Exploration and confirmation of a reflective-thinking scale to measure transformative learning in online courses

Responding to the ubiquity of information and the corresponding need to filter and make sense of it, transformative learning is increasingly being used to frame learning experiences in higher education. While several instruments have been developed to measure transformative learning in educational settings, little work has been done towards an understanding of transformative learning measurement in online environments. This study was conducted over two phases, an initial exploration of a reflective thinking questionnaire with students in an online MBA program of a higher education institution in the mid-Atlantic region of U.S., followed by a confirmatory phase of a refined, three-factor instrument in the same context. This study demonstrated the improved fit and overall interpretability of the three-factor instrument. The measurement invariance of the factor structure has also been examined with a set of covariates.     

Making connections: a conference approach to developing transformative environmental and sustainability education within initial teacher education

Abstract

Children today face significant challenges in response to living in a globalised world and the predicted environmental threats to the planet. However, implementing environmental and sustainability education (ESE) within schools can be complex and is often ignored within initial teacher education (ITE). In response, this project aimed to evaluate pedagogies for developing transformative learning for ESE within the context of university-based ITE. We ran a conference for trainee teachers informed by critical, participatory and arts-based pedagogic approaches. Alongside this, we undertook an interpretive case study, collecting data through questionnaires, focus groups and in-conference spoken reflection. Findings suggest trainee teachers gained a more nuanced understanding of the value and nature of ESE, as well as more affective and informed engagement with it, across the conference. Implications for ESE within ITE focus around the potential of pedagogies which provide affective experiences, in particular participatory and arts-based pedagogical approaches, for inspiring and empowering trainee teachers to enter into schools and develop their own ESE practice as classroom teachers.     

中国哲学学科化以来张载研究述评

中国哲学自实现学科化以来，作为古代哲学家个案研究之一的张载研究，也呈现出新的范式和特色。这表现在：对于张载哲学进行不懈的体系重构，使之与学科化哲学相吻合；在张载哲学的一些焦点问题上，近百年来出现纷纭变化；在张载哲学的专题研究上，研究视野呈现出多维的态势。     

少儿古筝学习心理的把握与调适

古筝是我国传统音乐艺术宝库中最具代表性的器乐。弘扬古筝艺术，不仅是继承传统艺术的必须，也是落实民族文化大省建设，提高青少年文化素质的有效途径。少儿古筝学习热潮的掀起对艺术事业是一件好事。要提高古筝教育水平，促进这股热潮的蓬勃发展和长盛不衰，需要教学工作者孜孜不倦的热忱和深入细致的研究。科学把握和适时调整学习心理，则是这种研究工作的重要内容。     

The long-term washback effects of the National Matriculation English Test on college English learning in China: Tertiary student perspectives

The Chinese National Matriculation English Test (NMET) aims to select higher-achieving students for tertiary education. This study presents student perceptions of the effectiveness of NMET preparation for after-test college English learning. Through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, tertiary students reported that the NMET facilitated their learning of college English. However, they also felt that having more English speaking and listening skills for the NMET would have better prepared them to handle college workloads. The students’ perceptions correlated with province of origin, senior high school and college status. Students’ suggestions for the NMET included making the speaking and listening NMET subtests obligatory, and adopting the same national standards for all English curricula to narrow the gap between secondary students’ English competence and the demands of tertiary education. Studying long-term washback effects of high stakes language tests and adopting the new China’s Standards of English could improve test preparation and the tests themselves.     

Community-driven informal adult environmental learning: Using theory as a lens to identify steps toward concientización

Abstract

This article examines community-driven adult environmental learning in a volunteer watershed stewards program. We look for evidence of elements that portray steps toward “concientización”—the process of individuals and communities directing their own learning in nonhierarchical ways. Leveraging two theories from the learning sciences and community development research, affinity spaces and the Asset-Based Community Development model, we trace participants’ development toward concientización. Data collected through interviews with watershed stewards speaks to parts of these theories that in turn signal elements of concientización. Our findings point to the importance of providing communities with support that is flexible and easy to use for identifying and leveraging the resources in their community. We call for a new framework to understand how to help learners access community-driven environmental learning experiences and supporting resources at opportune times.