Some Factors Relating to Success in Student Teaching

Abstract

Each of four classes of Educational Psychology 2430(Child Study) was randomly divided into two groups: experimental (N=55) and control (N=55). The experimental group’s course performance was evaluated by a grade contract approach while the control group was evaluated by a traditional method. Group differences favored the experimental group; however, such differences were not statistically significant.     

Student Perceptions of Factors Influencing Tertiary Learning

An interview study about perception of factors involved in tertiary learning of 60 second year students at the Australian National University is reported. Factors which encourage deep rather than surface level processing are highlighted as are problems of transition from school to tertiary learning. An unexpected outcome was that students’ responses to probing about the nature of the differences between school and tertiary learning provided evidence of qualitative differences between the way students utilising deep or surface level processing conceive the process of learning itself. This finding has implications both for those attempting to change these students’ approach to learning and for the selection of research methods appropriate for this area.     

Program Directors' Perceptions of Admission Screening Measures and Indicators of Student Success

The purpose of the current research was to ascertain program directors' perceptions of the effectiveness of applicant screening measures currently used in counselor education programs accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs and their perceptions of the effectiveness of measures of graduate student success. The personal interview was identified as the most effective screening measure currently used, and practicum/internship performance was considered the most effective measure of graduate student success.     

通识教育有助专业教育之成功——以元智大学为例

以元智大学通识教育中心如何形塑通识教育的理念、规划课程,以及推行的经验为主,说明在全球化、知识经济的时代,大学教育面临改革的要求声中,理想的通识教育应该回归“以人为本”的中心理念,着重于文化教养与开发创意两方面构想与设计通识课程。     

Comparing Faculty and Student Perceptions Regarding Factors That Affect Student Retention in Online Education

This qualitative study compared faculty and student perceptions regarding factors that affect student retention in online courses in an attempt to more effectively address the problem of attrition. A grounded study method was used to interview students taking online courses, analyze their responses related to the critical factors that affect student retention, and compare them with those given by expert online faculty documented by Gaytan (2013). Among the various findings, two are considered critical: online students would like to receive more instruction from their professors and more comprehensive feedback that would allow them to engage in corrective behaviors to improve performance. Comparing faculty and student responses related to the factors that affect student retention could give online program administrators and faculty advisors a better understanding of these critical factors to be able to respond to the student retention challenge more effectively.     

The Influence of Learning Styles on Student and Field Instructor Perceptions of Field Placement Success

This article reports on a research study of pairs of social work students and their field instructors whor ated their perceptions of each other on various dimensions of placement success, including the quality of the supervisory relationship, the amount learned in the placement, and knowledge and skill levels. The Kolb Learning Styles Inventory was used to measure similarities and differences in student and field instructor learning preferences. The study suggests that assessment of learning styles can assist field instructors and students to appreciate different contributions, to recognize diversity as strength and, ultimately, to enhance the overall quality and success of the learning experience.     

Factors Contributing to Improved Teaching Performance

This article focuses upon the quality and scholarship of teaching as it pertains to educational and faculty development. We outline what more than 200 faculty members at one institution have done over a 3-year period to make significant and sustained improvements in their teaching, surprisingly with minimal effort. The top three factors leading to improvement were active/practical learning, teacher/student interactions, and clear expectations/learning outcomes. We provide practical applications for change and suggestions for future research. Whitney Ransom McGowan  is a Ph.D. candidate at Brigham Young University (BYU), and she received an M.S. degree in Instructional Psychology & Technology from BYU. She is currently a research assistant for the Assistant to the Academic Vice President at BYU and also performs research at the Center for Teaching & Learning. She can be contacted at whitney.ransom@gmail.com. Charles R. Graham  is an Associate Professor of Instructional Psychology and Technology at Brigham Young University with a focus on technology-mediated teaching and learning. Graham received his Ph.D. in Instructional Systems Technology from Indiana University. He received his M.S. degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Illinois and his B.S. degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering, from BYU. He is particularly interested in studying the design and evaluation of blended learning environments. He can be contacted at charles_graham@byu.edu.     

Hispanic Student Success: Factors Influencing the Persistence and Transfer Decisions of Latino Community College Students Enrolled in Developmental Education

This study examined the impact of a set of theoretically-derived predictor variables on the persistence and transfer of Hispanic community college students. Early models of student persistence have been validated primarily among 4-year college students. While the constructs have been well-established, the relationships of those relevant factors remain unexamined among community college transfer students, and specifically, among Hispanic students enrolled in developmental coursework and planning to transfer from a community college to a 4-year institution. Logistic regression analysis was used to test the hypothesized conceptual framework on an existing set of quantitative persistence data drawn from a national sample of Hispanic students.     

Transfer Student Success: Exploring Community College,University, and Individual Predictors

ABSTRACT

This paper investigates community college transfer success by exploring the relationship between individual and institutional-level characteristics at students’ two- and four-year institutions. Using statewide administrative data from North Carolina, this study employs a cross-classified multilevel model to investigate the impact that a student’s community college and four-year transfer institution have on post-transfer success. Our findings offer important and compelling insights into the relationship between transfer students, the community college they attended, the four-year transfer institution, and educational outcomes. While individual effects were small, we find several institutional factors associated with student success. Attendance at a large community college or having a public university in the same county as their community college is positively associated with student success, whereas size of the university is negatively related to grades during the first year and persistence to the second year. While the four-year institution’s selectivity is negatively related to many of our outcomes, transferring to a Historically Black College or University is positively associated with GPA, college persistence, and degree completion.     

Identifying the Factors Leading to Success: How an Innovative Science Curriculum Cultivates Student Motivation

PlantingScience is an award-winning program recognized for its innovation and use of computer-supported scientist mentoring. Science learners work on inquiry-based experiments in their classrooms and communicate asynchronously with practicing plant scientist-mentors about the projects. The purpose of this study was to identify specific factors contributing to the program’s effectiveness in engaging students. Using multiple data sources, grounded theory (Strauss and Corbin in Basics of qualitative research. Sage, Newbury Park, 1990) was used to develop a conceptual model identifying the central phenomenon, causal conditions, intervening conditions, strategies, contexts, and student outcomes of the project. Student motivation was determined to be the central phenomenon explaining the success of the program, with student empowerment, online mentor interaction, and authenticity of the scientific experiences serving as causal conditions. Teachers contributed to student motivation by giving students more freedom, challenging students to take projects deeper, encouraging, and scaffolding. Scientists contributed to student motivation by providing explanations, asking questions, encouraging, and offering themselves as partners in the inquiry process. Several positive student outcomes of the program were uncovered and included increased positivity, greater willingness to take projects deeper, better understanding of scientific concepts, and greater commitments to collaboration. The findings of this study provide relevant information on how to develop curriculum, use technology, and train practitioners and mentors to utilize strategies and actions that improve learners’ motivation to engage in authentic science in the classroom.     

College Student Persistence in Scientific Disciplines: Cultural and Social Capital as Contributing Factors

Underrepresentation of women of color in science majors and careers continues to be a concern for many science educators. Despite being the fastest growing population of college students, women of color have made insufficient gains in college science degree attainment. Sixteen women of color who were undergraduates majoring in a science field participated in three-part, in-depth interviews. Prominent factors associated with persistence as a science major included academic preparation for college science, faculty support, important school science experiences, family support, science support programs, altruistic beliefs, and the importance of religion. This study examined the data using current persistence theories as well as exploring the role of cultural and social capital as sources for support and motivation.     

College Student Persistence in Scientific Disciplines: Cultural and Social Capital as Contributing Factors

Underrepresentation of women of color in science majors and careers continues to be a concern for many science educators. Despite being the fastest growing population of college students, women of color have made insufficient gains in college science degree attainment. Sixteen women of color who were undergraduates majoring in a science field participated in three-part, in-depth interviews. Prominent factors associated with persistence as a science major included academic preparation for college science, faculty support, important school science experiences, family support, science support programs, altruistic beliefs, and the importance of religion. This study examined the data using current persistence theories as well as exploring the role of cultural and social capital as sources for support and motivation.

     

Differences between Students' and Lecturers' Perceptions of Factors Influencing Students' Academic Success at University

Qualitative data from 46 lecturers and 72 students were used to identify factors that were perceived as making the most important contributions to students' academic success at university and factors that were perceived as most likely to lead to student failure at university. A questionnaire based on this information was administered to a further 112 lecturers and 392 students. The resulting data highlighted some similarities and many differences in the perceptions of lecturers and students about student success and failure. Some possible reasons for these differences in perceptions are explored, and some of the consequences of the different views are discussed. Particular reference is made to the different views that lecturers and students have about the student effort required for success at university.     

Student Perceptions of Assessment Methods

With the introduction of teaching quality audits, attention is being directed towards methods of assessment. In the present study students were asked what qualities they perceived in continuous assessment and examinations. This was considered important in light of the view that assessment techniques can be used to motivate students. It appeared that in many respects students regarded the former as being fairer, and measuring a greater range of abilities. The main findings were that students' reactions varied according to age and gender, but that overall the view was that continuous assessment should not be involved in much more than half of their grade measurement.     

Bringing Student Responsibility to Life: Avenues to Personalizing High Schools for Student Success

This study examines how school structures and policies shape school culture to ultimately influence student success in one urban high school. We develop a model that explains how caring and personalized connections between students and teachers, coupled with a focus on academic press and support, interact with teacher efficacy to influence student self-efficacy, student attachment to school, and ultimately greater student achievement. We collected data through focus group and individual interviews with students, teachers, and leaders, classroom observations, and school artifacts. Data were analyzed using the constant comparative method allowing for the emergence of important patterns. The data revealed several interrelated structures and processes that support teacher and student efficacy and ultimately instill in students a responsibility for their own learning. This case study highlights the need for administrators to develop buy-in from teachers around a cohesive vision in order for structural reforms to be effective.     

英语学困生成因分析及转化策略

英语课程是我国各阶段学校都广泛开设的课程。然而英语学习困难学生的存在却是不争的事实。学困生产生的原因有很多,试从学生个人因素、学校与教师的影响两个方面分析学困生产生的原因,并根据以上原因提出促进学困生转化的策略。