An investigation in evaluation issues for a simulation training programme

Rolfe (1991) and Parasuraman (1981) are critical of previous efforts by researchers to evaluate simulations given that very few authors in the field of simulation are actually considering validity, reliability or utility of simulations as training or educational methods.
The Rank Ordering Exercise is designed as an activity which highlights evaluation issues. It was explained to 26 participants divided into 13 pairs. Each pair were asked to order 26 cards into a preferred chronological sequence—from the early stages of planning to the final stages of the project. Participants were given a scenario outlining a company which is experiencing complaints about the quality and standard of its customer care. A brief set of instructions asked participants to develop a training programme which incorporates a simulation, with the aim of building in evaluation components.
The Rank Ordering Exercise raised awareness of internal and more importantly external validity issues. The authors noted an overall agreement about a preferred sequence of events and the exercise was effective in highlighting the need for the evaluation "checks" to be made during the planning stages of any research or consultancy project.     

Making sense of learning for work. Towards a framework of transitional learning

In this article a framework is presented to understand the changing character of individual learning processes and of educational practices related to work and employment. Based on two research projects - a research on women's biographical learning in relation to work and a European research on the socio-economic integration of young adults - a perspective of transitional learning is developed. It is argued that nowadays individual learning processes can be understood as processes of transitional learning aimed at creating meaningful connections between individual life and society via work and adult education. This interpretation, together with the changing educational landscape, calls for a reconsideration of the interventionist role of the adult educator. In order to stimulate and support these learning processes, guidance, training and counselling are becoming reflexive activities in need of interpretive professionals.     

Determinants of parental guidance of children's television viewing for a special subgroup: Mass media scholars

This study examines the level and nature of parental guidance regarding revision exercised by mass media scholars. It also focuses On relationship of that guidance to beliefs the scholars here about the effects of television, to characteristics of the scholarship, and to basic demographic information.     

我了解我的生活

I have heard people complain as they age of what they may have missed
Well if they complain then that is for them, because for 30 years I have had your kiss     

太极拳虚实步态变换的动力学研究

采用德国产的脚底压力测量仪测量4名(2名专业,2名业余)受试者在42式太极拳中的脚低压力数据,然后进行平滑处理和统计计算。发现脚低压力曲线构成精美的阴阳太极图,其图和人体肢体外在的圆括平滑运动特征十分相似,而计算出的曲线平滑系数反映运动员虚实步态的圆括平滑水平。     

A Reflection on Aging: A Portfolio of Change in Attitudes Toward Geriatric Patients During a Clerkship Rotation

The process of students' evaluation in medical schools has changed from a tutor-led evaluation system based on students' performance to a student-based evaluation that involves self-reflection and their level of change in skills and attitudes. At the McGill University Division of Geriatric Medicine, we developed an innovative system of evaluation known as the McGill Electronic Evaluation Portfolio (MEEP). The MEEP has proven to be a useful tool to motivate students' self-reflection and to induce students' change in attitudes toward aging and Geriatric Medicine. In this article, we exemplified a process of self-reflection by a medical student throughout his mandatory clerkship rotation in Geriatric Medicine. The article shows his change in attitudes toward his geriatric patients induced by his own experience and his interactions with tutors and members of the multidisciplinary team. In summary, the use of an electronic evaluation method may stimulate students' self-reflection and a positive change in attitudes toward aging and geriatrics.     

Strengthening the Early Childhood Workforce: How Wage Incentives May Boost Training and Job Stability

Research Findings: Aiming to raise the quality of early childhood teachers and caregivers and to reduce turnover, government and professional associations are pursuing 2 intervention strategies. The 1st mandates higher credential levels, as seen with Head Start and state preschool reforms. Here we examine the efficacy of the 2nd strategy: offering wage incentives to encourage in-service training and to reduce job turnover. We followed 2,783 preschool center directors, teachers, and classroom aides who participated in California's Child-care Retention Incentive (CRI) program during a 3-year period. County-designed programs offered differing combinations of wage supplements and professional development to participants who pursued college-level training. We found a priori low levels of staff turnover among those who selected into the CRI program. This conditioned the modest program effects that we observed and revealed the segmented character of the early childhood labor force, which appears to shape selection patterns. Demographic attributes of staff and the auspice in which staff worked were significantly related to the number of college units acquired and to job stability. Specific features of local CRI programs were less influential. Staff completed more college courses when participating in programs that provided stronger career advising and professional activities in addition to their college coursework. Practice or Policy: Implications for incentive programs nationwide are discussed.     

The effect of pedal crank arm length on joint angle and power production in upright cycle ergometry

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of five pedal crank arm lengths (110, 145, 180, 230 and 265 mm) on hip, knee and ankle angles and on the peak, mean and minimum power production of 11 males (26.6 +/- 3.8 years, 179 +/- 8 cm, 79.6 +/- 9.5 kg) during upright cycle ergometry. Computerized 30 s Wingate power tests were performed on a free weight Monark cycle ergometer against a resistance of 8.5% body weight. Joint angles were determined, with an Ariel Performance Analysis System, from videotape recorded at 100 Hz. Repeated-measures analysis of variance and contrast comparisons revealed that, with increasing crank arm lengths, there was a significant decrement in the minimum hip and knee angles, a significant increment in the ranges of motion of the joints, and a parabolic curve to describe power production. The largest peak and mean powers occurred with a crank arm length of 180 mm. We conclude that 35 mm changes in pedal crank arm length significantly alter both hip and knee joint angles and thus affect cycling performance.     

Accumulating subcultural capital through sport event participation: The AFL International Cup

In this study, the authors use participant interviews to examine how participating in an international event enabled the accumulation of subcultural capital. The authors conducted interviews with players (N = 9) in the Australian Football League (AFL) International Cup from Canada, USA, New Zealand, and Ireland. The AFL International Cup created a liminal state offering individuals with opportunities for: (a) national representation; (b) international competition and comparison; (c) cross-cultural learning and interaction; (d) sport subcultural engagement; and, (d) authentic game experiences. The resulting experience enabled participants a deeper connection with the sport subculture, which created the potential for sport advocacy in their home countries. Results will assist international sport event hosts in creating meaningful participant experiences that facilitate deeper personal attachments to the sporting subculture.