Self-regulation in text processing

In this paper an experiment is reported on the influence of two variations of instructions on learning performance and thinking-aloud protocols of 64 pupils from secondary schools. Furthermore, differences between successful and less successful pupils in self-regulatory processes during text processing are described. The texts consisted of instructions on how to use a computer keyboard and a text-editor. Learning performance referred to both knowledge and application. The variation in instructions did not influence the learning performance and the thinking-aloud protocols (either quantitatively or qualitatively), but the variable Marks/No Marks did. The main differences between successful and less successful pupils occurred in orientation processes, especially with regard to Reflection on Foreknowledge and Gaps in Foreknowledge. Differences also turned up for processes such as Process Selection and Making Summaries. The results are discussed in light of the results from a prior study with an informative text.     

Test of gross motor development-2 for Filipino children with intellectual disability: validity and reliability

This study aimed to examine aspects of validity and reliability of the Test of Gross Motor Development-2 (TGMD-2) in Filipino children with intellectual disability. Content and construct validity were verified, as well as inter-rater and intra-rater reliability. Two paediatric physiotherapists tested 81 children with intellectual disability (mean age = 9.29 ± 2.71 years) on locomotor and object control skills. Analysis of covariance, confirmatory factor analysis and analysis of variance were used to test validity, while Cronbach’s alpha, intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) and Bland–Altman plots were used to examine reliability. Age was a significant predictor of locomotor and object control scores (P = 0.004). The data fit the hypothesised two-factor model with fit indices as follows: χ² = 33.525, DF = 34, P = 0.491, χ²/DF = 0.986. As hypothesised, gender was a significant predictor for object control skills (P = 0.038). Participants’ mean scores were significantly below mastery (locomotor, P < 0.001; object control, P < 0.001). Cronbach’s alpha was 0.830 for locomotor and 0.792 for object control components. ICC for locomotor and object control scores ranged from 0.995 to 0.998, suggesting excellent intra-rater and inter-rater reliability, confirmed by Bland–Altman analysis. This study provides evidence of sufficient content and construct validity, internal consistency and rater reliability of TGMD-2 for Filipino children with intellectual disability.     

Reconsidering group cognition: From conceptual confusion to a boundary area between cognitive and socio-cultural perspectives?

Various strands of research in educational, social and organizational psychology focus on structures of collectively created meaning that emerge in and coordinate activities of groups. Despite expanding, this field still lacks conceptual clarity, enhanced by the multitude of terms used, such as common ground, shared understanding, collective mind, team mental models, and distributed cognition.We conducted a review of the conceptual frameworks being used in empirical studies, focusing on the premises of the conceptualizations. Therefore, we connected these conceptualizations to either cognitive or socio-cultural perspectives on the social nature of cognition. Some studies are identified as representing initial ways of boundary crossing between these perspectives. To conclude, we explore ways for boundary crossing and cross-fertilization in future research.     

Computer‐Assisted Instruction and Conceptual Change

Abstract

In this study, the question was addressed which instructional conditions are required to teach students how they themselves can initiate and perform learning activities aimed at conceptual change. The CONTACT‐2 strategy (a computer‐assisted instructional strategy for promoting conceptual change in the domain of basic physical geography) served as starting point for the design of several training procedures aimed at enhancing self‐regulated learning. With the first experimental condition, strategic support was gradually withdrawn ('faded') within each instructional step, while, with the second experimental condition, the number of steps was reduced as the training continued. The original CONTACT‐2 condition served as control condition. Subjects were 65 fifth‐ and sixth‐graders (primary education). Dependent variables concerned students’ abilities to initiate and perform learning activities aimed at conceptual change, the quality of their conceptions, and their learning performance. Results suggested that ‘fading’ can be a fruitful instructional approach to foster self‐regulated learning aimed at conceptual change, provided that the ‘fading’ procedure is tuned to the students’ actual level of self‐regulated learning: external control should not be withdrawn until students are able (and prepared) to initiate and perform the learning activities being required. When these conditions are met, designing effective training procedures aimed at ‘learning for conceptual change’ seems possible.     

Effects of network treatments on perceptions of a political campaign film: Can rhetorical criticism make a difference?

Presented here are the findings from a quasi‐experimental comparison of three network treatments of “A New Beginning,” a campaign film that aroused considerable controversy when the Republicans substituted it for a speech at the 1984 Republican National Convention as a way of getting the networks to air it. Of paramount interest in the study were the effects on viewers of one network's critical preview of the film. Of the three major networks, only NBC elected to air the entire film, but they preceded its showing with a commentary on the film that was far more critical than those by CBS and ABC. Surprisingly, Ss predisposed toward Ronald Reagan did not derogate the NBC treatment of the film, but neither did NBC's criticisms adversely affect perceptions of the film. To the contrary, ratings of the film and network treatments of the film were highest for NBC viewers. The findings are discussed with a view toward assessing the uses and limitations of rhetorical criticism in television coverage of political campaigns.     

Promoting effective teacher-feedback: from theory to practice through a multiple component trajectory for professional development

This study describes an evaluation of a theory-based trajectory for professional development called FeTiP (Feedback-Theory into Practice) that aims to have an observable effect on teacher classroom behavior. FeTiP is a multicomponent trajectory for professional development and combines several types of interventions. Its goal is to help teachers expand their feedback behavior in the classroom to provide more, and more effective (i.e. learning-enhancing), feedback. We first describe the foundation of FeTiP, with a central focus on how classroom behavior can be influenced by a multicomponent trajectory of professional development, as this is often a major aim in initiatives for the professional development of teachers but is the most difficult to establish. We describe the effects of FeTiP on the feedback behavior of teachers and attempt to explain why these effects occurred.