Interaction,Comprehension, and Instruction Usage

This article explores the learning of common practice in a community of agents. We focus on how learning occurs "out in the world," rather than on learning as it occurs in the classroom. The emphasis of this article is that much of the learning of practice is guided by comprehension processes. We take as prima facie evidence for this the ubiquitousness of instructions. We present a concrete model of the comprehension processes that occur when interacting with an unfamiliar device. An important focus is on the usage of instructions.     

Avoiding and Correcting Bias in Score-Based Latent Variable Regression With Discrete Manifest Items

This article considers models involving a single structural equation with latent explanatory and/or latent dependent variables where discrete items are used to measure the latent variables. Our primary focus is the use of scores as proxies for the latent variables and carrying out ordinary least squares (OLS) regression on such scores to estimate parameters in the structural equation. We are concerned with the bias in these OLS estimates; we present two approaches to deal with this bias. Extending the work of Skrondal and Laake (2001) Skrondal, A. and Laake, P. 2001. Regression among factor scores. Psychometrika, 66: 563–576. [Crossref], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar] on continuous items, we derive sufficient conditions under which the use of scores based on item response theory leads to unbiased OLS estimates at the population level; we deem this approach “bias avoiding.” We also consider Croon's (2002) Croon, M. 2002. “Using predicted latent scores in general latent structure models”. In Latent variable and latent structure models, Edited by: Marcoulides, G. A. and Moustaki, I. 195–223. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc.  [Google Scholar] bias correction methodology for continuous items and explore its efficacy on discrete items; we deem this approach “bias correcting.” We illustrate the performance of the 2 approaches through numerical examples of large simulated data sets.     

Mythology,narrative, and discourse in Javanese wayang towards cross‐level theories for the new development paradigm

This study is aimed mainly at portraying the profiles of the visitors to presidential candidate's websites in Taiwan's 2000 election. An online survey was conducted, initiated by visitors' clicking button ads on different candidates' websites, which linked them to a questionnaire. The results reveal that mainly the site visitors were male, young, and highly educated. Most visitors agreed that their motive to visit candidates' websites were to acquire candidate‐related information, and to better understand the candidates' standing on policies. Those who visited a particular candidate's site tended to be supporters of that candidate.     

The usefulness of qualitative case studies in research on special needs education

Research on special needs education is often very complex and puts specific demands on the methodology used. Data‐triangulation, at the very least, is required. In most of our recent research projects on the development of special needs education in Flanders (the Dutch speaking part of Belgium), we have made use of qualitative case studies to describe and understand the complex reality of the innovations taking place in our schools. In this article we discuss some methodological aspects of qualitative case study designs, illustrated with a study on the implementation of inclusive education in Flemish primary schools.     

A Conceptual View of Web-Based E-Learning Systems

Starting from a general framework for web-based e-learning systems that is based on an abstraction layer model, this paper presents a conceptual modelling approach, which captures the modelling of learners, the modelling of courses, the personalisation of courses, and the management of data in e-learning systems. Courses are modelled by outline graphs, which are further refined by some form of process algebra. The linguistic analysis of word fields referring to an application domain helps to set up these course outlines. Learners are modelled by classifying value combinations for their characteristic properties. Each learner type gives rise to intentions as well as rights and obligations in using a learning system. Intentions can be formalised as postconditions, while rights and obligations lead to deontic constraints. The intentions can be used for the personalisation of the learning system to a learner type. Finally, the management of data in an e-learning system is approached on two different levels dealing with the content of individual learning units and the integrated content of the whole system, respectively. This leads to supporting databases and views defined on them.     

On stratification in changing higher education: the “analysis of status” revisited

This article seeks to shed light on current dynamics of stratification in changing higher education and proposes an analytical perspective to account for these dynamics based on Martin Trow’s work on “the analysis of status.” In research on higher education, the term “stratification” is generally understood as a metaphor that describes a stable vertical order. In sectors that are experiencing considerable change, such an order is still in the making. In following Trow, we propose to look at stratification as an open ordering process that constructs verticality. We distinguish between sector and field stratification, i.e., between stratification through coercive regulation by the state and through status judgements by a wide range of stakeholders. Within the last decade, field stratification has grown in importance as governments in continental Europe have provided universities with more leeway. Specific devices (rankings, etc.) channel such judgements and construct images of how a field appears. By applying this concept to two empirical cases from German higher education, we will show how devices redefine verticality in higher education through specific field images. First, master rankings in business administration/economics expand the topological boundaries to include degree programs outside national sectors, raise the importance of alumni and increase the recruitment of female students. Second, the Excellence Initiative triggers the construction of a new unregulated sector of doctoral education; excellent graduate schools model themselves along the scales of the field image as selective, interdisciplinary, international, and part of a holistic university image.     

Graduate teacher motivation for choosing a job in education

This article compares individuals already in teaching and non-teaching teacher graduates, and explores the motivation to pursue a teaching job based on job motives and work values. From the response of 241 recently graduated teachers it may be concluded that teachers consider intrinsic, altruistic and interpersonal features as strong job-specific motivators. Furthermore, teachers prefer altruistic and interpersonal work values, while non-teachers are more attracted by individualistic work values such as career opportunities and executive power.     

Individuelle und kontextuelle Prädiktoren des Fachwissenserwerbs zum Internen Rechnungswesen im Hochschulstudium

In our study, we examine some theoretically relevant personal factors as predictors of students’ acquisition of knowledge of management accounting, a key area of business and economics studies in higher education. We modeled and assessed business and economics students’ knowledge of management accounting in Germany using an internationally proven accounting test that has been translated and adapted and comprehensively validated for higher education in Germany. A review of the international literature showed that potential predictors might include not only learning opportunities students have used during and prior to higher education, but also students’ socio-cultural background and gender. These factors were assessed in a survey of 1012 students studying at 23 institutions of higher education. Not surprisingly, a multilevel analysis confirmed that among the learning opportunities a course in management accounting has the greatest effect on students’ knowledge of management accounting. But when other potential predictors are controlled, completion of a commercial vocation training prior to university studies shows a positive effect, as well.     

Using internet assessment tools for health and physical education instruction

Conclusions Physical education should provide opportunities for students to participate in activities that promote fitness and well-being. Implementing best practices into the physical education curriculum can contribute to the understanding and application of a healthy lifestyle for students. Technology applied in the physical education curriculum can provide an opportunity for improved instruction and enhanced student learning in physical education. The current study showed that students not only enjoyed working with computer technology but also preferred this interactive instructional method to a lecture method of instruction. The use of technology within the physical education program seemed to motivate students to engage with the material presented. After completing the web-based activities, students also seemed to be aware of their eating and physical activity habits and the changes that they needed to make in their lifestyles. They also expressed positive attitudes toward the use of technology in their physical education class. This study supports Cradler’s (1992) observation that outcomes will be positive when the effective physical educator uses the appropriate technology with sound pedagogical strategies and applicable content in their curriculum.