathematics; overall high school grade point average; gender; the grades achieved in both first and second semester in Advanced Placement Computer Science; and the semesters in computers. A model based on these six predictors had the highest (p $<$.01) predictive accuracy of all models studied (67.6% hit rate). Additional study of other independent variables that contribute to success on the APCS examination is needed.
Show less
Date Issued: 1995
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12427
Subject Headings: Advanced placement programs (Education), Prediction of scholastic success, Education--Data processing
Format: Document (PDF)

Study and teaching (Secondary) (5)	+ -
Science (4)	+ -
Internet in education (3)	+ -
Science--Study and teaching (Secondary) (3)	+ -
Education (2)	+ -

Standards (2)	+ -
Web sites (2)	+ -
Academic achievement--Evaluation (1)	+ -
Advanced placement programs (Education) (1)	+ -
Aids and devices (1)	+ -
Aims and objectives (1)	+ -
Computer-assisted instruction (1)	+ -
Constructivism (Education) (1)	+ -
Curricula (1)	+ -
Curriculum planning (1)	+ -
Design and construction (1)	+ -
Distance education (1)	+ -
Education--Data processing (1)	+ -
Effect of technological innovations on (1)	+ -
Evaluation (1)	+ -
High school students--United States (1)	+ -
Information resources (1)	+ -
Inquiry-based learning (1)	+ -
Methodology (1)	+ -
Motivation in education (1)	+ -
Prediction of scholastic success (1)	+ -
Science--Scholarships, fellowships, etc (1)	+ -
Sex differences in education (1)	+ -
Social aspects (1)	+ -
Social sciences (1)	+ -

United States (3)	+ -
Computer science--Study and teaching (Secondary)--Florida--Palm Beach County (1)	+ -

College of Education (5)	+ -
Florida Atlantic University (5)	+ -
Morris, John D. (3)	+ -
Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology (2)	+ -
Department of Teaching and Learning (2)	+ -

Weppner, Daniel B. (2)	+ -
Alper, Seth. (1)	+ -
Cornnell, Walter A. (1)	+ -
Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry (1)	+ -
Gillette, Tammy J. (1)	+ -
Gray, Mary B. (1)	+ -
Herbst, Paula Schweitzer. (1)	+ -
Kijanka, Lori. (1)	+ -
McDonald, Jack (1)	+ -
Persin, Ronald C. (1)	+ -
STULL, DONNA JEAN. (1)	+ -
Stewart, Joy E. (1)	+ -
TALBERT, MELVIN (1)	+ -

Search In

Sort Results By:

Narrow results by:

Collection

Topical Subject

Geographic Subject

Genre

Type of Resource

Language

Creator

Format

Owner