Personalised learning as repressive tolerance: a comparative ethnographic analysis from research in three Swedish schools

The idea of personalised learning is built upon a liberal tradition that values tolerance in enabling the process of human autonomy. In this article, we elaborate on this notion, its theoretical base and effects on the learning conditions of upper secondary school students. We draw upon data from three different studies of the Swedish upper secondary school. The aim of the article is to elaborate on values that are implemented and how these values affect how the notion of tolerance can be used as a tool to explore and explain the idea of personalised learning. For the purpose of analysis, we use parts of Kyle Moore and Walker's [2011. “Tolerance. A Concept Analysis.” The Journal of Theory Constructing & Testing 5 (2): 48–52] work. Our analysis shows that personalised learning was legitimised in our studied settings, but in its extension it did not benefit and challenge the ongoing learning and development of the students. In fact, tolerance appeared repressive and confirmed status quo.     

Developmental Expectations,Personality Stereotypes,and Attitudes Towards Inclusive Education: Community and teacher views of Down syndrome

Knowledge about Down syndrome and attitudes towards the educational inclusion of children with Down syndrome were examined in a sample of 2,053 people from the community and a group of 538 experienced teachers. Although both groups displayed reasonably accurate knowledge about Down syndrome and its developmental consequences, they significantly underestimated the average life expectancy for a person with the syndrome. In both groups, a positive stereotype of children with Down syndrome as particularly affectionate and happy was evident. Despite recognising the educational, social, and emotional benefits of inclusive schooling, only around 20% of each group believed that the regular classroom was the best setting for children with Down syndrome. The findings suggest that accurate knowledge and positive, but realistic, expectations are important for enhancing the acceptance of individuals with disabilities within their schools and communities.     

THE PLACE OF A SINGLE CAMERA VIDEO SYSTEM IN A CHEMISTRY DEPARTMENT

In recent years there has been an upsurge in the number of academic departments which possess their own video equipment. The Department of Chemistry at Queen Elizabeth College is one such example: it has its own VCR and camera. Details are given of the use to which this equipment is put, including the different types of programmes which are generated within the department and the production techniques employed therein. The educational benefits, advantages and disadvantages of video as a teaching and learning aid for both staff and students, are discussed.

Observations and experience indicate that frequently there is an underlying dissatisfaction with programmes produced by central ETV units and that this stems from the poor relationship which often exists between the academic and the producer. A re‐examination of this relationship is included, along with some suggestions as to how it might be improved.     

Evolution of an academic–public library partnership

A partnership to improve access to health information via an urban public library system was established in St. Louis, Missouri, in 2011. A multiyear project was outlined that included an information needs assessment, a training class for public library staff, information kiosks at library branches for delivering printed consumer health materials, and a series of health-related programming. The partnership evolved to include social service and community organizations to carry out project goals and establish a sustainable program that met the health and wellness interests of the community.     

Improving expressive writing skills of children rated for ADHD symptoms

The present study examines the expressive writing abilities of children described by their teachers as having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms and of matched controls and the effects of two types of facilitation. A group of 35 ADHD children and matched controls are given the task of composing a letter either under standard instructions or with facilitation (a guide scheme), preceded by a brief training on how to use the facilitation. Results show that both groups drew benefit from the guide scheme. Despite the fact that differences between groups were maintained after the training for the case of spelling errors, the poorer performance of ADHD children vanished. It is concluded that ADHD children have poor expressive writing skills, but this can be improved through the help of a guide scheme preceded by brief training.     

Associations between Phenylalanine-to-Tyrosine Ratios and Performance on Tests of Neuropsychological Function in Adolescents Treated Early and Continuously for Phenylketonuria

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic disorder characterized by hyperphenylalaninemia. Treatment involves dietary phenylalanine restriction to prevent mental retardation. Because phenylalanine is involved in tyrosine synthesis and tyrosine is a catecholamine precursor, low tyrosine may lead to brain dopamine deficiencies. Because dopamine is involved in the modulation of prefrontally orchestrated executive functions, deficiencies may lead to executive impairments. Despite treatment, impairments in executive cognitive functions have been reported in young children with PKU. Outcome beyond middle childhood has not been extensively investigated. In this study, PKU-affected adolescents (N = 18) with normal-range IQ scores completed neuropsychological tests, and their performance was compared with unaffected peers (N = 16) and chronically ill controls (N = 17). Results demonstrated that the overall performance of the PKU group did not differ from that of the other two groups, but that performance of the PKU proband was associated with phenylalanine and tyrosine levels, and most strongly with phenylalanine-to-tyrosine ratios at several points in development. These findings provide a preliminary test of the dopamine hypothesis of PKU as it applies to adolescents and young adults.     

Using Robotics and Game Design to Enhance Children’s Self-Efficacy,STEM Attitudes,and Computational Thinking Skills

Journal of Science Education and Technology - This paper describes the findings of a pilot study that used robotics and game design to develop middle school students’ computational thinking...