The effect of the Horsham Greenpower Goblin Challenge on children's attitudes towards science,engineering and technology

This research examines the effects of the Horsham Greenpower Goblin Challenge (HGGC), a hands-on science, engineering and technology (SET) project, on the attitudes of Year 5, primary-school children towards SET. The data collection centred on pre- and post-HGGC questionnaires using Likert scales and picture/word images of scientists and engineers. It was found that the HGGC did not significantly alter children's attitudes to SET and did not dispel previous negative images and attitudes. It was concluded that a greater understanding and acknowledgement of children's existing attitudes was required when designing initiatives aimed at dispelling negative and promoting positive images of SET.     

Psychometric quality of a student evaluation of teaching survey in higher education

Student evaluations of teaching (SET) are used globally by higher education institutions for performance assessment of academic staff and evaluation of course quality. Higher education institutions commonly develop their own SETs to measure variables deemed relevant to them. However, ‘home-grown’ SETs are rarely assessed psychometrically. One potential consequence of this limitation is that an invalidated instrument may not provide accurate information for the intended purposes. Moreover, in the absence of psychometric assessment, the students’ voices collected by the SETs often fail to provide insight relative to their intended purpose. The present study evaluates a ‘home-grown’ SET using a Rasch model and confirmatory factor analysis. Our results identified weaknesses in two areas: the rating categories and the number of items used to measure the intended constructs. Suggestions are provided to address these weaknesses. This work provides an additional tool set for critical analysis of SET that is generally applicable for a variety of institutions, including those in Asia.     

A longitudinal investigation of the impact of faculty reflective practices on students' evaluations of teaching

Though there have been many studies conducted that emphasise faculty reflection as a crucial feature of professional practice, there appears to have been little empirical evidence to support the proposition that reflective practice improves the quality of teaching. Previous research demonstrated that reflective practice could be encouraged by weekly formative student evaluations of teaching (SETs). This study investigated the impact of reported reflective practice using formative SETs on changes to summative SETs, typically conducted at the end of a teaching period. Data was collected in a rural UK‐based university‐college in 11 modules (n = six faculty members, n = 413 students) in Business, Countryside and Environment, Foundation Degree and Veterinary Nursing programmes over the period of 2 years of data collection. Findings show that on average, SET scores increased for all reflective practitioners year on year and increased more for those faculty members who demonstrated higher levels of reflection.     

Multiple dimensions of university teacher self-concept

Despite the recognised importance of positive self-concepts inmany settings, surprisingly little attention has been paid to teacherself-concepts – teachers' self-perceptions of their own teachingeffectiveness. We integrate research literatures on self-concept and onstudents' evaluations of teaching effectiveness (SETs), develop amultidimensional university teacher self-concept instrument, andevaluate its psychometric properties (factor structure, reliability,validity). A multitrait-multimethod analysis of relations betweenmultiple dimensions of teacher self-concept and corresponding SET ratingdimensions provides good support for the construct validity of teacherself-concept responses. In support of a priori hypotheses based onself-concept theory, agreement between teacher self-concepts and SETswas moderate (median r = 0.20) for teachers who had notpreviously received SET feedback, but substantially higher (median r= 0.40) for teachers who had previously received SET feedback.Implications for further research on teacher self-reflection and forimproving teaching effectiveness in higher education arediscussed.     

Student evaluations of teaching: the impact of faculty procedures on response rates

In the last 10–15 years, many institutions of higher education have switched from paper-and-pencil methods to online methods of administering student evaluations of teaching (SETs). One consequence has been a significant reduction in the response rates to such instruments. The current study was conducted to identify whether offering in-class time to students to complete online SETs would increase response rates. A quasi-experiment (nonequivalent group design) was conducted in which one group of tenured faculty instructed students to bring electronic devices with internet capabilities on a specified day and offered in-class time to students to complete online SETs. A communication protocol for faculty members’ use was developed and implemented. A comparison group of tenured faculty who did not offer in-class time for SET completion was identified and the difference-in-differences method was used to compare the previous year’s response rates for the same instructor teaching the same course across the two groups. Response rates were substantially higher when faculty provided in-class time to students to complete SETs. These results indicate that high response rates can be obtained for online SETs submitted by students in face-to-face classes if faculty communicate the importance of SETs in both their words and actions.     

Students’ Attitudes towards Peers with Disabilities: A review of the literature

The trend towards inclusive education has led to an increase of studies focusing on peer attitudes. This review study presents an overview of studies describing attitudes of students, variables relating to students’ attitudes, and the relationship between students’ attitudes and the social participation of peers with disabilities. Based on a literature search we selected 20 studies that were conducted in seven different countries. Outcomes were described in terms of negative, neutral or positive according to three attitude components (cognitive, affective and behavioural). The results show that students generally hold neutral attitudes towards peers with disabilities. Several variables were found relating to their attitudes (i.e., gender, age, experience with and knowledge about disabilities, parental influence). Moreover, the results indicate that attitudes of peers relate to the social participation of students with disabilities. Implications of the findings are discussed in terms of promoting positive attitudes of peers.     

Writing Development Over Time: Examining Preservice Teachers' Attitudes and Beliefs About Writing

Since writing ability has been found to be a key indicator of school success and successful participation in the workplace, it is important for preservice teachers to receive effective preparation in the area of writing. Reflecting on personal writing experiences allows preservice teachers to examine their own attitudes and beliefs about writing and the effects their attitudes and beliefs may have on their pedagogical decisions in the future. This article describes the findings from two focus groups conducted with preschool and elementary preservice teachers during which participants examined their attitudes towards writing that have developed over time and their plans for future writing instruction. The following three broad themes emerged related to key influences in the development of positive and negative attitudes towards writing: (a) having writing published or showcased increases positive attitudes towards writing, (b) creative opportunities and process-oriented teaching strategies provide the most meaningful writing experiences, and (c) negative feedback from teachers adversely impacts self-confidence in writing skills and leads to negative attitudes towards writing. Three themes related to views of writing instruction and pedagogical decisions for the future also emerged from the focus groups. These were: (a) embedding writing opportunities throughout the day helps provide quality writing instruction, (b) preservice teachers who struggle with writing mechanics are hesitant about teaching these skills to their future students, and (c) preservice teachers do not agree on one specific methodology for teaching writing or the amount of time that they will teach writing in the future.     

University students' self‐efficacy and their attitudes toward the Internet: the role of students' perceptions of the Internet

The attitudes and the self‐efficacy that characterize learners relative to the Internet have been identified as important factors that affect learners’ motivation, interests and performance in Internet‐based learning environments. Meanwhile, learners’ perceptions of the Internet may shape learners’ attitudes and online behaviours. This study investigates university students’ attitudes and self‐efficacy towards the Internet, and explores the role that university students’ perceptions of the Internet may play in their Internet attitudes and self‐efficacy. The results indicate that university students demonstrate positive attitudes and adequate Internet self‐efficacy and that these students are more inclined to view the Internet as a functional tool—a functional technology. Gender differences exist in university students’ attitudes towards, and perceptions of, the Internet; that is, male students demonstrate Internet attitudes that are more positive than those of their female peers. Furthermore, students who perceive the Internet as a leisure tool (e.g. as a tour or a toy) show more positive attitudes and communicative self‐efficacy than students who use the Internet as a functional technology. Educators and researchers need to be aware of these differences and to take them into consideration in their instruction. Lastly, this study serves as a starting‐point for research that more broadly explores learners’ perceptions of the Internet.     

Improving SET Response Rates: Synchronous Online Administration as a Tool to Improve Evaluation Quality

Institutions of higher education continue to migrate student evaluations of teaching (SET) from traditional, in-class paper forms to online SETs. Online SETs would favorably compare to paper-and-pencil evaluations were it not for widely reported response rate decreases that cause SET validity concerns stemming from possible nonresponse bias. To combat low response rates, one institution introduced a SET application for mobile devices and piloted formal synchronous classroom time for SET completion. This paper uses the Leverage Salience Theory to estimate the impact of these SET process changes on overall response rates, open-ended question response rates, and open end response word counts. Synchronous class time best improves SET responses when faculty encourage completion on keyboarded devices and provide students SET completion time in the first 15 min of a class meeting. Full support from administrators requires sufficient wireless signal strength, IT infrastructure, and assuring student access to devices for responses clustering around meeting times.     

Is it possible to redress noninstructional biases in student evaluation of teaching surveys? Quantitative analysis in accounting and finance courses

Several studies have reported that student evaluation of teaching (SET) presents important problems. First, depending on the area, there are significant differences in the evaluations. Second, numerous noninstructional biases exist, such as when those teachers who award better grades obtain better SETs. Correcting the rankings by considering these biases (e.g., adjusting SETs according to the class grade) has been proposed. In this paper, we analyse a third problem: it is impossible to correct the biases because they are specific to each area, level, and even class. On a sample of 15,439 SETs, we compared the biases present in two very close areas (accounting and finance) and at two levels (undergraduate and postgraduate). Then, we used a procedure based on the analysis of residuals in OLS models to eliminate area- and level-specific biases. However, there are still latent biases apparently linked to each specific group of students.     

A psychometric approach to the validation of a student evaluation of teaching instrument

The purpose of this study was to conduct a validation analysis of an SET and provide a validation framework of SETs that can be included when designing complete evaluations of teaching within higher education institutions. A series of Rasch analyses was conducted on the results of the SET, examining the responses of students within a college and three departments. Results show the majority of items were moderately difficult to endorse in the college and departments, there were issues with DIF, and two items did not consistently fit the model. The study provides an analysis framework that may aid policymakers and institutional administrators in developing higher quality SETs, and demonstrates the need for validating SETs being implemented in higher education settings.     

A Bootstrap Experiment on the Statistical Properties of Students' Ratings of Teaching Effectiveness

This paper examines the effects of two background variables in students' ratings of teaching effectiveness (SETs): class size and students' motivation (as surrogated by students' likelihood to respond randomly). Resampling simulation methodology has been employed to test the sensitivity of the SET scale for three hypothetical instructors (excellent, average, and poor). In an ideal scenario without confounding factors, SET statistics unmistakably distinguish the instructors. However, at different class sizes and levels of random responses, SET class averages are significantly biased. Results suggest that evaluations based on SET statistics should look at more than class averages. Resampling methodology (bootstrap simulation) is useful for SET research for scale sensitivity study, research results validation, and actual SET score analyses. Examples will be given on how bootstrap simulation can be applied to real-life SET data comparison.     

The effect of incentives and other instructor-driven strategies to increase online student evaluation response rates

Course evaluations (often termed student evaluations of teaching or SETs) are pervasive in higher education. As SETs increasingly shift from pencil-and-paper to online, concerns grow over the lower response rates that typically accompany online SETs. This study of online SET response rates examined data from 678 faculty respondents and student response rates from an entire semester. The analysis focused on those tactics that faculty employ to raise response rates for their courses, and explored instructor and course characteristics as contributing factors. A comprehensive regression model was evaluated to determine the most effective tactics and characteristics. Using incentives had the most impact on response rates. Other effective tactics that increase response rates include reminding students to take the evaluation, explaining how the evaluations would be used to improve instruction, sending personal emails and posting reminders on Blackboard^®. Incentives are not widely used; however, findings suggest that non-point incentives work as well as point-based ones, as do simple-to-administer minimum class-wide response rate expectations (compared to individual completion).     

An analysis of the effects of in‐service teacher training on Turkish preschool teachers’ attitudes towards inclusion

Any implementation of an inclusive policy is largely dependent on educators’ attitudes. In Turkey, many teachers who educate preschool children with Special Educational Needs (SEN), and who have not received in‐service teacher training (INSET) are observed to have negative attitudes towards their SEN students. The aim of this article is to examine differences between the attitudes of preschool teachers before and after an INSET course. Sixty‐six preschool teachers were selected for this study which had a single group pre–post‐test design. The teachers’ opinions and attitudes relating to mainstreaming SEN students in regular educational environments were assessed using the ‘Opinions Relative to Mainstreaming’ scale. The data indicate that these teachers were affected by the INSET programme in such a way that their attitudes towards the inclusion of SEN students became more positive.     

Variability in Demand for Special Education Teachers: Indicators,Explanations, and Impacts

After decades of growth, the number of special education teachers (SETs) has begun to decline. In 2009, U.S. schools employed 13% fewer SETs than in 2006. The number of annual new hires of SETs also dropped dramatically in some states. The onset of these declines predated the economic downturn of 2008 and resulted in part from a steady decline since 2005 in the number of students with disabilities (SWD) served. We consider factors that may be contributing to declining demand for SETs, among them the number of SWD, service delivery, the economic downturn, and present supporting evidence. We also consider the potential impact of reduced demand on SET supply, teacher education, equitable distribution of teachers, and, most importantly, outcomes for SWD. We call for vigilance and monitoring of SET employment data to assure that all students receive the appropriate education to which they are entitled.     

Effects of Concept and Vee Mappings Under Three Learning Modes on Students' Attitudes Towards the Mappings,Learning Modes,Ecology and Genetics

This study investigates the effects of concept and vee mappings under cooperative, cooperative-competitive and individualistic learning modes, ability levels and gender on students' attitudes towards concept and vee mappings, the three learning modes, ecology and genetics. A pre-test-post-test experiment, with control groups, involving 808 eleventh grade (fourth form) students, was used for data collection. Students taught the use of concept and vee mappings, under cooperative conditions, developed superior positive attitudes towards the two heuristics, ecology and genetics, compared with those taught under cooperative-competitive and individualistic conditions. Statistically significant differences in their attitudes were due mainly to treatment and ability. High ability students developed the most superior positive attitudes to concept and vee mappings, ecology and genetics. Students' attitudes towards cooperation were mostly positive but totally negative to individualisation and mostly negative to competition. Students' positive attitudes to ecology and genetics correlated negatively with their attitudes towards competition and individualisation. The implications of the study's findings for the teaching of science are addressed.     

Changing the attitudes of high school students towards intellectual disabilities: the contribution of a social coexistence programme

Students’ attitudes towards peers with intellectual disabilities are mostly negative, and negative attitudes appear more among secondary education students than any other age group. Social coexistence programmes are intervention programmes implemented by school psychologists to manage and change negative attitudes and enforce social interaction with students with disabilities. The research sample consisted of 193 public high school students in Greece who were given the Chedoke–McMaster Attitudes Toward Children with Handicaps (CATCH) Scale. The study aimed to explore whether there is a change in the attitudes of high school students towards peers with intellectual disabilities after participation in a social coexistence programme. The findings showed that students who participated in the programme had more positive attitudes towards people with intellectual disabilities after the completion of the programme. The above findings confirm the research on the possibility of changing attitudes of secondary school students towards peers with disabilities and reinforce the need for the systematic development of social coexistence programmes for the entire student population. Future research should focus on the benefits of students with disabilities from their participation in social coexistence programmes.     

Teacher attitudes towards the inclusion of students with support needs

Teachers’ positive attitudes towards inclusive education are a prerequisite for its successful implementation. This study surveyed the attitudes of Finnish classroom, subject, resource room and special education class teachers (N = 4567) towards inclusive education. The results indicated very low support for the concept. Its acceptance was strongly associated with the specific teacher categories and the concern that inclusive placements would cause extra work for teachers. Teachers who were confident in their support networks and had sufficient access to educational resources, such as an in‐classroom teaching assistant, were more positive towards inclusion than other teachers. Attitudinal variables, including self‐efficacy and child‐centredness, and demographic variables, including age and gender, were also associated with attitudes towards inclusion. It is argued that vicious circle exists between resources and teacher attitudes. The negative climate towards inclusion prevents the legislation that would guarantee adequate resources for mainstream teachers who have students with support needs in their classrooms. The lack of legal guarantees, in turn, prevents negative teacher attitudes towards inclusive education from changing. Although the overall progress in inclusive education is tied to the development of cultural values, the promise of more inclusion in schools goes hand‐in‐hand with the availability of adequate resources.     

Impact of attitudes, ethnicity and quality of prior therapy on New Zealand male prisoners' intentions to seek professional psychological help

A sample of 111 male prisoners returned a questionnaire which assessed helpseeking intentions, psychological distress, treatment fearfulness and attitudes toward professional psychological helpseeking. Results indicated that more favourable attitudes were associated with increased helpseeking intentions. In general, non-Maori inmates and those with positive prior helpseeking experiences had more positive attitudes and higher helpseeking intentions than those who had neutral or negative prior helpseeking experiences. Contrary to expectations male prisoners had lower helpseeking intentions for "suicidal thoughts" than for a "personal-emotional problem".     

Management by results: Student evaluation of faculty teaching and the mis-measurement of performance

Using data on 4 years of courses at American University, regression results show that actual grades have a significant, positive effect on student evaluations of teaching (SETs), controlling for expected grade and fixed effects for both faculty and courses, and for possible endogeneity. Implications are that the SET is a faulty measure of teaching quality and grades a faulty signal of future job performance. Students, faculty, and provost appear to be engaged in an individually rational but socially destructive game of grade inflation centered on the link between SETs and grades. When performance is hard to measure, pay-for-performance, embodied by the link between SETs and faculty pay, may have unintended adverse consequences.