The Role of Technology and Computer-Based Instruction in a Disadvantaged Alternative School's Culture of Learning

New approaches to instruction are increasingly being advocated to meet the needs of diverse learners. Educational researchers have identified the further development and application of computer-based instruction technologies for managing differentiated learning for all students as essential for shifting to a learner-centered paradigm of instruction in future schools. This study examines how a disadvantaged alternative high school implemented technology use and computer-based instruction to support a learner-centered culture of learning. Based on findings, the study looks for implications and future directions to better support learner-centered instruction for diverse students.     

Effectiveness of Computer-Based Chemistry Instruction in Enhancing the Learning of Content and Variable Control Under Guided Versus Unguided Conditions

Computerized learning environments offer several possibilities that can be used to improve the teaching of content along with the process. Research indicates that students benefit from additional guidance, particularly when computer-based instruction requires active construction of knowledge. This study examines the relative effectiveness of guided versus unguided computer-based instruction with respect to regular instruction in improving content knowledge and process skills among students with low and high chemistry achievement levels. The results indicate that the effectiveness of computer-based instruction increases when learning is supported by teacher-directed guidance. Computer-based instruction (with or without guidance) was observed to be more effective than regular instruction in improving process skills particularly for students with high chemistry achievement. However, although the students who received regular or guided computer-based instruction showed significant gains in content knowledge, students under unguided condition failed to construct the expected content knowledge.     

Comparison of Hypermedia Learning and Traditional Instruction on Knowledge Acquisition and Retention

Abstract

A comparison was made of hypermedia learning environments and traditional instruction in terms of contribution to declarative, procedural, and conditional knowledge acquisition and retention in a specific subject area through a pretest-posttest control-group design. Thirty-nine 9th-grade biology students were assigned to experimental (hypermedia learning environment) and control (traditional instruction) groups through a matched-pair technique. Both groups were given pre-, post-, and retention tests. Posttest results indicated no significant difference between control and experimental groups in acquisition of declarative, conditional, and procedural knowledge. However, retention test results showed that the experimental group retained all three types of knowledge significantly better than did the control group.     

信息技术与中学物理教学整合的实践

信息技术与中学物理教学整合,改变了传统的学习方式和教学方式,利用信息术营造一种新型的教学环境.信息技术与中学物理教学整合,有利于创设物理情境,激发学生探索热情;在构建物理模型中培养学生创新思维能力;同时可增大课堂容量,培养学生信息处理能力.     

The Impact of Internet Virtual Physics Laboratory Instruction on the Achievement in Physics, Science Process Skills and Computer Attitudes of 10th-Grade Students

The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the impact of Internet Virtual Physics Laboratory (IVPL) instruction with traditional laboratory instruction in physics academic achievement, performance of science process skills, and computer attitudes of tenth grade students. One-hundred and fifty students from four classes at one private senior high school in Taoyuan Country, Taiwan, R.O.C. were sampled. All four classes contained 75 students who were equally divided into an experimental group and a control group. The pre-test results indicated that the students’ entry-level physics academic achievement, science process skills, and computer attitudes were equal for both groups. On the post-test, the experimental group achieved significantly higher mean scores in physics academic achievement and science process skills. There was no significant difference in computer attitudes between the groups. We concluded that the IVPL had potential to help tenth graders improve their physics academic achievement and science process skills.     

An Investigation of Effectiveness of Conceptual Change Text-oriented Instruction on Students' Understanding of Solution Concepts

This study investigated the effect of conceptual change text-oriented instruction over traditional instruction on students' understanding of solution concepts (e.g., dissolving, solubility, factors affecting solubility, concentrations of solutions, types of solutions, physical properties of solutions) and their attitudes towards chemistry. The sample of this study consisted of 87 undergraduate students from two classes enrolled in an introductory chemistry course. One of the classes was assigned randomly to the control group, and the other class were assigned randomly to the experimental group. During teaching the topic of solution concepts in the chemistry curriculum, a conceptual change text-oriented instruction was applied in the experimental group whereas traditional instruction was followed in the control group. The results showed that the students in the experimental group performed better with respect to solution concepts. In addition, it has been found that there was no significant difference between the attitudes of students in the experimental and control groups towards chemistry.     

房地产专业课程网络教学方法与实践

本根据房地产专业课程教学特点，分析了网络技术对房地产专业课程教学影响，并提出了房地产专业课程网络教学改革的目的，原则，在实践基础上构建了房地产专业教学网站和网络教学方法。     

The Effect of Hints and Model Answers in a Student-Controlled Problem-Solving Program for Secondary Physics Education

Many students experience difficulties in solving applied physics problems. Most programs that want students to improve problem-solving skills are concerned with the development of content knowledge. Physhint is an example of a student-controlled computer program that supports students in developing their strategic knowledge in combination with support at the level of content knowledge. The program allows students to ask for hints related to the episodes involved in solving a problem. The main question to be answered in this article is whether the program succeeds in improving strategic knowledge by allowing for more effective practice time for the student (practice effect) and/or by focusing on the systematic use of the available help (systematic hint-use effect). Analysis of qualitative data from an experimental study conducted previously show that both the expected effectiveness of practice and the systematic use of episode-related hints account for the enhanced problem-solving skills of students.     

Evaluation of Short-Term Impact of a High School Summer Science Program on Students' Perceived Knowledge and Skills

Summer science programs held in university research facilities provide ideal opportunities for pre-college students to master new skills and renew, refresh, and enrich their interest in science. These types of programs have a positive impact on a student's understanding of the nature of science and scientific inquiry and can open a youngster's eyes to the many possible career opportunities in science. This paper describes a study of high school students enrolled in the Summer Science Academy program at the University of Rochester that investigates the program's impact on students' knowledge of laboratory skills, as well as the impact on student interest in pursuing a career in science. Students' exposure to advanced laboratory techniques and their interaction with professional scientists provided them with a very positive hands-on experience. Students who attended the program felt more confident in their ability to use sophisticated laboratory skills and that the Summer Science Academy program provided a positive influence on their performance in advanced science courses, as well as their desire to pursue a career in science.     

基于行动研究的大学与中小学联合培养教育硕士模式初探

大学与中小学联合培养教育硕士,是一种以标准化的行动研究流程为基础,以大学与中小学合作为核心,以反思为主线的新型教育模式,具有务实性、合作性、创新性等特点,因而有利于打造＂双师型＂指导教师队伍,实现教育硕士培养目标。在实际操作中,参与各方要围绕＂确定问题＂和＂采取行动＂两个重点环节开展工作,教育硕士生应加强理论学习,着力提高发现及分析解决问题的能力,有关单位要精心制定行动计划,尽可能使学员的研修内容和形式互为一体。     

信息技术环境下的中学理科班级课堂教学模式及教学策略

从现代教育理论、心理学原理出发,根据中学理科的教学特点、中学生的心理特征,及多媒体技术和网络技术的发展,着重论述以加涅信息加工理论为依据的中学理科班级课堂教学模式及教学策略,为信息技术与中学理科课程整合寻求一条切实可行、效果较佳的途径。     

目标设置理论对学生学习动机激发的启示

目标设置理论是近年来研究最多、影响最大的一种激励理论，在管理学领域得到了广泛应用，该理论作为一种激励理论也可引入教育领域用来激发学生动机和指导学生的学习。目标设置在对学习动机激发方面有着前提指导的作用，教师与学生在对学习绩效目标的设置上各担负着不同的重要责任。     

Evaluation of the Long-Term Impact of a University High School Summer Science Program on Students' Interest and Perceived Abilities in Science

Many biomedical research universities have established outreach programs for precollege students and teachers and partnerships with local school districts to help meet the challenges of science education reform. Science outreach programs held in university research facilities can make science more exciting and innovative for high school students and can offer them much more insight into the nature of science and laboratory research than is available in most high school science courses. This paper describes a long-term follow-up study of high school students enrolled in the Summer Science Academy program at the University of Rochester to investigate the program's impact on students' perceived abilities in higher level science courses, on participation in extracurricular science programs, as well as the program's impact on student interest in pursuing a career in science. Students' exposure during SSA to advanced laboratory techniques and their participation in authentic science investigations provided them with a very positive hands-on experience. Students who attended the program indicated that it provided a positive influence on their performance in advanced science courses, as well as their decision to participate in other science programs and their desire to pursue a career in science.     

Effectiveness of a Computer-Mediated Simulations Program in School Biology on Pupils' Learning Outcomes in Cell Theory

Biology knowledge and understanding is important not only for the conversion of the loftiest dreams into reality for a better life of individuals but also for preparing secondary pupils for such fields as agriculture, medicine, biotechnology, and genetic engineering. But a recent study has revealed that many aspects of school science (biology included) pose problems of understanding for pupils, simply because of the teaching methods used and the lack of adequate instructional resources. Nevertheless, a program was designed to incorporate the use of computer technology innovation called the computer-mediated simulations (CMS) program to enhance pupils' learning outcomes in school biology. The study was carried out in a real biology classroom setting. It involved comparisons between the treatment and control groups. A Solomon-Three Group quasi-experimental design was employed to involve three secondary schools situated along Njoro-Mau Narok and Elburgon-Molo roads in Nakuru district that were purposively sampled on the basis of easy accessibility and the availability of IBM compatible computers. A total of 102 pupils enrolled in three intact classes were exposed to the same content on cell division for a period of 3 weeks. Three dependent measures—the Biology Achievement Test (BAT), the Biology Classroom Environment Questionnaire (BCEQ), and the Pupil Attitude Questionnaire (PAQ)—were used to assess the effectiveness of the program on the pupils' academic achievement in cell theory, their perception of the classroom environment, and attitudes towards the biology course on cell theory. The findings of the study affirmed the impact of the CMS program on the pupils' learning outcomes in that the mean gains of the participants in the treatment groups were significantly higher than that of their counterparts in the regular program. Also, the results indicated that the mean differences between the experimental group and the true control group were statistically significant in favor of the treatment group. The findings also showed no relationship between the participants' gender and their learning outcomes. The study concludes that the use of the CMS program to augment conventional biology teaching has major implications for secondary biology instruction in this area.     

小学数学学习困难学生加减应用题的补救教学

本研究采用小样本ABC实验设计 ,以 4名数学学习困难学生为被试评估了加减应用题补救教学的效果。本研究主要对数学学习困难学生进行了两个方面的训练 :(1)图式训练 ;(2 )一般解题策略训练。得到了以下结论 :(1)补救教学对学生加减应用题解题能力具有一定的促进作用 ;(2 )补救教学对学生的应用题解题行为产生了延时效果 ;(3)针对不同的学生 ,图式训练和解题策略训练存在不同的矫治效果。     

Comparing the Impacts of a Problem-Based Computer-Assisted Instruction and the Direct-Interactive Teaching Method on Student Science Achievement

This study explored the effects of a Problem-Based Computer-Assisted Instruction (PBCAI) on students' earth science achievement in Taiwan. One hundred and fifty-nine 10th grade students enrolled in four sections of a mandatory earth science course participated in this pretest–posttest control-group experiment. During a 2-week period, the experimental group students (n = 84) received the PBCAI while the comparison group students (n = 75) received a Direct-Interactive Teaching Method (DITM) accompanying with regular computer-internet usage. An analysis of covariance on the Earth Science Achievement Test posttest scores with students' IQ and pretest scores as the covariates suggested that (a) the PBCAI was more effective in promoting students' achievement than was the DITM (F = 4.91, p < .028), and that (b) students in the experimental group had significantly higher achievement scores than did students in the comparison group, especially on the knowledge (F = 7.74, p < .017) and comprehension (F = 5.73, p < .017) test items, but not on the application (F = .07, p > .017) test items.     

西部地区中小学教师课堂教学评价标准调查

通过对中国西部地区162名中小学教师对评价一堂好课标准的问卷调查,结果表明:新课程倡导的教学理念得到部分体现;教师理想的评价标准和现实的评价标准之间存在差距;一堂课的评价标准具有一定的结构,指向善于讲解、设计环境、调动学生、运用手段、选择目标五个维度,学段、学科、性别、年龄对教师的评课标准不存在显著影响。     

认知弹性理论指导下的中小学教师培训教学

认知弹性理论是一种关于结构不良的知识的习得与迁移的学习理论,对指导中小学教师培训教学具有较强的适用性。基于认知弹性理论,中小学教师培训教学宜采取如下教学设计策略:1.注重概念的多视角表征,实施概念的多维分析设计;2.运用概念的案例教学,实施概念与案例的交叉设计;3.创设真实的学习情境,实施学习任务的教学情境设计;4.运用认知弹性超文本,实施教学内容的立体网状结构设计。     

The Impact of a State Performance-Based Assessment and Accountability Program on Mathematics Instruction and Student Learning: Evidence From Survey Data and School Performance

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of the Maryland School Performance Assessment Program (MSPAP) and the Maryland Learning Outcomes (MLOs) on mathematics classroom instruction and assessment practices, professional development, and student learning. The data sources included questionnaires for principals, mathematics teachers, and students, as well as student performance on MSPAP over a 5-year period. Ninety elementary and middle schools in Maryland participated in the study. The results indicate that principals and teachers tended to support MSPAP as a tool for making changes in instruction, teachers were making some positive changes in mathematics instruction because of MSPAP (based on the questionnaire data), and the schools for which teachers reported that MSPAP had a greater impact on their mathematics instruction had greater MSPAP performance gains in mathematics over the 5 years.     

Enhancing Anatomical Instruction: Impact of a Virtual Canine Anatomy Program on Student Outcomes

Innovative reforms in medical education will require instructional tools to support these changes and to give students more flexibility in where and how they learn. At Colorado State University, the software program Virtual Canine Anatomy (VCA) was developed to assist student learning both inside and outside the anatomical laboratory. The program includes interactive anatomical photographs of dissected canine cadavers, dissection instructions with accompanying videos and diagrams, radiographs, and three-dimensional models. There is a need to evaluate the effectiveness of instructional tools like VCA so that decisions on pedagogical delivery can be evidence-based. To measure the impact of VCA on student outcomes in a dissection laboratory, this study compared student attitudes, quiz scores, dissection quality and accuracy, and instructor reliance between students with and without access to VCA. Students with VCA needed less time with teaching assistants (P < 0.01), asked teaching assistants fewer questions (P = 0.04), felt that the dissection was easier (P = 0.02), and were in stronger agreement that they had access to adequate resources (P = 0.02). No differences were found in the dissection quality or accuracy, quiz scores, or attitudes regarding overall enjoyment of the activity between the two groups. This study shows that VCA increases student independence and can be used to enhance anatomical instruction.