Developing experience-based (tacit) knowledge through reflection

This investigation examined the effectiveness of reflection methods derived from Sternberg's theory of practical intelligence [Sternberg, R.J., and Hedlund, J. (2002). Practical intelligence, g, and work psychology. Human Performance 15(1/2), 143–160.; Sternberg, R.J., Forsythe, G.B., Hedlund, J., Horvath, H.A., Wagner, R.K., Williams, W.M., et al. (2000). Practical intelligence in everyday life. New York: Cambridge University Press. 2000] on the acquisition of experience-based, tacit knowledge. Two related experimental studies were conducted to test the effect of brief tacit-knowledge reflection training on practical problem solving. Reflection methods were developed based on Sternberg's conceptualized condition–action structure of tacit knowledge. In the first study, 101 U.S. Army officers participated in a reflection intervention or practice control. Results showed an effect of reflection condition on post-test tacit-knowledge scores (F [3, 91] = 3.74, p = .01, 2 = .03). In the second study, 235 college students participated in a reflection intervention or an academic-type reflection control. Results showed that the reflection condition approached significance on post-test scores (F [1, 233] = 3.47, p = .06, p = .06, 2 = .01). The investigation suggests this line of inquiry warrants continued study.     

Factorial validity of the Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales for referred students

The Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales (RIAS) is a recently developed, individually administered psychometric instrument designed to measure general cognitive ability, as well as verbal (crystallized) intelligence, nonverbal (fluid) intelligence, and memory. Test reviewers have recommended the use of the RIAS despite the fact that, although the RIAS has been in circulation for more than four years, there is a paucity of independent research published about its psychometric properties. The purpose of the current study was to examine the factor structure of the RIAS across three samples of school‐age children: the RIAS norming sample; the data reported by Nelson, Canivez, Lindstrom, and Hatt; and a new, independent sample of students referred for special education services. Using confirmatory factor analytic techniques, this study found that a two‐factor model, positing verbal and nonverbal factors, fit all three data sets better than a one‐factor model. Furthermore, the two‐factor model demonstrated partial measurement invariance across the three samples, although the verbal factor showed much stronger invariance, construct reliability, and overall interpretability than did the nonverbal factor. Implications of this study for practitioners are discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Using the theory of successful intelligence as a framework for developing assessments in AP physics

A new test of Advanced Placement Physics, explicitly designed to balance both content and cognitive-processing skills, was developed using Sternberg’s theory of successful intelligence. The test was administered to 281 AP Physics students from 10 schools during the 2006–2007 school year. Six empirically distinguishable profiles of strengths and weaknesses emerged from an exploratory Q-type factor analysis across the four cognitive-skill areas assessed (i.e., memory, analytical, creative, and practical skills). These profiles replicated those found in previous research in the domains of AP Psychology and AP Statistics. Furthermore, achievement differences between ethnic groups on various cognitive subscales were reduced as compared with traditional estimates. The results provide evidence of the importance of integrating modern theories of cognitive processing into large-scale assessments.     

Intelligence assessment: Gardner multiple intelligence theory as an alternative

In the multiple intelligence framework, newer and more contextualized cognitive tasks are suggested as alternative to more traditional psychometric tests. The purpose of this article is to examine whether or not these two types of instruments converge into a general factor of cognitive performance. Thus, the Battery of General and Differential Aptitudes (BADyG: reasoning, memory, verbal aptitude, numerical aptitude and spatial aptitude) and a set of Gardner's multiple intelligence assessment tasks (linguistic, logical, visual/spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, naturalistic and musical intelligences) were administered to 294 children aged 5 to 7. The confirmatory factor analysis points out the absence of a common general factor considering both batteries, indicating instead the existence of two general factors, which gather the tests that encompass them. Also, these two general factors correspond to traditional and multiple intelligence assessments and show a statistically moderate correlation between them. These results challenge Gardner's original position on refusing a general factor of intelligence, especially when considering the cognitive dimensions measured which do not coincide with the more traditional tests of intelligence.     

Models and Methods for Urban Power Distribution Network Planning

The models, methods and their application experiences of a practical GIS (geographic information system)-based computer decision-making support system of urban power distribution network planning with seven subsystems, termed CNP, are described. In each subsystem there is at least one or one set of practical mathematical methobs. Some new models and mathematical methods have been introduced. In the development of CNP the idea of cognitive system engineering has been insisted on, which claims that human and computer intelligence should be combined together to solve the complex engineering problems cooperatively. Practical applications have shown that not only the optimal plan can be automatically reached with many complicated factors considered, but also the computation, analysis and graphic drawing burden can be released considerably.     

一般智力（g因素）在具体领域进化的适应机制

Kalnazawa提出了一般智力进化的新理论-g因素进化成一种新颖的、具体领域的适应性后,就不再具有通用性的特征。内容主要分为两部分：一般智力进化过程和作为具体领域适应性的一般智力。     

多元智能理论与综合实践活动课程

多元智能理论认为人的智力是多元的，打破了以往单一的言语和逻辑智力观，在教育理论和实践领域产生了极大的影响，当前我国新基础教育课程改革中，国家新增设的综合实践活动课程是其中一个亮点，分析多元智能理论对我国综合实践活动课程的开发，组织，实施和评价等方面的启示，以期更深刻地理解和把握综合实践活动课程。     

Students' perceptions of teaching skills and overall effectiveness across instructional settings

This study examines the differences in students' perceptions of the amount of improvement in dimensions of teaching skills across levels of instruction, class sizes, and disciplines. The relationship between factor scores on the dimensions of teaching and students' overall ratings are also analyzed across instructional settings.Student ratings were collected in 2,816 classes in a Faculty of Commerce over three semesters. Using class means as a unit of analysis, the data were factor-analyzed. Factor scores were used as dependent variables in examining differences across course characteristics. Factor scores were further used to predict ratings of the overall quality of instruction. These predictions were subsequently compared across instructional settings.In the combined sample, differences in students' perceptions were found across levels of instruction for all factors, and across class size for two factors. When analyses were conducted on these variables within separate disciplines, the results varied. The relationship between factor scores on the dimensions of teaching and students' overall ratings varied across instructional settings.The results are discussed in relation to previous research on the dimensions of teaching and in relation to the concept of students' normative assumptions about teaching behavior. Some practical implications of the results are also described.     

Do preschool executive function skills explain the school readiness gap between advantaged and disadvantaged children?

We examine the extent to which executive functions (EFs), as opposed to other cognitive skills, account for socioeconomically based disparities in school readiness. Participants are 226 American children (aged 36–71 months) enrolled in either needs-based or private preschools. Children completed 6 tasks designed to measure EFs as well as assessments of general intelligence and speed of cognitive processing. Children were also assessed on math, reading, and vocabulary skills. EFs accounted for unique variance across all academic measures even when controlling for speed of processing and general intelligence and partially accounted for disparities in school readiness associated with type of preschool enrollment. When vocabulary was controlled in the model, EFs only mediated associations between type of preschool and math. Vocabulary skills accounted for associations between socioeconomic status and both math and reading achievement. General intelligence and speed of processing did not uniquely account for associations between disadvantage and school readiness.     

Teacher self‐efficacy and successful intelligence among Chinese secondary school teachers in Hong Kong

This study assessed perceptions of self‐efficacy and successful intelligence among 220 Chinese prospective and in‐service secondary school teachers in Hong Kong. Teacher self‐efficacy in six domains – teaching highly able learners, classroom management, guidance and counselling, student engagement, teaching to accommodate diversity, and teaching for enriched learning – was related to the three triarchic dimensions (analytical, creative, and practical) of successful intelligence. Each of the three triarchic abilities was found to contribute independently and in combination to the prediction of the six domains of teacher self‐efficacy. Practical abilities were the most significant predictor of self‐efficacy beliefs in five domains. Teaching teachers for successful intelligence, in strategies to enhance teacher self‐efficacy, is discussed.     

Large-scale student assessment studies measure the results of processes of knowledge acquisition: Evidence in support of the distinction between intelligence and student achievement

Given the relatively high intercorrelations observed between mathematics achievement, reading achievement, and cognitive ability, it has recently been claimed that student assessment studies (e.g., TIMSS, PISA) and intelligence tests measure a single cognitive ability that is practically identical to general intelligence. The present article uses three lines of reasoning to show that the outcomes of schooling can and must be conceptually distinguished from the intelligence construct. First, the conceptual differences between student assessments and tests of cognitive ability are delineated. Second, results from construct validation studies providing strong empirical support for the multidimensionality of the achievement measures applied in large-scale educational assessments are reported. Third, data supporting the differential development of educational outcomes in different domains are presented.     

Emotions and teaching styles among academics: the mediating role of research and teaching efficacy

The key purpose of this research was to investigate the mediating role of academics’ self-efficacy in teaching and research (termed ‘academic self-efficacy’) in the relationship between emotions in teaching and teaching styles. Two hundred and thirty-two academics from 13 higher educational institutions in Shanghai, mainland China, responded to three self-report inventories, each assessing academics’ emotions in teaching, efficacy in teaching and research, and teaching styles, respectively. Results showed that academics’ emotions in teaching statistically predicted teaching styles, both directly and indirectly – through academic self-efficacy. Findings have enriched the literature on emotions in teaching, that on teaching styles, and that on teacher/academic self-efficacy. Practical implications are proposed in relation to academics and university senior managers.     

应用写作学的对象、矛盾、构想研究

应用是人类活动的产物，它既在社会生产中发展，又推动社会生产有序发展，作为一门学科，一国三地对它的解释大同小异，在经济全球化的发展趋势中，对应用写作学的研究对象和特殊矛盾进行具体研究，创建具有中国特色的应用写作学，既具有理论价值，又具有实用价值。     

Further evidence for a multifaceted model of mental speed: Factor structure and validity of computerized measures

The purpose of this study was to replicate the structure of mental speed and relations evidenced with fluid intelligence (Gf) found in a number of recent studies. Specifically, a battery of computerized tasks examined whether results with paper-and-pencil assessments held across different test media. Participants (N = 186) completed the battery, which incorporated 20 elementary cognitive tasks, 4 broad speediness (Gs) measures, and 5 Gf markers. Competing measurement models were tested. A higher-order model, with a general mental speed factor and 7 task-class specific factors fit the data well. Gs could not be distinguished from general mental speed. Besides the general mental speed factor, two task-class specific factors were moderately related to Gf. These findings strengthen the evidence for a multifacted structure of mental speed, and highlight the importance of specific speed task-classes in accounting for meaningful outcomes.     

The Status of Genetics Curriculum in Higher Education in the United States: Goals and Assessment

We review the state of genetics instruction in the United States through the lens of backward design, with particular attention to the goals and assessments that inform curricular practice. An analysis of syllabi and leading textbooks indicates that genetics instruction focuses most strongly on foundations of DNA and Mendelian genetics. At the same time, a survey of faculty indicates that other concepts, such as the application of genetics to society or the environment, are viewed as equally or even more important than foundation concepts. This disconnect suggests a need for more explicit goal setting prior to curriculum development. We also review the relationship between concept inventories, multiple-choice tests measuring conceptual understanding, and curricular goals. Existing concept inventories offer a strong foundation on which to build community-developed concept assessments of genetics knowledge. Concept assessments such as these would allow the genetics education community to test hypotheses of curricular change.     

专业实验教学质量评估体系初探

地理实验课程在加强学生对课堂理论知识的理解,提高学生的动手能力和实践能力,开发学生的智能,拓展学生的思维,培养学生科学的世界观和方法论方面具有重要作用。地理科学专业肩负着为中学培养合格地理教师的职责,地理实验课程的良好实施不仅对本科生的培养意义重大,而且还影响到未来中学地理教师的素质。构建有效的教师教学质量评估体系是地理科学专业实验课程顺利实施的保证,也是地理科学专业实验课程教师自我完善的动力。文章对地理科学专业实验课程教学质量评估的意义以及建立实验课程教学质量评估的原则进行探讨,并在此基础上构建地理科学专业实验课程教师教学质量评估体系。     

Analysis of the Phonological Skills of Children with Down Syndrome from Single Word and Connected Speech Samples

Phonological analysis of the speech of five children with Down syndrome was compared across single word samples elicited from tests and connected speech samples elicited during play. Analyses indicated that connected speech samples provided fewer total words and word tokens and, in some cases, failed to target certain later developing phonemes. CVCs were similarly represented across single word and connected speech samples, but differences across the sampling conditions included an over‐representation of clusters and an under‐representation of VC and CV forms in single word samples. Overall accuracy for vowels was greater than for consonant production, but no difference in phoneme accuracy was found across the conditions. Differences in phonetic inventories for some subjects indicated the possibility that children may, in their connected speech, avoid phonemes which they have yet to master. Phonological process analysis indicated that differences across the two conditions were restricted to their relative impact on each subject's overall intelligibility. Both similarities and differences with previous studies comparing sampling conditions with other populations are discussed, as are clinical implications.     

The Relationship between Intelligence,Approaches to Learning and Academic Achievement

Three different tests of intelligence and the Approaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students were administered to 89 Norwegian undergraduate psychology students. The purpose was to investigate the relationship between intelligence, approaches to learning and academic achievement. Factor analysis supported a one-factor solution of the three intelligence tests as an expression of general intelligence. No relationship between general intelligence and approaches to learning was observed. The WAIS vocabulary test of intelligence and the surface approach to learning were negatively correlated. The WAIS vocabulary test of intelligence and the surface approach to learning predicted academic achievement. A curvilinear relationship between surface approach and academic achievement was observed. Multiple regression analysis showed interaction effects between deep-strategic and surface-strategic approaches to learning as predictors of academic achievement. The findings support the construct validity of approaches to learning due to its independence of intelligence.     

Dimensions of motivation and approaches to learning in British and Hungarian secondary schools

This study compares two contrasting conceptualizations of motivation in relation to approaches to studying. The Hungarian conceptualization involves three domains of school motivation — affective, cognitive, and moral — which have been operationalized through a Likert-type inventory. A British and Swedish conceptualization has identified differing approaches to learning which are associated with contrasting forms of motivation — intrinsic, extrinsic, achievement, and fear of failure. Again these constructs were operationalized in terms of an inventory. Modified parallel versions of these inventories have been given to samples of secondary school pupils in Britain and Hungary. Factor analyses showed almost identical factor structures, in line with the two initial conceptualizations, but with little overlap between them.     

Creativity or musical intelligence?: A comparative study of improvisation/improvisation performance by European and African musicians

This paper describes an investigation into the nature of musical intelligence and its links with creativity across two continents, Europe and Africa. In seeking to indentify the intellectual processes associated with musical intelligence, improvised music was examined as an example of problem solving in this domain. Twenty-four musicians (twelve European and twelve Zimbabwean) functioning at three different levels of expertise - novices, experienced practitioners and professionals - were invited to perform two pieces of improvisation and to reflect upon their performances. An empirical phenomenological approach to analysis was employed. The results show that musical intelligence in this form is both contextually bound but also takes the form of self-expression, self-actualisation, story telling, communication, and social critique. Different levels of ability are illustrated by different levels of abstraction in processing.