Shedding the content: semantics of teaching burdened by didactic formalisms

The paper argues that what is left behind in the current era of accountability is the educational content. The authors present shedding the content as the great challenge of teaching and learning in today’s schools. They turn to the tradition of Bildung and outline the theoretical background for the content-focused approach to (research on) teaching and learning. Their approach is based on analyses of authentic (real-life) teaching and learning situations. The paper highlights how didactic case studies can be used to generalize the findings across individual cases. Within the multiple case studies, 44 didactic case studies were reanalysed to identify didactic formalisms, i.e. problems in the semantic and logical structure of educational content, which corrupt the quality of instruction. Two specific types of didactic formalism are described in detail; stolen cognition and concealed cognition. Stolen cognition prevents cognitive activation of students when the teacher over-reduces the space allowed for the students’ cognitive work with the content, concealed cognition are instances of purposeless cognitive activation of students due to their being disconnected from the content.     

Case-Based Instruction in Early Childhood Teacher Preparation: Does It Work?

Case analysis is often used in early childhood teacher education as a constructivist method for developing students' professional skills and knowledge. Although case-based instruction is popular, the professional literature contains little empirical evidence that it effectively helps students develop professional knowledge. Indeed, some empirical evidence suggests case-based instruction may negatively impact learning, especially for students with limited existing knowledge about children's development. This study compared the child development content knowledge gains of two classes of undergraduate preservice early childhood teachers: those taught child development with case-based instruction and those taught the same content with traditional didactic instruction. The study also sought to determine if students' level of prior knowledge interacted with the type of instruction they received. Results indicated that students with strong prior knowledge out-performed classmates regardless of instructional method (i.e., case-based or didactic instruction). Students at all levels of prior knowledge had similar knowledge gains across both case-based and didactic instruction, but data trends suggest students with the least prior knowledge gained the most knowledge with case-based instruction.     

中国4省市阅读教学模式探究:基于PISA2018测评的潜在剖面分析

教师的课堂教学行为对学生学习有着重要作用。基于课堂教学的三维理论模型,采用中国4省市PISA2018测试数据,使用潜在剖面分析,探索中国4省市阅读教学的典型模式,并就不同模式对学生学习的影响开展研究。结果发现:1)学生感知到的教师教学模式主要有综合发展型、普通支持型和纪律导向型;2)感知到综合发展型教学模式的学生在学科知识与理解、动机、情感与注意力和学习时间维度上均表现最佳,纪律导向型教学模式的学生在各指标上表现较弱;3)不同家庭社会经济地位和不同学校类型的学生对不同教学模式的感知存在显著差异,家庭社会经济地位中等及以下的学生、城镇和农村学校的学生更容易感知到纪律导向型教学模式,更难感知到综合发展型教学模式,男女生对不同教学模式的感知不存在显著差异。在此基础上,提出要为教师采用综合发展型教学模式创造条件、教师要强化元认知教学并关注课堂教学的群体差异与区域差异等建议。     

Differential relations of constructivist and didactic instruction to students' cognition,motivation, and achievement

This study examined how constructivist and didactic instruction was related to students' cognitive, motivational, and achievement outcomes in English classrooms, using a sample of 3000 Grade 9 students from 108 classrooms in 39 secondary schools in Singapore. Results of hierarchical linear modeling showed differential cross-level relations. After controlling for students' prior achievement, constructivist instruction was a significant positive predictor of students' deep processing strategies, self-efficacy, task value, and English achievement, whereas didactic instruction was a significant positive predictor of students' surface processing strategies and a negative predictor of English achievement. Our findings underscore the importance of linking instructional practices with multiple outcomes, including psychological factors that are important for student learning.     

The Effects on Retention of Programed Classroom Reviews

Abstract

A group of 150 high-school students were taught introductory vector geometry by either programmed instruction or conventional teacher-directed methods. A measure of anxiety was taken for all subjects; also pretest and posttest measures of competence in vector geometry. Otis-Gamma scores were used to index intelligence. A significant negative correlation was observed between the total group anxiety level and Otis-Gamma scores. The correlations of the individual mode of instruction groups to Otis-Gamma scores were not significantly different from each other. Analysis of Covariance indicated no significant relationship between mode of instruction and learning; level of anxiety and learning; and learning and interaction of anxiety and mode of instruction. Trends were observed that indicate that more experimentation with larger populations and longer periods of instruction by programmed learning devices might prove fruitful.     

探究教学的阻力和探究氛围的形成

当我们从传统的授受教学模式向探究教学模式转变的时候，总会遇到一些阻力。本文分析了学生在一定程度上抵制探究教学的原因和部分教师对探究教学怀疑的原因。提出了形成克服探究教学阻力有利于学生学习的探究氛围的方法。     

Learning the Cell Structures with Three-Dimensional Models: Students’ Achievement by Methods, Type of School and Questions’ Cognitive Level

The cell topic was taught to 9th-grade students in three modes of instruction: (a) students “hands-on,” who constructed three-dimensional cell organelles and macromolecules during the learning process; (b) teacher demonstration of the three-dimensional model of the cell structures; and (c) teaching the cell topic with the regular learning material in an expository mode (which use one- or two-dimensional cell structures as are presented in charts, textbooks and microscopic slides). The sample included 669, 9th-grade students from 25 classes who were taught by 22 Biology teachers. Students were randomly assigned to the three modes of instruction, and two tests in content knowledge in Biology were used. Data were treated with multiple analyses of variance. The results indicate that entry behavior in Biology was equal for all the study groups and types of schools. The “hands-on” learning group who build three-dimensional models through the learning process achieved significantly higher on academic achievements and on the high and low cognitive questions’ levels than the other two groups. The study indicates the advantages students may have being actively engaged in the learning process through the “hands-on” mode of instruction/learning.     

Taking Shape: Supporting Preschoolers' Acquisition of Geometric Knowledge Through Guided Play

Shape knowledge, a key aspect of school readiness, is part of early mathematical learning. Variations in how children are exposed to shapes may affect the pace of their learning and the nature of their shape knowledge. Building on evidence suggesting that child‐centered, playful learning programs facilitate learning more than other methods, 4‐ to 5‐year‐old children (N = 70) were taught the properties of four geometric shapes using guided play, free play, or didactic instruction. Results revealed that children taught shapes in the guided play condition showed improved shape knowledge compared to the other groups, an effect that was still evident after 1 week. Findings suggest that scaffolding techniques that heighten engagement, direct exploration, and facilitate “sense‐making,” such as guided play, undergird shape learning.     

Declarative knowledge acquisition in immersive virtual learning environments

The author investigated the interaction effect of immersive virtual reality (VR) in the classroom. The objective of the project was to develop and provide a low-cost, scalable, and portable VR system containing purposely designed and developed immersive virtual learning environments for the US Army. The purpose of the mixed design experiment was to compare lecture-based and immersive VR-based multimedia instruction, in terms of declarative knowledge acquisition (i.e. learning) of basic corrosion prevention and control with military personnel. Participants were randomly assigned to the control group (N?=?115) or investigational group (N?=?25) and tested immediately before and after training. The author accessed learning outcomes from the pre-exam and post-exam scores and VR system usability from exit questionnaires. Results indicate that both forms of instruction will increase learning. VR-based did produce higher gain scores and there was a statistically significant interaction between instruction type and time.     

The Extern Program: An Approach to Counselor Renewal

Counselor education programs must respond to the need for inservice education for practicing, school counselors. The Extern Program described here is designed to provide inservice education through didactic, experiential learning activities implemented on a one weekend per month schedule for nine months. The weekend training involves new developments in the field of counseling, problem solving with a focus on concerns brought to the sessions by the counselors, and new developments in the behavioral sciences outside education. Each weekend is divided into eight phases as follows: (1) didactic input with the topic related to the field of counseling; (2) synthesis and discussion of didactic input with small-group interaction; (3) participant problem solving with small-group interaction; (4) group problem solving with large-group discussion and synthesis; (5) didactic input with the topic relevant to counselor education; (6) synthesis and discussion of didactic input with small group interaction; (7) didactic input with the topic being behavioral science developments outside education; and (8) synthesis and discussion of didactic input with small-group interaction. An evaluation plan is also discussed.     

What Can Be Learned from Computer Modeling? Comparing Expository and Modeling Approaches to Teaching Dynamic Systems Behavior

Computer modeling has been widely promoted as a means to attain higher order learning outcomes. Substantiating these benefits, however, has been problematic due to a lack of proper assessment tools. In this study, we compared computer modeling with expository instruction, using a tailored assessment designed to reveal the benefits of either mode of instruction. The assessment addresses proficiency in declarative knowledge, application, construction, and evaluation. The subscales differentiate between simple and complex structure. The learning task concerns the dynamics of global warming. We found that, for complex tasks, the modeling group outperformed the expository group on declarative knowledge and on evaluating complex models and data. No differences were found with regard to the application of knowledge or the creation of models. These results confirmed that modeling and direct instruction lead to qualitatively different learning outcomes, and that these two modes of instruction cannot be compared on a single “effectiveness measure”.     

The Effects of a Functional Three-dimensional (3D) Printed Knee Joint Simulator in Improving Anatomical Spatial Knowledge

In recent decades, three-dimensional (3D) printing as an emerging technology, has been utilized for imparting human anatomy knowledge. However, most 3D printed models are rigid anatomical replicas that are unable to represent dynamic spatial relationships between different anatomical structures. In this study, the data obtained from a computed tomography (CT) scan of a normal knee joint were used to design and fabricate a functional knee joint simulator for anatomical education. Utility of the 3D printed simulator was evaluated in comparison with traditional didactic learning in first-year medical students (n = 35), so as to understand how the functional 3D simulator could assist in their learning of human anatomy. The outcome measure was a quiz comprising 11 multiple choice questions based on locking and unlocking of the knee joint. Students in the simulation group (mean score = 85.03%, ±SD 10.13%) performed significantly better than those in the didactic learning group, P < 0.05 (mean score = 70.71%, ±SD 15.13%), which was substantiated by large effect size, as shown by a Cohen’s d value of 1.14. In terms of learning outcome, female students who used 3D printed simulators as learning aids achieved greater improvement in their quiz scores as compared to male students in the same group. However, after correcting for the modality of instruction, the sex of the students did not have a significant influence on the learning outcome. This randomized study has demonstrated that the 3D printed simulator is beneficial for anatomical education and can help in enriching students’ learning experience.     

Making sense of graphs: does metacognitive instruction make a difference on students' mathematical conceptions and alternative conceptions?

The present study investigates the differential effects of cooperative learning with or without metacognitive instruction on making sense of graphs. Participants were 196 eighth-graders who studied in six classrooms. Data were analyzed by using quantitative and qualitative methods. Results indicated that students who were exposed to the metacognitive instruction within cooperative learning (COOP + META) significantly outperformed their counterparts who were exposed to cooperative learning with no metacognitive instruction (COOP). The positive effects of COOP + META were observed on both graph interpretation and graph construction (transfer task) with regard to alternative conceptions. Furthermore, observations indicated differential characteristics of discourse behaviors during small group interaction under these methods. The practical implications of the study are discussed.     

Didactic material confronted with the concept of mathematical literacy

This paper reflects on the use of didactic material in mathematics classes. It focuses on the mathematical activities of students and the didactical activities of teachers. Its point of departure is a critique of technical-managerial approaches to teaching, learning, and innovation. Based on this critique, fundamental tensions between the development of new didactic material and the cognitive style and daily routines of practising teachers are identified. In the last part of the paper, the concept of mathematical literacy is introduced in order to set the crucial relationship between didactic material for mathematics instruction and the ways in which it is used in the classroom on new and fertile grounds.     

支架式教学在翻译教学实践中的应用刍议

支架式教学是建构主义理论下一种成熟的教学模式,它在处理"教"与"学"二者之间的关系方面提出了具有创造性的见解。从该模式的理论依据、具体应用角度出发,探讨运用支架式教学如何在翻译实践中培养学生自主学习的能力问题,对翻译教学实践研究具有指导性的意义。     

支架式教学在翻译教学实践中的应用刍议

支架式教学是建构主义理论下一种成熟的教学模式,它在处理＂教＂与＂学＂二者之间的关系方面提出了具有创造性的见解。从该模式的理论依据、具体应用角度出发,探讨运用支架式教学如何在翻译实践中培养学生自主学习的能力问题,对翻译教学实践研究具有指导性的意义。     

多媒体网络下英语“任务型教学”的动态评价体系研究

随着信息技术的飞跃发展,探索多媒体网络环境下的英语教与学的模式成为当今大学英语教学的发展方向。但如何正确、有效地评价多媒体网络英语课堂教学的质量和效果,建立一套完善科学的评价体系,仍然是摆在我们面前的一大难题。依据多媒体网络环境下英语"任务型教学"模式的理论与实践,探讨该评价指标体系的理论基础、蕴涵的评价理念,构建体现多媒体网络英语任务型教学的主体、互动、发展的评价指标体系。     

Attitudes of students towards the use of a Learning Management System (LMS) in a face-to-face learning mode of instruction

Abstract

The development and use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in education has led to most universities incorporating elements of online learning into their traditional classrooms via the use of a Learning Management System (LMS) (Burrell-Ihlow 2009, Angeli 2005, Salisbury and Ellis 2003). However, it is not known how well students who are used to traditional face-to-face learning environments and who do not necessarily prefer online environments adapt when placed in such environments. This study investigated the attitudes of students towards the use of a LMS in a traditional face-to-face classroom. The combination of the LMS and the face-to-face mode of instruction were considered as a “mixed learning mode of instruction”.

The study aimed at assessing the attitudes of students towards a mixed learning mode of instruction. The results showed a positive trend towards the acceptance of a mixed learning mode of instruction for learning. Many students involved in this mode said that it was the mixed mode of delivery that enabled them to benefit from this course, have more contact with the lecturer and were motivated to work. Most students felt that the efficiency and quality of education had improved. These results suggest that more courses should be offered using a mixed mode delivery.     

Motivation and students’ use of learning strategies: Evidence of unidirectional effects in mathematics classrooms

Considerable evidence indicates that student motivation and use of learning strategies are related. There is insufficient understanding, however, about their reciprocal effects—whether motivation affects strategy use, the converse, or whether the effects are bidirectional—and which components of motivation and strategies are involved. A two-wave longitudinal design was used to examine this issue among 9th grade students (N = 306) enrolled in high school mathematics classes during an academic term. A cross-lagged structural model found that students’ self-efficacy in mathematics and value predicted their reported use of learning strategies. There was no evidence, however, that learning strategy use predicted motivation and, thus, support for unidirectional effect of motivation during that time interval. Implications for models of self-regulated learning and instruction are discussed.