Evaluating the effectiveness of interactive computer tutorials for an undergraduate mathematical literacy course

This article describes a study of learning when students used interactive spreadsheet‐based computer tutorials in a mathematical literacy course. It foregrounds theories relating to the role of computer technology (and specifically spreadsheets) as a mediator for learning of mathematics. It outlines the application of quantitative methods involving pre‐ and post‐testing of students, both in the computer laboratory and in the lecture sessions, and discusses factors constraining the experimental design and the usefulness of the results. There are indications that the data reveal real differences between the learning experiences in the lecture sessions and the computer laboratories. It appears that in some respects the computer tutorials were more effective in conveying the concepts than the lecture sessions were. A method of analysing and representing the data, that tracks the extent of learning of concepts through the pre‐ and post‐tests, was developed. It allows for the performance of sub‐groups of students to be examined separately. This analysis shows that simple definitions of disadvantage (such as having English as a second language) are inadequate to account for the poor performance of students in the lower quartile.     

应用型本科计算机专业课程考核方法的改革

从应用型本科院校学生的培养目标及特点出发,以常熟理工学院"网络互联技术"课程考核方法改革为例,在分析其目前教学考核方法的现状及存在问题的基础上,提出将期末结果性考核方法与多元化过程性考核方法相结合,充分发挥考核方法的激励、导向作用。教学实践结果表明,多元化过程性考核方法在课程教学中的应用,能充分调动学生学习的积极主动性,有效提高教学质量和增强教学效果。     

Science and technology management: Designing an undergraduate course

This research focusses on the role of science educators in preparing technically educated graduates for their careers. A comparison was made between the skills and abilities in science and technology students desired by industrial employers and whether New Zealand graduates exhibit these qualities. To address some of the management-based issues identified by the research, the design of a new Science and Technology Management course is outlined. Specializations: science and technology education, co-operative education, development of professional skills. Specializations: co-operative education programmes.     

Using literature and innovative assessments to ignite interest and cultivate critical thinking skills in an undergraduate neuroscience course

Science education reform initiatives emphasize 1) the value of concepts over facts; 2) the benefits of open-ended, inquiry-based problem-solving rather than protocols leading to a single correct answer; and 3) the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to teaching that is not confined by departmental boundaries. Neuroscientists should be at the forefront of this movement by the very nature of the discipline we study. Neuroscience is a relatively new field that integrates diverse subjects (anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, molecular biology, computer science, and psychology) and experimental advances are constantly changing and expanding our understanding of brain function. How can we convey this excitement in the classroom? The project described in this article uses nonscientific literature to introduce a scientific topic of study. In addition, the multitask assignment requires the acquisition of content knowledge and the development of critical thinking skills. As students explore the topic from multiple perspectives, they recognize the interconnectedness of science and society and confront ethical and moral issues related to science. A comparison of exam scores, essay responses, engagement level, as well as students' own reflections, demonstrates that inclusion of the project does not sacrifice content knowledge, rather it enhances the overall learning process.     

Engineering an online course: applying the 'secrets' of computer programming to course development

Colleges and universities are increasingly migrating towards utilising the World Wide Web to convey at least part of, and in many cases, their entire curricular offering. Despite this trend there is little support for the professors responsible for translating courses refined over a career in the classroom for delivery via the Web. Teachers who are experts in their subject area and masters of their craft when in a classroom find themselves in the uncomfortable position of having to relearn how to teach in a new environment with little or no support. Development of an online course is, in many significant aspects, analogous to developing a computer product. The procedures and tools utilised in the software engineering field to manage computer software development, therefore, offer promise for developing online courses. This paper explores the potential of one process developed for the software engineering field—the System Development Lifecycle (SDL)—as a tool to effectively design and develop online college courses.     

Tracheobronchial cast production and use in an undergraduate human anatomy course

Silastic E RTV silicone was used to produce tracheobronchial cast for use in an undergraduate human anatomy course. Following air‐drying, the trachea and lungs were injected with E RTV silicone and allowed to cure for 24 hr. The parenchyma was then removed from the tracheobronchial cast by maceration and boiling and then whitened in a 10% solution of hydrogen peroxide. The result was an anatomical replica that illustrates the branching pattern of the tracheobronchial tree and looks very similar to human even though canine lungs were used. In addition, this cast is very flexible and durable enough to stand up to repeated student handling. Anat Sci Ed 1:23–26, 2008. © 2007 American Association of Anatomists.     

Relational identities and intergenerational learning in an undergraduate critical food studies course

Abstract

Environmental education (EE) scholars view intergenerational learning as a means to influence adult understandings of and relationships with the environment. Yet EE researchers have studied intergenerational learning in a limited fashion, with no emphasis on its role in higher education. The purpose of this article is to use feminist posthumanist theories to broadly explore intergenerational learning in critical food studies courses taught at the university level. We rely primarily on student coursework and post-course interviews as data sources that convey student perceptions of interactions with their families and the natural world, demonstrating how students develop relational identities shaped by personal experience as well as experiences in the course. To conclude, we discuss both the limitations and implications of this research for the field of EE.     

计算机专业数字电路课程设置与教学探讨

从教学实践出发,针对计算机专业数字电路课程的特点与教学现状,探讨了该课程的相关教学内容和教学方法.     

大学生计算机应用能力培养模式的探索与实践

《高级程序设计语言》是计算机专业学生必修的专业基础课程。该课程的学习目的是培养学生熟练进行程序设计的基本能力。然而,由于生源的差异和近年来高校扩招等因素,学生在完成《高级程序设计语言》课程的学习之后往往不能够胜任计算机软件编程和应用软件的开发设计工作。因此,     

Linking teaching and research in an undergraduate course and exploring student learning experiences

ABSTRACT

In this case study, we first describe how teaching and research are linked in a master’s course on tissue engineering. A central component of the course is an authentic research project that the students carry out in smaller groups and in collaboration with faculty. We then explore how the students experience learning in this kind of discovery-oriented environment. Data were collected through a survey, reflective writing, and interviews. Using a general inductive approach for qualitative analysis, we identified three themes related to the students’ learning experiences: learning to navigate the field, learning to do real research, and learning to work with others. Overall, the students strongly valued learning in a discovery-oriented environment and three aspects of the course contributed to much of its success: taking a holistic approach to linking teaching and research, engaging students in the whole inquiry process, and situating authentic problems in an authentic physical and social context.     

浅谈本科评估对民办本科教育质量的促进作用

对于新建的民办本科院校来说,主动提出参加教育部第一轮的本科教学工作水平评估是严峻考验,也是发展机遇。迎接评估和做好评估准备工作,是民办本科院校的一项重要任务,也是新建本科院校的一个共同课题。本文结合自己在学校迎评创建中工作,浅谈了本科评估对民办本科教育质量的促进作用。     

NSSE对我国本科教学工作评估的启示

"全国学生学习投入调查(NSSE)"是近些年在美国影响力迅速提升的年度研究,对提高教学质量起到了积极推动作用.为解决当前我国高等学校本科教学评估工作中凸显的问题,在系统分析NSSE的运作机制和实施状况基础上,汇聚它的成功实践因素,从而更深入地审视我国高等学校本科教学评估现状,获得促进本科教学评估工作顺利发展的有益启示.     

面向应用型本科教育的FPGA课程教学探讨

结合实际的工程和教学经验,对FPGA课程的教学改革进行了有益的探索,并对教学关键点进行了整理,重点介绍如何理解FPGA和HDL语言的硬件电路特质,以及阻塞和非阻塞赋值的本质区别。在FPGA课程教学中综合采用多种措施,并特别加强对学生代码风格的训练,使学生在接触课程时产生浓厚兴趣,逐步建立硬件电路思维。     

关于《计算机网络》课程教学的思考

本文结合高职院校的特点,分析了目前《计算机网络》课程的特点及现行教学中存在的问题,提出了一些提高高职院校《计算机网络》课程教学质量的措施与方法。     

Student use of out-of-class study groups in an introductory undergraduate biology course

Self-formed out-of-class study groups may benefit student learning; however, few researchers have quantified the relationship between study group use and achievement or described changes in study group usage patterns over a semester. We related study group use to performance on content exams, explored patterns of study group use, and qualitatively described student perceptions of study groups. A pre- and posttest were used to measure student content knowledge. Internet-based surveys were used to collect quantitative data on exam performance and qualitative data on study group usage trends and student perceptions of study groups. No relationship was found between gains in content knowledge and study group use. Students who participated in study groups did, however, believe they were beneficial. Four patterns of study group use were identified: students either always (14%) or never (55%) used study groups, tried but quit using them (22%), or utilized study groups only late in the semester (9%). Thematic analysis revealed preconceptions and in-class experiences influence student decisions to utilize study groups. We conclude that students require guidance in the successful use of study groups. Instructors can help students maximize study group success by making students aware of potential group composition problems, helping students choose group members who are compatible, and providing students materials on which to focus their study efforts.     

本科无机化学实验教学探讨与体会

对本科无机化学实验教学改革进行了总结与反思,从教学方法、考核方法、加强学生基本操作训练以及教学中学生能力的培养几个方面对本科无机化学实验教学进行了探讨。     

填沟 拆墙 铺路--新建本科院校苦练"内功"刍议

随着教育体制改革的深入和现代化建设的发展，全国各地陆续新建了一批本科院校。这批新建本科院校从诞生之日起就面临着生源、品牌、质量和办学条件不佳等巨大压力。新建院校只有增强凝聚力，打破传统的封闭办学模式，优化资源配置，加强师资队伍建设，使毕业生顺利就业，才能尽快走入本科办学的正轨。