Simulation-based performance assessment: an innovative approach to exploring understanding of physical science concepts

This paper illustrates the use of simulation-based performance assessment (PA) methodology in a recent study of eighth-grade students’ understanding of physical science concepts. A set of four simulation-based PA tasks were iteratively developed to assess student understanding of an array of physical science concepts, including net force, acceleration, velocity, and inertia. Illustrative examples drawn from the administration of these simulation-based PA tasks to a sample of eighth-grade students (n?=?74) highlight the potential of simulation-based tasks for revealing conceptual understanding of science concepts and for informing curriculum development within the context of design-based implementation research. The paper also describes a variety of challenges encountered over the course of the development, administration, and analysis of the PA data that may be informative for researchers and educators as they consider implementing simulation-based PAs.     

PREDICTORS OF OVERALL PERFORMANCE IN A B.Ed. COURSE AND IN EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY

The study Investigated the association between entry qualifications to a BEd course, performance in educational psychology and overall BEd performance. The roles of main area specialisation and sex differences In performance In educational psychology were also investigated. The academic records of 313 students from six year‐groups constituted the data set for the study. Results showed that performance in educational psychology was an efficient predictor of overall performance in the BEd course. Students who specialised in mathematics/science subjects performed better as a group in educational psychology than students in other main areas of specialisation. Also, significant sex differences in performance in educational psychology were observed in some of the year‐groups, with female students out‐performing their male colleagues.     

Effects of gluteal kinesio-taping on performance with respect to fatigue in rugby players

Kinesio-tape^® has been suggested to increase blood circulation and lymph flow and might influence the muscle's ability to maintain strength during fatigue. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of gluteal Kinesio-tape^® on lower limb muscle strength in non-fatigued and fatigued conditions. A total of 10 male rugby union players performed 20-m sprint and vertical jump tests before and after a rugby-specific fatigue protocol. The 20-m sprint time was collected using light gates (SMARTSPEED). A 9-camera motion analysis system (VICON, 100 Hz) and a force plate (Kistler, 1000 Hz) measured the kinematics and kinetics during a counter movement jump and drop-jump. The effect of tape and fatigue on jump height, maximal vertical ground reaction force, reactivity strength index as well as lower limb joint work were analysed via a two-way analysis of variance. The fatigue protocol resulted in significantly decreased performance of sprint time, jump heights and alterations in joint work. No statistical differences were found between the taped and un-taped conditions in non-fatigued and fatigued situation as well as in the interaction with fatigue. Therefore, taping the gluteal muscle does not influence the leg explosive strength after fatiguing in healthy rugby players.     

Book reviews

International Review of Education -     

Computer simulation and concept development in students of genetics

Conclusion Computer simulations in genetics have the potential to complement laboratory activities and to act as an adjunct to the use of traditional sets of problems. In these roles, simulations such as CATLAB, generate qualitative changes in the learning experiences of students. For example, the simulated breeding experiment may be repeated and strategies modified without regard of the time and management constraints associated with actual laboratory experimentation; problem-solving may involve active data generation, in contrast to the style of textbook problems. This study showed that students reported a favourable attitude to CATLAB and that their use of the program lead to meaningful learning. The cognitive gains made by the student group encompassed both genetic concepts and processes. The scope for use of computer simulations as an adjunct to, or in some cases even replacement of traditional activities, and for an analysis of their impact is considerable.     

Employment self-disclosure rates and rationales of university graduates with learning disabilities

Five hundred graduates with learning disabilities (LD) from three universities in the United States completed a survey related to their postschool employment outcomes and experiences. The present study presents data related to their decisions regarding LD disclosure in employment settings. Although 73% of the respondents reported that the LD affected their job in some way, only 55% reported self-disclosing, and only 12% reported requesting accommodations. Specific reasons for each of these decisions are presented, as are areas in which LD affect work, strategies for dealing with LD in the workplace, and perceptions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Implications for secondary and postsecondary programs are discussed.     

The development of the image of science and scientists scale

The Image of Science and Scientists Scale was developed to assess students' attitudes toward science. The instrument items are based on the 1957 summaries presented by Margaret Mead and Rhoda Metraux. The reliability of the instrument, using coefficient alpha, ranged from 0.76 in the pilot to 0.86 in the second phase of the study. Construct validity was obtained by comparing a science-oriented group versus a random sample to determine if the instrument could discriminate between the groups. With IQ controlled, the science group performed significantly higher (t = 2.58 ?p < 0.012). Furthermore, scores in ISSS contributed significantly to the prediction of science grades as determined by multiple regression analysis.     

The Imperial Russian Revision Lists of the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries

ABSTRACT

One of the most important resources for social and family historians researching the former Russian Empire are the revision lists, a series of ten enumerations of the population conducted between 1719 and 1858. Listing the members of each household among taxable classes of people across the Russian Empire, the revision lists are useful for studying historical population demographics and reconstructing family relationships. An awareness of these records and where to access them can be useful for Slavic librarians to facilitate the research of Russian historians and genealogists. This article provides an overview of the history and content of the revision lists with a survey of available collections online and offline.