The role of the working memory and language skills in the prediction of word problem solving in 4- to 7-year-old children

The aim of this study was to analyse the role of verbal and visuo-spatial working memory (WM) and language skills (vocabulary, listening comprehension) in predicting preschool and kindergarten-aged children’s ability to solve mathematical word problems presented orally. The participants were 116 Finnish-speaking children aged 4–7?years. The results showed that verbal WM (VWM) did not have a direct effect on word problems in young children but was indirectly related to word problems through vocabulary and listening comprehension. These results suggest that in young children, VWM resources support language skills which, furthermore, contribute to variation in solving orally presented word problems. The results also showed that visuo-spatial WM had a direct effect on performance in word problems, suggesting that it plays an important role in word problem solving among this age group.     

Digital competence – an emergent boundary concept for policy and educational research

Digital competence is an evolving concept related to the development of digital technology and the political aims and expectations of citizenship in a knowledge society. It is regarded as a core competence in policy papers; in educational research it is not yet a standardized concept. We suggest that it is a useful boundary concept, which can be used in various contexts. For this study, we analysed 76 educational research articles in which digital competence, described by different terms, was investigated. As a result, we found that digital competence consists of a variety of skills and competences, and its scope is wide, as is its background: from media studies and computer science to library and literacy studies. In the article review, we found a total of 34 terms that had used to describe the digital technology related skills and competences; the most often used terms were digital literacy, new literacies, multiliteracy and media literacy, each with somewhat different focus. We suggest that digital competence is defined as consisting of (1) technical competence, (2) the ability to use digital technologies in a meaningful way for working, studying and in everyday life, (3) the ability to evaluate digital technologies critically, and (4) motivation to participate and commit in the digital culture.     

The Role of Beliefs and Motivational Variables in Enhancing Word Problem Solving

A Word Problem Enrichment programme (WPE) has been found to increase student word problem solving performance when facing non-routine and application problems. However, it is unknown if the WPE has an impact on student beliefs about word problem solving and how the WPE works for students with different motivation in learning mathematics. This study investigated the impact of the WPE on student beliefs about word problem solving by using Latent Profile Analysis and Structural Equation Modelling to analyse relations among the different cognitive, motivation, and belief factors. A total of 170 fourth- and sixth-grade students from elementary schools participated. Results showed that the effects of WPE are various depending on students’ initial motivation level. The impacts of the WPE on student beliefs were found only in students with a low initial motivation level, while its impacts on student problem-solving performance were found only in students with a high initial motivation level.     

Ferroelectric liquid crystals: The 2004 Benjamin Franklin Medal in Physics presented to Robert B. Meyer of Brandeis University

In a theoretical examination of the structures of liquid crystal phases, Robert B. Meyer in 1975 creatively utilized symmetry arguments to predict that tilted, layered liquid crystal phases of chiral molecules are ferroelectric. He then engaged the help of organic chemists to synthesize a compound that might possess such a phase, and once the material was in his hands, Meyer not only verified its ferroelectricity, but also suggested how such a phase could be used for extremely fast displays. This discovery of ferroelectricity in a fluid system with the possibility for unique applications surprised the entire condensed matter research community and quickly paved the way for both increased scientific understanding and significant technological advancement. For this creative synthesis of theory and experiment, Meyer was awarded the 2004 Benjamin Franklin Medal in Physics.     

Promoting creativity in PhD supervision: Tensions and dilemmas

In this paper we argue that the processes of collaborative creativity are just as important within the sociocultural context of PhD supervisory practice, as they are in other organizational and educational settings. In order to test this claim a series of interviews with supervisors and students were undertaken to uncover the pedagogic processes used to encourage and support creativity within supervision sessions. The findings from this small-scale study suggest that whilst the more formal instruction and monitoring processes that lead to the acquisition of transferrable research skills are both usefully and necessary aspects of doctoral training, the more open-ended and creative developments required at this level of study should be given equal weight. There needs to be space, time and encouragement for the types of interactions identified here (e.g. informal reflection, relationship building with peers and supervisor, playful exploration and risk taking) as well as mandatory skills development.     

Working memory resources in children: stability and relation to subsequent academic skills

This study aimed to investigate the extent to which WM measured in kindergarten predicts WM measured in second grade (stability of individual WM progress) and the extent to which WM measured at kindergarten predicts academic performance at second grade (N?=?94). The results showed that WM skills significantly increase during the time span from Finnish kindergarten to second grade. Verbal (VWM) and visuospatial WM (VSWM) resources seem to develop quite independently, whereas individual progress showed some stability. WM resources measured just before the start of formal school predicted later academic performance and VWM acted as more powerful predictor than VSWM resources. The results have two important educational implications: first, an individual or group-based intervention designed to enhance children’s WM skills would be most important even before the start of school, and second, poor WM skills should be addressed when planning the learning environment beginning in kindergarten.     

CA-Markov模型在舟山市土地利用中的应用研究

基于复杂适应系统、元胞自动机和马尔科夫链等相关理论,构建了城市土地利用的元胞自动机-马尔科夫模型（CA-Markov模型）,给出了从众系数矩阵的演化规则和确定方法.以舟山市土地利用变更为例,利用CA-Markov模型对该市土地利用变化进行计算机模拟,分析城市土地利用的变化规律.同时,得到的土地利用系统非线性的复杂特征体现了CA-Markov模型具有模拟复杂适应系统的能力.研究表明CA-Markov复合模型不仅具有空间演化的优势,还具有Markov过程的优良性质,比简单的Markov模型和CA模型更优越.     

The utilitarian and hedonic outcomes of music information-seeking in everyday life

This qualitative study focuses on what contributes to making a music information-seeking experience satisfying in the context of everyday life. Data were collected through in-depth interviews conducted with 15 younger adults (18 to 29 years old). The analysis revealed that satisfaction could depend on both hedonic (i.e., experiencing pleasure) and utilitarian outcomes. It was found that two types of utilitarian outcomes contributed to satisfaction: (1) the acquisition of music, and (2) the acquisition of information about music. Information about music was gathered to (1) enrich the listening experience, (2) increase one's music knowledge, and/or (3) optimize future acquisition. This study contributes to a better understanding of music information-seeking behavior in recreational contexts. It also has implications for music information retrieval systems design: results suggest that these systems should be engaging, include a wealth of extra-musical information, allow users to navigate among music items, and encourage serendipitous encountering of music.     

New regulatory institution for the convergence of broadcasting and telecommunications: A Korean case

This paper addresses a new case for the convergent regulatory institution for broadcasting and telecommunications in Korea. This paper emphasizes that, when considering a convergent regulatory body, Korea's main principle to establish is a reflection of the paradigm shift of convergence and IT industry. The proposal of the Korean Communications Commission addresses that as a prior factor. This paper deals with three characteristics in establishing the KCC: accommodating policy making and regulation together within a single institution; choosing a commission model as a new organizational type, which inherits a broadcasting legacy to ensure diversity and independence; combining content and network sector together. This paper attempts to show that the Korean model gives a power to the convergent regulatory institution to make the country remain one of the leading countries in information and communication sector as well as implement convergence of broadcasting and telecommunications successfully.     

Participatory democracy and the value of online community networks: An exploration of online and offline communities engaged in civil society and political activity

This article addresses the widely debated question of whether online communication through the Internet will fulfill its potential to enhance democratic processes in society. The paper reports the findings of a survey of groups engaged in some form of civic activity, in both online and offline groups. Comparisons are drawn between the responses of those engaged in both types of group to determine whether the motivations, behavior, and satisfaction of participants differ because of the medium of communication. Contrary to some expectations in the literature, the findings suggest that participants in online groups are marginally less satisfied with their participation in their group. The findings have implications for politicians, policy makers, and groups engaged in civil society when using online channels of communication for democratic discourse.