A methodological morass? How we can improve quantitative research in distance education

This article is about the quantitative research practices and methodologies that are used in distance education (DE). It begins with an analysis and assessment of a segment of the DE research literature, DE/classroom comparison studies, based on a recently completed meta-analysis of that literature from 1985 to 2002. Overall, the 232 studies reviewed were judged to be of poor methodological quality and severely lacking in critical information about research practices. Studies of synchronous and asynchronous DE are discussed separately and recommendations are made for improving designs and measures within these patterns. Suggestions for future quantitative research areas are provided. In discussing these findings, we recognize that high-quality research is being conducted in the field and that qualitative forms of research contribute greatly to the mosaic of evidence that is the base of available knowledge about DE. Finally, three organizations, the What Works Clearinghouse (USA), EPPI-Centre (UK), and the Campbell Collaboration (international), all devoted to improving the quality of research and research synthesis in education, are described briefly; suggestions are made as to how their philosophies and approaches for judging the worthiness of research evidence can be used to improve DE research.     

Schools as knowledge work organizations: Perspectives and implications from the new management literature

The authors argue that the knowledge work metaphor is the most powerful image of schools for understanding reform. Using themes from the new management literature, such as shared decision making, collegiality, innovation, and experimentation, as additional guides for school improvement, the authors develop a case for systemic reform based on the professionalization of teaching and the integration of theory, research, and practice, Finally, transformational leadership is presented as the key to facilitating systemic reform.     

"伴性遗传"的课堂教学

1 教材分析 上海科技版《生命科学》（试验本）高二第一学期[1]第1节第四部分内容是＂性别决定和伴性遗传＂,本节课＂伴性遗传＂是在学生了解性别决定的基础上展开的一节重要内容,是区别于常染色体遗传方式的另一种遗传方式.教材首先给出了伴性遗传的定义,然后指出红绿色盲是一种伴性遗传病,其致病基因为隐性基因Xb.通过图解得出红绿色盲的遗传规律,     

Cesarean birth from three research perspectives

Issues surrounding cesarean birth are of interest to researchers from varied disciplines and nations. In this column, three studies that examine aspects of cesarean birth are reviewed. One study presented a review of 11 studies and found differences in the perceptions of white and minority mothers toward labor, vaginal birth, and cesarean birth. In a second study on infant outcomes, Japanese researchers found differences in transient tachypnea in infants born in the first half of the 37th week gestation and those born in the second half of the 37th week and the 38th week of gestation. In a third study conducted in Norway, researchers found more complications when cesarean birth occurred at advanced dilation. The three studies' implications for childbirth educators are discussed.     

浅析WebQuest的作用与局限

从教学的角度分析WebQuest的作用,认为WebQuest有利于激发学生的学习兴趣;培养学生的探索、研究精神;有利于培养学生的团队协作意识,形成协作学习方式;有利于提高学生的思维水平,培养学生的创新意识和能力;有利于学生的全面发展。同时WebQuest还存在不适合所有课程内容的教学和学习、一定程度上限制了老师的思维、学生很难一直都保持较高的积极性和投入高水平的思维等局限性。     

适应和引领新课改：教师教育功能的角色认知

随着我国新一轮基础教育课程改革的深入,教师教育面临新的挑战,其功能需要进行新的角色认知。本文认为,现阶段我国教师教育应该重新审视其与基础教育改革的关系,确立其适应和引领基础教育课程改革的新功能。变被动适应为主动适应,并能够积极引领基础教育的课程改革。为此,教师教育应该通过新课程理念的更新、新课程知识的储备、新课程技能的训练、新课程研究能力的提升,为推动我国新课程改革的进一步深化培育"新师资"。     

Online or Face-to-Face: Do Mission-Related Student Learning Outcomes Differ?

This study investigated how an authentic assessment program was used to examine student learning outcomes within the context of a Christian university’s institutional mission, core values, and distinctive qualities. For the purposes of this study, an authentic assessment program is defined as assessing student-produced work within the context of the institutional mission. A sample of 1,814 undergraduate students taking one or more general education courses at the university during the 2007–2009 academic years was examined for any significant differences in student learning outcomes. A univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) indicated the Student Assessment System (SAS) scores for the online students were not significantly different from the SAS scores for the face-to-face (F2F) students after controlling for course grade. These results suggest that online students achieved the same critical mission-related educational outcomes that the university required of its F2F students. An implication of this finding is that the university just as effectively articulated its faith-based mission and vision to the online students as it did to its students taking classes F2F.     

山羊抗小鹅瘟血清应用及制备

小鹅瘟在国内已广泛流行,雏鹅的预防和治疗以鹅抗小鹅瘟血清较为理想,但若用山羊抗小鹅瘟血清,则可获得大量的血清及长时间采血且降低成本,经笔者研制的山羊抗血清具琼扩试验效价达1:16;保护试验保护率达80—100%小范围区域试验保护率达95%。     

When Parents Ask ... about Preterm Birth, Breastfeeding Success, Breast Cancer, or Waterbirth

IN THIS COLUMN, THE AUTHOR REVIEWS RESEARCH ON FOUR SEPARATE TOPICS: the prevention of preterm birth, the effect of epidurals on breastfeeding success, the possible protective effect of lactation on breast cancer, and laboring in water. In two separate studies-a multisite study in the United States and a second study from Brazil-natural progesterone was shown to significantly reduce the incidence of preterm birth in women at high risk. A third study conducted in the United Kingdom examined the effect of clindamycin on preventing infection that can lead to preterm birth. A group of studies related to lactation found that early breastfeeding was more successful in women who did not have epidural anesthesia. In a Korean study, the lifetime duration of breastfeeding was associated with a significant reduction in breast cancer. Concerning waterbirth, Swiss researchers found that, when a woman labored in water, she regulated both water temperature and bathing duration to ensure that her body temperature and that of the fetus remained within a normal physiological range.     

Misoprostol-is more research needed?

Misoprostol (Cytotec) is a synthetic prostaglandin E1 analogue that was designed for the prevention and treatment of peptic ulcer associated with the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In obstetrics, misoprostol has been administered for induction of first and second trimester abortion, for induction of labor in the third trimester, and to control postpartum hemorrhage. None of these uses has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Nevertheless, misoprostol is widely used in the United States and throughout the world. Advantages are cited as reduced rate of cesareans, shorter time from induction to birth and, particularly in developing countries, lower cost, oral, vaginal or rectal administration, and stability without refrigeration. Disadvantages are uterine hyperstimulation and, in rare instances, uterine rupture and death. Mothers should be informed of both the risks and the possible benefits of misoprostol. Further research with large samples is necessary to determine whether the risks outweigh any possible benefits.