The impact of congruence between perceived and preferred leadership on satisfaction among college student-athletes in Singapore

Chelladurai developed the Multidimensional Model of Leadership, which was designed to be situation-specific to examine leadership behaviour and effectiveness in sporting contexts. Applying Chelladurai's concept to the Singapore sporting context, this study aimed to assess the impact of congruence between perceived and preferred leadership behaviours on satisfaction with leadership among college student-athletes in Singapore. Data were collected from 185 college student-athletes enrolled in the five local tertiary institutes. The questionnaire utilized in this study consisted of the perception and preference versions of the Revised Leadership Scale for Sports and seven items measuring satisfaction with coaching leadership. Confirmatory factor analysis and a series of hierarchical multiple regression procedures were carried out to test the psychometric properties of the leadership scale and the hypothesized relationship between congruence levels and satisfaction. Results revealed congruence of perceived and preferred behaviour in social support was a significant indicator of athletes' satisfaction. Possible implications from the findings were discussed in an effort to better understand coaching effectiveness in Singapore.     

A review of key parameters for effective electrophoretic deposition in the fabrication of solid oxide fuel cells

This paper reviews recent progress in electrophoretic deposition (EPD), particularly in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). EPD is a simple, cost-effective, and geometrical flexible colloidal process. With its excellent control of thickness and other morphological characteristics, it is favored for the fabrication of SOFCs because each component layer of an SOFC has different requirements. However, the effectiveness of EPD is closely related to the suspension stability and EPD processing parameters. Maintaining a stable suspension and optimizing the EPD processing parameters are essential to achieve a dense and uniform deposition layer. Key parameters in maintaining the suspension stability are generally categorized into colloidal related parameters, including particle size and solid loading, and suspension media related parameters, including dielectric constant and conductivity. The effects of these parameters are often reflected by the zeta potential of the suspension, which can be manipulated by using charging agents to maintain a stable state. The deposition time and applied voltage are key parameters in optimizing the EPD process through their effects on the deposition rate. The effects of these parameters on particle surface charges and on the EPD mechanism are discussed.     

Reflecting on institutional support for SoTL engagement: developing a conceptual framework

This paper considers the support required to develop Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) capability across institutions. Rather than developing a checklist or a standardised audit approach, this paper describes the reflective journey taken by a group of academic developers who used strategies and structures previously identified in the literature to develop a conceptual framework for academic professional development. The framework was refined through an iterative process, including reflection on its use within diverse institutional contexts, combined with evaluative feedback from recognised experts in the field. The resulting framework is designed to facilitate and guide conversations to support institutional decision-making related to SoTL capacity building.     

中国西南牡竹属二新种

Two new species of bamboo, Dendrocalamus ovatus Xia et Chia and D. textilis  Xia, Chia  et C. Y. Xia, collected  from  southwestern  China  aredescribed.     

Ramadan Fasting and the Propensity for Learning: Is There a Cause for Concern?

The literature indicates that glucose deprivation, dehydration, decreased sleep quality and quantity, and mood changes, independently and adversely can influence cognitive functions and therefore learning. The Ramadan fast is an annual religious act undertaken by Muslims where individuals refrain from consuming food and fluid during daylight hours, daily over 30 days. Alteration in eating times and sleep–wake cycles lead to a disruption in the body's daily circadian rhythm resulting in sleep perturbations and mood swings. Consequently, Ramadan fasting is linked to daytime lower glucose concentration, dehydration, decreased sleep quality and quantity, mood swings and elevated subjective feelings of fatigue and malaise. This review highlights how Ramadan fasting potentially poses learning difficulties as a result of the independent and/or combined effects of these factors.     

Assemble Collocation and Colligation in Chinese Writing Web Tools for New Immigrants in Taiwan

CSL （Chinese as a second language） learning is an emergency task in Taiwan, especially when more and more new immigrants joined in Taiwan. However, there are just a few new immigrants who can finish all language courses. For this reason, this research intends to provide a training system to assist new immigrants observing and learning the phrase structure. In this paper, the researchers design a system which can help new immigrants to form Chinese sentences by applying colligation and collocation technology.     

Taiwanese primary school teachers’ perceived enablers for and barriers to the integration of children’s literature in mathematics teaching and learning

Educational Studies in Mathematics - This study is part of the international survey studies on teachers’ beliefs concerning the integration of children’s literature in mathematics...     

To be a first-class department in a first-class university: perceived effects of a world-class initiative in two departments in a Taiwanese university

This study aimed to investigate and compare the impact of pursuing top university status on the management and academic practices of two departments in a top-ranked institution in Taiwan. Qualitative interviews, official policy documents, website resources and relevant documents were the main sources of empirical data. Interview data were collected from 10 interviewees, the department heads and four full-time academics in both departments. This study found that departments and academics were required to plan and work in accordance with the university’s overall development plan and the two departments played different roles in contributing to various aspects of the university managers’ idea of what a world-class university is. This should be understood within the unique and complex academic tribes of different subject fields and the deeply rooted dimensions of Chinese culture in Taiwan.     

Science Practicals in Schools: Are We Assessing Correctly?

Traditional practical examinations serve the purpose of ensuring that a candidate has some grounding in practical work. Regretably, however, they fall short in the promotion of process skills. A study done at the Institute of Education shows little relationship between tests which highlight these skills and the traditional practical tests. In today's context where emphasis should be placed on process rather than product, the continued dependence on traditional practical examinations does not seem to be in keeping with current curricula changes.