Task complexity and sources of task-related information during the observational learning process

Although research has examined the influence of various sources of task information for skill acquisition during observational learning, the results have been ambiguous. The purpose of this study was to examine sources of information in relation to the type of task. One hundred and twenty participants were randomly assigned to one of two sets of six treatment strategies: (1) all model demonstrations; (2) model demonstrations with physical practice with knowledge of performance; (3) model demonstrations with physical practice without knowledge of performance; (4) physical practice without knowledge of performance; (5) physical practice with knowledge of performance; or (6) verbal instructions only. One set learned a simple version of the task while the other set learned a more complex version. Cognitive representation and performance accuracy (spatial and temporal) were assessed. Results indicate that task type does influence the source of information to facilitate skill acquisition. The simple task benefited from model demonstrations, physical practice with knowledge of performance, or a combination of model demonstrations and practice both with and without knowledge of performance, while the complex version benefited more from a combination of model demonstrations and knowledge of performance practice. The results of this study provide an insight into the ambiguity that exists within the observational learning and motor learning literature regarding the effectiveness of information sources for motor skill acquisition.     

Katie thought she couldn't do it but now she knows she can

The topic of this paper is mathematical identity or self-concept. This elusive construct is explored through two classroom episodes, in the public domain of whole classwork, in a senior high-school class. The structures in the dialogue in both episodes could constitute enhancement of self-concept for some students and mediate against the confidence in mathematics of others, but intersecting effects of students' one-to-one conversations are shown to be important to final outcomes. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Professionals' and Families' Perceptions of Family-Centered Practices in Infant-Toddler Services

The purposes of this study were to determine the extent of family-centered practices, professionals' and families' values about the practices, and the extent to which selected characteristics of participants explained variance in the practices. Professionals (N = 198) and families (N = 118) completed two questionnaires. Professionals tended to report more family-centered typical practice than did families, but ideal practices generally did not vary between groups. Agency type and the Setting x Experience interaction predicted professionals' ideal-practice scores and their self-ratings of the frequency of implementing family-centered practices: Home-based services were most predictive of frequent reports of these practices. The frequency with which families reported receiving these practices was predicted by the amount of time the family had been in early intervention: The longer, the more frequently families experienced the practices.     

Grading and the Ethos of Effort

Using quantitative and qualitative data from a project to improve middle-school girls' engagement with science, mathematics and technology, this study examined the ways in which grading practices worked to augment the messages about achievement and compliance conveyed in more and less troubled schools. In particular, the study revealed differences in the extent to which different kinds of schools embedded achievement and non-achievement factors in the grades awarded to middle school girls. The study linked these differences to school-level differences in teachers' overall orientation toward grading. Grading in the more troubled schools - those with a more custodial orientation toward control - appeared to reflect teachers' tendency to subscribe to an 'ethos of effort'. Acting on the basis of this 'ethos', teachers in the troubled schools tended to confound achievement and non-achievement factors in the determination of report-card grades. In the less troubled school, by contrast, teachers did not rely as heavily on non-achievement factors when they determined students' grades. Given limitations associated with sampling, however, findings from the study were viewed cautiously. Nevertheless, the research appeared to support the claim that there could be systematic associations between school-level climate characteristics and particular instructional practices. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Improving Literacy at Key Stage 3: Policy,Practice and Evaluation

This paper reports on and explores some of the assumptions underpinning an invitation issued to local education authorities in England in January 1998 from the Department for Education and Employment to bid for funds to develop literacy in the first years of secondary schooling. It goes on to describe one authority’s successful bid, and explores how the project is being implemented in schools within the authority, in terms of action plans, staff development and classroom practice. Finally, these perspectives are compared with research findings on literacy development, particularly in low-achieving schools. The problems of evaluating literacy interventions are discussed.     

When scientists don’t agree: the case for balanced phonics

Phonics teaching is a site of challenge and conflict, the battleground upon which ‘reading wars’ have been and continue to be fought. This article examines the range of scientific views about the teaching of phonics and makes a case for a balanced and principled approach. It also seeks to translate research findings into recommendations for classroom practice.     

Universities and the Development of Social Capital in Bulgaria: New Strategies for Change

This article offers some thoughts on the idea that universities can and should contribute to the development of social capital in countries undergoing profound social change, like Bulgaria. It discusses the role of universities in the transformation and development of civil society through an examination of institutional capacities for innovation and change. An analysis of the new responsibilities assumed through the social mission of universities reveals obstacles to the implementation of their strategies for the development of human capital. A consideration of the policy context identifies two different policy approaches to higher education that give rise to contrasting strategies for change. These are further explored in terms of institutional employment‐related strategies and policies for the transmission of cultural values.