Improving workplace-based assessment and feedback by an E-portfolio enhanced with learning analytics

Electronic portfolios (E-portfolios) are crucial means for workplace-based assessment and feedback. Although E-portfolios provide a useful approach to view each learner’s progress, so far options for personalized feedback and potential data about a learner’s performances at the workplace often remain unexploited. This paper advocates that E-portfolios enhanced with learning analytics, might increase the quality and efficiency of workplace-based feedback and assessment in professional education. Based on a 5-phased iterative design approach, an existing E-portfolio environment was enhanced with learning analytics in professional education. First, information about crucial professional activities for professional domains and suited assessment instruments were collected (phase 1). Thereafter probabilistic student models were defined (phase 2). Next, personalized feedback and visualization of the personal development over time were developed (phase 3). Then the prototype of the E-portfolio—including the student models and feedback and visualization modules—were implemented in professional training-programs (phase 4). Last, evaluation cycles took place and 121 students and 30 supervisors from five institutes for professional education evaluated the perceived usefulness of the design (phase 5). It was concluded that E-portfolios with learning analytics were perceived to assist the development of students’ professional competencies and that the design is only successful when developed and implemented through the eyes of the users. Feedback and assessment methods based upon learning analytics can stimulate learning at the workplace in the long run. Practical, technological and ethical challenges are discussed.     

Effects of cooperation on spelling achievement at three age levels (Grades 2, 4, and 6)

In a field experiment among second, fourth and sixth grade pupils from 27 primary schools, two instruction methods were compared. At 13 schools (control condition) pupils did spelling exercises as usual, i.e. individually. At 14 schools pupils worked in pairs; each pupil was asked to check a partners’ work and discuss mistakes. At grade 2 cooperation led to less off-task behaviour when pupils did spelling assignments of a more complex type. Nevertheless we found a negative effect on achievement. At grade 4 cooperation led to less off-task behaviour for complex assignments and an increase in pupil’s effort as rated by their teachers as well. These findings were accompanied by a weak effect on achievement. Cooperation did not affect effort nor achievement of pupils from grade 6. At none of three grade levels we found indications of better reasoning strategies as a consequence of pair learning. The differential effect of cooperation at the three age levels may be explained in terms of complexity of learning subject and of lesson type.     

The Training of Headmasters: a Belgian (Flemish) Experiment

The article illustrates the development of Headmaster training in Flanders and the role of the University of Antwerp in that development. The analysis of needs is discussed, as is the strategy evolved to meet these needs. Not all problems have been solved, and the article reviews briefly some questions still to be asked.

L'article décrit le développement de la formation des directeurs d'école en Flandre, et aussi le rôle de l'Université d'Anvers dans ce processus. Il discute l'analyse des besoins ainsi que la stratégie qui a été développée pour répondre à ces besoins. Tous les problèmes n'ont pas été résolus et l'article soulève brièvement quelques questions qui se posent encore.     

Modelling the influences on learning outcomes of study processes in university mathematics

The field trialling of inventory scalesreflecting variation in students' mathematicsstudy and learning processes is described.These scales predict learning outcomes (finalmarks), but with differentiated patterns ofrelationship to those outcomes. In combination,the scales also detect cohorts of students atrisk of study failure. The work reported is inthe broader context of developing anindividual-differences-based model of studentlearning. Although this model is sitedspecifically within mathematics learning, themethodology of its development is transferableto other discipline contexts. The trialledscales complement others already developed thatreflect affective variation in students'mathematics study.     

‘The Event That Shook the Whole World Up’: Historicizing the 1983 Pan-American Games Doping Scandal

Abstract

In August of 1983 at the Pan-American Games in Caracas, Venezuela, a multi-faceted doping crisis occurred that overshadowed all other aspects of the games. This essay marks the first attempt to historicize the events surrounding this watershed moment in the fight against drug use in sport. Doping was revealed in three ways in Caracas: by the large number of positive tests that resulted in the first loss to doping of medals in the history of the Pan-American Games, by the exodus of the 12 American track and field athletes who flew home rather than be subject to testing in the sophisticated lab run by Dr Manfred Donike, and by a rash of ‘injuries’ and unexpectedly poor performances that kept athletes out of the medals and thus out of Donike’s lab. In the aftermath of the games, the United States Olympic Committee implemented new policies to ensure that Americans competing in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games would not run the risk of similar public embarrassment.     

Muscle coordination during breaststroke swimming: Comparison between elite swimmers and beginners

The present study aimed to compare muscle coordination strategies of the upper and lower limb muscles between beginners and elite breaststroke swimmers. Surface electromyography (EMG) of eight muscles was recorded in 16 swimmers (8 elite, 8 beginners) during a 25 m swimming breaststroke at 100% of maximal effort. A decomposition algorithm was used to identify the muscle synergies that represent the temporal and spatial organisation of muscle coordination. Between-groups indices of similarity and lag times were calculated. Individual muscle patterns were moderately to highly similar between groups (between-group indices range: 0.61 to 0.84). Significant differences were found in terms of lag time for pectoralis major (P < 0.05), biceps brachii, rectus femoris and tibialis anterior (P < 0.01), indicating an earlier activation for these muscles in beginners compared to elites (range: ?13.2 to ?3.8% of the swimming cycle). Three muscle synergies were identified for both beginners and elites. Although their composition was similar between populations, the third synergy exhibited a high within-group variability. Moderate to high indices of similarity were found for the shape of synergy activation coefficients (range: 0.63 to 0.88) but there was a significant backward shift (?8.4% of the swimming cycle) in synergy #2 for beginners compared to elites. This time shift suggested differences in the global arm-to-leg coordination. These results indicate that the synergistic organisation of muscle coordination during breaststroke swimming is not profoundly affected by expertise. However, specific timing adjustments were observed between lower and upper limbs.     

荷兰教育中以能力为基础的课程体系建设

在以能力为基础的教育(CBE)中,对于某个既定的职业,根据对职业的任务、功能和角色的详细分析,进行专业课程的设计.因此,以能力为基础的教育能够把教育与实际工作联系起来.本文论述了在职业教育中开发以能力为基础的教育体系的主要步骤和应该考虑的问题,强调了学习方法和教学方法的选择、恰当的评估手段和教师角色的转化的重要性.在阐述中,还列举了荷兰在过去20年里关于职业教育中以能力为基础的教育实践方面的例子.     

The fluid and electrolyte balance of New Zealand European and Māori/Pacific Island athletes: An observational study

Observational research on professional athletes from the USA suggests differences may exist in sweat sodium loss based on ethnic differences. The New Zealand (NZ) sporting population is mainly of European or Māori/Pacific Island origin. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the fluid-electrolyte balance of athletes by ethnicity. A total of 20 Māori/Pacific Islanders (MP; body mass 100.97 ± 13.05 kg) and 29 NZ European (NZE; body mass 89.11 ± 11.56 kg) elite male athletes were recruited. Sweat rates were determined by body mass change during a 1-h spin cycle exercise session, during which fluid intakes and heart rate were recorded. Sweat samples were analysed for sodium concentration. Mean ± SD sweat sodium concentrations were 73.4 ± 27.2 mmol·L^?1 and 55.5 ± 26.8 mmol·L^?1 for the MP and NZE groups, respectively (p = 0.070). Sweat rate was 0.93 ± 0.26 L·h^?1 for the MP group and 0.89 ± 0.33 L·h^?1 for the NZE group (p = 0.357). Fluid intake was 1.05 ± 0.48 L and 0.93 ± 0.49 L for MP and NZE, respectively (p = 0.395). Half of the MP group gained weight during the exercise session compared to 37% of the NZE group. Pre-exercise urine specific gravity was significantly lower amongst the NZE group (1.016 ± 0.009 g mL^?1) than the MP group (1.024 ± 0.008 g mL^?1) p = 0.001. There was no significant difference in heart rate between the groups, p = 0.082. Hydration practices of athletes in NZ may differ by ethnicity, and this may highlight the need for more targeted education by ethnicity.     

Emotional Intelligence and Academic Anxieties: A Literature Review

Emotional intelligence is an important area of psychology, which has gained acceptance in almost every academic discipline. It also seems to influence the various academic activities undertaken by students. This article, which is part of a larger study, reviews the literature on emotional intelligence, and its relationship with the academic and nonacademic characteristics of students with an emphasis on the significance of this relationship. This review shows that emotional intelligence of students is a key element for them while handling a stressful situation. It also illustrates that emotional intelligence can be supportive in managing library anxiety among students leading to better academic performance. This article will assist the academic librarians to recognize the role of emotional intelligence in library-related activities of the patrons. It is recommended that future research should give more attention to this area.