An investigation of oral language and writing proficiency in third-grade students

Over the years, professionals have hypothesized that a positive relationship exists between children's oral language proficiency and their written language performance. This study examined the following two aspects of the relationship between oral and written language: (a) Are specific linguistic components of language more closely related than others? (b) Do groups rated high, medium, or low on written language measures differ significantly in oral language proficiency? Measures of oral and written language were administered to 77 third-grade students. Results indicated that moderate relationships existed between grammatical aspects of oral and written language. Oral language proficiency was significantly different for groups rated high, medium, and low on the basis of written language performance.     

高中生记叙文写作现状分析与对策研究

高中生写作记叙文的数量在减少,水平在降低,高中记叙文写作教学前景堪忧。其原因是多方面的：有高考试题的原因,有作文教学的原因,有文体特点的原因等。要提高高中生记叙文写作水平,需要加强记叙文写作在高考中的地位;强化记叙文的文体意识;加强构思能力的培养;强化描写能力的训练。     

The relationship between measures of vocabulary and narrative writing quality in second- and fourth-grade students

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between measures of written vocabulary and writing quality. Participants included 92 second-grade students and 101 fourth-grade students. Students completed two writing samples: one an experimenter-developed writing task and the other, a standardized assessment of writing quality. Research questions examined whether four vocabulary measures (vocabulary diversity, less frequent vocabulary, mean syllable length, number of polysyllabic words) demonstrated developmental differences, whether the vocabulary measures remained stable across two different writing prompts, and whether the vocabulary measures explained unique and shared variance beyond that explained by compositional length and compositional spelling. The results indicated that vocabulary diversity and less frequent vocabulary showed developmental differences across the two writing tasks. Vocabulary diversity was the only variable to remain stable across the two writing tasks. Commonality analysis revealed that vocabulary measures explained unique and shared variance in writing quality in all four models (2 grades and 2 writing prompts). Generally, vocabulary diversity was the most stable and consistent of the four vocabulary variables.     

Cognitive correlates of math skills in third-grade students

Math achievement is not a unidimensional construct but includes different skills that require different cognitive abilities. The focus of this study was to examine associations between a number of cognitive abilities and three domains of math skills (knowing, applying and problem solving) simultaneously in a multivariate framework. Participants were 723 third-grade children (mean age?=?9.07) from 28 elementary schools. Confirmatory factor analyses with binary indicators showed that a four-factor model of math skills (Knowing-Recalling, Knowing-Computing, Applying and Problem Solving) and a nine-factor model of cognitive abilities (Nonverbal and Verbal Reasoning, Verbal Concepts, Planning, Visuo-Spatial Working Memory (WM), two types of Verbal WM, Phonological Awareness and Phonological WM) fit the data well. Results from structural equation modelling showed that verbal reasoning and verbal concepts were most consistently associated with math knowing and problem solving domains. Verbal concepts contributed also to the math applying domain. In addition, simultaneous processing of verbal WM predicted problem solving skills in math. The results can be used in supporting the learning process of students with difficulties in math.     

Two readiness measures as predictors of first and third-grade reading achievement

Multiple-regression procedures were used to assess the effectiveness of the ABC Inventory and the Metropolitan Readiness Test (MRT) in predicting first and third-grade reading achievement. Sex and chronological age were included in the first-grade analysis (N = 62) and the first-grade PMA intelligence test score was added to the equation in predicting third-grade reading (N = 65). MRT performance accounted for 11% of the variance in first-grade SRA reading scores (R = .34). In predicting third-grade reading, the MRT accounted for 26% of the variance and the PMA IQ scores accounted for an additional 6% (final multiple R = .57). No other predictor made a significant contribution to explaining variance in first or third-grade reading achievement.     

Effects of self-evaluation training on narrative writing

Despite the burgeoning use of alternate assessment, few studies have examined effects on students. In this study, 148 students in 15 grade 4–6 classrooms were taught over an 8-week period how to evaluate their work (control N = 148). Treatment group students became more accurate in their self-evaluations than controls. Contrary to the beliefs of many students, parents and teachers, students' propensity to inflate grades decreased when teachers shared assessment responsibility. Treatment students also outperformed controls on narrative writing, but the overall effect was small (ES = 0.18). Weaker writers also improved their writing much more if they were in the treatment than the control group (ES = 0.58). Improvements consisted of increasing integration of story elements around a central theme and the adoption of a narrative voice. In contrast conventions of language were relatively unchanged. The results of the treatment were attributed to the focusing effect of joint criteria development and use, and the heightened meaningfulness of self-evaluation over other assessment data.     

The big-fish-little-pond effect on academic self-concept and interest in first- and third-grade students

BackgroundThe big-fish-little-pond effect (BFLPE) postulates that class-average achievement has a negative effect on students’ academic self-concept. Research examining the BFLPE with elementary school students is scarce, especially with first graders.AimsThis study examined the BFLPE of class-average achievement on academic self-concept and interest in the math domain with first and third graders.SampleParticipants were Luxembourgish first graders (N = 5057) and third graders (N = 4925).MethodsA multilevel, doubly latent approach was used to assess a BFLPE model containing achievement (as the predictor) and ASC and interest (as outcomes) in the math domain.ResultsThe BFLPE on math self-concept was supported in both grades, whereas the BFLPE on math interest was supported only for third graders. In both grades, larger effect sizes were observed for the BFLPE on math self-concept than on math interest.ConclusionOur results suggest that the social comparisons underlying the BFLPE play an important role in the formation of math self-concept in both grades, but they play a less substantial—and probably later—role in the formation of math interest in elementary school.     

The writing approaches of university students

University students' beliefs about themselvesas writers and about the experience of learningin writing were investigated as related towriting approaches as measured by the Inventoryof Processes in College Composition (Lavelle 1993). General findings included support forthe deep and surface paradigm as well asvariation in students' conceptions of writing,in their attitudes about themselves as writers,and in their felt need for personal expressionin writing. Implications for instruction andfurther research are included.     

当代小学生写作能力的退化

写作是一门不允许被忽略的重要课程,然而现在却成为部分教师最不注重的教学内容,出现一些令人担忧的背作文现象,为了让广大群众意识到问题的严重性,教育相关人员应该关注此类问题,改变教学方法,还给学生正确的写作课堂。     

The structural relationship between writing attitude and writing achievement in first and third grade students

This study tested three models of the structural relationship between the writing achievement of primary grade students and their attitude towards writing (defined here as an affective disposition involving how the act of writing makes the author feel, ranging from happy to unhappy). The three models tested were: (a) writing attitude influences writing achievement in a unidirectional manner, (b) writing achievement influences writing attitude in a unidirectional manner, and (c) the effects of writing attitude and achievement are bidirectional and reciprocal. The model that best fit the data was based on the assumption that writing attitude influences writing achievement. In addition, the direct path between attitude and achievement in this model was statistically significant. Although third grade students were better writers than first grade students, there was no statistical difference in younger and older students’ attitude towards writing. In addition, girls were more positive about writing than boys, but there was no statistical difference in their writing achievement related to gender. This research extends models based on the cognitive and language processes of writing to include the role of attitude, which is an affective component of motivation.     

英语专业学生写作中的问题及对策

英语写作作为一种综合运用英语知识的实践活动,是英语专业教学中最薄弱的环节。当前,教师在教学过程中应改善写作教学方式,将各种教学法与不同的教学内容、学生的不同错误和不同需求融合起来。从学生写作中的问题入手,采取有针对性的教学方法,提高英语专业学生的写作能力。     

Long-term predictors of narrative skill in children with early bilateral cochlear implants

Narratives require the integration of many different linguistic skills and can be used as an ecologically valid measure of child language development. This study investigated the narrative skills of 18 six- to seven-year-old prelingually deaf children who received simultaneous bilateral cochlear implants (CI) between 5 and 18 months of age. No significant differences were found on any of the narrative measures between this group and a matched group of normal-hearing children. Measures taken of the children at 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 36 and 48 months post-implantation, and measures from their parents were examined as possible predictors of narrative skills 72 months post-implantation. Child auditory skills, expressive language and receptive language were significant predictors of later narrative skills. A greater use of auditory-verbal language relative to visually supported language by parents and educators was associated with increased language complexity in child narratives. These results strongly suggest that early bilateral CI is associated with improved language outcomes for children with severe congenital hearing loss.     

初中作文教学体系点滴谈

本文初步分析了当前作文教学中存在的问题,试图在初中作文教学中形成一个体系,从标题-构思-选材-文体-语言等方面,对学生进行系统的教学,使学生在写作中展现自己的个性和才华,以期解决当前初中作文教学中的问题。     

Academic music: music instruction to engage third-grade students in learning basic fraction concepts

This study examined the effects of an academic music intervention on conceptual understanding of music notation, fraction symbols, fraction size, and equivalency of third graders from a multicultural, mixed socio-economic public school setting. Students (N?=?67) were assigned by class to their general education mathematics program or to receive academic music instruction two times/week, 45?min/session, for 6?weeks. Academic music students used their conceptual understanding of music and fraction concepts to inform their solutions to fraction computation problems. Linear regression and t tests revealed statistically significant differences between experimental and comparison students?? music and fraction concepts, and fraction computation at posttest with large effect sizes. Students who came to instruction with less fraction knowledge responded well to instruction and produced posttest scores similar to their higher achieving peers.     

科技论文写作课程在研究生教学中的作用

科技论文写作是研究生课程的重要组成部分。本文结合科技论文写作课程的内容,从端正写作态度,构建学术道德,掌握写作规范,提高写作能力,以及培养创新能力等方面阐述了该课程在研究生教学中所发挥的作用,并指出教学中应注重研究生综合素质的培养。     

少数民族预科生汉语写作中常见问题概述

本文旨在通过对预科汉语教学和对外汉语教学及双语教学的对比,说明了对少数民族预科生汉语写作中出现的问题分析的必要性,在此基础上对预科生汉语写作中出现的问题进行了分类。     

高职英语写作教学中激发学生写作兴趣的有效对策

随着高等职业教育的发展,高职英语写作教学的重要性更加明显,由于很多学生对英语写作缺乏学习兴趣,基本处于"被动写作"、"痛苦写作"的境地,所以严重影响了高职英语写作教学的有效性。鉴于此,就英语写作教学中激发学生写作兴趣的有效对策进行探讨,旨在让学生在寓教于乐的课堂氛围下,提高英语写作兴趣,激发学生的写作潜能。     

E‐mail me your thoughts: digital communication and narrative writing

The use of ICT for communicating with those not physically present in the classroom can add a new dimension to literacy work. This study illustrates how the interactive nature of e‐mail opens new possibilities for young writers, enriching the curricular emphasis on genres and forms, and expanding children's horizons by encouraging them to write in new ways for new audiences. The paper reports on a study into the use of e‐mail as a means of providing support for classroom writing projects at Key Stage 2. These projects, with pupils in the 7–10 age range, focused on two popular narrative genres: sword and sorcery adventures, and sci‐fi stories. The research shows how digital communication can be used to enrich print‐based literacy whilst at the same time providing a creative exploration of new forms of interactive written discourse on screen.