Modelling Social Segregation

This paper proposes a multilevel modelling approach to the analysis of social segregation in schools. Using data on free school meal eligibility it shows that the underlying variation between schools for the period 1994-1999 has increased. It also shows that the change is greater for selective than non-selective local education authorities (LEAs). It is suggested that the approach of this paper can be applied generally to the modelling of social segregation at institution level.     

PERCEIVED CHOICE OF PROSE MATERIALS BY YOUNG AND ELDERLY ADULTS

Three experiments evaluated the effects of perceived choice upon comprehension and memory of prose reading passages. Participants in the choice conditions selected the titles of the passages they read, while the rest of the volunteers were not given the opportunity to choose. Experiment 1 compared choice and no choice conditions with young (x = 28.3 years) and elderly (x ‐ 68.9 years) adults of various vocabulary levels. Experiments 2 and 3 tested only elderly groups to evaluate a wider range of vocabulary levels and to compare the effects of starting the reading task either immediately after choosing the titles or after a delay of 2 to 3 weeks. The results indicated both age‐ and vocabulary‐related deficits. However, perceived choice conditions did not produce any consistent improvement in performance.     

Implicit sequence learning in dyslexia: a within-sequence comparison of first- and higher-order information

The present study examines implicit sequence learning in adult dyslexics with a focus on comparing sequence transitions with different statistical complexities. Learning of a 12-item deterministic sequence was assessed in 12 dyslexic and 12 non-dyslexic university students. Both groups showed equivalent standard reaction time increments when the sequence was unexpectedly changed, suggesting that learning of the sequence took place. However, a novel analysis comparing transitions of differing complexity within the learning blocks indicated that dyslexic participants were impaired only for higher-order but not first-order sequence learning. No difference was found in the explicit awareness contribution between the two groups and this was found not to correlate with reaction time performance. This result suggests that statistical complexity of the sequence may account for intact and impaired learning performance in dyslexia.     

An Investigation into Sex Differences in Certain Aspects of Science Practical Work with First‐year Secondary School Pupils in Single Sex and Mixed Teaching Groups

In this study we attempt to evaluate two models of instruction, one based on the assumptions of the constructivist or conceptual change model, and one based on an expositive‐deductive model. We applied the two approaches to the teaching of geometric optics at different levels of instruction: elementary school and university. In each case the same teacher taught the same scientific topic to both the control and experimental groups, and all students carried out the same classroom activities. The study was carried out in such a way as to replicate as closely as possible the actual conditions of each classroom environment. The results of instruction failed to show significant differences in learning attributable to the method of instruction used, although different trends were evident in the two samples. Our commentary on the findings concludes with suggestions for further research in this field.     

Development of an Instrument to Assess Student Opinions of the Quality of Distance Education Courses

This study describes the development of a learning process of genetic counseling and basic genetics using an e-learning model and its application to a group of psychologists in the state of Parana in southern Brazil. The aim was to analyze the impact on the increase of knowledge in the presented subjects and the possibility of applying this project on a larger scale. The results of two observations were compared. The observations consisted of scores on the same exams, applied before and after taking the course. Results indicated that the remote education process is indeed a viable alternative for genetic counseling education and is validated for application in large scale together with Centers for Family Health Care Assistance of the Brazilian Ministry of Health Care.     

Comparing effects of different writing activities on reading comprehension: A meta-analysis

The purposes of this review were to determine: (1) if different writing activities were more effective than others in improving students’ reading comprehension, and (2) if obtained differences among writing activities was related to how reading comprehension was measured? Meta-analysis was used to examine these questions across studies involving students in grades 1–12. Nineteen studies were located that met inclusion criteria, resulting in 4 writing activities comparisons with 4 or more studies per comparison: summary writing versus answering questions (k = 5), summary writing versus note taking (k = 7), answering questions versus note taking (k = 4), and answering questions versus extended writing activities (k = 6). Effect sizes calculated for each writing activities comparison indicated there were no statistically significant differences for any of these comparisons when effects were averaged over all reading comprehension measures, excluding treatment-inherent measures. However, statistically significant differences were found for two of the comparisons on specific measures. Extended writing enhanced reading comprehension better than question answering on measures where comprehension was assessed via an extended writing activity, whereas summary writing enhanced reading comprehension better than question answering on a free recall measure. The results provide limited support for the theoretical viewpoint that writing activities are differentially effective in improving reading comprehension based on how closely the writing activities are aligned with a particular measure.     

Action Research on Hybrid Courses and their Online Communities

English: This article reviews a study conducted to establish the psychological basis for user responses to digital videoconferencing. Left and right brain laterality and the demographic factors of age and gender were examined as possible predictors of user response. Behavioural and affective responses were measured in a small group of distance learners (n=60). Affective measure ‘A’ concerned user perception of equipment functionality and usefulness, and the intention to repeat the experience, whilst behavioural measure ‘B’ examined anxiety level and self-consciousness. Significant differences were observed between age groups with older participants expressing greater satisfaction with functionality and less anxiety overall. A lesser effect was observed between males and females with the latter reporting higher satisfaction levels and lower anxiety with the technology. No significant difference between left and right brain lateralities was observed.

Francais: Cet article rend compte d'une étude conduite pour établir la base psychologique pour les résponses des étudiants à la vidéoconférence digitale. On a pris en compte la latéralité gauche et droite du cerveau et les facteurs démographiques d'âge et de sexe afin d'essayer de mieux prévoir les réactions des usageurs. Les réponses concerenant les attitudes et les réactions affectives ont été mesurées chez un group limité d'étudiants à distance (n=60). La mesure affective ‘A’ concernait la perception de la fonctionalité de l'équipement et de son utlité, ainsi que l'intention de répéter l'experiénce, tandis que les mesures d'attitude ‘B’ examinait le niveau d'anxieté et de conscience de soi. Des différences significatives ont été observées entre les groupes d'âge, les participants plus âgés exprimant davantage leur satisfaction de l'équipement et faisant preuve de moins d'anxiété en général. Un effet moindre a été observé entre les hommes et les fammes, ces dernières étant plus satisfaites et étant moins anxieuses devant la technologie. Aucune difference significative entre les latéralités droite et gauche n'a été observée.

Deutsch: In diesem beitrag wird uber eine studie berichtet, die zur herstellung einer psychologischen basis für nutzerreaktionen auf digitales videoconferencing diente. Linke und rechte hirnhälften und der demographische faktor bezüglich alter und geschlecht wurden als mögliche voreinstellungen für das nutzerverhalten untersucht. Das verhalten und affektive reaktionen wurden in kleinen gruppen (N=60) von distance-lernern gemessen: die affektive messung ‘A’ bezog sich auf nutzereinsicht in die ausstattungsfunktionalität und - nützlichkeit sowie die einstellung zu einer wiederholung des experiments, während die verhaltensmessung ‘B’ angstlevel und selbstbewusstsein untersuchte. Signifikante unterschiede wurden festgestellt bei gruppen mit älteren teilnehmern mit höherer zufriedenheitsrate bei der funktionalität und weniger angstüberschuss. Ein geringerer effekt wurde zwischen frauen und männern beobachtet, wobei die ersteren uber höhere zufriedenheit und geringerer technologieangst berichteten. Kein signifikanter unterschied wurde zwischen der linken und der rechten gehirnhälfte beobachtet.     

Pre-service physical education teachers' beliefs about competition in physical education

The discourse of competitive sport is, and has been, a defining feature of physical education for many years. Given the privileged and dominant position competition holds in physical education curricula, it is concerning that competitive physical education remains steeped in traditional pedagogies and that these pedagogies are constrained by teachers' everyday philosophies rather than any explicit understanding of pedagogy or the needs of pupils. This in turn affects pupils' experiences of physical education and specifically the type and form of activities that are offered to pupils. Physical education teachers' biographies generally show a profound attachment to sport, and in particular competitive sport, and the value of competitive sport is significant in the lives and identities of physical education recruits. However, there is a paucity of research specifically in relation to in-service and pre-service physical education teacher's beliefs about competition and its place in physical education. It is well documented that the implicit theories that pre-service, beginning and experienced teachers hold influence their reactions to teacher education and their teaching practice, with their beliefs acting as a filter through which a host of instructional judgements and decisions are made. Thus, it is important to understand pre-service physical education teachers' (PSTs') beliefs about competition. Thirty five (16 men, 15 women, 4 unknown) PSTs completed a reflective journal alongside their participation in a University-based module focused on models-based practice. The data generated were analysed using the procedures and techniques of grounded theory which revealed five major themes grouped in the discussion under the sub-categories of: (1) defining competition; (2) learning through competition; (3) competitive physical education and the sporting pathway; (4) competition needs to be got out of children; and (5) a little competition. The discussion challenges how we transform traditional views of competition and the competitive practices that alienate some young people from physical education.