Pharmacy Mentors' Views of Practical Training

Practical knowledge and skills are necessary components of expertise. Practical training in higher education has been shown to foster students' learning and understanding of theoretical backgrounds. The attitude and skill of mentors play a central role in enhancing the quality of students' practical learning. The aims of this study were to explore mentors' experiences of the practice period and mentoring process, and to develop practical performances to improve the practice period that s included in theoretical pharmaceutical studies in Finland. A total of 48 pharmacy mentors were interviewed during the practice period of the pharmacy curriculum. The interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis. The results showed that the mentors considered the practice period an essential part of pharmacy studies, which fostered student learning and benefited the community pharmacy. Mentoring activities, mentoring processes and assessment of students varied in the pharmacies. The results showed that it is necessary to pay more attention to the aims and the content of the practice period. More cooperation is needed between the University and pharmacies. There is also a clear need to pay attention to reflective action in order to foster the quality of practical learning.     

Constructing knowledge: An effective use of educational technology for teaching Islamic studies in the UK

The 21st century as a digital age is characterized by the increased accessibility of information and knowledge through the medium of sophisticated technological tools. The main aim of this article is to show how educational technology can be used effectively to help students construct knowledge when teaching Islamic studies in the UK. The first part of this paper summarizes the differences between information sharing and knowledge construction with reference to the essence of knowledge as Aristotelian ‘episteme’ (theoretical knowledge) and technê (practical knowledge: know-how); and the extent which the former process is created by the use of Information Technology (IT) while the latter is enhanced by Educational Technology (ET). The second part explores how ET can be used effectively to ‘provide training in critical and creative thinking skills of students’ as an integral part of producing useful tools and generating practical benefit during their learning process (Felder et al. 2000, p. 26; Callaos 2009, p. 3). The third, then, explains why a student centred and research-based teaching is preferred to traditional research-led method in order to support the construction of knowledge. The paper concludes by presenting some reflections and limitations on how effective use of ET and research-based teaching can help students to become critical thinkers while studying Islam and Middle Eastern politics as part of international politics curriculum in the UK.     

Negative Knowledge: Understanding Professional Learning and Expertise

In this paper, we critically analyze how the concept of negative knowledge contributes to the understanding of professionals’ expert practice and learning. Negative knowledge is experientially acquired knowledge about what is wrong and what is to be avoided during performance in a given work situation. In terms of its theoretical foundation, the concept relates to constructivist theorization and metacognition. Building on existing conceptions of negative knowledge, we systematically relate the concept to research on expertise and learning from errors. The concept of negative knowledge augments existing theories of professional knowledge by emphasizing knowing about what to avoid as part of experts’ effective actions. During routine actions, negative knowledge enhances professionals’ certainty of how to proceed and increases the efficacy through the avoidance of impasses and suboptimal problem-solving strategies. Quality and depth of reflective processes after actions are related to the development of negative knowledge. The potential of negative knowledge for the investigation of professional learning is discussed through reference to recent empirical work. Re-submitted for publication in: Vocations and Learning: Studies in Vocational and Professional Education.     

Motivating the learning of part-time taught-postgraduate students through pedagogy and curriculum design: are there differences in undergraduate teaching?

Interviews were conducted with 29 part-time taught postgraduate (TPg) students to determine forms of teaching and curriculum which motivated their learning. The study was conducted in an open exploratory manner to investigate the aspects of pedagogy or curriculum design which particularly motivated the TPg students which were in any way distinct from typical undergraduate teaching. As most of the TPg students were mature professionals working in a field connected to the course they had enrolled in, they were able to identify relevant knowledge, skills and abilities which ought to be included in the content or curriculum. This distinguishes them from typical undergraduate students. The TPg students appreciated in-class discussion so that they could share experiences and expertise. The interviewees preferred assessment tasks that related to their professional practice. Teaching and learning for TPg students should recognise the expertise of the students and draw upon it as a valuable learning resource.     

基于职教集团的药学专业现代学徒制构建与实践

针对药学专业就业宽口径、多方向的特点,南通卫生高等职业技术学校构建了基于南通卫生职教集团的"五阶段、多情境"现代学徒制人才培养模式。根据药学专业职业岗位群的特点,学生在医疗机构、药品批发零售企业和药品生产企业的多种情境中轮流学习专业知识和实践技能,依次进行专业认知—岗位见习—综合实训—跟岗实习—顶岗实习等五个阶段的技能学习。建构了人才培养课程体系,创新人才培养机制,为培养药学专业复合型技术技能人才提供了保障。     

Here’s to the future

In the near future the thoughtful and creative use of technology can, and should, greatly improve the quality of the curriculum for dyslexic students. The quality of their learning should also be enhanced, provided that educators are fully aware of student needs, have advance training, and have sufficient time and expertise to select and evaluate appropriate software programs. Computers and other multi-media devices must not only be present in the classrooms of the future, but should be fully integrated into the regular instructional system to meet the individual needs of dyslexic students. There should be prior knowledge on the teacher’s part of types of software which will lead to curriculum congruence and the achieving of goals unreached without the help of technology. Technology should not be restricted to one content area or discipline, but should be available whenever it can be seen to make learning more profitable and more efficient. Both students and teachers must be granted the freedom to use technology in ways that will encourage creativity, critical thinking, and easy access to information in keeping with intellectual potential. Teacher training and involvement are crucial to the successful use of multi-media in the remediation of skills and extension of knowledge for dyslexic students. This paper is based on the Keynote address given by the author at the New York Branch, The Orton Dyslexia Society, 17th Annual Conference, March 22, 1990.     

高职数控加工编程与操作课程教学改革探讨

高职数控铣床编程与操作课程是数控技术专业必修的核心主干课程,是一门实践性、综合性较强的专业实践技能训练课程,是对专业核心能力系统训练的重要环节,在专业人才培养中具有十分重要的地位。为激发学生学习热情,提高教学质量,促进学生技能水平提高,沈阳航空职业技术学院改革了该课程的内容和考核方式,编写了特色教材,采用驱动型教学方法,提高学生知识水平和技能水平。     

金属材料工程专业建设的思考

专业建设是保证大学生培养质量的重要保障.常熟理工学院金属材料工程专业建设以满足社会需求为导向,强调学生自主学习能力和岗位适应性以及岗位技能的培养,在课程设置、教学方法、教育创新等方面立足本位,以培养知识应用和实践能力为核心,为社会培养合格的人才.     

高师语文教师职前教育课程模式探究

长期以来,师范生对语文教师理论知识的静态学习更为关注,而对语文教学实践性知识的动态习得、智慧性生成关注不够,把理应在教师职前培训阶段解决的问题推到了职后阶段,大大削弱了高师语文教师职前教育课程的现实转化价值。高师语文学科教育出现了"理论优先"、"学科本位"的尴尬境况,探究在新课改背景下如何为传统高师语文学科教育注入时代活力,关注准教师实践性知识的习得,提出高师语文学科教育"实践—反思"型课程模式的理论构设,致力于高师语文学科教育专业课程内容、结构及教学模式的革新,探索重构语文教师职前教育培养课程体系。     

Exploring elementary english teachers’ practical knowledge: A case study of EFL teachers in Taiwan

Teaching English in elementary schools has been an important educational policy in Asian countries over the past several decades. This study investigates how in-service teachers in elementary schools conceptualize their practical knowledge about English teaching in Taiwan. It provides examples of experiences and practical knowledge that English teachers have developed in their own contexts. The practical knowledge of teachers was investigated using a qualitative case study. Three in-service teachers participated in this study. Data include interviews, classroom observations, teachers’ reflective journals, and teaching materials. The study provides practical principles and rules of practice for elementary EFL teachers. It offers insights that policy makers need to consider in setting up a sound English teaching and learning program for elementary schools in EFL contexts.     

Students’ Learning Processes during School-Based Learning and Workplace Learning in Vocational Education: A Review

Learning in vocational schools and workplaces are the two main components of vocational education. Students have to develop professional competences by building meaningful relations between knowledge, skills and attitudes. There are, however, some major concerns about the combination of learning in these two learning environments, since vocational schools are primarily based on the rationales of learning and theory, while workplaces are based on the rationales of working and practice. This study therefore aims to structure empirical insights into students’ learning processes during the combination of school-based learning and workplace learning in vocational education. A review-study has been conducted in which ultimately 24 articles were analyzed thoroughly. The review shows that students’ learning processes in vocational schools and workplaces are related to six main themes: students’ expertise development, students’ learning styles, students’ integration of knowledge acquired in school and workplace, processes of knowledge development, students’ motivations for learning and students’ professional identity development. Our results show that students are novices who use specific and different learning styles and learning activities in vocational schools and workplaces. It is concluded that the enhancement of students’ learning processes needs to be adaptive and differentiated in nature. Recommendations for further research are elaborated and suggestions for the enhancement of students’ learning processes are discussed using insights from hybrid learning environments and boundary crossing via boundary objects.     

缄默知识视阈下初等教育专业实践课程体系的构建探索

课程体系的建立必须以人才培养的知识结构为基础。就教师的知识结构而言,有显性知识,也有缄默知识,它们在教师的教育教学活动中都发挥着重要作用。丰富的实践教学活动是获得缄默知识的有效途径。为此,我们构建了由社会实践、课堂教学实践或渗透式课堂教学实践、教育实习、科研能力训练和课外教育活动实践等组成的实践课程体系,建立了协同化的实践教学管理体制,并改革实践教学评价模式,凸显评价的发展功能,以达到促进学生职业能力发展,提高就业竞争力的目的。     

A Self-Study of the Role of Technology in Promoting Reflection and Inquiry-Based Science Teaching

   This self-study examined the 1st-year science teacher educator's integration of instructional technology into a science methods course and modeled the reflective practice of her own teaching. Elementary science methods students participated in a series of inquiry-based activities that utilized various instructional technologies. Data sources included daily reflections, formative assessments, concern-based surveys, and class assignments. Findings from this self-study revealed that the teacher educator's own reflections and practical inquiry influenced and paralleled her students’ development of learning how to teach scientific inquiry using instructional technology. Results suggest that inviting preservice teachers into reflective practice and modeling for them the development of professional practical knowledge allow them to address the uncertainties in their own learning about using technology for inquiry-based science teaching.     

荷兰现实主义教师教育实习模式探究

教师的教育实习,作为联系教师教育中的理论学习与未来教学实践的重要纽带,是教师教育课程中的必要组成部分,也是教师的专业社会化与专业发展的关键阶段。荷兰乌特勒支大学的"现实主义"教师教育实习模式,以傅乐的教师关注理论为基础,重视教育实习与理论学习的紧密融合,大学与中小学指导教师的合作督导,以及实习教师的反思能力的培养等,这些对我国的教师教育实习都会有所启示与借鉴。     

论“以赛代训”在高职市场营销专业实践教学中的作用

市场营销专业实践教学难度大,成本高,操作起来不方便,因此,要探索更有效的市场营销专业教学方式。"以赛代训"的方式就是利用比赛的平台,使学生能充分运用专业知识,训练技能,提高操作水平,能有效地达到实践教学的目的。通过对高职市场营销专业"以赛代训"的现状和应用意义的分析,对如何实施"以赛代训"这一教学方式进行探索研究。     

工学结合实践课堂的设计与实施

工学结合人才培养模式是高等职业教育探索的方向,通过课堂学习和实际工作相结合,工学结合实践活动,使学生在实践中学习,在学习中实践,使学生既掌握了理论知识,又锻炼了实际操作能力,有利于学生职业能力的培养。     

Identifying students’ difficulties when learning technical skills via a wireless sensor network

Practical training and actual application of acquired knowledge and techniques are crucial for the learning of technical skills. We established a wireless sensor network system (WSNS) based on the 5E learning cycle in a practical learning environment to improve students’ reflective abilities and to reduce difficulties for the learning of technical skills. Student learning was investigated using a Technical Expertise Assessment Form and Reflective Abilities Investigation Tool that we had developed. Results of the forms showed that the 5E learning cycle-based WSNS helped improve students’ reflection and the ease in acquiring technical skills. Students’ reflection was also shown to be significantly correlated with the learning of technical skills. We concluded that reflection provided by the sensory functions of the WSNS was able to reduce students’ difficulties when learning technical skills.     

“低压电气控制”课程中理实一体化教学模式的运用

＂低压电气控制＂是一门实践性和技能性都很强的实训课程,因此该课程的教学采用理实一体化教学方法,能够将一些较为枯燥、零散的知识点通过学生对实训任务的完成,提高学生的学习兴趣,真正锻炼学生的操作技能,培养学生的岗位能力,提升学生的职业素养,进而有效提升学生的就业竞争力和职业发展力。