On the Nonsmooth,Nonconstant Velocity of Braille Reading and Reversals

Relative to print reading, braille-reading finger movements are held to be of more constant speed, with continuous and exhaustive contact with all words. However, the continuity of movements is intermittent in two distinct ways: (a) readers reverse direction and reread material already encountered and (b) the continual fluctuations of velocity between phases of acceleration and deceleration. We analyze recordings of experienced readers’ encounters with ambiguous sentences predicted to encourage more reversals, and we undertake comparative kinematic analyses of the finger movements during such reading. The data suggest that when reversals are initiated and where they are targeted reflect language-processing demands. However, their kinematic properties are not qualitatively different from those of forward reading. We conclude that how readers of braille move the reading finger—both forward and in reverse—is primarily influenced by the control properties of low-velocity movements and only secondarily by language properties.     

The reality of living with AD/HD: children's concern about educational and medical support

A diagnosis of AD/HD may tell us that the child has the core characteristics of inattentiveness, impulsivity and or hyperactivity, but it fails to convey the extent to which the social context of the child's environment manipulates these characteristics. This article reports on how children with a diagnosis of AD/HD view the impact their social environment has on their behaviour; providing us with insight into how educational and medical intervention strategies are failing to achieve their potential. The findings suggest that if children with AD/HD and their families are to benefit from educational and medical intervention then stakeholders need to work together to provide coordinated and consistent support.     

REDUCING TRANSFER SHOCK THROUGH FACULTY COLLABORATION: A CASE STUDY

This study examined the teaching techniques used by community college faculty and the student learning outcomes that faculty sought to accomplish. Data were collected through a survey designed to assess the degree to which a variety of techniques were used and the related student learning outcomes that were intended. Participants (N = 197) were career and transfer faculty at a large metropolitan community college in the midwestern United States. Analysis of the data included determining the frequency of use of each technique and examining the relationships between frequency of use, intended learning outcomes and four independent variables (gender, years of experience, rank, and teaching area). Results indicated that the lecture was the predominant technique used, although a majority of the faculty also used other techniques. When faculty used techniques other than lecture a majority of the time, they did so to accomplish higher order learning outcomes. Significant relationships were found between frequency of use, intended learning outcomes, and teaching area. Faculty teaching in the transfer curriculum were more likely to lecture a majority of the time and to intend higher order learning outcomes than career faculty who lectured to impart information.     

三好学生美国“变坏”记

正三好学生:学习好,思想好,身体好。从小学到高中,这个名句一直激励着我。而第一条又是重中之重,所以我一直到大学都没敢忘。也正是这个黄金评价标准的存在,我得到学校保送美国大学交换学习的机会。没想到10个月后"学成归来",我有点不学好了。化妆、逛街、花钱如流水,相比于明亮的自习室日光灯,我反而开始喜欢学校的酒吧里微弱的烛光!这究竟是怎么回事?