Quantifying Qualitative Scholarship: A Fool’s Errand or a Methodological Necessity?

This paper describes our efforts to systematically generate knowledge from ethnographic and other qualitative scholarship as a way of bridging intellectual gaps found in quantitative research. We ground this scholarly endeavor in the study of gangs, which has a lengthy history in the field of criminology, yet lacks a coherent, coordinated, and comparative understanding of gang dynamics, behavior, and impacts. We discuss the importance of acknowledging the multiple and mixed methodologies used in gang scholarship and detail the inductive, deductive, and iterative process that helped us (1) develop a comprehensive coding instrument for coding a range of qualitative works, (2) establish the instrument’s inter-rater reliability, and (3) remain cognizant and reflexive about the strengths of both quantitative and qualitative research. Finally, we share the critical yet informative challenges we faced throughout the project and conclude with reflections on why the project was unsuccessful in the way we originally envisioned.     

在个性特色中谋发展 在改革创新中再提高——新时期陕西民办高等教育可持续发展战略研究

中共中央国务院2010年7月颁发了《国家中长期教育改革和发展规划纲要(2010—2020)》,对包括民办高校在内的高等教育事业的改革发展进行了精心规划和全面部署,并设立了若干重大项目和改革试点。课题组围绕陕西经济社会发展的需要和广大人民群众对高等教育健康持续发展的期盼,对新时期陕西民办高等教育可持续发展战略进行了研究。主要内容有陕西民办高等教育的发展过程和现状;陕西民办高等教育的主要成绩与基本经验;影响陕西民办高等教育可持续发展的主要因素分析;陕西民办高等教育可持续发展战略的对策建议。     

Operationalizing and validating disciplinary literacy in secondary education

The goal of this study was to define the construct and establish the validity of disciplinary literacy, which has recently gained attention from the implementation of the Common Core State Standards (National Governors Association Center for Best Practices & Council of Chief State School Officers in Common Core State Standards for English language arts & literacy in history/social studies, science, and technical subjects [PDF]. Authors, Washington, DC, 2010). After defining disciplinary literacy in the four core disciplines of English language arts, science, history and social studies, and mathematics, scales were developed and administered to a snowball sample of professionals nationwide, with 857 respondents. The data showed evidence of disciplinary literacy as a multidimensional construct with three related factors: source literacy, analytic literacy, and expressive literacy. Based on EFA and CFA results, we can conclude that there are at least three types of literacy in operation among the four core disciplines. The three factors of literacy varied significantly by the four core disciplines of English/language arts (ELA), science, history and social studies, and mathematics, supporting the notion that each discipline uses literacy uniquely. This is the first study of its kind to attempt to define, quantify, and validate the construct of disciplinary literacy.     

Selecting Undergraduate Students: What can the UK Learn from the American SAT?

This short paper explores the contribution or otherwise that could be made by using a test akin to the American Scholastic Assessment Test or SAT to select students for undergraduate degrees in the UK. It examines the political context to the debate about the potential value of such a test, before outlining how SAT results in America vary along dimensions related to social background and how American universities have adapted their admissions procedures in response to these differences. From the research examined it cannot be assumed that the introduction of a test such as the SAT would be any more equitable then the current use of public examinations in England. It is suggested that profiling students along the lines used by some American universities may assist with making access ‘fairer’.     

Understanding participant and practitioner outcomes of environmental education

Environmental education can deliver benefits to individuals, society and the environment, but few studies have asked practitioners or participants what they feel these benefits are. This research compares the perspectives of practitioners and participants in environmental education projects, using questionnaires, focus groups and participant observation. Practitioners and participants listed a large number of outcomes, with increasing knowledge about the environment mentioned most frequently. For participants, this was often in relation to gaining new skills. Social outcomes, such as making new friends, were more prominent in participant than practitioner responses. Practitioners did not spontaneously mention any negative outcomes of environmental education, and few were suggested with prompting. Participants suggested more negative outcomes than practitioners, notably damage to the environment. The differing views suggest a need for greater discussion between practitioners and their participants.     

Investigating inclusive education in primary schools in Ghana: what inclusive cultures,environment, and practices support implementation?

Schools create an inclusive environment and cultures and enact inclusive practices to cater for the learning and social needs of learners. Using an adapted Ghana Inclusive Education Monitoring Tool (IEMT), which is based on the Index for Inclusion, we collected data from 74 headteachers of primary schools. Data analysis involved percentages and frequencies of multiple-scaled items of the adapted IEMT. Findings revealed headteachers admit learners with special needs and disabilities (LwSEND) to set the stage for inclusion, while teachers accept these learners in schools. Collaborative cultures among teachers, parents, and other community stakeholders support inclusive education. While classrooms had somewhat good ventilation and lighting, school facilities were less accessible to all learners. Knowledge to adapt the curriculum and the flow of inclusive knowledge among teachers was limited. Suggestions to improve inclusive education include school-wide professional development for sharing inclusive knowledge, enhancing teachers' pedagogical competence and promoting supportive inclusive cultures.     

论“体教结合”和“教体结合”的同化与异化

从“体教结合”和“教体结合”概念分析入手,阐述了“体教结合”和“教体结合”两种培养竞技体育人才模式的现状及发展情况。从概念的范畴、内容的指向性、发展目标、培养的思路、培养的理念等五方面探讨了“体教结合”和“教体结合”两种培养模式的趋同性;从所处地位、培养对象、培养形式、结合模式、学训方式,以及资源配置等方面探讨了二者之间存在的差异性。认为区分二者的异同点,将有助于我们进行理性的思考,科学的决策,不断促进我国体育事业的可持续发展。