Methodological considerations for studying science-in-the-making in educational settings

In this paper we explore the methodological implications of sociocultural approaches for the study of scientific knowledge and practices. Research in science studies and science education is reviewed with a focus on methodological considerations. Informed by empirically-based studies of scientific practices from multiple disciplinary perspectives, we describe our perspective for investigating science education which combines ethnography and discourse analysis. This theoretical position on the discursive nature of the social construction of school science-in-the-making forms the basis for theoretical and methodological critique and discussion. We provide a review of the history of nature of science (NOS) research to trace the methodological influence of Science and Technology Studies in science education. Four methodological issues associated with studying science as cultural practices are discussed: the local and contingent nature of situated definitions of science; theory dependence and coherence of research methodologies; attention to the study of school science-in-the-making; and reflexivity.     

Analysis of the Phonological Skills of Children with Down Syndrome from Single Word and Connected Speech Samples

Phonological analysis of the speech of five children with Down syndrome was compared across single word samples elicited from tests and connected speech samples elicited during play. Analyses indicated that connected speech samples provided fewer total words and word tokens and, in some cases, failed to target certain later developing phonemes. CVCs were similarly represented across single word and connected speech samples, but differences across the sampling conditions included an over‐representation of clusters and an under‐representation of VC and CV forms in single word samples. Overall accuracy for vowels was greater than for consonant production, but no difference in phoneme accuracy was found across the conditions. Differences in phonetic inventories for some subjects indicated the possibility that children may, in their connected speech, avoid phonemes which they have yet to master. Phonological process analysis indicated that differences across the two conditions were restricted to their relative impact on each subject's overall intelligibility. Both similarities and differences with previous studies comparing sampling conditions with other populations are discussed, as are clinical implications.     

Design of Learner-centered Tools for Continuous Training in SMEs

Multimedia and networked educational tools may provide an effective answer to the training needs of small-medium enterprises (SMEs). In accordance with this idea, we are developing a project called Qualification 2000 supported by the E.C.'s Adapt initiative. The project focuses on the use of educational technology for continuous training in informatics and its applications in office automation. The target is women employed in small-medium enterprises. The attitude of the target towards innovation makes the design of effective tools a particularly delicate problem; thus, careful design of the interface is particularly important to make these kinds of tools productive. With these ideas in mind, we carried out a series of interviews with employees, aimed at deriving a core of common needs and difficulties. The results of the interviews have been used to build a learner-centred interface based on experimental pedagogical assumptions. © IFIP, published by K luwer Academic Publishers     

Assessment in Roman Education

This paper examines the content and institutions of Roman education, focusing particularly on the education associated with literacy and numeracy. It seeks to show how a widely standardised and highly socially embedded web of educational practices could function, without formal examinations, by means of high levels of competition and other less formal means of assessment. It considers the role of educational competition in defining and maintaining social élites and looks at the increasingly formal assessment of teachers in the later Roman empire.     

Camp for all connection: a community health information outreach project.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the Camp For All Connection project is to facilitate access to electronic health information resources at the Camp For All facility. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS/RESOURCES: Camp For All is a barrier-free camp working in partnership with organizations to enrich the lives of children and adults with chronic illnesses and disabilities and their families by providing camping and retreat experiences. The camp facility is located on 206 acres in Burton, Texas. The project partners are Texas Woman's University, Houston Academy of Medicine-Texas Medical Center Library, and Camp For All. BRIEF DESCRIPTION: The Camp For All Connection project placed Internet-connected workstations at the camp's health center in the main lodge and provided training in the use of electronic health information resources. A train-the-trainer approach was used to provide training to Camp For All staff. RESULTS/OUTCOME: Project workstations are being used by health care providers and camp staff for communication purposes and to make better informed health care decisions for Camp For All campers. EVALUATION METHOD: A post-training evaluation was administered at the end of the train-the-trainer session. In addition, a series of site visits and interviews was conducted with camp staff members involved in the project. The site visits and interviews allowed for ongoing dialog between project staff and project participants.     

Contributions of print exposure to first and second grade oral language and reading in Chile

This study examines the contribution of print exposure to oral language (expressive vocabulary and listening comprehension) and reading (word reading and reading comprehension) in first and second grade in Chile, and tests whether the contribution of print exposure to reading comprehension is mediated by language and word reading skills. Two‐hundred and eighty one children (mean age 6.55 years) participated. Print exposure was measured with a book‐cover recognition task in first grade, and outcomes were measured both in first and second grade. Print exposure had direct effects on all outcomes in first grade and indirect effects in second grade. Effects on first grade reading comprehension were partially mediated by listening comprehension and word reading, but not vocabulary. We discuss the importance of the findings for improving reading comprehension in countries with low access to books.