Development and Evaluation of an Online, Inquiry-Based Food Safety Education Program for Secondary Teachers and Their Students

ABSTRACT:  Secondary science teachers who integrate food safety (FS) into curricula can provide FS knowledge and skills to youth while reinforcing science skills and concepts. National science education standards and the Biological Science Curriculum Study 5E Inquiry-based Learning Model were used to design an online training, Food Safety FIRST. The training has 3 modules, each with 15 h of web-based instruction, interactive discussion, and tools to conduct experiments or critical evaluation projects. A CD-ROM, web site ( http://foodsafetyfirst.org ), and lab kit were developed to accompany module activities. Seventy-one teachers registered for the program; 38 matched pretest/posttest evaluations were analyzed. When asked their intention to teach FS in the next year, enrollees responded "definitely" (60.5%) or "possibly" (34.2%), reaching potentially 3570 students. Participants found the training very valuable (71.1%) and were significantly more comfortable teaching FS at posttest (3.6 ± 0.5 on a 4-point Likert scale) than at pretest (2.8 ± 1.0; P < 0.0001, n = 35). Self-reported FS practices also improved from pretest (24.8 ± 5.7 out of a possible 35) to posttest (27.7 ± 4.8; P < 0.001, n = 32). On 4-point Likert scales, teachers were confident answering FS questions (3.4); confident that if they did a good job teaching this topic, students would be interested in FS (3.4); and confident FS concepts taught would meet national science standards (3.4). They found the program satisfactory for demonstrating inquiry-based learning (3.8). Most agreed that they would change FS habits (3.2). Using 5-point scales, participants agreed that they felt more able to critically evaluate FS information on the Internet (4.2) and that the training was enjoyable in an online format (4.3).     

Effect of number of response options on the psychometric properties of Likert-type scales used with children

Although Likert-type rating scales are used in a great number of early childhood studies, knowledge of how the number of response options affects the psychometric properties of scales used with children is limited. The purpose of this study is to contribute to this knowledge. Data were collected from second grade students and third grade students. Accordingly, 1,092 second- and third-graders completed a 2-point, 3-point, and 4-point version of the School Attachment Scale for Children and Adolescents. Participants came from 11 schools, different in terms of socioeconomic status. The children received the versions approximately three weeks apart. Results revealed that as the number of response options increased, the means tended to decrease and the distribution to be normal. For the 2-point version, most items were below the cut-off point in terms of discrimination indexes. Compared to the 2-point version, there was a significant increase in discrimination indexes for the 3- and 4-point versions, and the items’ discrimination indexes were high. It was concluded that the reliability coefficient increased with an increasing number of response options for all subdimensions of the scale. When the validity estimations of the three subdimensions were examined for the three versions of the scale, it was found that the 3- and 4-point versions were appropriate for the validity and that the validity of the 2-point version was weak. It was observed that using 2-point Likert-type scales with children negatively affected the psychometric properties and that these properties improved with an increased number of response options.     

Integrating digital literacies and scientific communication in a multimedia anatomy group assignment to advance contextual learning

Anatomists are facing a new generation of learners who will study and work in a technology-rich environment. Indeed, digital technologies are tremendously changing how information and knowledge are communicated and retrieved. However, it remains unclear whether an anatomy assessment can be designed to promote contextual learning through integrating a digital communication strategy. To investigate this, assessment methods were diversified in the first-year neuroanatomy and third-year regional anatomy curricula through implementing a multimedia human anatomy group assignment integrating digital literacies and scientific communication. Through completing this multimedia assignment, students demonstrated their anatomy knowledge transfer using a range of approaches. The main mode of presentations chosen in the two anatomy units were non-animated video presentations (~50%), animated video presentations (~30%), storyboards (~10%), podcasts (~3%), and filmed videos (~3%). A 5-point Likert scale learning and teaching survey was conducted for a total of 195 undergraduate health science students to evaluate students' perception of this group assignment. The majority of students (70–80%) strongly agreed or agreed that the multimedia group assignment helped their teamwork skills. Students who produced animated videos significantly outperformed those who adopted the non-animated presentations during the end-of-semester theory examination (p < 0.05). This study demonstrates that an anatomy group assignment integrating digital literacy and scientific communication is an effective assessment strategy associated with a positive learning experience and outcome. This inquiry-based assignment promotes learning through assessment, allowing students to not only consolidate and extend anatomy knowledge but also developing effective digital communication skills, providing new insights into non-didactic anatomy assessments.     

Students’ confidence in their performance judgements: a comparison of different response scales

We report results of two studies on metacognitive accuracy with undergraduate education students. Participating students were asked to judge their personal performance in a multiple-choice exam as well as to state their confidence in their performance judgement (second-order judgement [SOJ]). In each study, we compared four conditions that differed in the type of the presented 5-point confidence scale for SOJs. In Study 1, four bipolar scales with different labels were applied; in Study 2, unipolar and bipolar scales were implemented. The results of Study 1 with N?=?420 students show that undergraduates on average provided accurate performance estimations. However, students were not aware of their judgement accuracy, shown by a low fit of SOJ and judgement accuracy. In addition, the type of provided scale significantly influenced the SOJs. Study 2 with N?=?348 students replicated the findings of the first study and gave further insight into the effects of uni- vs. bipolar response scales.     

British and Commonwealth Counselors: An Investigation of Counselor Characteristics and Theoretical Views

This study investigated personal characteristics, espoused theoretical orientation, counseling response style, and tendency toward variety as related to general guidance, and counseling competence, and to home or overseas origin of 32 (16 males and 16 females) students enrolled in the Guidance Unit at the University of Reading, England. Subjects were drawn from the United Kingdom (Home students) and from 11 overseas countries (Overseas students). Instruments administered were the Edwards Personal Preference Schedule (EPPS), the Porter Counseling Inventory (PCI), and the Similies Preference Inventory (SPI). The subjects' theoretical orientation was determined by the ratings of six theories of counseling. These ratings were given weighted scores for Insight and Action orientation, i.e., London's Insight-Action dichotomy. Guidance and counseling competency was based upon ratings by three professors using a 5-point scale. Results showed large differences between the groups on the EPPS and PCI, but EPPS and PCI scores were unrelated to the subjects' theoretical orientations. Competency ratings were related to theoretical preference, with Home students espousing Action approaches receiving lower ratings and Overseas students espousing Insight approaches receiving lower ratings. Results were discussed in terms of different cultural demands on counselors and with relevance to the use of the Insight-Action dichotomy in research with American counselor samples.     

Stress and the Contemporary Student

Is contemporary student life stressful? And if so, what factors are associated with stress among students? This paper attempts to provide answers to these questions in reporting a research project that explored physical and mental health among students studying at Newcastle University in 1995. Forty-nine per cent of a stratified random sample of students (956 students) completed a postal questionnaire which, as well as addressing questions of health, covered numerous aspects of student living conditions and lifestyle. Stress was measured by the 12-item General Health Questionnaire, which was converted into a 36-point scale. The analysis identifies various factors that were associated with stress, and culminates in the construction of a multi-variate model that explains 25 per cent of the variance in student stress. The findings are discussed within the context of the changing nature of higher education in Britain     

Conditional cash penalties in education: Evidence from the Learnfare experiment

Wisconsin's influential Learnfare initiative is a conditional cash penalty program that sanctions a family's welfare grant when covered teens fail to meet school attendance targets. In the presence of reference-dependent preferences, Learnfare provides uniquely powerful financial incentives for student performance. However, a 10-county random-assignment evaluation suggested that Learnfare had no sustained effects on school enrollment and attendance. This study evaluates the data from this randomized field experiment. In Milwaukee County, the Learnfare procedures were poorly implemented and the random-assignment process failed to produce balanced baseline traits. However, in the nine remaining counties, Learnfare increased school enrollment by 3.5 percent (effect size = 0.08) and attendance by 4.5 percent (effect size = 0.10). These results suggest that well-designed financial incentives may be an effective mechanism for improving the school persistence of at-risk students at scale.     

Study Behavior in the Closed-Book and the Open-Book Examination: A Comparative Analysis

The study focused on students’ perceptions in order to find out the study behavior put forward by them prior to and during the exam in each of both the open-book and the closed-book exam alternatives. Participants were 181 students, comprising a 72.8% response rate, who experienced both exam alternatives; they were asked to assess 39 statements referring to study behaviors on a 5-point scale (1 = not at all present to 5 = present to a very great extent) for both exam options. The results indicated that students preparing for a closed book examination tend to postpone their study at the end of the semester, focus on the assigned texts and memorize information. Students preparing for an open-book examination tend to consult various sources and interrelate the information acquired; when taking the exam, they work creatively while, at the same time, they probe deeply into the knowledge gained. When the 39 statements were factor-analyzed, four factors emerged having to do with (a) mastering the course content; (b) involvement in the learning process; (c) using the knowledge gained in a creative way; and (d) facing the exam with optimism. For all four factors, the composite score was higher for the open-book exam option than for the closed one. The implications of the study as well as its major flaws are also discussed.     

Score Gains, Attitudes, and Behavior Changes Due to Answer-Changing Instruction

Six undergraduate and three graduate classes were given multiple-choice tests with subsequent evaluation of answer changes. The 300 students were tested twice, once before and once after instruction on answer changing. After each test, students were asked to complete two forms. The forms evaluated attitude toward answer changing, reasons for changing, and confidence in final answers. Students showed a significant increase in favorability toward answer changing after instruction. No significant change was found in number of answers changed. Psychology students were found to change significantly more items than were business students. Mean gain score did not change significantly after instruction. It was concluded that although instruction does lead to a change in attitude in answer changing, the number of changes and overall gain due to answer changing do not change. It was also determined that students continue to make significant gains even when their confidence in the final answer is less than 50 on a 100-point scale.     

Primary student teachers’ professional identity tensions: The construction and psychometric quality of the professional identity tensions scale

This research aims to develop and validate an instrument for measuring primary student teachers’ professional identity tensions. Based on dissonance theory, we transformed existing vignettes (Pillen, Den Brok, & Beijaard, 2013) into to a quantitative Professional Identity Tensions Scale (PITS) and added tensions regarding teaching in urban contexts. We examined the psychometric quality of the PITS by administering this scale to primary student teachers from teacher education institutions in urban areas across the Netherlands. Two studies were conducted in the process of validating the PITS. First, items were tested among a sample of 211 students to explore whether they measure underlying constructs of professional identity tensions. Second, retained items were administered to a new sample of 271 students. Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated a similar factor structure. The final instrument includes 34 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale measuring nine different professional identity tensions. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.     

The effects of the coordination support on shared mental models and coordinated action

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of coordination support (tool support and tutor support) on the development of shared mental models (SMMs) and coordinated action in a computer-supported collaborative learning environment. Eighteen students were randomly assigned to one of three conditions, including the tool condition, the tutor condition, and the control condition (two groups per condition). Groups in the tool condition were given the task management tools; groups in the tutor condition received assistance from a tutor about coordination; and the control groups did not receive any support. SMMs were assessed on a 5-point Likert scale and coordinated action was analysed by examining learners' logfiles. The findings of this study suggest that tool support facilitates the development of SMMs and promotes coordinated action of each group.     

Argumentative abilities in metacognition and in metalinguistics: a study on university students

The article presents a study on metalinguistic, cognitive and metacognitive abilities in university students. A sample of 353 students was recruited; 178 of which from scientific and 175 from humanistic Faculties, with gender balance (M = 178; F = 175) whose age range was between 20 and 25 years old. They were administered a metalinguistic ability test that assesses metalinguistic awareness at implicit and explicit levels (L and ML scores) and the Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices 38 (SPM38). In addition to the usual nonverbal administration of the matrices, candidates were asked to justify in written form the reasons for the solution indicated in each item. Three scores were considered for the SPM38: the ordinary score based on the number of correct nonverbal solutions (O.S.), a 7-point scale for assessing the argumentation of the correct solutions (C.ARG.S.) and a 6-point scale for assessing the argumentation of the incorrect solutions (I.ARG.S.). Significant gender and curriculum effects were found, with males and scientific students dominating at the nonverbal level while females and humanistic students dominated in the argumentative abilities related to the matrices and in all the scores of the metalinguistic test. A number of significant correlations were found between all the metalinguistic, cognitive and metacognitive abilities considered, with a prominent role of the metalinguistic abilities at the explicit level (ML score) that show a clear argumentative structure very similar to the C.ARG.S. argumentations in the matrices test.     

Predictors of teachers perceived self-competence in classroom management

The purpose of this exploratory study was to identify predictors of teacher manageability beliefs (the degree to which teachers believe they can personally manage a behavior). One hundred and eighty-two teachers completed the 39-item, nine-subtest Teacher Manageability Scale (TMS), which asked participants to rate each behavior (on a 5-point scale) by responding to the question “How easily can you manage the behavior when any student…?” Results of a multivariate regression analysis evaluating the relationship between the nine subtests (dependent variables) and eleven teacher-reported independent variables indicated that between 13% and 18% of the variance was predicted for the six TMS subtests achieving significance. The variables related to the greatest number of dependent measures were student academic achievement and socioeconomic status. Surprisingly, principal's disciplinary support and class size (enrollment) failed to predict even a single subtest. Implications for professional educators working with students identified for special educational services and future research are discussed.     

College students’ categorical perceptions of grades: it’s simply ‘good’ vs. ‘bad’

College students’ categorical perceptions of numeric and alphabetic grades were examined by assigning participants to one of four conditions: numeric grades alphabetic grades, numeric non-grades and alphabetic non-grades. They were then asked to give ratings for each possible grade or non-grade, using a 10-point scale. Factor analysis revealed that college students view both numeric and alphabetic grades as occurring in dichotomous categories, presumably either ‘good’ or ‘bad’. There were no neutral categories for course grades. Replications consistently yielded similar results, although specific boundaries between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ grades varied slightly.     

Development of a Semantic Differential to Assess the Attitude of Secondary School and College Students

The inquiry sought to develop a semantic differential (SD) for use in assessing attitude and attitude change among secondary school and college students. It included thirty-five bipolar adjectives, each using a 7-point ordinal scale, for student rating purposes. Three concepts were used in the study: teacher, learning, and student. A Likert type scoring was accomplished with part scores for each of the separate concepts, and with the total score being the sum of the three part scores. A comparison between pre- and post-college course attitudes was made involving 237 students, which showed significant change only for the concept “student” (Me as a student). Internal reliability indexes were obtained usingthe Kuder -Richardson(K-R) Formula 20 for part scores ranging from r = .421 to .610; and for the total score ranging from r = .928 to .960. Inter correlations of part scores for pretest ranged from r = .530 to .584; and for posttest r = .620 to .707. There is evidence of greater homogeneity for post-course concepts than for pre-course concepts used in the evaluation, i. e., teacher, learning, and student.     

The Generalizability of Ratings of Item Relevance

The relevance of test content to practice is essential for credentialing examinations and one way to ensure it is to collect ratings of item relevance from job incumbents. This study analyzed ratings of the 132 single-best-answer items and 117 multiple true-false item sets that formed the pretest books in a single administration of a medical certifying examination. Ratings collected from 57 practitioners were high (an average of more than 4 on a 5-point scale) and correlated with item difficulty (r = .31 to .34). The relationship between ratings and item discrimination is less clear (r = -.04 to .31). Application of generalizability theory to the ratings shows that reasonable estimates of item, stem, and total test relevance can be obtained with about 10 raters.     

All-Inclusive Conceptualization as a Dimension of Trainee Empathic Responding

Investigations into the personality characteristic all-inclusive conceptualization (AIC) indicated that this variable was related to the ability to integrate facilitative interpersonal behaviors. A test of AIC was administered to 28 counseling practicum students who also submitted audiotapes of an initial, middle, and final counseling session. The sessions were rated, using a 5-point Carkhuff scale, as to the level of empathic understanding present. Significant negative correlations were found between scores on the test and rated levels of empathic understanding in each counseling session. The correlations indicated that those trainees who scored higher on the test of AIC offered their clients lower levels of empathic understanding than did their lower scoring colleagues. Implications for this finding are discussed.