Science diaries: a brief writing intervention to improve motivation to learn science

This study investigated the hypothesis that prompting students to self-assess their interest and understanding of science concepts and activities would increase their motivation in science classes. Students were randomly assigned to an experimental condition that wrote self-assessments of their competence and interest in science lessons or a control condition that wrote summaries of those same lessons. Writing activities were 10?min long and were given approximately once a week for eighteen weeks. Student motivation was assessed via self-report surveys for achievement goals and interest in science before and after the intervention. Students in the experimental condition showed higher endorsement of mastery goals and reported greater situational interest in science topics after the intervention compared to students who summarised the lessons. Increases in situational interest predicted higher individual interest in the domain. Results indicate an instructional practice requiring just 3?hours out of a semester of instruction was sufficient to achieve these effects on motivation in science classes.     

Saussurian linguistics revisited: Can it inform our interpretation of mathematical activity?

This paper examines the basic notions of Ferdinand de Saussure (1857–1913) who was a preeminent figure in the development of linguistics and the foundation of structuralism. It suggests that a key aspect of twentieth century thought has been the growing recognition that the study of language can offer a framework through which we can develop an understanding of our world. It thus proposes that language is fundamental to the process of learning mathematics on every level whether it be through classroom discussion, group exploration, teacher exposition or individual interaction with printed material. Ensuing from this the paper investigates possible mathematical perspectives upon Saussure's ideas and explores what contribution his work can offer to enhance and enrich the interpretive framework through which we observe mathematical activity in the classroom. It takes as an example a mathematical investigation carried out by a group of 12 year old girls and develops the analysis from a Saussurian stance. The paper concludes that language is the medium through which, and in which, mathematical ideas are formed and exchanged.     

Multiple Dimensions of Instructional Effectiveness in Reading: A Review of Classroom Observation Studies and Implications for Special Education Classrooms

The purpose of this study was to review and analyze effective classroom reading practices for early graders, using information gathered from the existing content-general and content-specific observation protocols measuring teachers’ classroom reading practices. Dimensions and constructs from 28 observation studies were synthesized to identify classroom instructional practices that have positive impacts on student achievement. Findings revealed that (a) instructional support, emotional support, and classroom management have positive impacts on student achievement, (b) the degree to which instructional practices are effective depends on students’ particular learning needs, and (c) students’ entering skills and primary language are associated with instructional effectiveness in reading. Challenges and implications for future research on effective instructional strategies for special education and the development of an observational protocol for special education teacher effectiveness are discussed.     

A different type of charter school: in prestige charters,a rise in cachet equals a decline in access

This paper seeks to elucidate a specific type of charter school. While much has been written about school choice and the expanding charter school segment, a growing and important number of charter schools do not fit in to the common understanding of these schools. Distinct from many of their counterparts, prestige charter schools have the following two features: elements which foster a reputation similar to that of elite private schools and a student population demographically distinct from local public district schools – whereby the prestige charters serve a disproportionate number of advantaged families. The prestige elements include: founding by advantaged community members; parental involvement; wait lists; popularity with advantaged professionals; high test scores; and niche themes. The authors will show through two in-depth case studies that prestige charter schools work hand-in-hand with gentrification in urban neighborhoods, and result in racial and class segregation and inequality. This paper examines how these charter schools struggle when a rise in prestige coincides with a decline in access for low-income students. The authors recommend that given the current system of school choice, prestige charter schools must use tools and mechanisms to maintain demographic diversity and educational equity which is in the best interest of all children.     

Anti-bullying procedures for schools in Ireland: principals’ responses and perceptions

The role of the principal is imperative in creating a school climate that nurtures differences and equality at the same time. Policy and legislation in Ireland dictates the responsibility of school principals in preventing and intervening in issues relating to bullying. The current research investigates the extent to which principals consider the impact of bullying on their students and the strategies they take to combat it in their schools. We consider how principals respond to bullying and what supports they feel are missing for them to adhere to relevant policy. A sample of 918 principals from a range of schools across Ireland completed an online survey. The results demonstrated some positive actions by principals such as the provision of anti-bullying policies. However, they also document areas that need more action such as increased access to counsellors and appointing a specific staff member to deal with and tackle bullying in each school. Guidance from the Department of Education and Skills in Ireland on the development and provision of an anti-bullying programme is called for. Results are discussed in light of the current Anti-Bullying Procedures established by the Department of Education and Skills and the Action Plan for Bullying 2013.     

Cooperative research centres: The concept and its implementation

The Cooperative Research Centres Program aims to enhance the effectiveness of the overall Australian R&D effort by drawing together researchers from several institutions to create the concentrations of resources which are needed, in many research fields, to keep pace with the rapid scientific and technological progress which is occurring internationally. The Centres link together outstanding groups of researchers, from both the public and private sectors, with the users of research from appropriate industry sectors and other sectors of the economy and provide opportunities for research users to participate actively in the planning and operation of the research activities. The Program was started in 1990. Fifty-two Centres have now been approved across six major R&D and industry sectors representing, when these Centres are fully established, a commitment by the government of some $100 million per year and, from the participants, of some $200 million per year. This constitutes some six percent of the national R&D effort.