Historical Networks in Science Education

Science & Education - This paper discusses the potential of the creation and analysis of historical networks as didactic strategies in science education. To this end, we first argue the...     

Context effects on conditioning,extinction, and reinstatement in an appetitive conditioning preparation

Three experiments with rat subjects examined the effects of contextual stimuli on performance in appetitive conditioning. A 10-sec tone conditioned stimulus (CS) was paired with a food-pellet unconditioned stimulus (US); conditioning was indexed by the observation of headjerking, a response of the rat to auditory stimuli associated with food. In Experiment 1, a context switch following initial conditioning did not affect conditioned responding to the tone; however, when the response was extinguished in the different context, a return to the original conditioning context “renewed” extinguished responding. These results were replicated in Experiments 2 and 3 after equating exposure to the two contexts (Experiment 2) and massing the conditioning and extinction trials (Experiment 3). The results of Experiment 1 also demonstrated that separate exposure to the US following extinction reinstates extinguished responding to the tone; this effect was further shown to depend at least partly on presenting the US in the context in which testing is to occur (Experiments 2 and 3). Overall, the results are consistent with previous data from aversive conditioning procedures. In either appetitive or aversive conditioning, the context may be especially important in affecting performance after extinction.     

Multimedia tools for use in materials handling classes

Materials handling is a vital function in a manufacturing or distribution system. Efficient handling of material allows such systems to operate at high levels of productivity. US companies invest over US$60 billion annually in materials handling technology. It is therefore extremely important for universities to prepare materials handling engineers who understand the principles of materials handling, as well as the design, implementation, operation and control of materials handling systems so that they can ensure the cost-effectiveness of this investment. This paper pertains to development of an interactive, multimedia-based system for use in materials handling classes. Modules in the system introduce students to: the 10 principles of materials handling; and two major equipment categories—conveyors and automated storage and retrieval systems. They illustrate industrial applications of material handling equipment and teach the problem-solving process through a case study and an extensive series of models, algorithms, problems and solutions. The modules have been formally evaluated and results are summarized. They are being distributed at a nominal cost to US and international universities. The module described in this paper on the ‘10 principles of materials handling’ was selected as a finalist for the 2002 PREMIER Award for Excellence in Engineering Education Courseware.     

Formative research on sequencing instruction with the elaboration theory

The elaboration theory of instruction offers guidelines for several patterns of simple-to-complex sequencing which were developed primarily from cognitive theory, especially schema theory. However, there has been relatively little empirical research on the theory. This study helps fill this void by conducting formative research to identify weaknesses in the theory and possible ways of overcoming those weaknesses. Four chapters in a text on electrical circuit analysis were revised according to the theory. The first phase of the study used interactive data collection for immediate, detailed reactions and suggestions on the sequence. Phase 2 utilized non-interactive data collection to assess the external validity of the results. Qualitative data analysis provided insights into ways to improve the theory. None of the results indicated that elements should be deleted. Weaknesses indicated new methods that should be added to the theory and existing methods that should be modified and/or enhanced. The authors would be happy to share their HyperCard course modules with those who would like to do further research with them. Direct inquiries by e-mail to reigelut@indiana.edu.     

Critical competencies in early childhood administration: A national survey

There has been little consensus to date about the skills needed to administer early childhood facilities. A national survey of state education and child welfare agencies attempted to rate competencies.Rosemarie Slavenas is an Assistant Professor and Charles A. Sloan is a Professor at Northern Illinois University in Dekalb.     

A quantitative exploration into environmental determinants of two types of higher education spending

Regression analyses were conducted on environmental determinants of two types of higher education spending. As hypothesized, those states which were able to expend large amounts of money per full-time student were not the same states who spend generously in relation to the college-age population.     

Using Internet delivered video cases,to support pre-service teachers' understanding of effective early literacy instruction: An exploratory study

This preliminary study explores the effects ofusing CTELL (Case Technologies EnhancingLiteracy Learning) cases on preserviceteachers' learning. Students participated inone of three instructional treatments:traditional, traditional plus video, andtraditional plus CTELL cases. A pre-postconcept web, describing students' understandingof effective reading instruction, served as themajor outcome measure. This was supplementedwith a unidimensional confidence measure,journal entries, and student interviews. Nosignificant differences were found for any ofthe three treatment conditions on the conceptmapping task or the confidence measure.However, the journal entries and interview datahighlight important issues, challenges andbenefits, with respect to the use of multimediacases. Implications for teacher education areexplored.