scholarly journals Analysis of Individual Test Of Astronomy STandards (TOAST) Item Responses

2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie J. Slater ◽  
Sharon Price Schleigh ◽  
Debra J. Stork
Keyword(s):  
Full Range ◽  
National Science Education Standards ◽  
Education Standards ◽  
Astronomy Education ◽  
Student Misconceptions ◽  
Education Community ◽  
Criterion Referenced Test ◽  
Item Responses ◽  
Criterion Referenced ◽  
Science Education Standards

<p>The development of valid and reliable strategies to efficiently determine the knowledge landscape of introductory astronomy college students is an effort of great interest to the astronomy education community. This study examines individual item response rates from a widely used conceptual understanding survey, the Test Of Astronomy Standards (TOAST). The TOAST, a 27-item, multiple-choice format, criterion-referenced test, addresses both the full range of topics commonly taught in a one- or two-semester undergraduate introductory astronomy survey courses, and concepts described in various national science education standards, frameworks, and reform documents. The present study involves an examination of responses by 1104 participants, allowing for a rigorous item-by-item and distractor-by-distractor analysis of students’ responses. The results suggest that each individual TOAST item is functioning appropriately across a broad range of students, and has sufficient sensitivity to identify notable student misconceptions. These results also provide an opportunity to identify target areas of opportunity for astronomy education researchers that remain largely unstudied.</p>

Using a Combined Approach of Guided Inquiry & Direct Instruction to Explore How Physiology Affects Behavior

2014 ◽  
Vol 76 (9) ◽  
pp. 595-600 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erika T. Machtinger
Keyword(s):  
Postsecondary Education ◽  
Direct Instruction ◽  
National Science Education Standards ◽  
Guided Inquiry ◽  
Education Standards ◽  
Inquiry Based Learning ◽  
Hands On ◽  
High School Classroom ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
Science Education Standards

Hands-on activities with live organisms allow students to actively explore scientific investigation. Here, I present activities that combine guided inquiry with direct instruction and relate how nutrition affects the physiology and behavior of the common housefly. These experiments encourage student involvement in the formulation of experimental design, promoting engagement in the learning process. These activities are suitable for both postsecondary education and high school classroom settings and highlight National Science Education Standards, particularly by promoting inquiry-based learning and communicating science explanations.

scholarly journals Exploring Ovulation & Pregnancy Using Over-the-Counter Products: A Novel Guided Inquiry

2012 ◽  
Vol 74 (9) ◽  
pp. 613-618
Author(s):  
Jennifer J. Venditti ◽  
Cynthia A. Surmacz
Keyword(s):  
High School Students ◽  
Hormonal Regulation ◽  
National Science Education Standards ◽  
Guided Inquiry ◽  
School Students ◽  
Education Standards ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Traditional Lecture ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Science Education Standards

In this guided inquiry, students explore the complex hormonal regulation of the female reproductive cycle using inexpensive ovulation and pregnancy detection kits that are readily available over the counter. This hands-on activity engages students in the practice of doing science as highlighted by the National Science Education Standards. The laboratory approach described is an effective alternative or complement to traditional lecture presentations of this challenging topic. The laboratory activities described are appropriate for both college and high school students, as reproductive physiology is covered in a wide variety of curricula.

Using Biological-Control Research in the Classroom to Promote Scientific Inquiry & Literacy

2012 ◽  
Vol 74 (7) ◽  
pp. 445-451 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew L. Richardson ◽  
Scott L. Richardson ◽  
David G. Hall
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Science Education ◽  
Scientific Literacy ◽  
National Science Education Standards ◽  
Biological Organization ◽  
Education Standards ◽  
Classroom Activities ◽  
Control Research ◽  
Subject Areas ◽  
Science Education Standards

Scientists researching biological control should engage in education because translating research programs into classroom activities is a pathway to increase scientific literacy among students. Classroom activities focused on biological control target all levels of biological organization and can be cross-disciplinary by drawing from subject areas such as ecology, molecular biology, physiology, and chemistry. We evaluate published “how-to” biological-control activities to determine whether they meet National Science Education Standards and use a constructivist pedagogical approach. We also provide an example classroom activity developed from our research that scientists can use as a template to develop their science-education activities.

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