Differential Item Functioning Resulting From The Use of Different Solution Strategies

The present study investigates the degree to which item "bias" techniques can lead to interpretable results when groups are defined in terms of specified differences in the cognitive processes involved in students' problem-solving strategies. A large group of junior high school students who took a test on subtraction of fractions was divided into two subgroups judged by the rule-space model to be using different problem-solving strategies. It was confirmed by use of Mantel-Haenszel (MH) statistics that these subgroups showed different performances on items with different underlying cognitive tasks. We note that, in our case, we are far from faulting items that show differential item functioning (D1F) between two groups defined in terms of different solution strategies. Indeed, they are "desirable" items, as explained in the discussion section     

Counseling and information services for adult learners in the English-speaking Caribbean

Conclusion The preceding overview of counseling and information services for adults in the English-speaking Caribbean indicates that there is a considerable amount of activity which varies, of course, from country to country. What is also evident is that such services are rarely offered in a very formal way, that often they are voluntary, that there is at present very little coordination of activity, and that, except in very few cases, those providing such services have not been specifically trained for this task. The thrust for the future must be toward securing personnel trained to provide service of this kind and toward developing better coordination among the agencies and individuals involved, while at the same time seeking to expand such services and increase the number of persons with whom direct contact is made.     

Initial returns on mail questionnaires: A literature review and research note

The effects of method of reproduction, status of researcher, and personalization of signature on the initial rate of return of mail questionnaires were investigated, using a one-page combination cover letter and questionnaire mailed to 600 professors at the University of Maryland, College Park. The levels of each experimental variable were: Status — professor, graduate student; signature — hand signed in ink, mimeographed facsimile; reproduction — typed, photocopied, mimeographed.A response rate of 69% was obtained without using any follow-up procedures. Chi square analyses indicated no significant differences in the rate of returns for the levels of any of the experimental variables.It appears that initial return rate will not be significantly affected by using the most efficient, least expensive method available.     

Pedagogical Agents as Learning Companions: The Role of Agent Competency and Type of Interaction

This study was designed to examine the effects of the competency (low vs. high) and interaction type (proactive vs. responsive) of pedagogical agents as learning companions (PALs) on learning, self-efficacy, and attitudes. Participants were 72 undergraduates in an introductory computer-literacy course who were randomly assigned to one of four treatments: Low-Proactive, Low-Responsive, High-Proactive, and High-Responsive. Results indicated a main effect for PAL competency. Students who worked with the high-competency PAL in both proactive and responsive conditions achieved higher scores in applying what they had learned and showed more positive attitudes toward the PAL. However, students who worked with the low-competency PAL reported significantly enhanced self-efficacy beliefs in the learning tasks. Also, there was a main effect far PAL interaction type. A proactive PAL had a significantly positive impact on recall. These different results on learning and motivational outcomes suggest that the competency and interaction type of a PAL should be designed according to the desired learning and motivational goals.     

The other half of international teaching assistant training: Classroom communication workshops for international students

ITAs often experience particular difficulty balancing their roles as teachers with their roles as students. Student communication skills training is warranted for ITAs because it may be more motivating than instructional skills training, because it captures an otherwise elusive segment of the clientele, and because learning can transfer to ITAs' own teaching repertoires. Such a program can begin with a focus on naming and social identity. The bulk of the program focuses on communication practices for participative learning such as small group problem solving and whole-group responding. A typical workshop concludes with a forum for student concerns, often focusing upon how to interact with one's academic advisor.He obtained his Ph.D. in 1978 at the University of Minnesota. Among the courses he teaches are offerings in intercultural communication, applied linguistics, and composition research. He has also conducted research pertaining to perceptions of international instructors.     

建立和谐的师生关系是做好当代中学教育的基石

全面实施素质教育,是当代中学教育的基本要求。构筑一种真正适应时代发展要求的、新型的、和谐的师生关系是做好当代中学教育的基石。这种和谐的师生关系必须以民主、平等为基础,以互相尊重、互相理解、互相信任为核心内容,以全面提高学生素质为终极目的。首先,采用民主、平等的方式对待学生是构建新型和谐师生关系的基础。其次,以互相尊重、互相理解、互相信任为核心内容的教育理念是构建新型和谐师生关系的关键。总之,师生关系是教育中一个处于核心地位的问题,它直接影响到教育质量、教育效果和学生的身心健康发展。     

Mainstreaming the Hearing Impaired Student‐‐An Area of Preparation Responsibility for Teacher Training Programs: A Pilot Study

Interviewing, as an information‐gathering tool for prospective teachers of the deaf, was used to document the perspectives which deaf children, their parents, teachers and administrators bring to the mainstreaming process. Data revealed the different, and sometimes competing priorities of mainstreaming participants; these priorities are discussed in terms of their impact upon the success or failure of the mainstreaming process and the preparation responsibilities of teacher training programs.     

生态安全的内涵及其研究意义

生态安全主要包括两个含义:一是生态系统自身是否安全;二是生态系统对于人类是否安全。生态安全的本质可以认为是围绕人类社会的可持续发展目的,促进经济、社会和生态三者之间和谐统一。影响安全的因素主要有生态环境问题、公共政策和公众素质。加强生态安全研究有诸多价值和意义:能够促进生态系统的可持续发展;对可持续发展概念起到补充和完善作用;有利于树立人们的生态安全意识;生态安全关系到国家安全及国民的生命与健康。