Project for integration of pupils with special needs in Spain

ABSTRACT

This paper analyses the integration project approved by the Spanish Government in 1985. First, it outlines the main characteristics of the Spanish educational system, then after discussing the concept of integration, the nine points which constitute the integration project are presented. One of the main ideas presented by these points is to change the educational system. Finally, an evaluation programme of this eight year long project is outlined.     

Sense of belonging and transition to high schools in Peru

Sense of belonging is the degree to which students feel integrated with their peers and teachers at school. This study describes sense of belonging among Peruvian students entering high school. Socioeconomic status had no direct effect on sense of belonging but had an indirect effect through achievement. Rural students had a higher sense of belonging than their urban peers. This is likely due to rural children seeing the larger, better equipped high schools as improvements over their relatively small and more isolated primary schools. Some general orientation activities were organized by teachers and principals aimed at all incoming first graders but nothing was designed specifically for students who might face difficulties in adjusting to high school.     

Regional economic integration and R&D investment

We analyze the influence of a regional economic integration agreement (REIA) on a firm's investments in research and development (R&D). A country's entry into a REIA creates two competing influences on the firm's R&D investments. On the one hand, increased competition in product markets after the REIA would induce the firm to invest in internal R&D to improve its distinctive technological competitiveness. On the other hand, better access to sources of inputs in factor markets after the REIA would induce the firm to purchase external R&D because it can outsource technology more easily. Surprisingly, the empirical analysis shows that the REIA's impact on R&D investment is driven primarily by product markets rather than by factor markets. After the REIA, product markets induce firms not only to invest more in internal R&D but also purchase more external R&D. In contrast, after the REIA factor markets have limited influence on internal or external R&D investments.     

Metabolic demand and muscle damage induced by eccentric cycling of knee extensor and flexor muscles

The aim of this study was to examine the metabolic demand and extent of muscle damage of eccentric cycling targeting knee flexor (FLEX) and knee extensor (EXT) muscles. Methods: Eight sedentary men (23.3?±?0.7?y) underwent two eccentric cycling sessions (EXT and FLEX) of 30?min each, at 60% of the maximum power output. Oxygen consumption (VO₂), heart rate (HR) and rated perceived exertion (RPE) were measured during cycling. Countermovement and squat jumps (CMJ and SJ), muscle flexibility, muscle soreness and pain pressure threshold (PPT) of knee extensor and flexor muscles were measured before, immediately after and 1–4 days after cycling. Results: FLEX showed greater VO₂ (+23%), HR (+14%) and RPE (+18%) than EXT. CMJ and SJ performance decreased similarly after cycling. Muscle soreness increased more after EXT than FLEX and PPT decreased in knee extensor muscles after EXT and decreased in knee flexor muscles after FLEX. Greater loss of muscle flexibility in knee flexor muscles after FLEX was observed. Conclusion: Eccentric cycling of knee flexor muscles is metabolically more demanding than that of knee extensors, however muscle damage induced is similar. Knee flexors experienced greater loss of muscle flexibility possibly due to increased muscle stiffness following eccentric contractions.     

Effects of Data-Collection Designs in the Comparison of Computer-Based and Paper-Based Tests

This study investigated the performance of four widely used data-collection designs in detecting test-mode effects (i.e., computer-based versus paper-based testing). The experimental conditions included four data-collection designs, two test-administration modes, and the availability of an anchor assessment. The test-level and item-level results were analyzed with inferential statistics and multidimensional scaling, respectively. The test-level results supported the superiority of the single-group counterbalanced design and the random-groups design over the single-group design without counterbalancing and the anchor test design in the recovery of the actual test-mode effects. Analysis at the item level revealed the presence of a two-dimensional solution, with the data-collection design contributing significant variability over and beyond the test mode.     

Memoria y desarrollo cognitivo: Anotaciones en torno a la teoría de Piaget sobre la memoria

Resumen

El artículo expone la teoría de Piaget sobre la memoria y las investigaciones que han tratado de comprobarla, discutiéndose sus posibles limitaciones. Posteriormente se establecen relaciones entre los estudios de Piaget sobre la memoria y el enfoque constructivo, la distinción entre memoria episódica y semántica, los niveles de procesamiento y los trabajos de la psicologia soviética, todos ellos basados en la importanza otorgada a los procesos cognitivos en el recuerdo.     

El recuerdo de cuentos e historias en los niños

Resumen

En este artículo se plantea una discusión acerca de teoría e investigaciones más relevantes sobre el recuerdo de cuentos e historias. Se analizan tres cuestiones principalmente: 1) Los modelos o teorías sobre la comprensión y recuerdo de las historias, especialmente la gramática de Stein y Glenn. 2) Los estudios evolutivos en relación con los cambios en la utilización del esquema de la historia. 3) La influencia de otro tipo de factores en el proceso de construir una representación coherente de la historia.     

La influencia del contenido de la historia en el recuerdo de los niños

Resumen

Una afirmación comúnmente aceptada en las teorías sobre la comprensión y el recuerdo es que el conocimiento previo favorece el proceso de elaborar una representación de cualquier nueva información. En este experimento se examina la influencia de la familiaridad de los niños con el contenido del cuento.