Assessment of Communication Competencies in Engineering Design Projects

Reforms in engineering education have caused a shift from the traditional stand-alone course in technical communication for Engineering students towards communication training integrated in courses and design projects that allows students to develop four layers of competence. This shift creates opportunities for realistic and situated learning, but offers challenges for assessment of communication competence at student, course and program levels. On the basis of a detailed definition of communicative competence, three formats for integrated communication training are described: Linked to design projects, integrated in design projects and integrated at program level. Assessment of communication competence in these formats is constrained by their characteristics with regard to student motivation, individual and group work, and situated learning.     

汉英口译在大学英语教学中的应用

介绍在大学英语教学中以汉英口译为教学手段以提升英语能力的汉英口译训练模式。这种语言输出活动以精读教材和文化与交际知识为源语内容、集知识和技能的掌握为一体，学生同时进行汉英口译，并有电子文本给出词语核对提示，使学生在口译过程中自主纠错提高。该模式以课文和词语应用为主，有利学生扩充积极词汇，提高口语能力；且系基于自主学习的设计，故有较高的学习效率。     

An instructional design framework for authentic learning environments

The instructional technology community is in the midst of a philosophical shift from a behaviorist to a constructivist framework, a move that may begin to address the growing rift between formal school learning and real-life learning. One theory of learning that has the capacity to promote authentic learning is that of situated learning. The purpose of this three-part study was first, to identify critical characteristics of a situated learning environment from the extensive literature base on the subject; second, to operationalize the critical characteristics of a situated learning environment by designing a multimedia program that incorporated the identified characteristics; and third, to investigate students' perceptions of their experiences using a multimedia package based on a situated learning framework. The learning environment, for preservice teachers, comprised a multimedia program on assessment in mathematics together with recommended implementation conditions for the classroom. Eight students were observed and interviewed to explore their perceptions of the situated learning environment. Findings suggest that the use of the situated learning framework provided effective instructional design guidelines for the design of an environment for the acquisition of advanced knowledge. Since 1992, as a Senior Instructional Designer, she has worked principally in multimedia and Web-based projects. He has been teaching with, and researching innovative uses of, instructional technologies in secondary schools and universities for the past 20 years. The authors would like to thank Professor Tom Reeves for his encouragement and support, and to acknowledge the significant role he has played in the development of our ideas and research direction.     

任务驱动模式在“环境微生物技术”教学中的应用

任务驱动模式是高职教学正在推广的一种实用模式,应用该模式教学可以达到"做、学、教"一体化,理论教学和技能训练密切联系的教学效果,提高学生的职业应用能力。在"环境微生物技术"教学中引入任务驱动模式,首先从课程培养的能力目标着手,设计整体"任务驱动"项目方案;然后,分析和拟定每个项目所需的系列任务;最后,以其中一个项目的任务驱动实施案例阐明如何应用任务驱动达到教学目的。通过实践肯定了该模式对职业应用能力培养的有效性,也指出了进一步改进的方向。     

程序设计课程短学期教学实践探究

为加强新时代高等教育人才培养质量与行业人才需求发展深度融合,以C程序设计课程为例进行短学期教学实践,通过学生完成语法验证、系统大作业、参加学科竞赛检验学习效果等,分析短学期赋予程序设计课程实践操作的意义和提升人才培养质量的内涵。短学期在保障程序设计课程实践操作环节师生间无障碍连续沟通和高效互动的同时,指导学生积极思考、努力探索和解决新问题,为培养学生综合能力起到了良好作用。研究表明,短学期实践对提高学生综合素养和人才培养质量,以及促进高等院校与行业融合发展起到了积极作用。     

重新审视和设计中国高校会计第一门课

本文在系统考察美国高校会计第一门课实践和研究状况的基础上,采用问卷调查研究方法就中国高校会计第一门课的现状进行描述和评价,发现:(1)中国高校会计第一门课的课程内容仍以财务会计为主,具有财务会计入门课的性质;(2)能力培养受到重视,且教学方式多样化,但学生交流能力(特别是口头表达和书面写作能力)仍待提高;(3)会计第一门课的重要性尚未引起广泛关注。最后本文设计出一套可操作的会计第一门课课程方案。     

CDIO理念下的大学计算机基础课程教学模式探索

作为一种新的教育理念和人才培养模式,CDIO倡导＂做中学＂和＂基于项目教育和学习＂的新型教育模式,对提高学生的项目组织、设计、开发和实施能力及沟通能力大有裨益。以大学计算机基础课程为例,将CDIO教育理念的四个过程融入到教学过程中,进行了基于项目的课程教学设计,运用CDIO理念进行课程评估,实现了＂做中学＂的教学改革。     

School Smarts: A Reflection of Pedagogical and Personal Insights

Recent studies show that many college instructors still believe that Latino students lack the “school smarts” for academic success. This essay challenges the notion of school smarts in order to highlight Latino students’ numerous strengths. I share my model for a mentorship program that facilitates better student–faculty communication and deepens a student-centered learning environment in a large general education course. Establishing the program led me to reflect on how the enduring belief in school smarts affected my own academic training. Directly challenging deficit thinking, I argue that Latino students contribute to a transformative educational process in which faculty are also learners.     

Counseling Students’ Experiences in an Islamic-Based Counseling Course

The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of learning and consequent development of twelve students enrolled in a four-year undergraduate counselling program at a higher institution of learning in Malaysia. The students’ ages ranged from 20 to 24 years. Participants outlined their learning experiences after taking a three-credit semester-long course on Islamic-based counseling, which was an attempt at integrating religion and spirituality into counselor training. An experiential learning theory served as the framework of reference, and a qualitative research design was adopted. Results revealed four major themes: (1) increased understanding of counseling, (2) better understanding in regard to the self and relationship with God, (3) applicability to daily practice, and (4) enhancing professional competence as a counselor. Finally, implications for research, counselor education and training, and clinical practice are discussed.     

Disaggregating assessment to close the loop and improve student learning

This study examined student learning outcomes for accelerated degree students as compared to conventional undergraduate students, disaggregated by class levels, to develop strategies for then closing the loop with assessment. Using the National Survey of Student Engagement, critical thinking and oral and written communication outcomes were examined. Within- and between-group learning outcome differences with freshmen and seniors in both instructional formats were tested to determine if instructional goals were met and student learning transpired. A quantitative, single case analysis method was used to determine significance with the items relating to these outcomes. Results indicated that seniors in both instructional formats typically reported greater engagement scores than freshmen, and that accelerated students tended to report more engagement than their conventional counterparts. These findings were most robust for the critical thinking outcome. Ramifications for student learning and relevant instructional formats are then explored, so as to close the loop with assessment.     

Comparing Student Evaluations of Distance Learning and Standard Classroom Courses in Graduate Social Work Education

Abstract

This study compared the student course evaluations of standard education and distance learning courses in the school of social work of one southern university. The sample included 14 distance learning (DL) and 122 standard education courses. A 20-item quantitative student course evaluation and a 7-item qualitative questionnaire were used to compare differences between social work courses taught in a standard classroom setting with those taught using distance learning technology. Comparisons of identical courses taught in both formats found that students rated distance learning higher than the standard classroom for a course having predominantly lecture content. Conversely, ratings for clinical practice courses were just the opposite with lower ratings for distance learning than the standard classroom. Results of a qualitative survey (n = 39) of students conducted at the end of a course taught by distance learning found that 73% of the students felt that distance learning technology interfered with class participation. However, 73% of the students felt the instructor handled technological problems in a professional and patient manner. Although 54% of the students reported that they would take another course by distance learning, more research is needed to determine what social work courses can be most effectively taught by distance and classroom formats.     

Understanding the Theoretical Framework of Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge: A collaborative self-study to understand teaching practice and aspects of knowledge

This paper describes a self-study research project that focused on our experiences when planning, teaching, and evaluating a course in initial teacher education. The theoretical framework of technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) was used as a conceptual structure for the self-study. Our understanding of the framework in relation to our teaching practice was in focus. The principal educational goal of the course was to develop the pedagogical use of web 2.0 resources to support learning in the preschool/school context. As a result, the focus, content, form of distribution, teaching, and assessment of the course went beyond what is common in initial teacher training in Sweden. The potential of the different digital tools was explored by situated use in the design and teaching of the course. Analysis highlights the challenges and opportunities that teacher educators and student teachers may encounter while working with, and learning about, information and communication technologies to support learning. Some of the findings discussed are related to the identified challenges and opportunities for both teachers and students to integrate content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, and technological knowledge into a TPACK. Taken-for-granted organizational and institutional assumptions about teaching, learning, and assessment in teacher education were identified in the study.     

数据库应用程序开发课程教学模式探索

针对高职院校程序设计课程存在教学内容和教学方式陈旧、实践时间严重不足、学生没有学习兴趣等问题,在分析《数据库应用程序开发》课程培养目标和课程特点的基础上,对企业真实项目"移动手机管理系统"进行合理改造,把该项目应用到《数据库应用程序开发》课程的教学上,并在教学过程中实行"模块引导、层层递进"教学模式。使学生熟悉软件项目团队协作开发方式,逐步适应软件企业开发环境和开发方法,使学生能真正开发企业项目。     

Do personality and learning climate predict competence for learning? An investigation in a Greek academic setting

The effects of personal characteristics (e.g. personality, aptitude, gender) on student performance, such as Grade Point Average (GPA) and course grades, have been systematically researched, with the emphasis being mainly on outcomes rather than the processes leading to them. The purpose of this paper is to shift the focus to students' perceived competence for learning and examine how this is affected by personality characteristics and learning climate. Data were collected from students enrolled in an elective economics course at a Greek public university. Results indicated that all Big Five traits, except emotional stability, and learning climate were significantly related to students' perceived learning competence. Finally, only conscientiousness interacted with learning climate to predict learning motivation. Limitations and future research initiatives are discussed in light of these findings.     

关于“综合团队训练”提升大学生职业能力的研究

本研究以同专业同年级的其他217名学生为参照,针对60名大一学生实施为期一年的“综合团队训练”方案。通过方案实施前后学生们在（EUREKA技能问卷》的测评结果,验证“综合团队训练”在提高大学生职业能力方面的作用。结果显示,参训学生在自我管理、处理细节的能力、沟通技能、人际交往技能、领导技能等方面明显提高。所以,“综合团队训练”能显著提高大学生的职业能力,具有推广价值。     

Expanding Learning Opportunities for High School Students With Distance Learning

The purpose of the Synchronous Interactive Video Conference Distance Learning pilot program was to use emerging technologies to expand learning opportunities for students at an urban public high school. Through grant funding, students were able to enroll in Advanced Placement and foreign language courses through an online learning provider. Using case study methodology, the pilot program was thoroughly examined through the analysis of multiple sources of data such as surveys of multiple stakeholders, interviews of program administrators, and the examination of student course documentation. The attrition rate was high at 61.9%. The combination of insufficient time for planning and preparation, lack of support for students, and poor communication was detrimental to the program.     

Applying the scholarship of teaching and learning: student perceptions,behaviours and success online and face-to-face

This study compares student perceptions, learning behaviours and success in online and face-to-face versions of a Principles of Microeconomics course. It follows a Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) approach by using a cycle of empirical analysis, reflection and action to improve the learning experience for students. The online course design involves 58 interactive narrated online modules, interactive online quizzes and biweekly online meetings with the instructor via video and voice-over-IP technology. Findings indicate that schedule flexibility motivates students to choose the online course format. Students in both learning environments felt they had high-quality communication with the instructor, while online students indicated limited peer-to-peer communication. Online students report studying more at home than face-to-face students, but not enough to compensate for the time face-to-face students spend in class. Reflecting on the findings, the authors suggest actions to improve the online course experience.     

The challenge of assessing professional competence in work integrated learning

A fundamental aspect of work integrated learning (WIL) is the development of professional competence, the ability of students to perform in the workplace. Alignment theory therefore suggests that the assessment of WIL should include an assessment of students’ demonstration of professional competence in the workplace. The assessment of professional competence in WIL is, however, problematic. It may be impractical for the academic supervisor to directly assess professional competence if there are a large number of students in external placements. If evidence of professional competence is provided by the student, the student’s ability to articulate his or her own capabilities will interfere with the validity of the assessment. If evidence of professional competency is provided by the supervisor then the assessment is heavily dependent on the individual supervisor and may be unreliable. This paper will examine the literature relating to the assessment of professional competence in WIL. The paper will be informed by the author’s experience in coordinating a WIL subject in an undergraduate law course. It will recommend that a mix of evidence provided by the student, the workplace supervisor and the academic supervisor should be used to assess professional competence in WIL.