Review: Approaches to educational psychology‐some recent textbooks

Blair, G. M., Jones, R. S., and Simpson, R. H., Educational Psychology (4^th Ed.). New York: Macmillan, 1975. 624 pages. $8.95

Craig, R. C., Mehrens, W. H., and Clarizio, H. F., Contemporary Educational Psychology: Concepts, Issues, Applications. New York: Wiley, 1975. 558 pages. $9.95

Gage, N. L., and Berliner, D. C., Educational Psychology. Chicago: Rand McNally, 1975. 869 pages. $9.95

Lefrancois, G., Psychology for Teaching (2nd Ed.). Belmont, Cal.: Wadsworth, 1975. 372 pages. $7.95

Packard, R. G., Psychology of Learning and Instruction. Columbus, Ohio: Merrill, 1975. 480 pages. $9.95

Smith, M. D., Educational Psychology and its Classroom Applications. Boston: Allyn & Bacon, 1975. 574 pages. $9.95     

Sharing the Excitement of Learning

Abstract

Toward a Literate America Cultural Literacy: What Every American Needs To Know By E. D. Hirsch, Jr. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1987, xvii + 251 pages, $16.95. Reviewed by Fauneil J. Rinn

Changing the Odds Academic Women, Working towards Equality By Angela Simeone South Hadley, Massachusetts: Bergin &; Garvey, 1987, 161 pages, $27.95 hardbound, $10.95 softbound. Reviewed by Pheme Perkins

Fruitful Background for Reasonable Discussion Orators and Philosophers: A History of the Idea of Liberal Education By Bruce Kimball New York: Teachers College/Columbia University, 1986, xix + 293 pages, $19.95. Reviewed by Geoffrey Comber     

一矩阵方程组的反射解

We derive necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence and an expression of the （anti）reflexive solution with respect to the nontrivial generalized reflection matrix P to the system of complex matrix equations AX = B and XC = D. The explicit solutions of the approximation problem min x∈Ф ｜｜X - E｜｜F was given, where E is a given complex matrix and Ф is the set of all reflexive （or antireflexive） solutions of the system mentioned above, and ｜｜·｜｜ is the Frobenius norm. Furthermore, it was pointed that some results in a recent paper are special cases of this paper.     

Prediction/discussion-based learning cycle versus conceptual change text: comparative effects on students’ understanding of genetics

Background and purpose:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the comparative effects of a prediction/discussion-based learning cycle (HPD-LC), conceptual change text (CCT) and traditional instruction on 10th grade students’ understanding of genetics concepts.

Sample:

Participants were 112 10th basic grade male students in three classes of the same school located in an urban area. The three classes taught by the same biology teacher were randomly assigned as a prediction/discussion-based learning cycle class (n?=?39), conceptual change text class (n?=?37) and traditional class (n?=?36).

Design and method:

A quasi-experimental research design of pre-test–post-test non-equivalent control group was adopted. Participants completed the Genetics Concept Test as pre-test–post-test, to examine the effects of instructional strategies on their genetics understanding. Pre-test scores and Test of Logical Thinking scores were used as covariates.

Results:

The analysis of covariance showed a statistically significant difference between the experimental and control groups in the favor of experimental groups after treatment. However, no statistically significant difference between the experimental groups (HPD-LC versus CCT instruction) was found.

Conclusions:

Overall, the findings of this study support the use of the prediction/discussion-based learning cycle and conceptual change text in both research and teaching. The findings may be useful for improving classroom practices in teaching science concepts and for the development of suitable materials promoting students’ understanding of science.     

Résumés

Abstract

La simulation de l'ordinateur comme un outil de l'éducation de gestion du pare Robert E. Manning and Fletcher I. Potter

Un jeu d'interaction pour examiner les échanges entre les valeurs économiques et écologiques Paul J. Rago

Modèles d'integration dans la planification et décisions de l'environement David Clinton Kyler

La participation de la communauté dans la gestion des déchets dangereux: Une comparison entre une visite sur-site et une visite simulée Deborah Anne Simmons

Le développement et la conservation des attitudes vers l'environement des élèves des écoles primaires Harold H. Jaus

Une comparison entre l'attitude des étudiants américains et non-américains vers l'issue de l'environement physique A. Doyne Horsley     

Teaching Teachers

Abstract

Women Against the Odds The Campus Troublemakers: Academic Women In Protest By Athena Theodore Houston: Cap and Gown Press, 1986 xxiv + 293 pages, $23.95 hardbound, $15.95 softbound. Reviewed by Claire Hirshfield

“Artistry of Discussion Leadership” and Other Skills Teaching and the Case Method By C. Roland Christensen, with Abby J. Hansen Boston: Harvard Business School, 1987, 290 pages, $29.95 Reviewed by Richard Leahy

Valuable Background Reading College: The Undergraduate Experience in America By Ernest L. Boyer, president, The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching New York: Harper &; Row, 1987, 328 pages, $19.95 Reviewed by Frederick S. Weaver     

The Problem of the Inarticulate

Abstract

A Few Good Apples An Apple for My Teacher: Twelve Authors Tell About Teachers Who Made the Difference Edited by Louis D. Rubin, Jr. Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, 1987, xiv + 186 pages, $10.95 Reviewed by Roy Starling

Abrasive but Hopeful: The Closing of the American Mind: How Higher Education Has Failed Democracy and Impoverished the Souls of Today's Students By Allan Bloom New York: Simon and Schuster, 1987, 392 pages, $18.95 Reviewed by Robert L. Spaeth     

Resumens

Abstract

Interpretatión y educación ambiental no formal en el manejo de los recursos naturales. E. C. Olson, Mary Lynne Bowman, Robert E. Roth

Procesos cognitivos relacionados con la interpretación del ambiente William E. Hammitt

Demandas interpretativas del medio ambiente en la República Dominicana Clinton L. Shepard

Influencias en el recreo comercial en los ríos David Cockrell, Steve Bange, y Joseph Roggenbuck

Evaluación directa: Un medio administrativo para la justifacación, evolución y modificación de programas Paul F. Nowak

Beneficios económicos para los visitantes de un puesto de información interpretativa Ted T. Cable, Douglas M. Knudson, y David J. Stewart     

Resumens

Abstract

Simulación en computadores como una herramienta en la enseñanza de parques y manejo de zonas de vida salvaje Robert E. Manning and Fletcher I. Potter

Un juego de interacción para examinar el cambio entre valores económicos ecológicos Paul J. Rago

La comunidad se integra en el manejo de desperdicios peligrosos: Comparación entre una visita a la zona y una visita simulada con transparenias Deborah Anne Simmons

El desarrollo y la retención de las actitudes ambientales en niños de la escuela primaria. Harold H. Jaus

Una comparación entre estudiantes americanos y no americanos respecto a las actitudes del medio físico. A. Doyne Horsley     

Résumés

Abstract

La methode explicative et l'éducation écologique non formalisée en malière de gestion des ressources naturelles E. C. Olson, Mary Lynne Bowman, et Robert E. Roth

La familiarisation et la compréhension de l'environment William E. Hammitt

La tǎche de l'éducation écologique en République Dominicaine Clinton L. Shepard

La persuasion et la formation des attitudes dans les activités fluviales organisées David Cockrell, Steve Bange, Joseph Roggenbuck

L'évaluation directe: un instrument de gestion permettant las justification, l'évaluation et la modification de programmes Paul F. Nowak

Les bénéfices économiques réalisés par les visiteurs d'un centre d'information Ted T. Cable, Douglas M. Knudson, David J. Stewart     

Reinforcement and the Scholarly Response

Abstract

Failure is Impossible Women Teaching for Change: Gender, Class and Power By Kathleen Weiler South Hadley, Massachusetts: Bergin &; Garvey, 1988, 174 pages, $29.95 hardbound, $12.95 softbound Reviewed by Martha Kendall

Just the Right Medicine Exhortations on Liberal Education: A Dean Speaks His Mind By Robert L. Spaeth Collegeville, Minnesota: Office of Academic Affairs, St. John's University, 1988, 110 Pages, $4.95 softbound Reviewed by Pheme Perkins

Are Intellectuals as Irrelevant as They Seem? The Last Intellectuals: American Culture In the Age of Academe By Russell Jacoby New York: Basic Books, 1987, 290 pages, $18.95. Reviewed by Joseph A. Amato     

Freshman Disorientation

Abstract

A Provocative Collection The War against the Intellect: Episodes In the Decline of Discourse By Peter Shaw Iowa City: University of Iowa Press, 1989, 181 pages, $22.50 hardcover, $10.95 paperback. Reviewed by Robert L. Spaeth

Giving Freshmen What They Deserve The Freshman Year Experience M. Lee Upcraft, John N. Gardner and Associates San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1989, 443 pages, $32.95 Reviewed by Roy Starling     

The Teaching Principal is a Supervising Principal

Educational Wastelands (second edition) by Arthur Bestor. Urbana, Ill.: University of Illinois Press, 1985, 292 pp.

In the Company of Educated Women: A History of Women and Higher Education in America by Barbara Miller Solomon. New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Press, 1985, 298 pp. hardcover

Curriculum and Aims by Decker F. Walker and Jonas F. Soltis. New York: Teachers College Press, 1986, 716 pp., softcover.

The Duke Longitudinal Studies of Normal Aging 1955-1980 by Ewald W. Busse and George L Maddox. New York: Springer Publishing Co., 1985, 168 pp.,     

Resources In Review

Abstract

The RFF Reader in Environmental Science and Resource Management , edited by Wallace E. Oates. Washington, DC: Resources for the Future. 1999. Paperback. $22.95. ISBN 0-915707-96-9.

Science through Multiple Intelligences: Patterns that Inspire Inquiry , by Robert Barkman. Tucson, AZ: Zephyr Press, Inc. 1999. Paperback. 165 pages. $39.00. ISBN 1-56976-096-9.

Earth Report 2000: Revisiting the True State of the Planet , edited by Ronald Bailey. New York: McGraw-Hill. 2000. Paperback. 362 pages. $19.95. ISBN 0-07-134260-5.

Hard Green: Saving the Environment from the Environmentalists (A Conservative Manifesto) , by Peter Huber. New York: Basic Books. 1999. Hardcover. $25.00. ISBN 0-468-03112-9.

Song of the Meadowlark , by James Eggert. Berkeley, CA: Ten Speed Press. 1999. Paperback. 145 pages. $12.95. ISBN 1-58008-034-0.

The Greening of Planet Earth: The Effects of Carbon Dioxide on the Biosphere , Greening Earth Society, 4301 Wilson Blvd., Suite 805, Arlington, VA 22203-4193; tel. 703-907-6168; fax 703-907-6161; info@greeningearthsociety.org. 1992. Color. 27 min 50 s. $15.00.

The Greening of Planet Earth Continues: The Promise for the 21st Century & Beyond , Greening Earth Society. 1998. Color. 27 min 30 s. $15.00 (or both for $25.00).

Nature's Nation: An Environmental History of the United States , by John Opie. New York: Harcourt Brace and Company. 1998. Paperback. 515 pages. ISBN 0-15-500219-8.

Visions of Paradise: Glimpses of Our Landscape's Legacy , by John Warfield Simpson. Berkeley: University of California Press. 1999. Clothbound. 387 pages. $35.00. ISBN 0-520-21364-5.

Beyond the Land Ethic: More Essays in Environmental Philosophy , by J. Baird Callicott. Albany: State University of New York Press. 1999. Paperback. 427 pp. $24.95. ISBN 0-7914-4084-2.

The Morning After Earth Day , by Mary Graham. Washington, DC: Brookings Institution Press. 1999. Hardcover, 153 pages. ISBN 0-8157-3236-8.

Natural Resource Management and Institutional Change , by Diana Carney and John Farrington. New York: Routledge. 1998. Hardback. 120 pages. $60.00. ISBN 0-415-18604-8.

Green Ink: An Introduction to Environmental Journalism , by Michael Frome. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press. 1998. Paperback. 204 pages. $19.95. ISBN 0-87480-582-1.     

Talcott mountain science center

What are You going to do about Alcohol? What are You going to do about Tobacco? Marijiuana: What can You Believe? Guidance Associates Communications Park P.O. Box 300 White Plains, New York 10602

Scholastic Scope Activity Kits Advertising; Frauds &; Hoaxes Scholastic Book Services 50 West 44th Street New York, New York 10036

Yoga: Beginning techniques for youth and exceptional children Mary M. Martin Kimbo Educational P.O. Box 477 Long Branch, New Jersey 07740

The Good Apple Spelling Book Gary Grimm and Don Mitchell Good Apple Inc. Box 299 Carthage, Illinois 62321     

Student leadership in small group science inquiry

Background: Science educators have sought to structure collaborative inquiry learning through the assignment of static group roles. This structural approach to student grouping oversimplifies the complexities of peer collaboration and overlooks the highly dynamic nature of group activity.

Purpose: This study addresses this issue of oversimplification of group dynamics by examining the social leadership structures that emerge in small student groups during science inquiry.

Sample: Two small student groups investigating the burning of a candle under a jar participated in this study.

Design and method: We used a mixed-method research approach that combined computational discourse analysis (computational quantification of social aspects of small group discussions) with microethnography (qualitative, in-depth examination of group discussions).

Results: While in one group social leadership was decentralized (i.e., students shared control over topics and tasks), the second group was dominated by a male student (centralized social leadership). Further, decentralized social leadership was found to be paralleled by higher levels of student cognitive engagement.

Conclusions: It is argued that computational discourse analysis can provide science educators with a powerful means of developing pedagogical models of collaborative science learning that take into account the emergent nature of group structures and highly fluid nature of student collaboration.     

How autonomy support mediates the relationship between self-efficacy and approaches to learning

Abstract

The significant interplay between self-efficacy, autonomy support and approaches to learning in adolescent students is widely recognized. However, less is known about whether substantial differences exist between early and middle adolescent students from schools with different environments. To close this research gap, this study used latent mean comparison and multigroup structural equation modeling with questionnaire data from a sample of German adolescent students (N?=?1153; M_AgeT1?=?13.97, SD = 1.37; M_AgeT2?=?14.27, SD = 1.25) in two waves. Multigroup structural equation modeling reveals that autonomy functions as a mediator in the association between self-efficacy and approaches to learning only for students from schools with a student-centered learning environment based on competence-matrices in contrast to a teacher-directed learning environment, particularly for early adolescent students. More specifically, adolescents’ approaches to learning can be enhanced through autonomy-supportive learning independently of their self-efficacy.     

Improved Social Communication Abilities and Reduced Autism Severity in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Highly Sensitive Mothers

SYNOPSIS

Objective . To explore whether maternal sensitivity is associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) severity in children with and without ASD. Design . The samples consisted of 25 Mexican dyads of children with ASD (aged 3.1-6.9 years) and their mothers (aged 20-47 years) and 24 Mexican dyads of children without ASD (aged 3.4-6.7 years) and their mothers (aged 24-45 years). Maternal sensitivity and ASD severity symptoms were scored from 2-h videos of mother-child daily interactions. Results . A between-group comparison showed a trend toward less severe ASD in children with highly sensitive mothers, specifically in the Nonverbal Communication subdomain. Conclusions . Greater maternal sensitivity is associated with improved social ability in children with ASD.