Design and Application of Interactive Simulations in Problem-Solving in University-Level Physics Education

In recent years, interactive computer simulations have been progressively integrated in the teaching of the sciences and have contributed significant improvements in the teaching–learning process. Practicing problem-solving is a key factor in science and engineering education. The aim of this study was to design simulation-based problem-solving teaching materials and assess their effectiveness in improving students’ ability to solve problems in university-level physics. Firstly, we analyze the effect of using simulation-based materials in the development of students’ skills in employing procedures that are typically used in the scientific method of problem-solving. We found that a significant percentage of the experimental students used expert-type scientific procedures such as qualitative analysis of the problem, making hypotheses, and analysis of results. At the end of the course, only a minority of the students persisted with habits based solely on mathematical equations. Secondly, we compare the effectiveness in terms of problem-solving of the experimental group students with the students who are taught conventionally. We found that the implementation of the problem-solving strategy improved experimental students’ results regarding obtaining a correct solution from the academic point of view, in standard textbook problems. Thirdly, we explore students’ satisfaction with simulation-based problem-solving teaching materials and we found that the majority appear to be satisfied with the methodology proposed and took on a favorable attitude to learning problem-solving. The research was carried out among first-year Engineering Degree students.     

Music Education at Hospital Schools in Spain and Sweden: Paths Between Governing and Knowledge

This paper focuses on some debates regarding music education within hospital schooling, an educational track that has developed in the course of the 20th century within Western education systems. Analysis and proposals are made with respect to the music education curriculum content in primary education, within hospital education tracks, in Spain and Sweden. In order to critically approach the changing definition of what is considered significant knowledge, we discuss how music education curriculum content is included in hospital schools located in the capitals Madrid and Stockholm.     

A teaching–learning sequence on a socio-scientific issue: analysis and evaluation of its implementation in the classroom*

This study examines the effectiveness of a teaching–learning sequence (TLS) to improve the understanding of the influences and interactions between a technology (mining) and society. The aim of the study is also to show the possibility of both teaching and assessing the most innovative issues and aspects of scientific competence and their impact on the understanding of the nature of science. The methodology used a quasi-experimental, pre–post-test design with a control group, with pre–post-test differences as the empirical indicators of improved understanding. Improvements were modest, as the empirical differences (pre–post and experimental–control group) were not large, but the experimental group scored more highly than the control group. The areas that showed improvement were identified. The paper includes the TLS itself and the standardized assessment tools that are functional and transferable to other researchers and teachers.     

Effect of Sample Size Ratio and Model Misfit When Using the Difficulty Parameter Differences Procedure to Detect DIF

This study examined the effect of sample size ratio and model misfit on the Type I error rates and power of the Difficulty Parameter Differences procedure using Winsteps. A unidimensional 30-item test with responses from 130,000 examinees was simulated and four independent variables were manipulated: sample size ratio (20/100/250/500/1000); model fit/misfit (1 PL and 3PLc =. 15 models); impact (no difference/mean differences/variance differences/mean and variance differences); and percentage of items with uniform and nonuniform DIF (0%/10%/20%). In general, the results indicate the importance of ensuring model fit to achieve greater control of Type I error and adequate statistical power. The manipulated variables produced inflated Type I error rates, which were well controlled when a measure of DIF magnitude was applied. Sample size ratio also had an effect on the power of the procedure. The paper discusses the practical implications of these results.     

Syllabic Strategy as Opposed to Coda Optimization in the Segmentation of Spanish Letter-Strings Using Word Spotting

A word-spotting task is used in Spanish to test the way in which polysyllabic letter-strings are parsed in this language. Monosyllabic words (e.g., bar) embedded at the beginning of a pseudoword were immediately followed by either a coda-forming consonant (e.g., barto) or a vowel (e.g., baros). In the former case, the embedded word corresponds to the first spoken syllable, whereas it cuts across the syllable boundary in the latter case. Unlike a previous study in English using the same methodology (Taft & Álvarez, 2014), the embedded word was found to be easier to detect when followed by a consonant than a vowel, at least for low-frequency words. It was concluded that phonological recoding is more important in the parsing of Spanish words than English words, where maximization of the coda dominates instead.     

A new application model of building ventilation with light shafts: a proposal based on case study assessment

There is a lack of studies concerning both the quality of air entering buildings from light shafts and its impact on energy consumption. A combined isothermal analysis of several factors such as urban environment and wind, along with the dimensional conditions of the building, facilitated the assessment of the light shaft to promote air change. The aim of this study was on the impact of architectural design on the quality of the incoming air from light shafts. The capacity of light shafts to provide air change with urban air was evaluated using the concept of air change efficiency. This is determined by the environment, the dimensions, and the proportions of the building containing a light shaft. These were simulated using computation fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques which were experimentally validated. This concept requires the definition of an ideal control domain for comparative evaluation in different cases. For the case studies evaluated, it was verified through numerical analysis that the longer the light shaft in the wind direction was, the better the air change efficiency. It was confirmed that light shafts up to 12 m high and with height/length (H/L) rates lower than 3 were those achieving the best efficiency. The study provided several evaluation tools of a design of this type of outdoor space according to the criteria of air change content. An equation is presented defining the value of the air change efficiency for the outline of architectural design strategies intended for buildings with air shafts.     

Perceived Transfer of Learning: From the distance education classroom to the workplace

The purpose of this study was to explore student and supervisor perceptions regarding application within the workplace of skills and concepts learned in distance education university courses offered by interactive audio/video. The courses were degree requirements for a programme that focused on hunan resource development. Transfer of learning from the classroom to the workplace did occur. This study suggests that the individual and the organisation benefited by this ability to transfer knowledge and skills from the learning environment back to the working environment. Supervisors and students indicated that students were better employees as a result of attending the hunan resource development programme. Students reported feeling more qualified and confident while supervisors reported observing enhanced leadership qualities among students.