Reading in able and disabled readers from around the world: same or different? An illustration from a study of reading‐related processes in a Swahili sample of siblings

Erratum . Journal of Research in Reading 29:2, 252 In this article, we discuss two characteristics of the majority of current behaviour‐ and molecular‐genetic studies of reading ability and disability, specifically, the ascertainment strategies and the populations from which samples are selected. In the context of this discussion, we present data that we collected on a sample of Swahili‐speaking siblings from Tanzania. With this sample, we (1) explore the efficiency and practicality of the single proband sibpair design and (2) provide data on the predictability of reading and spelling performance using reading‐related componential measures in a novel Swahili‐speaking sample. Specifically, we present the selection criteria, discuss the pattern of behavioural and behaviour‐genetic results obtained on the sample and compare these results with those available in the literature. We report behavioural and behaviour‐genetic correlations in this sample that are comparable with other studied samples in other languages, and discuss the similarities and differences. Thus, we demonstrate the suitability and effectiveness of the single sib ascertainment method for genetic analyses of reading ability and disability in novel samples in previously unstudied languages.     

The Effect of Attitudes on Science Achievement: A Study Conducted Among High School Pupils in Cyprus

The purpose of this study was to examine how pupils' attitudes towards science and their beliefs about themselves affect their achievements in science, and vice versa. Cyprus provided an interesting location for the study, being a developing nation that has adopted educational ideas from a variety of countries, including the US, UK and Greece. The results of this study demonstrated the differential effects that science achievement and science attitudes can have on each other, depending on the characteristics of the educational systems of the country. The findings indicate various directions for future research.     

Some multiplicative structures in elementary education: a view from relational paradigm

Educational Studies in Mathematics - The multiplicative reasoning that students should develop in elementary school is a key area of research in contemporary mathematics education. Researchers...     

STYLES OF THINKING IN THE SCHOOL

Educators know that variables beyond abilities affect students’ performance in school and their interactions with their teachers. Thinking styles are such a variable. Thinking styles are preferred ways of thinking. They are not abilities but rather preferred ways of expressing these abilities. Both students and teachers vary in thinking styles, and in systematic ways. For example, teachers tend to match the stylistic pattern of the school, and students to match the stylistic pattern of their teachers. Teachers tend to overestimate the extent to which their students match their own styles, and also evaluate more favorably students whose styles match their own. Thus, teachers are more likely to identify as “gifted” not only high ability students, but those who match them stylistically.

     

I Have a Friend on the Other Side of the Earth: twinning classes from different cultures to introduce environmental and development education

This paper describes an educational activity that was undertaken by starting an exchange of letters between Italian and Indian students. The main goal of this initiative was to encourage friendly relationships among students living in very different cultures and socio‐economic conditions, through direct communication. The general objectives of this initiative were: to encourage Italian and Indian children to have an affective, cognitive and emotional openness towards different people, cultures and environments; to make the concept of ‘global village’ more real and the ties that constitute our interdependent world more actual; to stimulate a reflection upon the ‘Western’ model of development, that destroys our resources, the resources of other peoples and of future generations. In this work targets related to several subjects have been identified: geography, environmental science, foreign language and social studies. A few possible interdisciplinary teaching paths have been pointed out, which originated from the development of cross‐curricular themes (environment, development, world studies). Our approach has stressed the comparison between ‘us’ and ‘the other’, the deliberate effort to put oneself in the others’ place and to see the world through ‘their’ eyes. Thanks to the exchange of letters this comparison has been made more concrete, immediate and relevant. Finally, some critical thoughts about the experiences that have been carried out up till now will be suggested in order to open a debate with teachers and researchers who have had similar experiences and to provide useful elements to those who are willing to take the path of environmental and development education through the exchange of letters among their students.     

Collaborative action research between schools,a continuing professional development centre for teachers and the university: a case study in Spain

This article describes a collaborative action research project developed over the course of the 2011/12 academic year in the Faculty of Education at Cordoba University (Spain). The RIECU school–continuing professional development centre for teachers–university learning network is part of this research process. The aim is to create and consolidate a community of practice made up of continuing professional development advisers to teachers, infant education teachers, university students who are training to become infant education teachers and university teaching staff. The most relevant findings, which respond to the questions raised, are: the action research conducted indicates that teamwork between teacher, adviser, researcher and university student is an effective strategy to facilitate the acquisition of professional competences among student teachers; and student-teachers involved in the case study have evolved in their conception and approach to childhood and have had the opportunity to learn by modelling the professional conduct of their mentor teachers.     

Early childhood,breakfast, and related tools: analysis of adults’ function as mediators

European Journal of Psychology of Education - This study presents the results of a systematic, 3-month-long observation of the verbal and gestural interactions which took place between a preschool...