The influence of students’ interest,ability and personal situation on students’ perception of a problem-based learning environment

The twofold purpose of this study is to identify engineering students’ perceptions of a problem-based learning environment and to analyse the influence of their personal situation, general interest in engineering and ability to succeed on their perception, after they were exposed to PBL for the first time. Based on an adjusted version of the problem-based learning environment inventory [Senocak, E. 2009. “Development of an Instrument for Assessing Undergraduate Science Students’ Perceptions: The Problem-based Learning Environment Inventory.” Journal of Science Education Technology 18 (6): 560–569], data regarding students’ perception were collected through a questionnaire survey and analysed by applying exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. The analysis revealed a three-factorial PBL environment consisting of learning facilitator support, student responsibility and project quality, with strong influences of students’ personal situation on project quality, interest on the learning facilitator support and ability to succeed on students’ responsibility. Supporting students’ general interest in engineering seems to improve their perception of the learning facilitator support and ensuring students’ ability to succeed in a PBL environment seems to increase students’ awareness of their own responsibility.     

IDENTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT OF TAIWANESE CHILDREN’S CONCEPTIONS OF LEARNING MATHEMATICS

The aim of the present study was to identify children’s conceptions of learning mathematics and to assess the identified conceptions. Children’s conceptions are identified by interviewing 73 grade 5 students in Taiwan. The interviews are analyzed using qualitative data analysis methods, which results in a structure of 5 major conceptions, each having 2 subconceptions: constructivist (interest and understanding), interpretivist (liberty and innovation), objectivist (academic goal and perseverance), nativist (confidence and anxiety (reverse)), and pragmatist (vocational goal and application). The conceptions are assessed with a self-developed questionnaire, titled “the Conception of Learning Mathematics Questionnaire” (CLMQ), which is administered to 513 grade 5 students in Taiwan and examined with a reliability measure, confirmatory factor analysis, and correlations with 2 criteria: mathematics achievement and approaches to learning mathematics. The results show that the CLMQ has desirable internal consistency reliability and construct validity. The conceptions are also sensibly in relation to the 2 criteria, suggesting that the CLMQ is a valid measure for evaluating the quality of children’s learning mathematics in relation to teaching contexts.     

Hemoglobin, growth, and attention of infants in southern Ethiopia

Male and female infants from rural Ethiopia were tested to investigate relations among hemoglobin (Hb), anthropometry, and attention. A longitudinal design was used to examine differences in attention performance from 6 (M = 24.9 weeks, n = 89) to 9 months of age (M = 40.6 weeks, n = 85), differences hypothesized to be related to changes in iron status and growth delays. Stunting (length‐for‐age z scores < ?2.0) and attention performance, t(30) = ?2.42, p = .022, worsened over time. Growth and Hb predicted attention at 9 months, R² = .15, p < .05, but not at 6. The study contributes to the knowledge base concerning the relations among Hb, early growth, and attention.     

Projectively flat Asanov Finsler metric

In this work, we study the Asanov Finsler metric F=α(β2/α2 gβ/α 1)1/2exp{(G/2)arctan[β/(hα) G/2]}, where α=(αijyiyj)1/2 is a Riemannian metric and β=biyj is a 1-form, g∈(-2,2), h=(1-g2/4)1/2, G=g/h. We give the necessary and sufficient condition for Asanov metric to be locally projectively flat, i.e., α is projectively flat and β is parallel with respect to α. Moreover, we proved that the Douglas tensor of Asanov Finsler metric vanishes if and only if β is parallel with respect to α.     

Examining the moderating effect of individual-level cultural values on users’ acceptance of E-learning in developing countries: a structural equation modeling of an extended technology acceptance model

In this study, we examine the effects of individual-level culture on the adoption and acceptance of e-learning tools by students in Lebanon using a theoretical framework based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). To overcome possible limitations of using TAM in developing countries, we extend TAM to include subjective norms (SN) and quality of work life constructs as additional constructs and a number of cultural variables as moderators. The four cultural dimensions of masculinity/femininity (MF), individualism/collectivism, power distance and uncertainty avoidance were measured at the individual level to enable them to be integrated into the extended TAM as moderators and a research model was developed based on previous literature. To test the hypothesised model, data were collected from 569 undergraduate and postgraduate students using e-learning tools in Lebanon via questionnaire. The collected data were analysed using the structural equation modelling technique in conjunction with multi-group analysis. As hypothesised, the results of the study revealed perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEOU), SN and quality of work life to be significant determinants of students’ behavioural intention (BI) towards e-learning. The empirical results also demonstrated that the relationship between SN and BI was particularly sensitive to differences in individual-cultural values, with significant moderating effects observed for all four of the cultural dimensions studied. Some moderating effects of culture were also found for both PU and PEOU, however, contrary to expectations the effect of quality of work life was not found to be moderated by MF as some previous authors have predicted. The implications of these results to both theory and practice are explored in the paper.     

The Fiscal Impacts of College Attainment

This study quantifies one part of the return to U.S. public investment in college education, namely, the fiscal benefits associated with greater college attainment. College graduates pay much more taxes than those not going to college. Government expenditures are also much less for college graduates than for those without a college education. Indeed, over an average lifetime, total government spending per college degree is negative. That is, direct savings in post-college government expenditures (conservatively, about 85,000 per four-year-equivalent degree over an average lifetime) are greater than government expenditures on higher education (generously, about85,000 per four-year-equivalent degree over an average lifetime) are greater than government expenditures on higher education (generously, about 74,500 per degree). Plus, the direct extra tax revenues from college graduates alone (roughly $471,000 per degree over a lifetime) are more than six times the gross government cost per college degree. The average real fiscal internal rate of return on government investment in college students is conservatively estimated to be 10.3%.     

An Analysis of Peer Review Response Types in Threaded Discussions of an Online Graduate Class

Abstract

The effectiveness of a peer review process for online graduate students is predicated on a balance between social- and task-directed communications. The defining criteria of learning communities are presented to illustrate the operational meaning of social and the criteria for Critical Thinking used to illustrate the operational meaning of task response types. The social responses were further categorized as an opinion/evaluative or anecdotal/reflective comment and task responses subcategorized as either a content or style comment. The hypothesis that a significant difference would be found between the social and task responses was accepted as was the second hypothesis that there would be a significant difference between the content and style responses.     

Pigeons’ memory for time: Assessment of the role of subjective shortening in the duration-comparison procedure

Pigeons were trained in a duration-comparison procedure to peck one key if the comparison duration (c) was 1 sec shorter than a standard duration (s), and another key if c was 1 sec longer than s. During training, the s-c delay was 1 sec, and the total duration of an s-c pair was not predictive of the correct choice. In Experiment 1, during equal-duration pair test trials, pigeons increasingly responded long (i.e., c τ s) as the s-c delay was lengthened. In Experiment 2, we demonstrated that s affected long responding on equal-duration test trials, even at the 8-sec s-c delay. In Experiment 3, long responding increased as the s-c delay was lengthened, even when stimulus conditions during the s-c delay differed from those during the intertrial interval (ITI). Additional analyses indicated that it was unlikely that the increase in long responding was due to the pigeons’ adding the s-c delay to c and comparing the total against the duration of s. The increase in long responding with an increase in s-c delay is more consistent with subjective shortening of s than with confusion between the s-c delay and the ITI.     

The generative paradigm

This research highlights the learning of female offenders on a 20-day tailor-made experiential adventure education course (Women in Action) delivered by Outward Bound New Zealand. The aims of the course were to increase self-awareness, to develop an understanding of the concept of choice and self responsibility, to improve communication skills and to effectively influence others. Twenty-seven women were interviewed immediately after the course and 14 of these, three months post-course. Most women indicated that their self-confidence had increased and they had become more self-aware. Key factors in facilitating learning opportunities for the women were the instructors and the course environment both physical and social. The holistic course approach provided physical, creative, emotional and reflective opportunities, enabling all the women to develop personally. The challenge of applying their learning on return to prison was highlighted by some participants.

Never did I think that

My life could be changed

In so many ways.

But the challenges I've faced

From being here Lord I Know

That I can make it.

Cos I gotta keep on

Moving on in life

Won't let my spirit fall

Walk on walk on.

Some people tell me

I'd never change.

But now I've seen the light

More clear in every kind of way

I'm alive today

No more worries on my shoulders

I'm gonna make it

Oh yes I am.

Cos I gotta keep on

Moving on in life

Won't let my spirit fall

Walk on walk on.

(Poem by T – Women in Action participant)     

Pendulum Phenomena and the Assessment of Scientific Inquiry Capabilities

Phenomena associated with the pendulum present numerous opportunities for assessing higher order human capabilities related to scientific inquiry and the discovery of natural law. This paper illustrates how systematic assessment of scientific inquiry capabilities, using pendulum phenomena, can provide a useful tool for classroom teachers and program planners. Structured inquiry, a technique of teacher-facilitated student inquiry involving direct interaction between students and natural phenomena, is presented as a way to establish student competence in applying scientific inquiry capabilities (e.g., conceptualizing variation due to error). This approach to assessment can heighten student curiosity and provide a concrete referent for complementary cultural, historical, and scientific instruction. The role of assessment in constructively shaping science education programs is considered.     

Projectively flat exponential Finsler metric

INTRODUCTION One century ago, Hilbert announced his famous 23 problems. The Hilbert’s Fourth Problem is to characterize the (not-necessarily-reversible) distance functions on an open subset in ún such that straight lines are shortest paths. Distance functions induced by a Finsler metric are regarded as smooth ones. Thus Hilbert’s Fourth Problem in the smooth case is to characterize Finsler metric on an open subset in ún whose geodesics are straight lines. Finsler metric on an ope…     

Editorial Review and Book Reviews

Cikanova, Karla, Teaching Children to Draw Cikanova, Karla, Teaching Mixed Media to Children Walklin, Colin, Relief Printmaking – A Manual of Techniques Brake, Jane, Edited by Newbury, Darren, Changing Images: Photography, Education and Young People Wolfe, Gillian, Dulwich Picture Gallery Children’s Art Book Torjussen, Alan, Teaching Art in Wales Yelavich, Susan, Design for Life Polhemus, Ted, Style Surfing Mauries, Patrick, Christian Lacroix: The Diary of a Collection     

Principal change leadership competencies and teacher attitudes toward change: the mediating effects of teacher change beliefs

This study investigates the relationship between Principal Change Leadership Competencies, Teacher Change Beliefs and Teacher Attitudes toward Change. A total of 936 teachers from 47 High Performing Secondary Schools in Malaysia completed the survey. Structural equation modelling was applied to test the models. Firstly, the results showed that Principal Change Leadership Competencies was significantly related to Teacher Change Beliefs and implied that if school principals equipped themselves with sufficient Principal Change Leadership Competencies, Teacher Change Beliefs can certainly be enhanced. Secondly, Teacher Change Beliefs was significantly related to Teacher Attitudes toward Change whereby the stronger the Teacher Change Beliefs, the greater the enhancement of Teacher Attitudes toward Change. Thirdly, Teacher Change Beliefs was indeed a total mediator in the relationship of Principal Change Leadership Competencies and Teacher Attitudes toward Change. Put simply, via Teacher Change Beliefs, the impact of Principal Change Leadership Competencies on Teacher Attitudes toward Change was relatively strong as Teacher Change Beliefs greatly facilitated the influence of Principal Change Leadership Competencies on Teacher Attitudes toward Change. Thus, in-depth enhancing Teacher Change Beliefs is one of the effective ways to increase the likelihood of teachers to embrace change. Fourthly, Principal Change Leadership Competencies was more influential than teachers’ self-influence in enhancing Teacher Attitudes toward Change. Therefore, concerted effort must be given to prioritize the continuous development of principal change leadership in effective change management. The study encourages a fresh look at change leadership development and ultimately alters the traditional approach of school principals in managing change.     

The Achievement Motives Scale (AMS): theoretical basis and results from a first try‐out of a Czech form

The achievement motive concept refers to a relatively stable personality characteristic in terms of a capacity to anticipate affects in achievement situations. The motive to achieve success (M _s ) refers to the individual's capacity to anticipate positive affects, and the motive to avoid failure (M _f ) refers to a capacity to anticipate negative affects in achievement situations. Based, among other things, on the conceptualizations of motives, a measurement was constructed to tap the two aspects (M _s and M _f ) of motivation. Over the years the scale has been translated to several languages and used in a number of studies. The Czech version of the scale is an adapted translation of the English one, and was administered to 179 pupils in the sixth grade in 1989. Further, the subjects were retested after an interval of 12 weeks. The analyses indicate that the psychometric properties of the Czech version of AMS are promising.     

Assessing Students' Understandings of Biological Models and their Use in Science to Evaluate a Theoretical Framework

Research in the field of students’ understandings of models and their use in science describes different frameworks concerning these understandings. Currently, there is no conjoint framework that combines these structures and so far, no investigation has focused on whether it reflects students' understandings sufficiently (empirical evaluation). Therefore, the purpose of this article is to present the results of an empirical evaluation of a conjoint theoretical framework. The theoretical framework integrates relevant research findings and comprises five aspects which are subdivided into three levels each: nature of models, multiple models, purpose of models, testing, and changing models. The study was conducted with a sample of 1,177 seventh to tenth graders (aged 11–19 years) using open-ended items. The data were analysed by identifying students' understandings of models (nature of models and multiple models) and their use in science (purpose of models, testing, and changing models), and comparing as well as assigning them to the content of the theoretical framework. A comprehensive category system of students' understandings was thus developed. Regarding the empirical evaluation, the students' understandings of the nature and the purpose of models were sufficiently described by the theoretical framework. Concerning the understandings of multiple, testing, and changing models, additional initial understandings (only one model possible, no testing of models, and no change of models) need to be considered. This conjoint and now empirically tested framework for students' understandings can provide a common basis for future science education research. Furthermore, evidence-based indications can be provided for teachers and their instructional practice.     

A new fast algorithm for computing the distance between two disjoint convex polygons based on Voronoi diagram

INTRODUCTION To compute the minimum distance between two convex polygons or polyhedrons is often a main step of many applications, such as collision detection (Choi et al., 2006; Li et al., 2003), path planning. In order to reduce the time complexity of the algorithm as much as possible, the convex property must be applied fully. Edelsbrunner (1985) proposed an algorithm for computing the minimum distance between two dis- joint convex polygons. The algorithm takes O(logm logn) time, and …     

Introspection Plays an Early Role in Children's Explicit Theory of Mind Development

This study assessed children's (N = 236) ability to introspect the mental states of seeing and knowing relative to their ability to attribute each state to others. Children could introspect seeing 10 months before they could introspect knowing. Two‐ and 3‐year‐olds correctly reported their own seeing states, whereas 3‐ and 4‐year‐olds correctly reported their own knowing states. For each mental state, there was a 7‐month difference before children could correctly attribute that state to another. These findings indicate that knowing is more difficult to introspect than seeing and that the ability to introspect each mental state emerges prior to the ability to correctly attribute them to others. Theoretical implications for self–other differences in theory‐of‐mind development are considered.     

Alternaria toxin-induced resistance against rose aphids and olfactory response of aphids to toxin-induced volatiles of rose plants

The search for active toxins for managing weeds or plant diseases is believed to be a promising avenue of investigation. However, the effects of Alternaria toxins on insects have just begun to be investigated. Bioactivities of toxins from four strains of Alternaria alternata on Rosa chinensis and rose aphid Macrosiphum rosivorum were tested in the present study. At a concentration of 50.0 μg/ml, the crude extract (toxin) of strain 7484 was found not to be harmful to rose plants with excised leaf-puncture method (P≥0.079), and rose plants showed enhanced resistance to rose aphids when this Alternaria toxin was sprayed on the plants (P≤0.001). However, this toxin caused no detrimental effects on aphids in insecticidal bioassay at a concentration of 10.0 to 160.0 μg/ml (P≥0.096). Therefore, the Alternaria toxin had significantly induced the resistance of rose plants against rose aphids, demonstrating that the resistance mechanism triggered by the Alternaria toxin in the rose plant may also be used by the plant to defend itself against insects. Further bioassays aimed to discover the olfactory responses of aphids to the toxin-induced volatiles of host plants. The aphids were significantly more attracted to both volatiles emitted and collected from control rose plants than to both volatiles emitted and collected from the toxin-treated rose plants (P≤0.014). This result showed that the toxin-induced resistance related to the volatile changes of host plants.     

Determination of the genus-specific antigens in outer membrane proteins from the strains of<Emphasis Type="Italic">Leptospira interrogans</Emphasis> and<Emphasis Type="Italic">Leptospira biflexa</Emphasis> with different virulence

Objective: To determine the existence of genus-specific antigens in outer membrane proteins (OMPs) ofleptospira with different virulence. Methods: Microscope agglutination test (MAT) was applied to detect the agglutination between commercial rabbit antiserum against leptospiral genus-specific TR/Patoc I antigen and 17 strains ofLeptospira interrongans belonging to 15 serogroups and 2 strains ofLeptospira biflexa belonging to 2 serogroups. The outer envelopes (OEs) ofLinterrogans serogroupIcterohaemorrhagiae serovarlai strainlai (56601) with strong virulence and serogroupPomona serovarpomona strainLuo (56608) with low virulence, andL. biflexa serogroupSemaranga serovarpatoc strainPatoc I without virulence were prepared by using the method reported in Auranet al. (1972). OMPs in the OEs were obtained by treatment with sodium deoxycholate. SDS-PAGE and western blot were used for analyzing the features of the OMPs on electrophoretic pattern and the immunoreactivity to the antiserum against TR/Patoc I antigen, respectively. Results: All the tested strains belonging to different leptospiral serogroups agglutinated to the antiserum against leptospiral genus-specific TR/Patoc I antigen with agglutination titers ranging from 1:256–1:512. A similar SDS-PAGE pattern of the OMPs from the three strains ofleptospira with different virulence was shown and the molecular weight of a major protein fragment in the OMPs was found to be approximately 60 Kda. A positive protein fragment with approximately 32 KDa confirmed by Western blot, was able to react with the antiserum against leptospiral genus-specific TR/Patoc I antigen, and was found in each the OMPs of the three stains ofleptospira. Conclusion: There are genus-specific antigens on the surface ofL.interrogans andL.biflexa. The OMP with molecular weight of 32 KDa may be one of the genus-specific protein antigens ofleptospira. Project (No. 39970678) supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China     

Semi On-line Scheduling Problem for Maximizing the Minimum Machine Completion Time on m Identical Machines

In this paper, a semi on-line version on m identical machines M1 , M2, …, Mm ( m ≥ 3 ) was considered, where the processing time of the largest job is known in advance. Our goal is to maximize the minimum machine load, an NPLS algorithm was presented and its worst-case ratio was proved to be equal to m - 1 which is the best possible value. It is concluded that if the total processing time of jobs is also known to be greater than (2 m - 1 )Pmax where pmax is the largest job‘s processing time, then the worstcase ratio is 2 - 1/m.