Can more become less? Effects of an intensive assessment environment on students’ learning performance

Online interactive systems offer the beguiling prospect of an improved environment for learning at minimum extra cost. We have developed online interactive tutorials that adapt the learning environment to the current learning status of each individual student. These Adaptive Tutorials (ATs) modify the tasks given to each student according to their previous responses. Feedback, assessment and remediation are also adapted. Over a three-year period we progressively blended ATs into notoriously challenging courses in introductory Engineering Mechanics. We assessed the impact of this initiative by reviewing three lines of data: (i) the built-in diagnostics of the system, (ii) changes in student grades from year-to-year and (iii) supplementary surveys. Generally, students liked the new blended system and grades improved. Detailed analysis revealed nuances in the measures of student learning, such as differences between high-performing and low-performing students. With these insights we are able to further adapt the system to meet the learning needs of our students.     

Integrating self-regulation in whole-class reciprocal teaching: A moderator–mediator analysis of incremental effects on fifth graders’ reading comprehension

In this classroom intervention study, reciprocal teaching (RT) of reading strategies was combined with explicit instruction in self-regulated learning (SRL) to promote the reading comprehension of fifth-grade students (N = 306). Twelve intact classes were randomly assigned either to an RT + SRL condition or to an RT condition without explicit instruction in self-regulation. Three additional classes served as a no-treatment comparison group. Strategies instruction was delivered by trained assistants in conventional German language lessons. Students practiced the application of these strategies in small groups. Both at posttest and at maintenance (8 weeks after the intervention), students in the two intervention conditions (RT and RT + SRL) outperformed comparison students in measures of reading comprehension, strategy-related task performance, and self-efficacy for reading. Relative to RT students, students in the RT + SRL condition were better able to maintain training-induced performance gains over the follow-up interval. A moderated mediation analysis revealed that this difference in the sustainability of the two treatments was (a) mediated by the successful mastery of the learned strategies and (b) most evident among students with poor reading fluency skills.     

Reliability and validity evidence of scores on the Achievement Goal Tendencies Questionnaire in a sample of Spanish students of compulsory secondary education

This study examined the reliability and validity evidence drawn from the scores of the Spanish version of the Achievement Goal Tendencies Questionnaire (AGTQ) using a sample of 2,022 (51.1% boys) Spanish students from grades 7 to 10. Confirmatory factor analysis replicated the correlated three‐factor structure of the AGTQ in this sample: Learning Goals (LG), Social Reinforcement Goals (SRG), and Performance Goals (PG). The AGTQ yields relatively reliable scores for Spanish students. Logistic regression analyses were used to provide additional validity evidence of AGTQ scores on academic success (general, Spanish, and mathematics). Results indicated that general academic success was 15% and 5% more likely every time that scores on LG and PG scales increased 1 point, respectively, although general academic success was 9% less likely every time that scores on SRG scale increased 1 point. These results were similar for Spanish and mathematics. However, the score on the LG scale did not forecast success in both subjects. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Examining the supervision of mathematics student teachers through analysis of conference communications

Student teaching is often a capstone experience in the preparation of mathematics teachers. Thus, it is essential to better understand key aspects of the experience. We conducted a qualitative study of post-lesson conferences led by supervisors (classroom cooperating teachers and a university supervisor) working with mathematics student teachers. Analysis of conference communications revealed differences in the types and content of communications in conferences led by the cooperating teachers and by the university supervisor. Cooperating teachers tended toward evaluative supervision that lacked a focus on the mathematics of the lessons while the university supervisor tended toward educative supervision, guiding student teachers to reflect on and learn from their own classroom experiences including the mathematics of their lessons. Differences are discussed, and suggestions concerning the supervision of student teachers are made along with recommendations for further research.     

EAST: Developing an electronic assessment and storage tool

Assessment is an ongoing process that evaluates samples of completed student assignments to determine whether the underlying curriculum effectively produces the desired learning outcomes. Each year, the current system of tracking and storing artefacts for assessment becomes increasingly difficult. Compiling the results is a time-consuming process. EAST provides a cohesive web-based solution for managing assessment artefacts. EAST aids the assessment effort through the ability to easily store artefacts in electronic form, support and record the assessment of student work, and ease the development of reports. This paper discusses the analysis, development and features of EAST. The first section discusses the analysis phase of the project, highlighting the system objectives and the requirements of the EAST system. The second section details how the EAST system was developed and implemented. In the last section, features of the system are described and its contribution to the school's assessment effort is discussed.     

法国终身教育概要

每个人根据其信仰和价值观都能给教育下一个明确的定义。对于西方人来说 ,可以是物质享受、个人主义、自尊、中级教育、自由等。但是 ,没有人能够知道十年后教育面临的主要挑战会是什么。教育将面临各种矛盾的困扰 ,处理这些矛盾造成的各种复杂情况并非易事。教育属于社会复杂性的结果 ,并与社会模式、阶级——文化问题和政治因素密切相关 ,其可能的目标是在社会变革中协调个人发展和社会发展。其实 ,教育是一个与信息技术、革新、劳动力市场、专门目的的培训、授权、技术工具、灵活性、社会和经济发展相关的过程和无限的进程。在这个过程和…     

Stress and coping in primary caregivers of children with a disability: a qualitative study using the Lazarus and Folkman Process Model of Coping

Twenty-six primary caregivers of children with a disability took part in focus groups or interviews to discuss their perceptions of stress and the coping process. Research was framed within the Process Model of Stress and Coping ( Lazarus & Folkman, 1984 ). Findings provided a snapshot of the common stresses encountered by caregivers and indicate the need to consider individual experiences when determining the impact of stressful events. Eight common stressors were identified, as well as novel constructions of stressful experiences. Results suggested that a range of coping resources and strategies were employed. The study also indicated that the majority of participants adapted well to the requirements of raising a child with a disability. The current study indicates the value of using qualitative methods, particularly with unique populations, to inform policy and service provision.