Blended learning model on hands-on approach for in-service secondary school teachers: Combination of E-learning and face-to-face discussion

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a blended learning model on hands-on approach for in-service secondary school teachers using a quasi-experimental design. A 24-h teacher-training course using the blended learning model was administered to 117 teachers, while face-to-face instruction was given to 60 teachers. The following dependent variables were compared: degree of leaners’ knowledge, self-efficacy and satisfaction with the training course. The results indicated that the experimental, blended learning group showed a significantly higher level of knowledge of hands-on approach and overall satisfaction with the course. However, the self-efficacy and others items related to learner’s learning satisfaction were similar between two groups. Moreover, the findings indicated that access, flexibility, cost effectiveness, improving interaction, formation of teacher network and involving of administrators, instructors and school leaders were factors which contributed to the success of blended learning model. Further implications and suggestions for the blended learning model are presented.     

Measurement Invariance Testing Across Between-Level Latent Classes Using Multilevel Factor Mixture Modeling

This simulation study examines the efficacy of multilevel factor mixture modeling (ML FMM) for measurement invariance testing across unobserved groups when the groups are at the between level of multilevel data. To this end, latent classes are generated with class-specific item parameters (i.e., factor loading and intercept) across the between-level classes. The efficacy of ML FMM is evaluated in terms of class enumeration, class assignment, and the detection of noninvariance. Various classification criteria such as Akaike’s information criterion, Bayesian information criterion, and bootstrap likelihood ratio tests are examined for the correct enumeration of between-level latent classes. For the detection of measurement noninvariance, free and constrained baseline approaches are compared with respect to true positive and false positive rates. This study evidences the adequacy of ML FMM. However, its performance heavily depends on the simulation factors such as the classification criteria, sample size, and the magnitude of noninvariance. Practical guidelines for applied researchers are provided.     

Topology evolutions of silhouettes

We give the topology changing of the silhouette in 3D space while others study the projections in an image. Silhou- ettes play a crucial role in visualization, graphics and vision. This work focuses on the global behaviors of silhouettes, especially their topological evolutions, such as splitting, merging, appearing and disappearing. The dynamics of silhouettes are governed by the topology, the curvature of the surface, and the view point. In this paper, we work on a more theoretical level to give enu- merative properties of the silhouette including: the integration of signed geodesic curvature along a silhouette is equal to the view cone angle; in elliptic regions, no silhouette can be contained in another one; in hyperbolic regions, if a silhouette is homotopic to a point, then it has at least 4 cusps; finally, critical events can only happen when the view point is on the aspect surfaces (ruled surface of the asymptotic lines of parabolic points with surface itself). We also introduce a method to visualize the evolution of silhouettes, especially all the critical events where the topologies of the silhouettes change. The results have broad applications in computer vision for recognition, graphics for rendering and visualization.     

Using Multilevel Regression Mixture Models to Identify Level-1 Heterogeneity in Level-2 Effects

This article proposes a novel exploratory approach for assessing how the effects of Level-2 predictors differ across Level-1 units. Multilevel regression mixture models are used to identify latent classes at Level 1 that differ in the effect of 1 or more Level-2 predictors. Monte Carlo simulations are used to demonstrate the approach with different sample sizes and to demonstrate the consequences of constraining 1 of the random effects to 0. An application of the method to evaluate heterogeneity in the effects of classroom practices on students is used to show the types of research questions that can be answered with this method and the issues faced when estimating multilevel regression mixtures.     

Patterns of image comparison using compare and contrast feature in Urinalysis Tutor™

This study examined how students interacted with a computer-based feature, Compare and Contrast , which facilitated image comparisons. Unlike previous research, which explored the use of images ordered and presented by investigators, this study examined emerging patterns of image comparison as students selected the presentation mode. Three main image-viewing modes emerged including one successive mode and two simultaneous modes: (1) single image viewing in which only one image was viewed at a time; (2) paired viewing in which different pairs of images were displayed; and (3) anchored viewing in which a single image in one image panel served as an anchor against which multiple image comparisons were made using the second panel. Overall, anchored viewing was the most predominant image-viewing mode used by the students (41%) compared to single viewing (22%) and paired viewing (11%). Students who viewed images in the anchored-viewing mode attained the highest scores on the post-test exam. Our study suggests that a computer instructional program with a user-controlled interactivity feature can provide insights on how learners form different types of visual comparison strategies. Future experimental studies involving interface design that explicitly supports single, paired, and anchored viewing modes could confirm or challenge the results of our study and therefore, contribute to on-going research on the effective mode of image presentation for visual concept acquisition.     

Teaching Across the Grades: Dispositions of Ideally Competent Teachers

ABSTRACT

The study of dispositions for effective teaching has become a key topic in education. Diverse characteristics, skills, and behaviors have been proposed as centrally important. Nevertheless, little work has been done on evaluating these disparate claims, or whether importance varies across primary and secondary teaching contexts. We address these issues by using a new instrument that incorporated a wide range and a large number of individual dispositions with an established methodology (the Q-sort; Block, 2008) that allows dispositions to be meaningfully ranked by importance and then compared across grade level. A diverse group of experienced teachers were consistent in their rankings, and their judgments showed both similarities and differences across grade level. We discuss theoretical and practical implications.     

The “flipped classroom” approach: Stimulating positive learning attitudes and improving mastery of histology among medical students

Traditional medical education methodologies have been dramatically impacted by the introduction of new teaching approaches over the past few decades. In particular, the “flipped classroom” format has drawn a great deal of attention. However, evidence regarding the effectiveness of the flipped model remains limited due to a lack of outcome‐based studies. In the present study, a pilot histology curriculum of the organ systems was implemented among 24 Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) students in a flipped classroom format at Jinan University. As a control, another 87 TCM students followed a conventional histology curriculum. The academic performance of the two groups was compared. In addition, a questionnaire was administered to the flipped classroom group. The test scores for the flipped classroom participants were found to be significantly higher compared to non‐participants in the control group. These results suggest that students may benefit from using the flipped classroom format. Follow‐up questionnaires also revealed that most of the flipped classroom participants undertook relatively more earnest preparations before class and were actively involved in classroom learning activities. The teachers were also found to have more class time for leading discussions and delivering quizzes rather than repeating rote didactics. Consequently, the increased teaching and learning activities contributed to a better performance among the flipped classroom group. This pilot study suggests that a flipped classroom approach can be used to improve histology education among medical students. However, future studies employing randomization, larger numbers of students, and more precise tracking methods are needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn. Anat Sci Educ 10: 317–327. © 2016 American Association of Anatomists.     

Relationships between social support,job autonomy,job satisfaction,and burnout among care workers in long-term care facilities in Hawaii

This study examined the effects of social support, job autonomy, and job satisfaction on burnout among long-term care workers in Hawaii, USA. Data were collected from 170 care workers working at long-term care facilities in Hawaii. The study variables included demographic data, burnout, social support, job autonomy, and job satisfaction. The study findings support the association between social support, job autonomy, job satisfaction, and burnout among care workers at long-term care facilities. Social support, job autonomy, and job satisfaction were negatively and significantly associated with the level of burnout of care workers in Hawaii. Furthermore, the findings suggest the need to develop policy and practice considerations for reducing burnout risks among care workers in order to improve quality of care.