The structure of pre-adolescents’ perceptions of their teacher’s interpersonal behaviours and their relation to pre-adolescents’ learning outcomes

Previous studies have offered indications that the way pre-adolescents (fifth and sixth graders) structure their perceptions of their teacher’s interaction in terms of Agency and Communion differs from adolescents. The purpose of this study was to delineate previous findings by thoroughly examining the structure of pre-adolescents’ perceptions of their teacher’s interpersonal behaviour, and by investigating the extent to which this structure relates to pre-adolescents’ learning outcomes. A mixed methods research design was implemented including a qualitative instrument adaptation procedure followed by a quantitative large-scale administration. Participants for the latter were a random sample of 504 pre-adolescents (from 10 to 13 years old) and 36 teachers. Results showed that participants placed significantly more emphasis on their teachers’ Communion behavioural dimension and this emphasis was illustrated on the association of perceived teacher interaction and students’ learning outcomes. Implications for theory, research and practice are discussed.     

Proofs through Exploration in Dynamic Geometry Environments

The recent development of powerful new technologies such as dynamic geometry software (DGS) with drag capability has made possible the continuous variation of geometric configurations and allows one to quickly and easily investigate whether particular conjectures are true or not. Because of the inductive nature of the DGS, the experimental-theoretical gap that exists in the acquisition and justification of geometrical knowledge becomes an important pedagogical concern. In this article we discuss the implications of the development of this new software for the teaching of proof and making proof meaningful to students. We describe how three prospective primary school teachers explored problems in geometry and how their constructions and conjectures led them see proofs in DGS. Constantinos Christou: Author for correspondence.     

Some Student Comparisons

Abstract

The First Feminist Revolution: In Adamless Eden: The Community of Women Faculty at Wellesley By Patricia Ann Palmieri New Haven. Conn.: Yale University Press. 1995. 382 pages. $35. Reviewed by Frieda A. Stahl.

An Essential Guide: Learning Networks A Field Guide to Teaching and Learning OnlineBy Linda Harasim, Starr Roxanne Hiltz, Lucio Teles, and Murray Turoff Cambridge, Mass.: The MIT Press, 1995, 329 pages, $35. Reviewed by Roger H. Marty.     

Cypriot and Greek Primary Teachers’ Conceptions about Mathematical Assessment∗

The purpose of this study, which is part of a larger research program, was to investigate teachers’ conceptions about assessment. A mailed questionnaire sent to 5th and 6th grade teachers in Cyprus and Greece produced a rather optimistic picture about the investigated issues. However, some semi‐structured interviews, which followed, showed that teachers in both countries seemed to have a rather vague understanding of relevant key concepts.     

Factors that Influence Students to Become Teachers

The purpose of this study was to identify and compare the factors that had influenced students at the Pennsylvania State University and at the University of Cyprus to major in elementary education. A questionnaire was completed by 157 students from PSU and by 176 students from the UC. The factors that were identified were variety of benefits, internal motives, status of the profession, interpersonal influence and academic ability. The factor “internal motives” was the strongest factor that influenced students from the PSU to major in elementary education. The factors which were highly influential for the students of the University of Cyprus to enter the same major, were the “variety of benefits” and the “status of the profession”.     

Effects of Background and School Factors on the Mathematics Achievement

Using a structural equation model, this research study investigated the mathematics achievement of 8th grade students in Cyprus enrolled in the year 1994–1995. The model contained 2 exogenous constructs – the educational background of the family and the reinforcement from mother, friends and the individual himself; and 5 endogenous constructs – socioeconomic status (SES), and student attitudes toward mathematics, teaching, school climate, and beliefs related to success in mathematics. The study demonstrated that although attitudes, teaching, and beliefs had direct effect on mathematics outcomes, they were not statistically significant. It was also found that family educational background directly affected SES, attitudes toward mathematics, school climate and beliefs related to success in mathematics. Reinforcement exerted a direct effect on attitudes, teaching and beliefs regarding success. There was also evidence that SES directly affects school climate and that teaching directly affects attitudes toward mathematics.     

Students' Understanding of the Library of Congress Call Number System

Students' ability to effectively understand and use call numbers to locate materials in the library is still an important skill in the digital age. This study explores students' perceptions of Library of Congress call number schemes and identifies the conditions that impede or facilitate students' successful location of desired library materials. Using a multiple case study design, this article describes the perceptions of undergraduate students who attend a 4-year public university in the Midwest. The findings suggest that students demonstrate little facility for locating books easily and independently, misinterpret call numbers in diverse ways, and do not fully understand the library's organization of materials.