Use of First‐hand and Second‐hand Data in Science: Does data type influence classroom conversations?

In this paper, we examine how students discuss and interpret data and whether these actions vary depending on the type of data they analyse. More specifically, we are interested in whether students perform differently when analysing first‐hand data, which they collect themselves, compared with second‐hand data provided to them. Our data analysis focused on two classrooms using two different curriculum units, chemistry in Grade 7 and biology in Grade 8, collected during the 2002/03 school year from a Mid‐western urban middle school in the USA. We analysed classroom videotape associated with lessons in which students discussed first‐hand and second‐hand data both in small group settings and full class discussions. We found the two types of data offer different benefits and limitations, suggesting that both types of data are important for students to work with as they develop skills in scientific inquiry practices. We discuss the characteristics of classroom discussions around different data sources as well as implications for the design of curriculum materials, instructional environments, and student learning in science.     

A simple and inexpensive enteric-coated capsule for delivery of acid-labile macromolecules to the small intestine

Understanding the ecology of the gastrointestinal tract and the impact of the contents on the host mucosa is emerging as an important area for defining both wellness and susceptibility to disease. Targeted delivery of drugs to treat specific small intestinal disorders such as small bowel bacterial overgrowth and targeting molecules to interrogate or to deliver vaccines to the remote regions of the small intestine has proven difficult. There is an unmet need for methodologies to release probes/drugs to remote regions of the gastrointestinal tract in furthering our understanding of gut health and pathogenesis. In order to address this concern, we need to know how the regional delivery of a surrogate labeled test compound is handled and in turn, if delivered locally as a liquid or powder, the dynamics of its subsequent handling and metabolism. In the studies we report on in this paper, we chose ¹³C sodium acetate (¹³C-acetate), which is a stable isotope probe that once absorbed in the small intestine can be readily measured non-invasively by collection and analysis of ¹³CO₂ in the breath. This would provide information of gastric emptying rates and an indication of the site of release and absorptive capacity. In a series of in vitro and in vivo pig experiments, we assessed the enteric-protective properties of a commercially available polymer EUDRAGIT®L100-55 on gelatin capsules and also on DRcaps®. Test results demonstrated that DRcaps®coated with EUDRAGIT®L100-55 possessed enhanced enteric-protective properties, particularly in vivo. These studies add to the body of knowledge regarding gastric emptying in pigs and also begin the process of gathering specifications for the design of a simple and cost-effective enteric-coated capsule for delivery of acid-labile macromolecules to the small intestine.     

Evolution and revolution atPAIS: Technology and concepts

PAIS—Public Affairs Information Service, Inc., has published indexes to public affairs and public and social policy issues since 1914. Over the years, in response to changing technology and changing world concerns, PAIS has modified its production methods, its indexing, and the topics it covers. This paper discusses these changes.     

Marktorientierung im japanischen Bildungssystem

Der Beitrag stellt prominente Positionen im japanisch-deutschen Diskurs über die gegenw?rtige Bildungssituation vor. Da das Thema sehr komplex ist, wurden drei Themenschwerpunkte ausgew?hlt und unter den wichtigsten Aspekten diskutiert: 1. die japanische Bildungsganggesellschaft, 2. das Verh?ltnis von Schule und Besch?ftigungssystem und 3. Perspektiven der zukünftigen Bildungssituation. Ein alle Schwerpunkte durchziehender Gedanke betrifft den Gleichheitsgrundsatz, wie er im Grundgesetz der Erziehung von 1947 verankert wurde und die Frage, ob er sich im japanischen Massenbildungssystem und im Geschlechterverh?ltnis realisieren l?sst.     

Utility of the Youth Compendium of Physical Activities

Purpose: The purposes of this article are to: (a) describe the rationale and development of the Youth Compendium of Physical Activities (Youth Compendium); and (b) discuss the utility of the Youth Compendium for audiences in research, education, community, health care, public health, and the private sector. Methods: The Youth Compendium provides a list of 196 physical activities (PA) categorized by activity types, specific activities, and metabolic costs (youth metabolic equivalents of task [MET_y]) as measured by indirect calorimetry. The utility of the Youth Compendium was assessed by describing ways in which it can be used by a variety of audiences. Results: Researchers can use MET_y values to estimate PA levels and determine changes in PA in intervention studies. Educators can ask students to complete PA records to determine time spent in physical activities and to identify health-enhancing activities for classroom PA breaks. Community leaders, parents, and health care professionals can identify activity types that promote healthful behaviors. Public health agencies can use the MET_y values for surveillance and as a resource to inform progress toward meeting national physical activity guidelines. Applications for the private sector include the use of MET_y in PA trackers and other applications. Conclusion: The National Collaborative on Childhood Obesity Research Web site presents the Youth Compendium and related materials to facilitate measurement of the energy cost of nearly 200 physical activities in children and youth. The Youth Compendium provides a way to standardize energy costs in children and youth and has application for a wide variety of audiences.     

Looking to the Future: Electronic Texts and the Deepening Interface

Since the initial appearance of rhetorical analysis of text-based and hypertext communication, the rhetoric of technology has evolved along with the new media forms it studies. This essay reviews critical consensus that calls for a move away from printcentric criticism. It advocates innovative methods for criticism of electronic texts, such as emphasis on comparative media analysis, visual representation, and attention to the programming and codification of electronic texts.     

Using the Expressive Writing Program to Improve the Writing Skills of High School Students with Learning Disabilities

Abstract. The complex nature of written expression presents difficulty for many students, particularly those with learning disabilities (LD). The literature in the area of written expression and students with learning disabilities indicates that explicit, rule‐based instruction can enhance the writing skills of struggling students. Research in Direct Instruction (DI) writing programs is promising, but limited at this time to a small number of group design studies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the DI writing program, Expressive Writing, for high school students with learning disabilities using a single‐subject design methodology. Results indicated that the Expressive Writing program improved the writing skills of the students in this study. Students also were able to generalize and maintain the writing skills learned during intervention.     

Applications of Educational Measurement: I s Optimum Optimal?

What would you do if you were asked to design an “optimal” school testing program, but had doubts about the criteria to apply? What strategies might help us make more use of performance assessment and computer-adaptive testing in district-level testing programs? Can an NCME President be whimsical when delivering her presidential address?