Coping at University: an examination of achievement,motivation, self‐regulation,confidence, and method of entry

Undergraduate university students (n = 132) completed a questionnaire containing measures of psychological variables, verbal ability, an evaluation of their course of study, and demographic characteristics. We also had access to their academic results. We examined the relationships among these variables, especially the psychological variables, and compared them with those posited by recent theoretical work that makes connections among motivation, self‐regulation, and self‐efficacy. We then looked at which variables predicted academic achievement. The sample contained two sub‐samples: mature‐age students who had entered university via an enabling program; and younger students who entered university on the basis of high school results. With universities under severe financial pressure, university‐run enabling programs must demonstrate their effectiveness in terms of students’ successful progress in undergraduate degrees if they are to continue. We compared these two groups of students on the measures noted above.     

独立学院思想政治理论课实践教学状况调查报告——以南京理工大学紫金学院为例

为增强独立学院思想政治理论课实效性,江苏省大学生实践创新训练计划"创建独立学院思想政治理论课实践教学训练中心的规划与可行性分析"课题组对南京理工大学紫金学院500多名大学生进行抽样调查,了解大学生对思想政治理论课实践教学开展情况的反馈、实效评价、意见偏好等,为独立学院进一步深入开展思想政治理论课实践教学提供重要的参考。     

Changes in instructors' assessment thinking related to experimentation with new strategies

Formative assessment has been recognised as a critical element in teaching for conceptual development. A case study research design was employed to: (1) characterise the assessment thinking of three science instructors at a research‐based university; and (2) examine the complex relationship between instructor thinking and practice by encouraging experimentation with alternative assessment strategies. Interviews, reflective journals, field notes and course documents were the data sources used to create a single case study that documented the development of these university instructors’ assessment thinking during their experimentation with formative assessment strategies. Throughout two semesters of experimentation, the instructors’ assessment thinking became more sophisticated; they grew to view the purpose of assessment less as a summative activity used for the assignment of marks and more as a tool for diagnosing student learning. However, more sophisticated thinking was not associated with revisions in teaching practice based on formative assessment data. Further investigations are needed to more completely understand the nature of assessment thinking and how assessment thinking influences assessment practices. Implications for professional development of university‐level science instructors include personalised experiences through which instructors can become active participants in gathering evidence of student learning that promotes growth in assessment thinking.     

Design,implementation, and evaluation of an innovative anatomy course

Starting in 2004, a medical school gross anatomy course faced with a 30% cut in hours went through an extensive redesign, which transformed a traditional dissection course into a course with a clinical focus, learning societies, and extensive on‐line learning support. Built into the redesign process was an extensive and ongoing assessment process, which included student focus groups, faculty development, surveys, and examinations. These assessments were used formatively, to enhance the course from year to year, and summatively, to determine how well the course was meeting the new learning objectives. The assessments from focus groups and faculty development prompted changes in support structures provided to students and the training and preparation of faculty. Survey results showed that, after student satisfaction declined the first year, satisfaction increased steadily through the fourth iteration as the course gained acceptance by students and faculty alike. There was a corresponding increase in the performance of students on course examinations. An additional examination given to students one and a half and three years after their anatomy course ended demonstrated the redesigned course's long‐term effectiveness for retaining anatomical knowledge and applying it to clinical cases. Compared to students who took the original course, students who took the shorter, more clinical course performed as well, or better, on each section of the examination. We attribute these positive results to the innovative course design and to the changes made based on our formative assessment program. Anat Sci Educ, 2010. © 2010 American Association of Anatomists.     

依托网络平台《电工电子基础》形成性评价教学的探索与实施

随着我国教育体制多元化改革的不断推进,人才培养模式的进一步创新,课程形成性评价教学被越来越多的教育工作者重视并在教学活动中积极实践。文章在充分调研影响《电工电子基础》教学的多方面因素基础上,科学制定形成性教学评价体系,依托《电工电子基础》网络平台,在实际教学中有效实施形成性评价教学。通过对形成性评价教学前后相关数据分析,按照形成性评价体系实施教学,能够激发学生在教学过程中的参与性、主动性,切实提高学生学习兴趣,提高教学效果。     

The application of artificial intelligence principles to teaching and training*

This paper compares and contrasts the use of AI principles in industrial training with more normal computer‐based training (CBT) approaches. A number of applications of CBT are illustrated (for example simulations, tutorial presentations, fault diagnosis, management games, industrial relations exercises) and compared with an alternative approach using AI. An evaluation of the relative merits of the two approaches will be given. Existing CBT packages are used to illustrate the points raised and the emphasis of the arguments will be on the effectiveness of AI and CBT in terms of both cost and learning. The position of AI applications within CBT is discussed, as is the task of getting started in applying these techniques.     

Using combinations of video,audio and print to teach French at a distance: A case study of the formative evaluation cycle

The materials, procedures and findings of an evaluation of initial approaches to the use of audio visual media in a course teaching the French language to distance learners are reported as a case study of a formative evaluation. The study illustrates the design-research-revision stages of the formative evaluation cycle. Innovative features of the course were the pivotal role played by audiovisual (videocassette and audiocassette) media in providing resource material for teaching and learning, the use of short sequences for intensive study and the high degree of integration between the audiovisual media and the print. Key teaching design features of the draft audiovisual and print packages were identified and evaluated in terms of students’ reactions to them. Central issues of teaching design are discussed in relation to revisions made to the course materials in the light of the evaluation.     

Making formative assessment discernable to pre‐service teachers of science

The purpose of this pragmatic action research study was to explore our re‐conceptualization efforts in preparing pre‐service teachers to guide the inquiry process with formative assessment and subsequently use the understandings to improve our teacher preparation program. The process was guided by two questions: to what extent did course re‐conceptualization efforts lead to a more informed understanding of formative assessment by pre‐service teachers and did strategies enacted in the re‐conceptualized methods course foster or hinder pre‐service teachers' understanding of formative assessment? Data from this study support the following findings: (1) a substantial pre‐ to post‐methods course difference was realized in the pre‐service teachers' understanding of formative assessment; (2) explicit and contextualized approaches to formative assessment in the methods course led to increased understandings by pre‐service teachers; (3) an implicit approach led to improvements in course structure but did not foster pre‐service teachers' understanding of the reflexive nature of formative assessment; and (4) a field‐based case study on elementary science teaching both hindered and fostered our efforts with formative assessment. This study yields implications for pre‐service teacher education on formative assessment. To foster pre‐service teachers' knowledge and skills, we suggest explicit instruction on formative assessment combined with case studies, field experiences, and ongoing reflection. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 47: 402–421, 2010     

Designing and implementing peer formative feedback within online learning environments

With increasing need to achieve appropriate balance between learning support and self-regulation within the context of online learning, formative feedback has been identified as a viable means to achieve meaningful engagement. Specifically, this study sought to establish how peer–peer formative feedback was facilitated in an online course and to what extent this engaged students in meaningful learning experiences. This case study entailed an in-depth investigation into the design and implementation of an online course in a New Zealand university. The studied course was part of a postgraduate programme in continuing (in-service) teacher education. The study adopted a case study methodology with a bias on qualitative techniques. Online observations, analysis of the archived course discourse and interviews were utilised as sources of data. The data from multiple sources were subsequently triangulated to corroborate the evidence. The findings indicate that peer formative feedback promoted active learners’ participation and meaningful engagement. The findings further showed that opportunities for dialogic peer formative feedback promoted learning support and self-regulation.     

Formative Evaluation in Performance Technology

This article describes and discusses how systematic formative evaluation can be applied to different types of human performance technology (HPT) interventions. Formative evaluation is the process of determining the worth of a package in order to improve its cost–effectiveness. Inputs to formative evaluation include interventions, products, and people. Outputs include preference data (for example, user–friendliness) and performance data (immediate outcomes, transfer outcomes, and payoff outcomes). The general process for forma tive evaluation consists of the steps of goals specification, preparation, data collection, data analysis, revision, and recycling. Formative evaluation is usually undertaken in six stages to correspond to different phase of the systematic HP model. The most important aspect of formative evaluation is not the quantity of data but the quality of revisions.     

高职AutoCAD工程绘图课程形成性考核探索

AutoCAD工程绘图着力于学生应用计算机软件绘图能力的培养,是一门操作性与应用性比较强的课程。通过教学实践,对该课程的形成性考核方式进行了探索,结果表明,形成性考核方式能较好地适应本课程的特点,发挥了学业评价的导向作用,促进了教学目标的实现。     

Laboratory to Classroom: The Practical Application of IPR in a Master's Level Prepracticum Counselor Education Program

This controlled study analyzed the comparative effectiveness of two prepracticum methods on the subsequent interviewing skills of candidates for a master's degree in counseling. One method was based on a theory of counselor developmental tasks and was implemented by a specific use of the Interpersonal Process Recall (IPR) technique. The other, a more traditional prepracticum, consisted of an overview of counseling theories and practices and made extensive use of group discussion presentation and critiques of prerecorded audio- and videotapes. The results of the study indicate that it is possible to incorporate media techniques into a training model within the financial and time limitations of an ongoing master's level program. The IPR training procedures studied were run entirely by advanced graduate students, using one video-recording facility and no faculty time. The statistically significant results of the present study are especially meaningful because they replicate the positive findings of previous studies, and also because the results were obtained in an ongoing course offered by the university and not in a laboratory or special training setting.     

Evaluating Peer Review in an Introductory Instructional Design Course

A peer review process, in which students reviewed other students' projects in a graduate introductory instructional design course, was evaluated. Peer review was experienced by these students as a learning activity about the process of instructional design (ID). The role of traditional ID models in representing ID as overly procedural‐ized was mitigated, and the value, inter‐personal processes, and affective aspects of formative evaluation were recognized. The effectiveness of peer review was influenced by the culture of the course in which it was embedded and by the structure of the process itself. Peer review is proposed as an authentic and efficient means to introduce graduate students to the strategic knowledge needed to apply ID skills. Recommendations are made to increase the effectiveness of peer review.     

The Effect of Learner Variables Cognitive Style on Learning Performance in a Vocational Training Environment

Abstract Computer‐based Training (CBT) is frequently seen as a solution for companies seeking to increase effectiveness of vocational training programmes. In this study, 257 Train Operators from London Underground's Central Line viewed a short Computer‐based Training (CBT) module. They also sat a Cognitive Styles Analysis (CSA), which measures an individual's position on two cognitive dimensions: Verbal‐Imager and Wholist‐Analytic (Riding, 1991). Analysis was then conducted on the influence on learning performance of age, cognitive style and attitude to technology. Age was found to significantly influence performance on all post‐test measures. Imagers were found to perform better on post‐test measures involving naming or identifying location of equipment than Verbalisers or Bimodals. Distribution of cognitive styles were found to be skewed on both dimensions and the implications for both CBT instruction and broader corporate considerations are discussed.     

AN APPLICATION OF FORMATIVE RESEARCH IN PSYCHOLOGICAL EDUCATION

The purpose of this study was to design, implement, and evaluate an undergraduate peer‐helping program curriculum having as its primary objective the facilitation of cognitive/affective maturity. The study also sought to test the effectiveness and practicality of using formative research in designing and evaluating the peer‐helping program. The results of the study indicated that the final peer‐helping program, designed through the action/ reflection methodology of formative research, was able to facilitate increases in ego development as measured by the Loevinger Sentence Completion form. Implications are discussed.     

人文地理学野外实习教学改革实践与探讨

以商丘师范学院地理科学专业（师范类）人文地理学野外实习课程建设为例,阐述了人文地理学野外实习课程教学目标,提出了高等师范院校人文地理学野外实习教学设计方案,包括四大块,分别为指导思想、实习基地的选择与建立、实习内容、实习方法和实习评价等,并对野外实习课程的建设进行了综合评价;系统构建了高师人文地理野外实习课程教学的基本流程,为提高人文地理学野外实习教学质量提供参考.     

基于S1000D规范的民航机务CBT系统知识库设计与实现

民航机务计算机辅助训练系统(CBT)是对机务人员进行培训的新型训练方式,民航机务CBT系统知识库用来为CBT课件开发人员提供全面准确的素材和学习资源。采用S1000D规范对机务维修信息进行模块化存储,实现知识库知识共享和交换。基于本体论建立CBT系统知识库检索机制,实现知识库信息的智能检索。     

The difficult bridge between university and industry: a case study in computer science teaching

Recently, there has been increasing criticism concerning academic computer science education. This paper presents a new approach based on the principles of constructivist learning design as well as the ideas of knowledge transfer in communities of practice. The course ‘High‐tech Entrepreneurship and New Media’ was introduced as an interdisciplinary project management lab in which students collaborate in groups to develop software solutions for authentic problems. Main goals were the tighter integration of university and local start‐up companies, an intense knowledge transfer on software engineering methods, as well as the implementation of constructivist learning principles in academic teaching. This paper presents the background and structure of the course as well as the results of a formative evaluation. While being successful in introducing a course based on digital‐media assisted, constructivist learning arrangements, establishing lasting communities of practice between university and industry is still an open issue. After discussing several reasons, the paper concludes with a list of general recommendations on how to improve the approach and its implementation.     

临床病原生物学课程群形成性考核体系建设与研究

临床病原生物学课程群是培养医学检验技术专业学生的主干课程和专业必修课程.构建一套适应新形势下医学教育背景的临床病原生物学课程群形成性考核体系,是医学高等教育中人才培养重要的改革环节.整合线上评价体系,结合线下考核,建立完善的形成性考核体系,在教学过程中及时评价和反馈教学效果、督促学生调整学习方法、优化教师教学策略,为临...     

The effects of technology‐enhanced formative evaluation on student performance on state accountability math tests

Technology‐enhanced formative evaluation (TEFE) could enhance student achievement while diminishing the burden of formative evaluation for educators. The current study examined data from 360 randomly selected schools that either used a TEFE program for 1 year to 4 years 11 months, for 5 or more years, or not at all. Analyses of covariance found a significant and moderate to large (d = .51 and .78) effect on percentage of students who scored proficient on state accountability tests in math. Moreover, among schools that used TEFE, those with a non‐White student population of at least 50% scored in the proficient range on state math tests at a rate equal to that of those with at least 50% White students. A significant and moderate to large (d = .71) effect was found, however, between these two groups of schools among schools that did not use a TEFE program. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.