Language ability and verbal and nonverbal executive functioning in deaf students communicating in spoken English

The internal use of language during problem solving is considered to play a key role in executive functioning. This role provides a means for self-reflection and self-questioning during the formation of rules and plans and a capacity to control and monitor behavior during problem-solving activity. Given that increasingly sophisticated language is required for effective executive functioning as an individual matures, it is likely that students with poor language abilities will have difficulties performing complex problem-solving tasks. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between language ability and verbal and nonverbal executive functioning in a group of deaf students who communicate using spoken English, as measured by their performance on two standardized tests of executive function: the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS) 20 Questions Test and the D-KEFS Tower Test. Expressive language ability accounted for more than 40% of variability in performance on the D-KEFS 20 Questions Test. There was no significant relationship between language ability and performance on the D-KEFS Tower Test. There was no relationship between language ability and familiarity with the specific problem-solving strategies of both D-KEFS Tests. Implications of the findings are discussed.     

Portuguese spelling in primary grades: complexity,length and lexicality effects

Reading and Writing - This study investigates spelling abilities of 189 second, third, and fourth graders using a word and pseudoword dictation task in European Portuguese. We analyzed the effect...     

An Exploratory Analysis of Differential Item Functioning and Its Possible Sources in a Higher Education Admissions Context

We analyzed a pool of items from an admissions test for differential item functioning (DIF) for groups based on age, socioeconomic status, citizenship, or English language status using Mantel-Haenszel and item response theory. DIF items were systematically examined to identify its possible sources by item type, content, and wording. DIF was primarily found in the citizenship group. As suggested by expert reviewers, possible sources of DIF in the direction of U.S. citizens was often in Quantitative Reasoning in items containing figures, charts, tables depicting real-world (as opposed to abstract) contexts. DIF items in the direction of non-U.S. citizens included “mathematical” items containing few words. DIF for the Verbal Reasoning items included geocultural references and proper names that may be differentially familiar for non-U.S. citizens. This study is responsive to foundational changes in the fairness section of the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing, which now consider additional groups in sensitivity analyses, given the increasing demographic diversity in test-taker populations.     

The historic approach in teaching: Analysis of an experience

The main purpose of this paper is to report our first attempts to study how and where it is possible to use the history of physics in a high school course. We made four activities based on historical data connected to heat and temperature. Filming was extremely important for the type of study we made since it allowed to draw out the situations we considered most relevant whenever necessary. We selected and analysed all the episodes in which there was any allusion (explicit or not) to history, presented in the form of questions or doubts, or portraying explanations of facts and phenomena built up based on reconstructions provided by the historical approach.     

The Dynamics of Picturebook Communication

This article offers new perspectives and theoretical tools to interpret and appreciate the complex relationships that can exist between words and pictures. The spectrum of text/image interaction is laid out and analyzed, and several picturebooks from different countries are explored to uncover a number of intriguing dynamics ranging from the simple to the highly elaborate. Text/image interaction may give rise to significant ambiguity, and the article points to future opportunities for dual audience research in this field. The article offers a taste of Nikolajeva and Scott's How Picturebooks Work (Garland, 2000).     

Process of internationalization of business schools in Latin America: the case of EAESP/FGV,Brazil

This article analyzes the theoretical and practical aspects of the academic internationalization process, through the main events and pathways developed over the 60 years of the EAESP/FGV, the São Paulo Business School of the Getulio Vargas Foundation (Brazil). A survey was conducted of former directors, coordinators of the main international programs and all school faculty (266 professors) about their training and international activities. EAESP/FGV has developed a diverse and consolidated international career, surpassing the activities related to teaching and student mobility. However, there are some opportunities to deepen internationalization as a strategic brand of the institution.     

«Repetência» by Portuguese school children in relation to their self-perception and self-evaluation

Primary school pupils in Portugal who have had to repeat two years of schooling were compared with a control group of normally progressing pupils. Harter’s scales were used to measure components of self-concept and of self-worth. There was no evidence that repeating years was associated with differences in mean scores other than those for perception of personal scholastic competence. However, correlations between components of the self-concept and global self-worth in four sub-samples of pupils differing in gender and repetência yielded patterns that could be used to suggest a more complex interpretation.     

Promoting Language and Executive Function in Educational Settings: The Drežančić Method

Research Findings: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of linguistic training based on the use of the Dre?an?i? method in educational settings. It is hypothesized that characteristics of this method, based on the typical stages of linguistic and cognitive development, could influence both language competence and executive function (EF). A pretest–posttest treatment design with a control group was used to evaluate the efficacy of the method (preintervention baseline and posttraining after 6 months). A total of 41 children (ranging in age from 26 to 31 months) with a vocabulary size score lower than the 50th percentile were recruited to participate in the study and were assigned to 2 groups: an experimental group that received training or a control group that participated in normal day care center activities. The results revealed that the training had an effect: The experimental group produced a greater variety of words and more complete sentences; moreover, the linguistic training appeared to positively affect EF processes. Practice or Policy: The results highlight the efficacy of a training, applicable to educational contexts, for typically developing populations. Furthermore, the confirmation of a rich interaction between language and EF even at an early age has important implications for clinical work.     

A mixed-method approach to the assessment of teachers’ emotions: development and validation of the Teacher Emotion Questionnaire

Existing research indicates that emotions are integral components of teachers’ jobs and lives, but knowledge regarding functional relations between teachers’ emotions, their antecedents and their effects on teachers, teaching and students is still quite scarce. One possible reason for this knowledge gap is the lack of adequate operationalisation of the teacher-emotion construct. Thus, the aim of this research was to develop a psychometrically grounded and contextually specific multidimensional self-report instrument aimed at assessing the specific emotions teachers experience in relation to their work and profession. Based on the contemporary component definition of emotion, and using a mixed-method approach (qualitative and quantitative), through a series of five empirical studies (N1 = 25, N2 = 300, N3 = 315, N4 = 391 and N5 = 1314), the Teacher Emotion Questionnaire (TEQ) has been developed. The instrument contains scales assessing emotions of joy, pride, love, fatigue, anger and hopelessness. All scales have adequate psychometric characteristics and are theoretically meaningfully related to the criterion variables examined. Added value of the TEQ scales over the more general measures of affect is also demonstrated.     

Threats of violence in schools: The Dallas independent school district's response

School violence has become a primary concern for parents, students, school personnel, and the public. As a result, educators are searching for methods to prevent violent acts perpetrated by youth. Dallas Public Schools developed procedures for assessing the potential for violence among children who express intent to harm others. The Dallas Violence Risk Assessment (DVRA) was developed to evaluate students who have made verbal or written threats of violence and to assist school staff in determining appropriate intervention strategies. This article describes the development of the DVRA, and presents case studies utilizing the DVRA procedures. Challenges and implications of the use of the DVRA are also discussed. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.