Professional development for specialist teachers and assessors of students with literacy difficulties/dyslexia: ‘to learn how to assess and support children with dyslexia’

In this paper, the results of an investigation into the training needs and expectations of participants of professional development training 1 for specialist teachers and assessors of learners with literacy difficulties and dyslexia are discussed and analysed. The methodology includes both qualitative and quantitative data which were collected over a period of 2 years from participants (N = 75) at the beginning of their courses of study. Current literature is reviewed, and an in‐depth analysis of the findings illuminates the rationale and content of the available training. The author discusses these findings and demonstrates the importance of the training. The conclusions offer research‐based reflections that are important to all those involved in the design and funding of this and future professional development.     

Rethinking exams and letter grades: how much can teachers delegate to students?

In this article we report a 3-yr study of a large-enrollment Cell Biology course focused on developing student skill in scientific reasoning and data interpretation. Specifically, the study tested the hypothesis that converting the role of exams from summative grading devices to formative tools would increase student success in acquiring those skills. Traditional midterm examinations were replaced by weekly assessments administered under test-like conditions and followed immediately by extensive self, peer, and instructor feedback. Course grades were criterion based and derived using data from the final exam. To alleviate anxiety associated with a single grading instrument, students were given the option of informing the grading process with evidence from weekly assessments. A comparative analysis was conducted to determine the impact of these design changes on both performance and measures of student affect. Results at the end of each year were used to inform modifications to the course in subsequent years. Significant improvements in student performance and attitudes were observed as refinements were implemented. The findings from this study emphasized the importance of prolonging student opportunity and motivation to improve by delaying grade decisions, providing frequent and immediate performance feedback, and designing that feedback to be maximally formative and minimally punitive.     

Cosas que usted no tuvo ocasión de preguntar sobre el aprendizaje y la enseñanza del lenguaje escrito a alumnos con NEE

En formato coloquial y de entrevista las autoras nos cuentan su proceso de reflexión didáctica para lograr una innovación general del modo y perspectiva para enseñar el lenguaje escrito, pasando desde un método tradicional basado en la enseñanza de un repertorio fonético y gráfico, a una enseñanza basada en la interacción y comprensión del propio proceso de escribir y leer, que resultó estar también perfectamente al alcance de los niños con necesidades educativas especiales.     

The effects of substantive and affective verbal conflict on the quality of decisions of small problem solving groups

Most group discussion textbooks emphasize that good solution, emerge from a variety of positions proposed through systematic, rational discourse, which allows for flexibility during problem‐solving which culminates in a high quality solution. This study attempts to test that assumption empirically; that is, quality decisions are produced through rational discourse. The study consists of simulated discussion of the horse‐trading problem, controlling for levels of substantive conflict, affective conflict, and sex. The results indicate (1) no differences in overall quality; (2) significant difference on flexibility between highly substantive and nonsubstantive discussions; (3) the significant difference on flexibility in substantive conditions is accounted for by male participants, not women; and (4) no difference on flexibility between affective conditions.