Separate Model versus Experimenter as Model in Vicarious Concept Attainment

The effects on observational concept learning of the experimenter as his own model, versus the experimenter plus a separate model, versus a nonmodeling (control) procedure, as well as the provision of favorable versus neutral outcome-expectation, and sex of child, were studied across baseline, imitation, and transfer phases in a 3 X 2 X 2 X 3 factorial design, using ninety-six economically-disadvantaged first-graders. Neither expectation nor sex created significant differences, but each modeling group surpassed the controls in imitative concept-attainment and transfer. As expected, learning and transfer were very comparable for the alternative modeling formats. The relevance of the results to the information-transmitting features of modeled displays, and to the use of modeling techniques in practical pedagogy were discussed     

Older Computer-Literate Women: Their Motivations,Obstacles, and Paths to Success

The societal view that regards geriatrics as a period of decline may not be congruent to the views of elderly people themselves. This gives rise to the need for further understanding of how elderly individuals evaluate their lives. A phenomenological design was employed for purposes of discovering and characterizing the essence behind the life experiences and disposition of a select group of Filipino elderly and its role in shaping their attitudes toward death. Five individuals aged 65 and above were purposively chosen to participate. Interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed, and examined, applying both processing and scrutiny techniques. A set of themes representing the elderly's lived experiences was surfaced through warm and cool analyses. The study revealed that geriatrics is a period of intersection of the three dimensions of elderly's lived experience—reminiscence, living disposition, and end-of-life views. The respondents viewed their families as their main source of support and guidance, values, principles, and beliefs. Accepting problems as integral to life, they have found a driving force that made them surpass these challenges. New beliefs and attitudes were acquired, resulting in providing self-control, strength, appreciation, genuine spirituality, gratitude, fulfillment, and self-worth. In their end-of-life views, dignity was a major issue which must be recognized and reinforced prior to embracing one's destiny to die. The present study maintains that the three dimensions of elderly's lived experiences are equally important in geriatric care practice. This offers valuable insights and reflections for a better understanding of geriatrics as a neglected field in the health-care delivery system.     

Metacognition and the influence of polling systems: how do clickers compare with low technology systems

Recent research suggests that clickers (electronic feedback devices) influence metacognition. This article reports qualitative findings from a quasi-experimental study comparing clickers and low technology polling. We sought to establish how clickers influence metacognition and whether differences exist in how each response system influences metacognition. The qualitative data collected includes an open-ended survey administer to all study participants (n = 198), informal observations, and interviews conducted using purposeful sampling. While low technology polling appears to elicit more metacognition than clickers, negative feelings and conformity affect also increase. Clickers result in positive feelings and reduction of the conformity effect. In addition to significantly higher performance outcomes, findings indicate polling systems result in different qualities of metacognition, meaning either more or less productive, and either self-reflective or group reflective. These differences contribute to the degree to which the environment is learner centered.     

The impact of a combined cognitive-affective intervention on pre-service teachers’ attitudes, knowledge, and anticipated professional behaviors regarding homosexuality and gay and lesbian issues

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of a cognitive-affective intervention the attitudes, knowledge, and anticipated professional behaviors regarding homosexuality and gay and lesbian issues of pre-service teachers in the United States. Sixty-seven participants were randomly assigned either to a control group (n = 34) or an experimental group (n = 33). Pre-test and post-test means were compared using paired-samples t-tests to determine the impact of the intervention. Data analysis revealed significant positive changes in the pre-service teachers’ attitudes and knowledge about homosexuality, as well as their anticipated professional behaviors with respect to homosexual students and their families.     

Program II—Eight years after

As freshmen in 1966, 26 students at a liberal arts college entered Program II, and experiment in individualized education which relieved them from usual collegiate requirements for all four years. Twelve years later, 22 of these participants, plus 19 nonparticipating classmates of 1970, were interviewed. Except for their evaluation of their college experience (Program II participants were more negative about it), participants and nonparticipants are indistinguishable on comparisons of post-graduate education, occupational history, family and residential patterns, leisure activities, and attitudes toward self.This research was supported by a grant from the Mellon Foundation.     

Statistics using just one formula

This article advocates that introductory statistics be taught by basing all calculations on a single simple margin‐of‐error formula and deriving all of the standard introductory statistical concepts (confidence intervals, significance tests, comparisons of means and proportions, etc) from that one formula. It is argued that this approach will better emphasize the core concepts and commonality of statistics and range of statistical applications, without forcing the students to memorize lots of different equations.