Discrepancies between IQ and index scores for a clinical sample of students: Useful diagnostic indicators?

Discrepancies between IQ and Index scores on the WISC-111 were investigated for a sample of students with SLD (n = 202), with MR (n = 115), and evaluated but not classified (n=159). Mean Verbal and Performance IQ discrepancies, though significantly different for each sample, were smaller than those reported in the WISC-III manual for the normative sample. Similarly, the Index score comparisons indicated differential functioning for the three samples, with the exception of the Verbal Comprehension and Freedom from Distractibility Index discrepancy. Moreover, the Performance IQ was higher than the Verbal IQ for all three samples. Consistent with the WISC-R literature, discrepancies between Verbal and Performance IQs and higher Performance than Verbal IQs are not diagnostic indicators of abnormalities.     

Metacognition as a Basis for Learning Support Software

In order to understand the task of instructional designers who produce learning support software, this paper reviews the influence of learning theory on instructional design, recent developments in computer technology, and the evolving role of the instructor as a facilitator of higher-order thinking. Constructivist principles of learning and an appreciation for the fact that the learner must become more independent and skilled in metacognitive self-assessment and self-management are fundamental to this changing role. Two cognitive tools that provide learner/user support for personal construction of knowledge systems are “MindMap” and “Learning FourMat Processor.” These tools are examined in the light of current learning theory and a recent study comparing the work of novice and expert writers using different forms of performance support. Recommendations are made for the development of a more complete set of cognitive tools that enables users to construct their own multimedia knowledge systems based on higher-order thinking and problem solving.     

IQ and achievement: 1930s to 1980s

One hundred thirty-eight fifth-grade students from three upstate New York school districts were administered a 1930s version of the Pintner General Ability Tests: Verbal Series. Scores from this test were compared and correlated with scores from current IQ and achievement tests. The Pintner means were similar to those of the current IQ tests; the correlations of the Pintner with the other tests were of the same order as those typically reported among contemporary measures; and item difficulty, as indicated by rank order, appeared similar for the current sample and the 1930s norm groups. The findings are discussed with reference to research that has shown sharp increases in IQs of Americans since the 1930s and questions concerning changes in mental ability measures.     

The digit naming speed test: Its power and incremental validity in identifying children with specific reading disabilities

This paper presents two studies, both of which address the question of whether a test that measures the automaticity with which digits can be named could be useful as part of a diagnostic battery to assess reading disabilities. In the first study, the Digit Naming Speed Test significantly differentiated elementary-school boys who were disabled readers from age-matched boys reading at appropriate grade levels, correctly classifying 83.3% of the children. In the second study, the Digit Naming Speed Test accounted for a significant portion of the word recognition variance of nondisabled readers over and above that portion accounted for by general intelligence as measured by the WISC-R. Taken together, these studies indicate that the Digit Naming Speed Test has the potential to contribute significantly to the diagnostic process.     

Context-Sensitive Instructional Design Models: A Response to Design Research,Studies, and Criticism

Instructional design, as it is traditionally conceptualized, is being challenged on several fronts, through surveys of design practice, cross-disciplinary studies of design practice, and practical criticism focusing on issues of design models' flexibility and efficiency. Collectively these challenges raise questions about the viability of the instructional design enterprise. This paper reviews these challenges and attempts to respond by offering alternative approaches to instructional design.     

On-the-Job Training: Prescriptions and Practice

This article discusses the status of workplace training in the United States, describes a model of how to conduct effective on-the-job training, and presents the results of a questionnaire based on a model designed to assess on-the-job training practices aboard Navy ships. The model views the on-the-job trainer as a coach who guides the trainee through a task using three steps: 1) assessment, 2) training, and 3) evaluation. The questionnaire was sent to over 5,000 shipboard supervisors; 2,321 responded. Results indicate that nearly 50% of the Navy supervisors who responded are not as effective as they could be. The implications of these findings for the civilian workplace are discussed.     

建构性的后现代主义

柯布(John B.cobb,Jr.)教授是世界著名过程思想家,建构性后现代主义理论代表人物之一,现任美国过程研究中心创会主任,美国中国后现代发展研究院院长,美国克莱蒙研究生院终身教授。他1952年毕业于芝加哥大学,获哲学博士学位。柯布教授多年来一直从事过程哲学、可持续经济的研究与应用,是一位具有世界影响的学者。已发表著作数十部,代表作有《后现代公共政策》、《建构性后现代哲学的奠基者》、《后现代科学》、《后现代精神》、《为了共同的福祉——面向共同体、环境和可持续未来的经济》等。他应邀于2005年10月28至31日到我校讲学,作了题为“Constructive Postmodernism”的精彩学术报告,以西方哲学话语对建构的后现代主义作了一番梳理,其中不乏独到、精辟之论,受到广大师生的热烈欢迎。这次报告的汉语翻译是我校柏敬泽教授。应师生要求柏教授将全文译成中文并注释,以便读者准确、深入地理解柯布教授的学术报告内容。现把两位学者的共同劳动成果刊登出来,以飨读者,一为庆祝“广西师范大学后现代文化研究中心”的成立,二使更多的人了解柯布教授的学术观点,增进国际、校际之间的学术交流。