A Comparison of Statistical Models for Calculating Reliability of the Hoffmann Reflex

The Hoffmann reflex is obtained through surface electromyographic recordings, and it is one of the most common neurophysiological techniques in exercise science. Measurement and evaluation of the peak-to-peak amplitude of the Hoffmann reflex has been guided by the observation that it is a variable response that requires multiple trials to obtain a stable mean. As a result, reliability assessment of the Hoffmann reflex has thus far been limited to trial-to-trial variability or the mean of multiple trials across test days to evaluate day-to-day variability, without considering how the two dimensions of measurement interact to affect test–retest reliability. This article compares two analysis of variance models for reliability assessment of the peak-to-peak amplitude of the Hoffmann reflex: one model incorporated both days and trials, and the other used the mean of multiple trials on each test day. The intraclass correlation coefficient calculated from an analysis of variance model that incorporated both trial-to-trial and day-to-day error variances was R = .93. Using the mean of the trials for each test day as a single score resulted in a decrease in the intraclass correlation coefficient (R _2,1 = .76). This study demonstrated that an analysis of variance model that accounts for both trial-to-trial and day-to-day error variances provided a higher estimate of reliability. Further, reliability estimation based on the interaction between both trials and days revealed that a schedule with additional test days had a disproportionate impact upon securing a reliable measure of Hoffmann reflex amplitude.     

Cooperative learning in science: intervention in the secondary school

The use of cooperative learning in secondary school is reported – an area of considerable concern given attempts to make secondary schools more interactive and gain higher recruitment to university science courses. In this study the intervention group was 259 pupils aged 12–14 years in nine secondary schools, taught by 12 self‐selected teachers. Comparison pupils came from both intervention and comparison schools (n = 385). Intervention teachers attended three continuing professional development days, in which they received information, engaged with resource packs and involved themselves in cooperative learning. Measures included both general and specific tests of science, attitudes to science, sociometry, self‐esteem, attitudes to cooperative learning and transferable skills (all for pupils) and observation of implementation fidelity. There were increases during cooperative learning in pupil formulation of propositions, explanations and disagreements. Intervened pupils gained in attainment, but comparison pupils gained even more. Pupils who had experienced cooperative learning in primary school had higher pre‐test scores in secondary education irrespective of being in the intervention or comparison group. On sociometry, comparison pupils showed greater affiliation to science work groups for work, but intervention pupils greater affiliation to these groups at break and out of school. Other measures were not significant. The results are discussed in relation to practice and policy implications.     

学习、设计与技术——AECT 2014年会评述与思考

2014美国教育传播与技术协会(AECT)国际年会11月4—8日在美国佛罗里达州的杰克逊威尔市召开,来自世界各地近1000名学者、研究生、设计、研究和实践人员参加了本届年会。本次AECT年会共为参会者提供了400多场不同主题的发言以及学习交流和研讨机会。作为AECT 2014年会的组织者与参与者,作者对本届年会的发言内容,包括大会的主题演讲、主席专场报告、分会论坛发言,以及圆桌专题论坛做了全面而详实的报道;同时,根据自己的亲身经历与体会,对年会的主要发言进行了深入的分析,与读者分享对本届年会的感悟以及年会所折射出的教育技术现状与发展趋势。     

Schools as (Dis)Organisations: the ‘breakdown of the culture of learning and teaching’ in South African schools

A prominent and problematical legacy of apartheid education, which requires transformation, is the poor functioning of a large number of previously black schools (commonly termed ‘the breakdown of the culture of teaching and learning'). While the causes of breakdown may be traced back to the years of opposition to apartheid and the resistance struggle waged within schooling from 1976 onwards, it is less clear what may be done to remedy the situation. This article explores particular organisational dimensions of school failure with a view to understanding how they have affected the operation of schools, why schools have broken down and what interventions may remedy this breakdown. It moves beyond rational theories of organisation to argue that perspectives derived from psychoanalytical approaches to organisation may be useful in planning strategies for intervention to transform teaching and learning in these schools.     

Social effects of collaborative learning in primary schools

There is conflicting evidence on whether collaborative group work leads to improved classroom relations, and if so how. A before and after design was used to measure the impact on work and play relations of a collaborative learning programme involving 575 students 9–12 years old in single- and mixed-age classes across urban and rural schools. Data were also collected on student interactions and teacher ratings of their group-work skills. Analysis of variance revealed significant gains for both types of relation. Multilevel modelling indicated that better work relations were the product of improving group skills, which offset tensions produced by transactive dialogue, and this effect fed through in turn to play relations. Although before intervention rural children were familiar with each other neither this nor age mix affected outcomes. The results suggest the social benefits of collaborative learning are a separate outcome of group work, rather than being either a pre-condition for, or a direct consequence of successful activity, but that initial training in group skills may serve to enhance these benefits.     

Emotional journeys: young people and transitions to university

This paper offers an interpretation of the role of emotions in understanding the transitions that young people make to university. I draw on qualitative research with a group of non‐traditional students, entering elite universities, to argue that youth transitions are emotional as well instrumental affairs. I argue that choice‐making processes incorporate both trust in, and fear of, the transitions infrastructure, and that these emotions infuse more instrumental judgements about the economic benefits of higher education. I also demonstrate that emotional aspects of class – including feelings of entitlement to education and the rejection of normative student identities – constitute the experience of ‘being’ or ‘doing’ a student. A broader understanding of how young people become university students then depends not just on developing a new identity but on the complex interaction between emotion and infrastructure.     

Perceived Internet health literacy of HIV-positive people through the provision of a computer and Internet health education intervention

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess perceived Internet health literacy of HIV‐positive people before and after an Internet health information educational intervention. Methods: We developed a 50‐min educational intervention on basic computer skills and online health information evaluation. We administered a demographic survey and a validated health literacy survey (eHEALS) at baseline, immediately after, and 3 months the class. Changes in scores between the surveys were analysed. Results: Eighteen HIV‐positive participants were included in the final analysis. Before the intervention, most respondents’ assessment of their ability to access Internet health information was unfavourable. Post‐intervention, the majority of respondents agreed or strongly agreed they were able to access and identify Internet health information resources. The increase in self‐assessed skill level was statistically significant for all eight items eHEALS (P < 0.05). Scores for the 3‐month follow‐up survey remained higher than pre‐intervention scores for most items. Conclusions: Providing an interdisciplinary brief introductory Internet health information educational intervention HIV‐positive people with baseline low perceived Internet health literacy significantly improves confidence in finding and using Internet health information resources. Studies with larger numbers of participants should be undertaken to determine if brief interventions improve self‐care, patient outcomes and use of emergency services.