Enhancing Social Work Practice with Older Adults: The Role of Infusing Gerontology Content into the Master of Social Work Foundation Curriculum

Based on a geriatric enrichment (GeroRich) effort, this study examines outcomes of infusing aging content across the master of social work (MSW) foundation curriculum. In a longitudinal research design tracking one class, there were no significant changes observed in students' levels of experience and interest in gerontological social work. Significant increases were observed in self-rated levels of gerontological knowledge and practice skills—clinical and macro. Full-time status, less gerontological experience, and higher knowledge predicted greater practice skills at the follow-up. Implications for educating the next generation of social workers to better meet the needs of older adults and their families are discussed.     

The Tensions of Urban School Renewal in an Era of Reform

The faculty and administration of a school of education in the mid-Atlantic region formally adopted a standards-based, conceptual framework that reflects the values articulated by the faculty and the outcomes for students as they prepare for and develop in their professions. Faculty and administrators agreed to use the framework as the basis for examining professional programs, academic courses, and professional experiences, as well as for governing interactions with one another as colleagues. This article describes the conceptual framework, its goals, research used to evaluate the framework, and the outcomes attained.     

How Instructional Designers Solve Workplace Problems

This naturalistic inquiry investigated how instructional designers engage in complex and ambiguous problem solving across organizational boundaries in two corporations. Participants represented a range of instructional design experience, from novices to experts. Research methods included a participant background survey, observations of problem‐solving activities, in‐depth interviews, and analysis and evaluation of project documents and other tools. The findings revealed differences between experts and novices with regards to tolerance of ambiguity, expectations about their own roles in finding solutions for their clients, adaptability, attention to appropriate details, and management of workplace stress. The contrast between instructional design processes taught in universities and actual workplace practice was noted by both expert and novice participants. Experienced participants demonstrated adaptability in processes and communications to efficiently arrive at viable solutions for their clients. Expectation setting and relationship building emerged as techniques for creating environments supportive of instructional designers' problem‐solving activities.     

Computer Simulations to Support Science Instruction and Learning: A critical review of the literature

Researchers have explored the effectiveness of computer simulations for supporting science teaching and learning during the past four decades. The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive, critical review of the literature on the impact of computer simulations on science teaching and learning, with the goal of summarizing what is currently known and providing guidance for future research. We report on the outcomes of 61 empirical studies dealing with the efficacy of, and implications for, computer simulations in science instruction. The overall findings suggest that simulations can be as effective, and in many ways more effective, than traditional (i.e. lecture-based, textbook-based and/or physical hands-on) instructional practices in promoting science content knowledge, developing process skills, and facilitating conceptual change. As with any other educational tool, the effectiveness of computer simulations is dependent upon the ways in which they are used. Thus, we outline specific research-based guidelines for best practice. Computer simulations are most effective when they (a) are used as supplements; (b) incorporate high-quality support structures; (c) encourage student reflection; and (d) promote cognitive dissonance. Used appropriately, computer simulations involve students in inquiry-based, authentic science explorations. Additionally, as educational technologies continue to evolve, advantages such as flexibility, safety, and efficiency deserve attention.     

Quality,Viability and Relevance: A Strategic Framework for Evaluating the Effectiveness of Mixed‐Mode Teaching and Learning in an Undergraduate Biotechnology and Biomedical Science Degree

RMIT is a major Australian university of technology based in central Melbourne with regional and international reach. It has made both online education and programme quality two central planks in its teaching and learning strategy in recent years. This paper proposes making the connection between these two strategic directions by working within a framework of programme quality assurance to evaluate the effectiveness of mixed mode teaching and learning. This paper undertakes a case study of evaluation‐readiness in one RMIT degree programme – undergraduate biotechnology and biomedical science – in which implementation of the university’s teaching and learning strategy has been a major focus. (A note on terminology: at RMIT, ‘programme’ describes a degree comprising a number of ‘courses’ usually studied over several years).

Qualité, viabilité et importance: une structure stratégique pour l'évalution d'une méthode d’enseignement et de formation mixte dans un grade universitaire de sciences biotechnologiques et biomédicales. RMIT est une grande université australienne de technologie située au centre de Melbourne avec une importance régionale et internationale. Pendant les dernières années, la formation en ligne et la qualité du programme sont devenues deux piliers centraux de la stratégie d'enseignement et de formation de cette université. Cet exposé propose de créer une relation entre ces deux directions stratégiques en opérant avec une structure de qualité guarantie de programme pour évaluer l'efficacité de la méthode d'enseignement et de formation mixte. Cet exposé décrit une étude modèle sur la disposition d’évaluation dans un des programmes diplômés de la RMIT – sciences biotechnologiques et biomédicales – dans lesquelles la réalisation de la stratégie d'enseignement et de formation universitaire a été le centre d'intérêt principal. (Note: à la RMIT un programme décrit un grade universitaire comprenant un nombre de cours généralement étudiés pendant plusieurs années).

Qualität, Realisierbarkeit und Bedeutung: ein strategischer Rahmen zur Bewertung der Wirksamkeit einer kombinierten Lehr- und Lernmethode im Grundstudium der biotechnologischen und biomedizinischen Wissenschaft RMIT ist eine große australische Technologische Universität in Melbourne mit regionaler und internationaler Bedeutung. Sie hat in den vergangenen Jahren sowohl die Online‐Bildung als auch die Qualität ihres Programms zu zentralen Stützen ihrer Lehr- und Lernstrategie gemacht. Dieser Bericht schlägt vor, durch einen gemeinsamen Rahmen für die Sicherung der Qualität des Programms eine Verbindung zwischen diesen beiden strategischen Richtungen zu schaffen, um auf diese Weise die Wirksamkeit einer kombinierten Lehr- und Lernmethode zu beurteilen. Außerdem beschreibt dieser Bericht eine Fallstudie der Beurteilungsbereitschaft in einem RMIT Abschluss‐Programm – im Studiengang der biotechnologischen und biomedizinischen Wissenschaft – in der die Einführung dieser universitären Lehr- und Lernstrategie den Hauptschwerpunkt darstellte. (Eine Anmerkung zur Terminologie: Bei der RMIT bedeutet der Begriff Programm einen Abschluss, der eine gewisse Anzahl an Kursen beinhaltet, die gewöhnlich über mehrere Jahre studiert wurden).     

Separate Model versus Experimenter as Model in Vicarious Concept Attainment

The effects on observational concept learning of the experimenter as his own model, versus the experimenter plus a separate model, versus a nonmodeling (control) procedure, as well as the provision of favorable versus neutral outcome-expectation, and sex of child, were studied across baseline, imitation, and transfer phases in a 3 X 2 X 2 X 3 factorial design, using ninety-six economically-disadvantaged first-graders. Neither expectation nor sex created significant differences, but each modeling group surpassed the controls in imitative concept-attainment and transfer. As expected, learning and transfer were very comparable for the alternative modeling formats. The relevance of the results to the information-transmitting features of modeled displays, and to the use of modeling techniques in practical pedagogy were discussed     

Effects of a verbal and visual feedback system on running technique,perceived exertion and running economy in female novice runners

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a verbal and visual feedback system on running technique, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), and running economy. Twenty‐two female novice runners were randomly assigned to experimental (n = 11) and control (n = 11) groups. The experimental subjects received verbal and visual feedback concerning their running technique prior to and during each training run. Training involved 15 20‐min treadmill running sessions over a 5‐week period. The control group adhered to the same training routine but did not receive feedback concerning their running technique. High‐speed (100 Hz) photography was used to collect biomechanical data. A submaximal oxygen consumption test and Borg's RPE scale were used to collect data concerning running economy and perceived exertion, respectively. Statistical analysis using ANCOVA revealed that the proposed feedback system had a significant (P < 0.01) effect on the experimental group's running technique by affecting the following desired changes relative to the control group: greater relative stride lengths, shorter support time, greater ankle dorsiflexion during support and greater knee flexion during support and non‐support. There were no significant differences between the groups in submaximal VO₂ or RPE. The results of this study suggest that verbal and visual feedback are effective means of eliciting modifications in running style in female novice runners. The link between modifications in running style and improvements in running economy and perceived exertion remains unclear.