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初秋,秦淮河的秋意渐浓,居于御庭精品酒店。中华门古城墙畔,宁静如斯。这一所泰国风情的精品酒店,究竟该定义为理疗身心的康乐圣地,还是邂逅浪漫的伊甸园,或许只有亲身经历才能获得答案。     

Introducing computer-based concept mapping to older adults

The dramatic eruption of information and communication technology has had a remarkable effect on modern life, including the capacity to help older adults improve their quality of life and remain independent longer. However, while technology use is generally widespread, there is an observable underutilization by older people. There is sound evidence that older adults can learn and acquire computer skills just like younger people do, although they might need more time to reach a similar level of mastery. Concept maps (CMs) are considered to be an efficient creativity tool, as they allow the user’s view to be drawn over any domain or issue. An experiment was conducted with older adults using CM-ED (a concept map editor). The experiment had a twofold objective. The first objective was to measure how certain characteristics of the participants (gender, age, background) affect both their performance with such a tool and the quality of the CMs they developed. The second objective was to determine whether CM-ED is suitable for older people.     

Is device-measured vigorous physical activity associated with health-related outcomes in children and adolescents? A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveThis study sought to analyze the prospective association between vigorous-intensity physical activity (VPA) and health-related outcomes in children and adolescents.MethodsStudies reporting associations between device-measured VPA and health-related factors in children and adolescents aged 3–18 years were identified through database searches (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and SPORTDiscus). Correlation coefficients were pooled if outcomes were reported by at least 3 studies, using DerSimonian-Laird random effects models.ResultsData from 23 studies including 13,674 participants were pooled using random effects models. Significant associations were found between VPA at baseline and overall adiposity (r = −0.09, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): –0.15 to –0.03; p = 0.002; I² = 89.8%), cardiometabolic risk score (r = –0.13, 95%CI: –0.24 to –0.02, p = 0.020; I² = 69.6%), cardiorespiratory fitness (r = 0.25, 95%CI: 0.15−0.35; p < 0.001; I² = 57.2%), and total body bone mineral density (r = 0.16, 95%CI: 0.06 to 0.25; p = 0.001; I² = 0%).ConclusionVPA seems to be negatively related to adiposity and cardiometabolic risk score and positively related to cardiorespiratory fitness and total body bone mineral density among children and adolescents at follow-up. Therefore, our findings support the need to strengthen physical activity recommendations regarding VPA due to its health benefits in children and adolescents.     

Cómo enseñar el pasado para entender el presente: Observaciones sobre la didáctica de la historia

Resumen

En los trabajos anteriores hemos presentado una serie de investigaciones cuyos resultados muestran las grandes dificultades que tienen los adolescentes para comprender problemas históricos complejos. ¿Es posible superar dichas dificultades mediante una instrucción adecuada? En este articulo se resumen sin ánimo de exhaustividad, diversos intentos recientes llevados a cabo con este fin, que suponen una propuesta de renovación de la enseñanza de la historia tanto en EGB como en BUP.     

Psicología de la instrucción,razonamiento y conocimientos específicos

Resumen

El objetivo de este artículo es presentar la línea de investigación sobre Psicología de la Instrucción desarrollada en la Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. Esta línea se ha originado, en términos generales, a partir de los problemas que tenía planteados la teoría de Piaget en torno al estudio de las operaciones formales. El intento de explicar los resultados anteriores llevaron a considerar fundamental el estudio del contenido en las tareas con estructura lógica y en el razonamiento en general. Los trabajos dentro de esta línea se han visto influidos por los estudios realizados sobre expertos y novatos en áreas de conocimiento específicas y los realizados sobre concepciones previas o erróneas (misconceptions). Concretamente se presentan dos investigaciones específicas. Una sobre las ideas de los alumnos adolescentes en Química y otra sobre la comprensión de textos y las variables que influyen en él. En resumen, puede considerarse que hemos pasado de unas preocupaciones más centradas en los procesos cognitivos de razonamiento a otras que tienen más en cuenta la importancia del conocimiento específico y por tanto de las variables instruccionales.     

University Students' Strategies for Constructing Hypothesis when Tackling Paper-and-Pencil Tasks in Physics

The study we present tries to explore how first year engineering students formulate hypotheses in order to construct their own problem solving structure when confronted with problems in physics. Under the constructivistic perspective of the teaching–learning process, the formulation of hypotheses plays a key role in contrasting the coherence of the students' ideas with the theoretical frame. The main research instrument used to identify students' reasoning is the written report by the student on how they have attempted four problem solving tasks in which they have been asked explicitly to formulate hypotheses. The protocols used in the assessment of the solutions consisted of a semi-quantitative study based on grids designed for the analysis of written answers. In this paper we have included two of the tasks used and the corresponding scheme for the categorisation of the answers. Details of the other two tasks are also outlined. According to our findings we would say that the majority of students judge a hypothesis to be plausible if it is congruent with their previous knowledge without rigorously checking it against the theoretical framework explained in class.     

Estimate of students’ workload and the impact of the evaluation system on students’ dedication to studying a subject in first-year engineering courses

In order to adapt current subjects to the ECTS credits system, it is necessary to estimate how much time a student has to invest in learning a subject. The Polytechnic Engineering School of the University of the Basque Country has made an initial study to investigate this matter in several subjects. A weekly questionnaire design was used for all the students in the class, supplemented, when necessary, by an individual interview, with student collaboration. The results indicate that the study rhythm and the number of hours are strongly conditioned by the evaluation system.