Case study of an innovation requiring teachers to change roles

An exploratory study which focused on teachers responses to the demand for role change brought about by the implementation of a new course is reported. Two procedures used to gather data were participant observation and open-ended interviews. Role theory, symbolic interaction, and schools as organizations were used as the frameworks for data analysis in this discursive qualitative study. The data reported describe the teachers' perceptions of factors influencing their willingness to change behaviors in order to comply with the role demands of the innovation. Hypotheses grounded in the data were generated and tied together into a theory which is illustrated by a structural model. The model shows interrelationships of factors influencing the teachers to change roles at the time of initiation of the new course through the ultimate incorporation of the innovation.     

The audio transformer as a selective amplifier

A selective amplifier is developed which is simple, and more flexible than other types. It utilizes an audio transformer with a variable series resistance in the primary circuit, and a variable secondary load capacitance both of which may be adjusted to give broad or narrow peaked amplification at any frequency within a wide range, or flat amplification throughout this range. Theoretical and experimental amplification curves are shown, and a transient solution gives the primary and secondary currents resulting when a voltage is suddenly applied to the amplifier. This analysis shows that the time constants for the circuit are comparable with those for other peaked amplifiers. Oscillograms are shown illustrating the transient behavior of the amplifier.     

Remarks on MOOCS and Mini-MOOCS

In an earlier issue of ETR&D, the editors provided an hierarchical framework of components to support learning and instruction. That hierarchy included information objects, knowledge objects, learning objects, instructional objects, courses, programs and ongoing efforts, with each subsequent component building on the former components. For example, a course is a structured collected of instructional objects, which in turn are structured collections of learning objects with learning activities, feedback, and assessments (both formative and summative). Based on that hierarchical perspective, most of the current massive open online courses (MOOCs) are not actually courses. This article proposes taking what is good about the MOOC concept and transforming it into something that could be considered a course—namely, a mini-MOOC.     

Intercultural communication problems as perceived by Saudi Arabian and American managers

Research on Saudi Arabian communication patterns is inadequate. The present study reviews the literature on Saudi Arabian cultural and communication patterns and reports the results of data collected in Saudi Arabia on the perceived problems of Saudi Arabian businessmen when communicating with Americans. While large differences exist in the perceptions of the communication problems, both the Saudi Arabians and the Americans targeted differences in the patterns for organizing ideas as a major intercultural problem. Implications for intercultural training are provided.