On an approximate effective speed of propagation

An algorithm is suggested for the determination of an effective speed of propagation for a random medium whose mean speed of propagation is perturbed by a small random term of the white-noise type. We study the propagation of disturbances in the limiting geometrical optics case, and pursue the analysis within the framework of stochastic optimal control. The statement of an appropriate Fermat's principle for the random medium and invoking the principle of dynamic programming lead to a non-linear elliptic equation—the classical Eikonal equation—perturbed by terms associated with the stochastics. This equation and estimates for the departure of the stochastic trajectories from the free-space geodesic path of propagation enable us to calculate the approximate speed.     

Nurturing Giftedness Through the Mentor‐Link Programme

Recognising that gifted students need to interact with mentors to achieve their potential, the Chinese High School (CHS) in Singapore launched the Mentor‐Link (M‐L) programme to guide its gifted students in their projects. Gifted students are given the opportunity to interact and share mutual interests and passions with scientists in professional and tertiary institutions. The M‐L programme is structured by guidelines on the roles of students, teacher advisors, mentors and evaluation of projects. Over the last two years, students have done some good projects in the areas of Applied Science, Biology, Innovation, Defence Science, Robotics and Mathematics. Mentoring has provided the CHS gifted programme with an opportunity to deal with the heterogeneity of talents in gifted students and enhance their potential.     

数字人文背景下侨批档案资源的开发模式研究

侨批具有极高的史料价值和学术价值。本文在阐述数字人文的内涵、技术体系与理论结构和归纳总结数字人文实践状况的基础上,结合侨批档案的资源特征、资源价值及开发现状,提出侨批资源基于文化传承与保护的开发模式、基于多元文化成果传播的开发模式和基于数字人文研究服务的开发模式。     

A Cross‐validated Study of the Factorial Structure Underlying Intelligence Tests and Piagetian Formal Operational Tests

Based on a stratified sample of 15‐year‐old students in Singapore schools, exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used to identify and cross‐validate the factorial structure underlying two group intelligence tests and two group Piagetian tests. The structure of the first‐ and second‐order factors underlying the tests was first identified using exploratory factor analysis on the exploratory sample. The confirmatory approach using LISREL was then used to cross‐validate the factor structure on the validation sample. One second‐ and four first‐order factors were found. To allow for easier interpretation of the factors, a Schmid‐Leiman transformation was carried out on the first‐ and second‐order factor matrices of the pooled sample. A hierarchical factor matrix consisting of a general factor and four group factors was found.     

Professional identities and emotions of teachers in the context of curriculum reform: a Chinese perspective

This study explores the changing professional identities of teachers and their emotional experiences during curriculum reform in Shenzhen in the southern part of China. A qualitative approach to research was adopted. Findings reveal that the informants display several teaching behaviours and diverse emotions ranging from pain and helplessness, fulfilment and anxiety, and other mixed emotions. The three types of influential factors that influence teachers' professional identities are also discussed in this study.     

Motivational predictors of young adolescents' participation in an outdoor adventure course: A self-determination theory approach

Abstract

Outdoor education is emerging as a compulsory component of the school curriculum in Singapore. As more and more young people are involved in outdoor education programmes, the motivational factors that influence students' participation in outdoor activities is an important area of study. The purpose of this study was to use the self-determination theory framework to examine post course satisfaction level among young adolescents. A total of 314 secondary school students aged from 12 to 16 years took part in the survey. Results showed that external regulation negatively predicted self-reported satisfaction whereas intrinsic motivation positively predicted participants' satisfaction levels of the course. It is highlighted that young adolescents should not be coerced into outdoor education programmes. They should be provided with a meaningful rationale for participation, given some autonomy for decision-making and to have a positive and enjoyable experience during the programme.     

谈拉卡托斯科学研究纲领方法论之理论意义与不足

拉卡托斯(1922-1974)是西方著名的哲学家之一,以其《科学研究纲领方法论》而闻名于世.应当说,他的科学研究纲领理论不仅对科学活动具有很大的影响,而且还深刻地影响着人们的思维方式.探究其科学研究纲领方法论的理论精华有利于促进读者严谨的科学态度与思维的养成.     

Training Outcomes of Field Instructors in the Evidence-Based Practice Process Model

ABSTRACT

This study evaluated a continuing education training program designed to increase field educators’ capacities to support students in their application of the evidence-based practice (EBP) process. A cohort of social work field instructors and task supervisors from agency-based settings (N = 186) attended a 1-day interactive skill-based training. Pre- and postsurveys assessed learning outcomes. Findings reveal a significant improvement from pre- to posttraining in the social work educators’ familiarity, t(179) = 22.8; attitude, t(180) = 12.73; and intentions, t(178) = 11.89, regarding EBP. Results indicate that skill-based training in the EBP process model via continuing education is feasible and acceptable.     

Item-Level Comparative Analysis of Online and Paper Administrations of the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills

This article describes a comparative study conducted at the item level for paper and online administrations of a statewide high stakes assessment. The goal was to identify characteristics of items that may have contributed to mode effects. Item-level analyses compared two modes of the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) for up to four subjects at two grade levels. The analyses included significance tests of p-value differences, DIF, and response distributions for each item. Additional analyses investigated item position effects and objective-level mode differences. No evidence of item position effects emerged, but significant differences were found for several items and objectives in all subjects at grade 8 and in mathematics and English language arts (ELA) at grade 11. Differences generally favored the paper group. ELA items that were longer in passage length and math items that required graphing and geometric manipulations or involved scrolling in the online administration tended to be the items showing mode differences.     

探究夸美纽斯的教育思想及其对我国的启示与影响

夸美纽斯是一位对17世纪西方近代教育理论和教学研究贡献最大的划时代人物。他的教育实践经验十分丰富,教育理论著作众多。由于夸美纽斯的教育理论对我国教育实践具有重大的启示作用,因而探究夸美纽斯教育理论的历史作用以及其对教育思想史的影响,有着巨大的现实意义与理论意义。