Preparing novice principals in Australia and Turkey: How similar are their needs?

Part of a 13-nation, cross-cultural study of the extent to which principals perceive their pre-appointment experiences had prepared them for the job, the International Study of Principal Preparation (ISPP), this paper compares the responses of novice principals in Turkey and Western Australia. Using a survey based on data from case studies of principals in their first 3 years, the views of 50 Western Australian and 60 Turkish principals were examined in terms of the difficulty of the problems they faced and the extent to which they felt prepared for these problems. Responses were analysed by sex, qualification, age at appointment, school size, and school location. Respondents from both countries found that managing the budget and achieving work/life balance presented challenges for them while working with parents and acquiring adequate resources were not challenging. For Turkish respondents, building positive relationships with staff was more challenging than it was for the Australian respondents. Surprisingly respondents felt well prepared for the tasks they faced, with Australians, females, principals of small schools in rural and remote locations reporting significantly more positive views about their preparation than their counterparts.     

Variance and Context Differences in Teaching at Differentially Effective Schools

ABSTRACT

This study follows up on recent research exploring the differences in teaching within more or less effective schools. Results verify that teachers in more effective schools score consistently higher on indices of effective teaching than those in typical or less effective schools. Furthermore, teachers in more effective schools demonstrate less variance in teaching behaviors, indicating more formal or informal socialization at the school level. Additional differences in mean and deviation scores were noted between elementary and junior high schools, suggesting differential school processes at operation in those two levels.     

Discussion of ‘are Statisticians Cold‐blooded Bosses? A New Perspective on the “Old” Concept of Statistical Population’ by Y. Lu and K. S. S. Henning

This articles argues in favour of a recently introduced approach to statistical inference which focuses on understanding the data generating process. A comprehensive example supports the discussion.     

Journals at bepress: new twists on an old model

In recent years academic journal publishers have explored a variety of new business models. The Berkeley Electronic Press (bepress), founded by professors in 1999, now publishes 39 electronic‐only journals. bepress's own model rests on three principles: improve, but do not break, the traditional journal; allow non‐subscribers to read articles as guests; and offer reasonable and sustainable prices to libraries. This model has resulted in steady growth. Even in the shifting landscape of open access, there remains a place for professional journal publishers who offer innovative improvements, traditionally qualified content, and reasonable prices.     

An extension of the technology acceptance model for online learning environments

This study advances the understanding of the process by which students accept and use e-learning environments. This is a key aspect in studying the online behaviour of students, as it directly influences their conduct in their capacity as users of learning products. To address the lack of empirical data on the adoption of this type of learning environment, we present and validate a model of the phenomenon. The study considers the utilitarian aspects included in the technology acceptance model (TAM) and also an aspect of intrinsic motivation for an individual, flow, to enhancing the explanatory power of the models presented.

Based on a sample of 2,574 students, structural equation modelling is used to test the model. We identify the effect of flow on perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness and on the actual usage of the e-learning environment, demonstrating the importance of this factor as a complement to the components of the TAM.     

Programming Plus Subject Expertise: A Combined Approach for Approval Profile Modification

This article focused on the analysis of four years of circulation data from print monographs acquired through an approval plan and firm ordering and incorporated interlibrary loan data to compare purchases with demand. A group of subject areas, including communication, psychology, and engineering were selected as examples for in-depth analysis. Using R programming, the authors automated an analysis to identify areas needing attention. The results from the analysis, together with librarians' subject expertise, enabled librarians to adjust monograph purchases accordingly.     

A Tale of Two Libraries: A Merger and Its Challenges. A Case Study

In 2005, representatives from Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), the Universities at Shady Grove (USG), and the University of Maryland Libraries, explored a potential partnership between their libraries. With different patrons and missions, merging the two library cultures and functions presented challenges and opportunities to administrators and librarians.

This study examines the dimensions and impact on both libraries. It will inquire whether it resulted in a limited, primarily administrative arrangement, or whether the libraries were able to achieve true collaboration. The findings highlight some issues libraries could take into account before embarking into a merger process.