Evaluation of learning environments for object-oriented programming: measuring cognitive load with a novel measurement technique

Various methods and tools have been proposed to overcome the learning obstacles for Object-Oriented Programming (OOP). However, it remains difficult especially for novice learners. The problem may be not only adopting an instructional method, but also an Integrated Development Environment (IDE). Learners employ IDEs as a means to solve programming problems and an inappropriate IDE may impose additional cognitive load. Therefore, this quasi-experimental study tried to identify the cognitive effects of a more visually supportive and functional IDE. It was explored by the functional near-infrared spectroscopy method, which is a relatively new physiological tool for measuring cognitive load. Novice students participated in the study in two experimental groups and they were required to write a Java application using two different IDEs. The results indicated a significant difference between the experimental groups and the findings are discussed in view of the principles of Cognitive Load Theory and Multimedia Learning.     

Comparing an Inquiry‐based Approach known as the Science Writing Heuristic to Traditional Science Teaching Practices: Are there differences?

Many state and federal governments have mandated in such documents as the National Science Education Standards that inquiry strategies should be the focus of the teaching of science within school classrooms. The difficult part for success is changing teacher practices from perceived traditional ways of teaching to more inquiry‐based approaches. Arguments are often made about the effectiveness of these traditional strategies. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of the inquiry‐based approach known as the Science Writing Heuristic approach as a treatment to traditional teaching practices on students' post‐test scores in relation to students' achievement level and teacher's implementation of the approach. A mixed‐method research approach was used to analyze the teacher observational data and students' test results. The major findings of this study are that the quality of the implementation does have an impact on student performance on post‐test scores and that high‐quality implementation of the Science Writing Heuristic approach has significant advantages in closing the achievement gap within science classrooms.     

Critical elements for the science teacher to adopt a student‐centered approach: the case of a teacher in transition

Much research has been done and reform is suggested relating to teachers’ implementation of student‐oriented learning environments, yet research on the role, beliefs, pedagogy, and knowledge of teachers simultaneously in classroom environments has been minimal (Kyle, 1994 Kyle, W.C. 1994. School reform and the reform of teacher education: Can we orchestrate harmony?. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 31: 785–786. [Crossref] , [Google Scholar], Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 31, 785–786). This case study reports on a teacher’s perceptions, epistemology, and understandings of student‐oriented learning environments during a large project in which teachers from Grades 7 to 11 implemented an interactive‐constructivist approach in place of a traditional teacher‐oriented approach. In‐depth analysis of data revealed that the participant teacher’s perspective of a student‐centered science learning environment concerned the following: understanding of students’ prior knowledge, the importance and challenges of questioning, the teacher’s conceptual understanding of topics and unit preparation before and during the implementation, and the teacher’s motivation and problems in moving toward such an environment. There was consistency between the emerging themes and the crucial components of Simon’s Mathematics Teaching Cycle model, such as the teacher’s conceptual and pedagogical knowledge, hypothetical learning trajectory, and the teacher’s beliefs and teaching practice as argued by Haney, Czerniak, and Lumpe (1996 Haney, J., Czerniak, C. and Lumpe, A. 1996. Teacher beliefs and intentions regarding the implementation of science education reform strands. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 33(9): 971–993.  [Google Scholar], Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 33(9), 971–993) and van Driel, Beijaard, and Verloop (2001 van Driel, J.H., Beijaard, D. and Verloop, N. 2001. Professional development and reform in science education: The role of teachers’ practical knowledge. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 38(2): 137–158. [Crossref], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar], Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 38(2), 137–158). Further, findings of this study would help teacher education and reform planners to conduct more comprehensive studies on teachers’ perceptions about inquiry‐based teaching over the course of several years of inservice and preservice programs.     

新疆地方性肝包虫CT图像纹理特征的分类研究

纹理特征是图像分析的重要线索,灰度共生矩阵法提取的纹理特征具有很好的鉴别和分类能力。本文运用灰度共生矩阵分析新疆地方性肝包虫CT图像并进行特征提取,对图像进行尺寸归一、去噪和增强的预处理,计算0°,45°,90°和135°方向的能量、熵、对比度、相关性和逆差矩的均值,构成特征向量,并进行统计分析,用最大类间距法获取图像分类的主要特征,同时使用判别分析法对特征的分类能力进行评价。实验结果表明,灰度共生矩阵法提取的特征在统计分析中存在差异,最大类间距计算获得的特征能提高图像分类的准确率,一定程度上有助于对肝包虫病CT图像进行分类和检索。     

Predicting teacher emotional labour based on multi-frame leadership orientations: a case from Turkey

Human behaviours in organisations are closely associated with leadership styles. The main purpose of this study is to find out the relationship between teachers’ perception about multi-frame leadership orientations of principals and teachers’ emotional labour. The study is based on Bolman and Deal’s Four Frames Model, and, therefore, the Leadership Orientation Scale and Emotional Labour Scale are used. The participants of this research are 570 teachers. The teachers’ perceptions showed that school principals tend to mostly use political and structural frames. In addition, teachers consider themselves as having a high level of genuine emotions. It was also found that school principals’ leadership orientations are significant predictors of emotional labour.     

论社会主义核心价值体系是兴国之魂的内涵和本质

“社会主义核心价值体系是兴国之魂,是社会主义先进文化的精髓,决定着中国特色社会主义发展方向”的重要论断,丰富了中国特色社会主义理论的体系,丰富了中国特色社会主义道路的内涵,在社会主义文化建设中具有极其重要的地位作用。这一论断深刻把握了文化与价值体系深层结构,凸显了价值体系在文化发展中的核心意义,阐明了文化繁荣发展的根本任务和战略支点,把对社会主义核心价值体系建设重要意义的认识提到了一个新的高度。深刻把握这一全新判断的内涵和实质,对于推进社会主义现代化建设具有极其重大的意义。     

Effect of the flipped classroom model on academic achievement and motivation in teacher education

The present study investigates the effect of the Flipped Classroom (FC) model on the academic achievement and motivation levels of preservice teachers enrolled on the Teaching Principles and Methods (TPM) course, which is a higher education-level knowledge course in the teaching profession. A quasi-experimental design was adopted for the study, and the opinions of the participants of the course were taken at the end of the implementation process. The experimental group took the 14-week TPM course based on a FC model, while no intervention was made in the control group, which completed the process based on the current curriculum. In the experimental group, an interactive and controlled online learning environment was used to access the FC videos. Based on the findings of the study, it was found that the academic achievement and motivation levels of the preservice teachers in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group. The preservice teachers expressed that the FC model provided them with the opportunity to put their knowledge into practice, while also improving their teaching skills and ensuring their active participation in the lesson. Their criticisms of the model, on the other hand, related mostly to the technical problems they encountered.

     

Cyclic codes over some finite quaternion integer rings

In this paper, cyclic codes are studied over some finite quaternion integer rings with respect to the quaternion Mannheim distance.