The Latest Research on Conceptual Change from Developmental Psychology

Science & Education -     

Mini-research Experience in Simple Linear Regression

Within the undergraduate mathematics curriculum, the topic of simple least-squares linear regression is often first encountered in multi-variable calculus where the line of best fit is obtained by using partial derivatives to find the slope and y-intercept of the line that minimizes the residual sum of squares. A markedly different approach from linear algebra, which could also be introduced in multi-variable calculus, obtains the regression line by vector projection. The latter viewpoint offers elegant proof of the equation relating the total, explained and unexplained variations. Consideration of data with the same regression line and correlation opens the door for a “mini-research experience” (MRE). A sequel MRE gives rise to an open Research Experience for Undergraduates topic to analyze reflection sequences and a fundamental connection between complex analysis and regression analysis. A few general guidelines and basic goals for MREs are included for those whose main interest is in undergraduate research.     

在线反思性交互的评估

交互是在线学习的关键要素，同(异)步交互工具可拓展教学交互的深度与广度，而科学、有效的评估能促进交互。本在比较多种异步交互评估方法后，以建构主义学习理论为基础，引用Simmons的反思性思维评价量规，详尽地描述了反思性交互的激励式评估在案例中的实施过程。     

Sustaining academic community in the aftermath of tragedy

Campus recovery from the shootings at Virginia Tech in April has, in part, been supported by a process of community building launched at the institution years ago.Terry Wildman, director of the Center for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, explains.     

Construct Validity of Self-Reported Metacognitive Learning Strategies

Despite their significant contributions to research on self-regulated learning, those favoring online and trace approaches have questioned the use of self-report to assess learners' use of learning strategies. An important rejoinder to such criticisms consists of examining the validity of self-report items. The present study was designed to assess the validity of items to assess 9th-grade students' use of planning, monitoring, and regulation when studying math. To establish response process evidence of construct validity, cognitive interviews were coded to determine whether students' interpretations of the items were consistent with their intended meaning and whether their response choices were congruent with those interpretations. Evidence supported the construct validity of monitoring and regulation items, but to a lesser degree those designed to assess planning. We discuss implications of the evidence for the self-report assessment of learners' use of metacognitive strategies.     

IDENTITY AND SCHOOL HISTORY: THE PERSPECTIVE OF YOUNG PEOPLE FROM THE NETHERLANDS AND ENGLAND

ABSTRACT:  The article presents the findings from a survey of over 400 young people in metropolitan areas in the Netherlands and England concerning their views on identity and school history. The research explored pupils' ideas about which facets of history were of interest to them, what history they believed should be taught in schools, and their views on the purposes of school history and history in general. The coding of the data made it possible to delineate between those from different ethnic minority backgrounds, boys and girls, age and level of education and first or second generation of migration. The study revealed significant differences between young people's ideas about history and identity, and those advanced by politicians and policy makers in the Netherlands, England and elsewhere. The concluding section of the paper considers the implications of the findings for policy makers in the field of history education in schools.     

School Improvement in a neo‐liberal world

This paper uses the concept of paradigm to examine the current state of School Improvement and its relationship to quantitative School Effectiveness studies. It argues that a significant and explicit paradigm change occurred in the early 1990s, resulting in a managerialist approach; a reductionist use of the concept culture; and an inadequate response to the challenges of poverty and under‐achievement. Some arguments are presented to show how this paradigm relates to a broader neo‐liberal context, and an alternative paradigm is outlined.     

The role of school psychologists in the assessment,prevention, and intervention of cyberbullying

Many school‐aged children have experienced the cruelty of bullying. The impact and effects of bullying have been described extensively in scholarly literature. Unfortunately, the impact of bullying has also made contemporary headlines with the recent rash of school shootings and other forms of school‐based violence. The current body of students brings an additional threat to bullying. Due to their sophisticated use of technology, today's students are using contemporary delivery systems to taunt, tease, and threaten their classmates. Cyberbullying is the newest form of bullying, and it brings additional challenges for school personnel. Because of the unique aspects of cyberbullying, school psychologists need strategies to guide school communities faced with this threatening behavior. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.