University science students' experiences of investigative project work and their images of science

In this paper we consider the ways in which students' activities during project work are influenced by their images of science, e.g. their views about the purposes of science, the nature of scientific knowledge and the role of social processes in scientific activity. We also investigate the kinds of project activities which promote the development of students' images of science. We draw on case studies of 11 science students' experiences of investigative project work in their final year at university. For one of these students naive views about the epistemology of science constrain her project activities. We suggest that the concept of 'epistemic demand' may help in anticipating difficulties that students might have during project work. We also find that students' images of science are developed as a result of messages communicated both implicitly and explicitly through project work.     

Transition of students with autistic spectrum disorders from primary to post‐primary school: a framework for success

The purpose of this research was to investigate best practice in relation to the planning, process and strategies that support the transition of students with ASD from primary to post‐primary school. A questionnaire survey was sent to graduates of a postgraduate Certificate/Diploma in SEN (ASD) in Ireland who were working in primary and post‐primary schools. Findings included strong oral communication between schools, transition programmes in many post‐primary schools, a variety of generic and ASD specific strategies in both primary and post‐primary schools and a large number of personnel involved in the transition process. Analysis of findings and current literature enabled the researchers to propose a framework that the Department of Education and Skills, support agencies and schools may use to examine practice in order to enhance the transition programmes based on students' needs, the profile of the school and its community.