From Seeing to Doing: Examining the Impact of Non-Evaluative Classroom Observation on Teaching Development

In response to global interest in the quality of post-secondary teaching, institutions are placing increasing emphasis on teaching development. This study evaluated the effect of a campus-wide, non-evaluative classroom observation initiative on teaching development at a post-secondary institution. A survey found that participants in this study were likely to initiate and/or engage in self-directed learning in the area of teaching development simply by watching other instructors. Participants also reported that they would adopt or adapt teaching techniques they had observed. In general, the initiative was positively received and found to be a low-cost, low-investment tool. We discuss the benefits of and potential challenges to implementing non-evaluative classroom observations.     

Libraries,Development, and Implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda: A Regional Workshop held in Montego Bay, 16–18 February 2017

The Global Postcards column is pleased to present a column dedicated to examining ways that libraries are promoting and supporting the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our first article, by column editor Robin L. Kear, provides a look at one of IFLA's regional workshops for their International Advocacy Program that helps libraries understand how to promote their role in development goals. Next, Roseline Bawack from the University of Yaoundé shares how academic libraries in Cameroon are working to achieve the SDGs. Then, Magnus Osahon Igbinovia and James Afe Aiyebelehin summarize the 2017 Nigerian Library Association meeting that addressed ways that libraries can support development goals.

If you would like to send a submission for a future Global Postcards column, please contact either of the column's co-editors: Jacqueline Solis, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, jsolis@email.unc.edu, and Robin L. Kear, University of Pittsburgh, rlk25@pitt.edu.     

Computer conferencing: a contribution to self-directed learning

This article describes computer conferencing in its educational context, particularly as a tool for encouraging greater autonomy in the learner. Conferencing experiments at the Open University with a large undergraduate course (1000–2000 students) are described, and guidelines proposed: the conferencing system must be integral to the course and related directly to an assessment, the facility must be easy to use and the conference moderator needs special skills to manage the conference. Various problems can arise, such as the non-participant 'lurker' and the dominant personality. Ways in which conferencing can improve educational interaction are suggested. With an innovation as untested as conferencing, it is premature to expect definitive answers; rather this paper poses questions and identifies issues about the role of conferencing in education in the future.     

So close,and yet so far: cross-racial interactions among undergraduate students in two neighboring borderland communities

This article discusses two studies on the extent and nature of cross-racial interactions (CRIs) among undergraduate students from two neighboring US–Mexico borderland communities. Of the four participating higher education institutions, two were adjacent to the US–Mexico borderline, while the other two were 45 miles away from the borderline. One study relied on survey responses from over 900 students, while the other relied on focus group data from over 30 students. The participating students were from two universities and two community colleges. Although the students shared some common experiences and attitudes, there were some marked and important differences among them. These differences made a compelling argument for localizing what diversity means and customizing efforts to foster CRIs on college campuses.     

Examining Determinants of Efficacy Judgments as Factors in Health Promotion Message Design

Self-efficacy is a predictor of behavioral performance across a range of health domains, and research suggests that media messages can effectively boost efficacy; however, much is unknown regarding determinants of self-efficacy, and the message features with the greatest potential to alter efficacy perceptions. The authors of this article examined skill and motivation as determinants of efficacy and tested their effectiveness as message variables. Study 1 identified health behaviors that young adults felt unable to perform, as well as behavior barriers and facilitators. Study 2 isolated one behavior, exercise, and tested messages targeting either skill or motivation as a determinant of self-efficacy to exercise. Matched messages engendered greater general self-efficacy than unmatched messages, though no differences emerged on self-efficacy magnitude and strength measures. Follow-up data indicated that participants low in motivation exercised more than those low in skill regardless of message condition. Implications of these findings for health promotion efforts are discussed.     

Social Support and Socioeconomic Status Predict Secondary Students' Grades and Educational Plans Indifferently Across Immigrant Group and Gender

Social support and socioeconomic status (SES) have received considerable attention in explaining academic achievement and the achievement gap between students with ethic majority and immigrant background, and between boys and girls. Using a Structural Equation Modeling approach we examine (1) if there exist a gap in school achievements between these groups, (2) whether social support and SES is associated with achievements across these groups, (3) whether social support is associated with achievements after controlling for SES, and (4) whether achievement gaps are explained by group differences in social support and SES. Self-reported cross-sectional survey and register data from 8,574 10th graders in Norway was employed. Although we found group differences in achievements, and direct associations with social support and SES, we found no group differences in these associations. Controlling for SES and other sources of social support, teachers' support remained a significant positive influence on students' school outcomes.     

Struggling to understand abstract science topics: A Roundhouse diagram-based study

This study explored the effects of Roundhouse diagram construction on a previously low-performing middle school science student's struggles to understand abstract science concepts and principles. It is based on a metacognition-based visual learning model proposed by Wandersee in 1994. Ward and Wandersee introduced the Roundhouse diagram strategy and showed how it could be applied in science education. This article aims at elucidating the process by which Roundhouse diagramming helps learners bootstrap their current understandings to reach the intended meaningful understanding of complex science topics. The main findings of this study are that (a) it is crucial that relevant prior knowledge and dysfunctional alternative conceptions not be ignored during new learning if low-performing science students are to understand science well; (b) as the student's mastery of the Roundhouse diagram construction improved, so did science achievement; and (c) the student's apt choice of concept-related visual icons aided progress toward meaningful understanding of complex science concepts.