A critical review of elaboration theory

In this article the authors examine elaboration theory (ET), a model for sequencing and organizing courses which was developed by Charles Reigeluth and associates in the late 1970s. The purpose of the article is to offer a critique of ET based on recent cognitive research and to offer suggestions for updating the model to reflect new knowledge.Commentary by Charles Reigeluth follows this article.     

Reveal Digital: an open access model empowering libraries to become publishers

• Digitizing cultural heritage, humanities, content is currently being undertaken with institutional or government support but there are opportunities for greater library collaboration.
• Using a crowdfunding model to support the creation of digitized collections empowers librarians but also challenges them to think like investors and publishers.
• The described model creates an open access collection for the benefit of all scholars and also provides additional benefits for the participating libraries.

     

Perceived Utility of Methods and Instructional Strategies Used in Online and Face-to-face Teaching Environments

The purposes of this study were to compare the instructional methods and strategies identified as useful in online teaching environments with those used in a face-to-face teaching environment, to investigate relationships between the perceived usefulness of instructional strategies and methods used by higher education faculty in both teaching environments, and to identify instructional methods transferred from an online to a face-to-face teaching environment. The following instructional methods were found to have a significant relationship with the instructional environment: student collaborative projects, student-to-student electronic discussions, lecture (direct instruction), questioning and feedback to students, and e-mail communication with the instructor. Both authors are at Drake University. Peggy Steinbronn. Ed.D., Drake University, is the Instructional Technology Manager. Special interests include technology integration, faculty professional development, and online instruction. Eunice Merideth, Ph.D., Iowa State University, is the Associate Dean of the Drake School of Education. Her special interests include technology integration, social justice, and distance learning. Contact the authors at peggy.steinbronn@drake.edu and eunice.merideth@drake.edu     

Examining barriers in technology-enhanced problem-based learning: Using a performance support systems approach

This study focused on the barriers that middle school teachers faced when implementing technology-enhanced problem-based learning (PBL) in their classrooms. Using a human performance-based model, we interviewed teachers, administrators, university faculty and technical support staff to determine the perceived importance of multiple barriers to the implementation of technology-enhanced PBL. Twenty-one teachers, two school administrators and a project manager, two faculty members, and two technical support staff participated in the study. Interview data were supported by surveys, classroom observations and researchers' reflective journals. Results suggested that lack of a clear, shared vision was the primary barrier. Additional barriers included lack of knowledge and skills, unclear expectations and insufficient feedback. Recommendations to support teachers' efforts to integrate technology-enhanced problem-based learning are presented.     

Gender Relations,Education and Social Change in Poland

The significance of patterns of gender inequality in education in Poland cannot be adequately grasped without a wider understanding of the specific nature of gender relations under State socialism. The present article approaches this problem by posing a fundamental question: how is it possible to reconcile what is known concerning gender inequalities and the sexual division of labour in Poland with the documented absence of feminist awareness in that country? The answer is sought in terms of the specific ways in which the public and private domains exist under State socialism. The analysis provides an interpretation of social transition in Poland, arguing that this fundamentally entails a shift in the nature of patriarchy. The conclusion is that the lived experience of a ‘civil society’ and the revaluation of gender identity this brings, is prerequisite if sexist thinking and practice is to be perceived as such and challenged—in education as in other areas of social life.     

Baumgartner's Modified Pull-Up Test For Male and Female Elementary School Aged Children

Abstract

Nineteen college men and women (aged 18–23 yrs, × = 21.1) were studied to ascertain the force-time components of a rapid maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) for ankle dorsiflexors, knee extensors, elbow flexors, wrist flexors and hand grip. Standardized isometric strength testing protocol was used. After a practice period subjects were instructed to make an MVC without jerking and as quickly as possible, for each of the muscle actions noted above. Force readings were taken from a load cell assembly through an analogue-to-digital converter and analyzed to yield time values for MVC, 3/4 MVC, 1/2 MVC, and 1/4 MVC. The results indicated significant differences (p < .01) between the responses of the men and women, with the women reaching full MVC more rapidly than the men. Also, there were significant differences among the five muscle groups tested, with the wrist flexor muscle group developing MVC most quickly, while the knee extensors took the longest time to full MVC. Based upon these data it may be concluded that the time to full MVC differs between men and women, and also that the time to full MVC differs among the five muscle groups tested in this experiment.