Instructor influence on reasoned argument in discussion boards

In this study, we explore the extent to which two instructional techniques promote critical discourse in an online class on educational standards and curriculum: instructor stance (challenging/nonchallenging) and topic level (higher order/lower order). Posts from 25 students, across four modules, were analyzed. These four modules constituted approximately one third of the course, and were selected because the professor was the sole facilitator for them. Results indicate that, regardless of topic level, a challenging stance by the professor had a positive effect on the percentage of student posts that referenced readings and theory. There was an interaction between level and stance on student use of reasoned argument. Lower order challenging forums were associated with a greater percentage of reasoned posts. This may be due to the abstractness of the professor's probes in higher order forums. Implications for future research include empirical investigations incorporating contextual variables and qualitative studies to ascertain how students engage with bulletin boards.     

Increasing employability by implementing a Work-Integrated Learning partnership model in South Africa – A student perspective

In South Africa, 70 per cent of the population is under 35 years old. South Africa has a vision to increase youth employment by focusing on education, training and skills development that will promote employment opportunities. A work-integrated learning (WIL) partnership model was developed to provide students with work experience and to increase their employability. this article presents the research on the perspectives of students subsequent to their WIL experience. the research method consisted of a structured questionnaire with both closed and open-ended questions. The study findings indicated that students were capable of seeking their own WIL placement and that over 90 per cent of students experienced WIL as rewarding, with multiple opportunities for employment. the article adds theoretical value by increasing the WIL body of knowledge from a student perspective, as well as strategic and practical value by presenting the WIL partnership model that may easily be implemented by lecturers in various disciplines across the continent of Africa and beyond to enable students to enter the workplace with confidence.     

Meaningful actions and motivated projects in the transition to adulthood: two case illustrations

A framework for understanding career transitions based on the joint processes and goals of those engaged in the transition and significant others in the person’s social network was used to study the transition to adulthood of youth aged 17–19 years and their families. Twenty parent-youth dyads participated in this study in which a transition project was identified and monitored for 6 months. Two cases are used to illustrate the characteristics of the motivated transition project at the levels of meaning, functional processes, and conscious and unconscious behaviour and structural support and resources.     

Teacher unions’ participation in policy making: a South African case study

This article contends that teacher unions’ participation in policy making during South Africa’s political transition was characterised by assertion of ideological identity (unionism and professionalism) and the cultivation of policy networks and alliances. It is argued that, historically, while teacher unions were divided along political and ideological lines, they have demonstrated flexibility in contesting for influence in the policy arena. In this regard, teacher unions’ agency plays an important part and is reflected in changes in organisational strategies to ensure their independence or prevent marginalisation. The article highlights the threat of state co-optation for teacher unions and suggests that a framework for managing teacher union–state relations based on ‘professional unionism’ could potentially contribute to more effective education service provision. Comparisons with teacher unions’ experiences elsewhere in the world are also made, while recognising the specificity of the South African situation.     

INFLUENCE OF PERCEIVED CONTROL OVER TIME ON COLLEGE STUDENTS' STRESS AND STRESS-RELATED OUTCOMES

Assertions that time management results in less stress, healthier employees, and more effective organizations have received little empirical examination. This study investigates the influence of perceived time management (operationalized as perceived control over time) as a stress coping strategy among college students. Also, the influence of perceived time management on valued student outcomes such as academic performance, problem-solving ability, and health are also investigated. Results from a sample of 164 college students found low levels of stress and high levels of academic performance, problem-solving ability, and health for students that perceived high levels of perceived control over time compared to students who perceived low control over time. Discussion of the study findings, implications, and direction for future research is presented.     

科学传播与互联网——美国R2委员会调查成果

这篇论文探讨了 8个问题 :互联网的发展与使用、互联网受众与其他媒介受众的比较、受众对互联网作为科学传播媒介的态度、对互联网作为大众传播渠道的宏观定性评价、正在消失的互联网模板、创建模板及评估高级网站的标准、在线科学传播记者的准备、五个未回应的挑战。