Examining a mathematical model of mastery learning in a classroom setting

The purpose of mathematical models in any discipline is to describe accurately the relationships among significant variables of a system. The use of mathematical models is widespread in the sciences, but has rarely found its way into educational research. In developing a mathematical model for mastery learning, empirical research has shown that prior learning, motivation, and time on task are part of the significant variables that work together in some way in a determination of student achievement. A mathematical model that shows the relationship among these variables has been developed. To test the appropriateness of this mathematical model, carefully designed and controlled experiments must be conducted to collect numerical data on the significant variables. Using the model, the accuracy of its predictions can be compared with actual results. This is the technique used in testing mathematical models in the sciences and should be applicable to mathematical models of learning.     

Portraying science in the classroom: The manifestation of scientists' beliefs in classroom practice

If the goals of science education reform are to be realized, science instruction must change across the academic spectrum, including at the collegiate level. This study examines the beliefs and teaching practices of three scientists as they designed and implemented an integrated science course for nonmajors that was designed to emphasize the nature of science. Our results indicated that, like public school teachers, scientists' beliefs about the nature of science are manifested in their enactment of curriculum—although this manifestation is clearly not a straightforward or simplistic one. Personal beliefs about the nature of science can differ from those of the course, thus resulting in an enactment that differs from original conceptions. Even when personal beliefs match those of the course, sophisticated understandings of the nature of science are not enough to ensure the straightforward translation of beliefs into practice. Mitigating factors included limited pedagogical content knowledge, difficulty in achieving integration of the scientific disciplines, and lack of opportunity and scaffolding to forge true consensus between the participating scientists. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 40: 669–691, 2003     

Innovations in Career Counseling

The work world is now full of uncertainty and change as a result of forces such as globalization, downsizing, advancing technology, and increased diversity in the work force. Further, people cannot count on maintaining a job with one company, or even one career, throughout their work lives. In order to meet clients' needs, career counselors must utilize approaches that are compatible with these realities. We review a set of approaches for career counseling that should be effective for clients now and into the future. Specifically, we argue for a holistic approach to career counseling, use of the Personal Career Theory as a client-centered approach to counseling sessions, incorporating creative interventions that draw upon chance events and flexible decision-making, and an emphasis on building interpersonal skills and relationships. We conclude with a summary of recommendations for career counseling practice.     

Avoidance of interspecific mating in female Syrian hamsters is stronger toward familiar than toward unfamiliar heterospecific males

Adult Syrian hamster females (Mesocricetus auratus) learn to discriminate against familiar heterospecific males (Turkish hamster, M. brandti). We investigated whether females learn to avoid any heterospecific male after exposure to just one heterospecific male. We predicted that, after being exposed to one heterospecific male, a female would avoid mating not only with that familiar male but also with any unfamiliar heterospecific male. We exposed females to a heterospecific male across a wire-mesh barrier for 8 days and then paired the female with (a) that same heterospecific male or (b) an unfamiliar heterospecific male. Females exhibited lordosis faster and for a longer duration toward the unfamiliar than toward the familiar heterospecific male. However, females were similarly aggressive toward familiar and unfamiliar heterospecific males. Perhaps exposure to stimuli from several heterospecific males (a likely scenario in the wild) would result in females behaving similarly toward familiar and unfamiliar heterospecific males.     

Engineering students' use of computer assisted learning (CAL)

This study examines the use of Computer Assisted Learning (CAL) by undergraduate engineering students studying a business and management course. Discussing both the relationship between management and engineering and CAL applied to engineering education, this study is based on a survey of 82 undergraduates and adopts a quantitative research methodology. The results suggest that engineering students generally displayed positive attitudes towards CAL and that increased use of CAL improved course performance where it matched exactly the course assessment format. On the basis of this survey, the authors go on to consider the use of CAL in teaching engineering students business and management subjects at university.

Cet article étude comment les étudiants de l'ingénierie utilisent l'enseignement assisté par ordinateur dans les études de gestion. L'article est fondé sur un sondage parmi quatre-vingt deux étudiants et une méthodologie de recherche quantitative. Il traite aussi le rapport entre l'ingénierie et la gestion et le rôle de l'enseignement assisté par ordinateur dans le cadre des études techniques. Les résultats semblent indiquer, qu'en général, les étudiants de l'ingénierie considèrent que l'enseignement assisté par ordinateur a un valeur educatif. De plus, l'enseignement assisté par ordinateur semble promouvoir une amélioration en matière de résultats, pourvu que les formats du logiciel et les contrôles soient les mêmes.     

Introducing the Microcomputer into English. III. An evaluation of TRAY as a program using problem-solving as a strategy for developing reading skills

The models of reading and learning that underlie TRAY are examined, and criteria for selecting texts for classroom use identified. The kinds of language activities characteristic of groups using TRAY are described, and 15 categories of language activity are identified. The results of an analysis of the language activities of three groups are presented. The kinds of learning that are encouraged by TRAY are considered. Pupil and teacher evaluations are found to be favourable. TRAY is concluded to be an example of a good, content-free, problem-solving language development program.