Revisiting the Development of Time Sharing Using a Dual Motor Task Performance

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of a 2-min. isometric exercise training program on force and fatigue in a skeletal muscle. The subjects (N=60) were divided into two equal groups, control and experimental. The control group was tested twice, once at the beginning of the experiment and again after 20 days. The subjects in the experimental group were tested before embarked on a 20-day period of isometric training. held the tension for 2 min. in the morning and again in the afternoon. Periodic tests were on the 5th, 10th, 15th, and 20th days. Large gains of initial strength were recorded on the 5th day. Isometric training continued beyond five days produced no significant gains in initial strength althoughe was a significant increase in isometric endurance. Isometric exercise continued longer than 15 days resulted in a significant decrease in initial strength and isometric endurance.     

Developmental Trajectories of Acculturation in Hispanic Adolescents: Associations With Family Functioning and Adolescent Risk Behavior

This study examined longitudinal acculturation patterns, and their associations with family functioning and adolescent risk behaviors, in Hispanic immigrant families. A sample of 266 Hispanic adolescents (M_age = 13.4) and their primary parents completed measures of acculturation, family functioning, and adolescent conduct problems, substance use, and sexual behavior at five timepoints. Mixture models yielded three trajectory classes apiece for adolescent and parent acculturation. Assimilated adolescents reported the poorest family functioning, but adolescent assimilation negatively predicted adolescent cigarette smoking, sexual activity, and unprotected sex indirectly through family functioning. Follow‐up analyses indicated that discrepancies between adolescent and parent family functioning reports predicted these adolescent outcomes. Results are discussed regarding acculturation trajectories, adolescent risk behavior, and the mediating role of family functioning.     

Video as a tool for fostering productive discussions in mathematics professional development

This article explores the use of classroom video as a tool for fostering productive discussions about teaching and learning. The setting for our research is a 2-year mathematics professional development program, based on the Problem-Solving Cycle model. This model relies on video from the teachers’ own classrooms and emphasizes creating a community in which members feel comfortable learning from video. We describe our experiences carrying out the Problem-Solving Cycle model, focusing on our use of video, our efforts to promote a supportive and analytical environment, and the ways in which teachers’ conversations around video developed over a 2-year period.     

Consistency of Angoff-Based Standard-Setting Judgments: Are Item Judgments and Passing Scores Replicable Across Different Panels of Experts?

Angoff-based standard setting is widely used, especially for high-stakes licensure assessments. Nonetheless, some critics have claimed that the judgment task is too cognitively complex for panelists, whereas others have explicitly challenged the consistency in (replicability of) standard-setting outcomes. Evidence of consistency in item judgments and passing scores is necessary to justify using the passing scores for consequential decisions. Few studies, however, have directly evaluated consistency across different standard-setting panels. The purpose of this study was to investigate consistency of Angoff-based standard-setting judgments and passing scores across 9 different educator licensure assessments. Two independent, multistate panels of educators were formed to recommend the passing score for each assessment, with each panel engaging in 2 rounds of judgments. Multiple measures of consistency were applied to each round of judgments. The results provide positive evidence of the consistency in judgments and passing scores.     

Demand driven education through the delivery of interactive learning materials within the domain of Environmental Law: Design and research findings

This article describes the results of a research and development project within the domain of Environmental Law. Based on the need to adapt the learning material of the course to several target groups, an Interactive Learning Environment (called WindMill) was developed and tested in a long‐lasting field test.

The WindMill system starts with an intake procedure which guides the student to select the most suitable course variant. After the intake is completed and processed, a study planner provides the student with the necessary information and functions to study the selected course variant The study planner indicates which themes of the printed course materials should be studied and it gives an estimation of the required study load for each theme. Moreover, WindMill provides a large number of embedded support devices (ESDs), which are meant to support the student while studying the printed course materials.

The innovative course Environmental Law was tested with 35 students divided into two conditions, during a period of four months, and in a real life study setting. The control students (n =15) studied the full printed version of the course (basic content and workbook exercises). The experimental students (n = 20) also studied a part of the course from printed materials (basic content). The workbook, however, was substituted by the interactive WindMill system (intake and ESDs).

The field test showed no clear difference in test results between the two conditions. In both conditions more than 80% achieved the final test In general, the students appear to respond positively to the possibility that they can choose course variants which are adapted to some of their individual characteristics (juridicial prior knowledge and professional background). Furthermore, the students’ responses were positive on the printed basic content and were fairly positive on the ESDs. The experimental students were rather positive on the design and the contents of WindMill Especially, the clarity and overview of the study planner was highly appreciated.     

Struggling toward a transformative model of instruction: It's not so easy!

This article is about the moving toward a new instruction style—a transformative model of instruction. One university instructor attempts to change her teaching strategies, and she encounters her own belief as obstacles, self-labeled her pedagogical discrepancies. Through peer feedback, reflective journal writing, and readings she uncovers the obstacles and discovers how the beliefs need to change in order to implement transformative teaching strategies. The change is incorporated into five lessons: it is easier to tell than to listen; modeling needs to go beyond a monologue; be humble and learn from the students; there are more ways to the same end; and, grading the end product or acknowledging the risk. Her lessons take on a spiral nature of learning, and incorporate detailed emotional–psychological resistance. In doing so, she gains a deeper understanding of her instruction, and becomes better equipped to prepare other reflective practitioners. The study takes place in the continental United States of America.     

Memory Cafés and Dementia-Friendly Libraries: Management Considerations for Developing Inclusive Library Programs

Abstract

Memory Cafés bring services to families and individuals experiencing memory loss, mild cognitive impairment, early Alzheimer’s, or other dementias. Memory Cafés situated in libraries are designed to be safe, engaging, and welcoming gathering spaces. These equalizing opportunities provide mind-stimulating activities and respond to the growing need to create dementia-friendly library environments. The aim of this article is to highlight management considerations for creating Memory Cafés. Issues such as building community partners, budgeting, planning, library staff training, and marketing are highlighted. Overall, Memory Cafés can be inclusive library spaces for people experiencing different phases of memory loss and their care partners.     

Teachers and the State 1900‐30

This article explores the relationship of teachers to the State during the first decades of this century. It argues that teachers had a particular ideological, political and economic role within the State. It takes issue with the recent studies of Ozga & Lawn which have invested teachers’ trade union militancy with an anti‐statist politics. This article employs a different approach to explain teachers’ politics, especially those of feminist teachers. Exploring the objective and subjective relationship of teachers to the State, the article concludes that teachers’ strategies were statist.