Class Size and Teacher Quality

The `Vinson Report' on Public Education in NSW has become received wisdom. The report's recommendation on class sizes has attracted more attention than any other. This is unfortunate because it is on this issue that the Report is weakest. A thorough appraisal of the research on class sizes reveals that many studies have methodological problems that make their application in a real world context doubtful; many studies have introduced other reforms such as curriculum changes at the same time as class size reduction, making their individual effects impossible to determine; the large majority of studies have found no significant effects of class size on student achievement, while the remainder have shown small benefits, usually only when classes have less than 20 students; class size has less effect when teachers are competent; and the single most important influence on student achievement is teacher quality. Research shows unequivocally that it is far more valuable, both in educational and fiscal terms, to have good teachers than lots of teachers. It must be ensured that the current and incoming teaching force is the best it can be, before seeking to expand it.Key Words: child development, class size, public education, student achievement, teacher quality, teaching methods     

How class size reduction mediates secondary students’ learning: hearing the pupil voice

This paper discusses the question of why and how class size can make a difference to teaching and learning from the students?? perspective. Secondary school contexts and, in particular, the students?? own voice on the issue of class size represent an under-researched area for class size studies. This paper draws on data from three case studies that examined secondary school English classes in Hong Kong (one large and one reduced-size class in each case). Both classes were of the same grade and taught by the same teacher. This paper positions the case studies within a broader context that focuses on class size and the processes that appear to be mediated by class size reduction. It also draws on interview data and findings from classroom observations. Notably, these data all suggest that students perceive smaller classes as being able to foster a greater sense of belonging and cohesion in their classroom, closer relations with teachers and enhanced participation levels in classroom activities. Crucially, findings also suggest that smaller classes can help to overcome some key cultural obstacles to learning such as language learning anxiety and the issue of ??face??. Some implications for teachers, trainers and researchers are also presented.     

PBL 在高职院校医药商品学教学中运用效果的实证分析

从同年级、同专业的5个班中随机抽取3个班作为PBL教学法实验组,另2个班作为传统教学的对照组,由同一教师按照不同方法讲授相同的教学内容,并进行随堂测试,结果发现：PBL教学组优于传统教学组;且在PBL教学组间比较时,活跃团队的整体成绩得到大幅提升,明显优于表现普通的团队。研究表明,PBL教学能有效提高学生的学习兴趣和学习效果。     

Interplay of formative assessment and instructional quality—interactive effects on students’ mathematics achievement

Formative assessment is considered to be a promising teaching practice for promoting teaching and learning processes. The implementation of teaching practices into instruction involves intervening with a learning environment that is characterised by certain features of instructional quality. Our study aims to contribute to the understanding of formative assessment by analysing the interplay between a formative assessment intervention and aspects of general instructional quality. In a quasi-experimental study design, 15 teachers participated in a control group (n = 361 students) and 20 teachers in the intervention classes (n = 498 students) implemented a curriculum-embedded formative assessment tool in their ninth-grade mathematics classes. No effects were found for the intervention on the assessed aspects of general instructional quality (process-oriented instruction, teacher–student relationship, effective use of instructional time). However, multilevel regression analyses revealed an interaction effect between the intervention and process-orientation and the effective use of instruction time. Our findings suggest that implementing formative assessment tools do not seem to suffice regarding changes in general instructional quality, but that an intervention with detailed material and guidelines can counterbalance effects of instructional quality, fostering students’ achievement in classes with lower degrees of process orientation and a less effective use of instructional time.     

One and One is Sometimes Three in Small Group Mathematics Learning

In recent years, Mathematics teaching has been confronted by demands for higher standards and better pupil achievement in several parts of the world. Researchers have suggested the shift from teacher‐centred instruction towards more active participatory learning methods as one way to improve the quality of the teaching and learning process. The tension between whole‐class teaching versus small group learning in Mathematics has been particularly apparent in many education systems. This article analyses the development of Mathematics teaching by asking whether small group learning is an effective arrangement in teaching school Mathematics. We conclude that although there is no unanimity about the affects of small group learning on student achievement in school Mathematics, it seems that it produces at least equal academic outcomes among all students compared to more traditional methods of instruction. Working in pairs is a particularly effective form of learning Mathematics and that small groups are beneficial for developing mathematical problem‐solving skills. We also conclude that the present educational policies and increased quality assurance structures in many countries conflict, or are not consistent with scientific‐professional thinking and research on the teaching of Mathematics.     

Improving primary students’ collaborative problem solving competency in project-based science learning with productive failure instructional design in a seamless learning environment

The paper reports on an empirical study adopting a mixed research method, aiming at improving primary students’ collaborative problem solving competency in project-based learning with productive failure (PF) instructional design in a seamless learning environment. Two Grade Six classes participated in a project-based learning of “Plant Adaptations”. In Class 1 with 27 students, the project-based learning was conducted with PF instructional design; in Class 2 with 26 students, the project-based learning was conducted without PF instructional design. The learning activities spanned across farm, class, home and online spaces supported by mobile devices. Data collection includes various students’ created artifacts in groups in the inquiry process, student reflections, student focus group interviews and pre- and post-domain tests. Both qualitative and quantitative data analysis methods were employed. The research findings show that compared to Class 2, the students in Class 1 gained deeper understanding of conceptual knowledge and produced better group artifacts in collaborative problem-solving quality than those in Class 2; and the students in Class 1 were more positive in facing the challenges in their project-based learning process, and developed a sense of ownership of their learning. The findings imply that PF instructional design is conducive to developing primary students’ collaborative solving competency in science learning in a seamless learning environment.     

学生评教中班级人数和年级差异的影响探析

学生直接参与教学质量评估可以最直观地体现高等教育机构的人才培养效果,对提高教学质量有着十分重要的作用。针对影响学生评教结果客观性的若干因素,通过大量统计数据定量地分析了班级人数和年级差异对教学质量评估的影响。研究结果表明,对于新生,适宜采用人数小于20人的小班授课模式,而21～75人的中班授课模式将给高年级学生带来最佳的教学效果。     

加强学习方法指导 提高学生自学能力

英语教学应突破传统教学中以教师为主体的模式，突出学生在教学中的主体作用。因此，指导学生掌握科学有效的学习方法就显得极其重要。教师可以从课前预习方法。上课听课方法、课后复习方法和课外学习方法四个方面进行指导。在整个指导过程中，需注重培养、激发学生的学习主动性，以从根本上培养学生的自学能力，提高学生的综合素质。     

提高五年制师范生素质的几点思考

主要考虑目前五年制师范生生源素质的现状,并结合自身多年来从事班主任管理的工作经验,制定一系列班级和学生的管理措施,从而确保学生得到更好、更大的发展。     

合作学习在高职英语教学中的必要性探析

传统的教学模式一直占据着高职英语的主导地位,课堂教学以教师为中心,忽视学生个性、学习风格和学习策略潜能的发挥,重应试教育、轻素质培养,使学生厌倦英语学习。为了解决这些问题,调动同学们的学习积极性,要采用不同的教学方法去激发学生的英语学习兴趣。合作学习是在英语教学中组织学生进行小组学习活动,以学生为主体,教师变导师,引导同学们以小组的形式努力完成教师所布置的任务。实践表明,合作学习使学生的英语听说能力、实践能力、交流合作能力都有明显提高。     

探索激发研究生自主学习英语的选修课新模式

研究生教育的深入改革要求英语教学与时俱进。在教学中激发学生自主学习的潜能对研究生来说意义尤为重大。用专题讨论会的形式激发学习自主性的教学实践经实践证明是一个深受学生欢迎,效果显著的教学方法。调查结果显示当前学生有强烈的提高口语能力的要求,希望教师能够提供练习机会。在新模式中,教师的作用由教授知识转变为创造氛围,鼓励引导,在学生需要时提供帮助。     

如何激发学生学习音乐的兴趣

爱因斯坦说过"兴趣是最好的老师",人的兴趣和情绪能够影响人的认知活动和学习的主动性,当情绪越高涨,兴趣越浓厚时获得的教学效果就会越丰富。因此,激发学生的学习兴趣,是现代教学的必要手段和有效的教学方法。对于音乐教学而言,采取有效措施激发学生对音乐的兴趣,对更好地培养学生的音乐素质,健全学生的审美心理,完善音乐课堂教学都具有重要意义。     

Relations between teachers' approaches to teaching and students' approaches to learning

This paper reports on an empirical study which shows that qualitatively different approaches to teaching are associated with qualitatively different approaches to learning. More specifically, the results indicate that in the classes where teachers describe their approach to teaching as having a focus on what they do and on transmitting knowledge, students are more likely to report that they adopt a surface approach to the learning of that subject. Conversely, but less strongly, in the classes where students report adopting significantly deeper approaches to learning, teaching staff report adopting approaches to teaching that are more oriented towards students and to changing the students conceptions. The study made use of a teaching approach inventory derived from interviews with academic staff, and a modified approach to learning questionnaire. These conclusions are derived from a factor and cluster analysis of 48 classes (involving 46 science teachers and 3956 science students) in Australian universities. The results complete a chain of relations from teacher thinking to the outcomes of student learning. Previous studies have shown relations between teachers' conceptions of teaching and learning and their approaches to teaching. Numerous studies have shown correlations between students' deeper approaches to learning and higher quality learning outcomes. The results reported here link these two sets of studies. They also highlight the importance, in attempts to improve the quality of student learning, of discouraging teacher-focused transmission teaching and encouraging higher quality, conceptual change/student-focused approaches to teaching.     

Classroom composition and peer effects

This chapter examines the extent to which the composition of classes affects learning outcomes. The aim is to explore peer effects when students are organized into classes on the basis of ability, ethnicity, or gender, as well as the effects of multigrade and multi-age classes and class size. The argument is defended that these composition factors affect only the probability that differential instruction and learning occur and that, at best, their influences are indirect. Teachers appear not to change their teaching activities when class composition is changed and most often the power of peer effects is rarely realized. Any direct effects of class composition are less related to learning outcomes and more related to equity and expectation effects by teachers and other participants (students, parents, and principals). Whether a school tracks by ability or not, reduces class sizes, implements multigrade/multi-age or single-level classes, or has coeducational or single-sex classes, appears less consequential than whether it attends to the nature and quality of instruction in the classroom, whatever the between-class variability in achievement. The learning environments within the classroom, and the mechanisms and processes of learning that they foster, are by far the more powerful. Good teaching can occur independently of the class configuration or homogeneity of the students within the class.     

INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES AND GROUP WORK IN THE US INCLUSIVE HIGH SCHOOL CO-TAUGHT SCIENCE CLASS

In the US, there is a significant number of learning-disabled high school students included in regular science classrooms. It has been argued that students with learning disabilities can succeed in science if they receive the kind of instruction they need. To facilitate such instruction, the special education teacher is often incorporated into the class along with the learning disabled students. We observed 53 high school science lessons from ten pairs of science and special-education teachers who were responsible for delivering instruction to groups of students, some of whom were learning-disabled. We analyzed narrative notes collected in these lessons reflecting the kinds of classroom activities, organization of work, and teachers’ roles. In addition, we interviewed the teachers individually to gain a better understanding of these inclusive classes. The underlying question of this research was whether inclusive classes with two teachers delivered the type of science education that is better than solo-teaching in addressing the needs of learning-disabled students. Our evidence indicates that even with a special-education teacher present in the class, learning-disabled students usually did not receive a science education that met their needs. We elaborate on the reasons for this problem and make suggestions for improvement.     

Teachers developing assessment for learning: impact on student achievement

While it is generally acknowledged that increased use of formative assessment (or assessment for learning) leads to higher quality learning, it is often claimed that the pressure in schools to improve the results achieved by students in externally‐set tests and examinations precludes its use. This paper reports on the achievement of secondary school students who worked in classrooms where teachers made time to develop formative assessment strategies. A total of 24 teachers (2 science and 2 mathematics teachers, in each of six schools in two LEAs) were supported over a six‐month period in exploring and planning their approach to formative assessment, and then, beginning in September 1999, the teachers put these plans into action with selected classes. In order to compute effect sizes, a measure of prior attainment and at least one comparison group was established for each class (typically either an equivalent class taught in the previous year by the same teacher, or a parallel class taught by another teacher). The mean effect size in favour of the intervention was 0.32.     

班额对教学质量影响的探究——以成都大学环境工程专业为例

班额是指具体教学班的学生人数,其大小直接影响到教师“教”和学生“学”的环境,影响教学质量.近年来,中国高校扩招,大班额教学已成为各高校普遍采用的教学形式.文章以成都大学环境工程专业学生为研究对象,对已毕业年级的毕业率、学士学位授位率、各类等级考试的过级率及同一位教师任教专业课成绩进行数据统计分析,探讨环境工程专业专业课班额大小对教学质量的影响,以期为该专业课的教学安排与教师实施教学提供一些参考.     

Adaptive and motivated: Psychological qualities of college students in teacher education programs in Taiwan

Teacher quality has been a perennial issue in the field of education. In addition to academic ability, psychological and motivational characteristics are regarded as increasingly important dimensions of teacher quality. This study has established a multidimensional framework of teacher quality including social competency, adaptive ability and career commitment and used it to examine the qualities of pre‐service college students in teacher education programs based on a national survey in Taiwan. It is found that in this country where ‘those who are academically able, teach’ has been a tradition, pre‐service students further possess better adaptive and motivational qualities than their non‐teaching counterparts. The underlying policy and socio‐cultural contexts of such a positive phenomenon of ‘those who are adaptive and motivated, teach’ are further explained and implications for teacher educators and policy makers are discussed.     

Learning Study: nurturing the instructional design and teaching competency of pre-service teachers

This paper presents an evaluation study of an innovative and theory-based initial teacher education course entitled Learning Study, the aim of which is to develop the instructional design and teaching competency of pre-service teachers in Hong Kong. The Learning Study course is offered to all second year students as part of the Bachelor of Education programme of the biggest teacher education institute in Hong Kong. The course comprises a series of theory-based tutorials, supportive consultation meetings, and a research lesson practicum. To assess the effectiveness of the course, a framework of representation, decomposition, and approximation of practices was adopted to describe and analyse the teaching of practice. A total of 341 pre-service teachers participated in a quasi-experimental design questionnaire survey. A structural equation model was applied to explore the relationship between the activities of their learning process and their learning outcomes. Theory-based tutorials, consultative support, and research practicums are confirmed to be the predictors of learning outcomes which include instructional design skills, teaching competency, and clinical experience. This paper proposes Learning Study as a model to help pre-service teachers develop their instructional design skills and teaching competency.