Media Education in the University: enhancing media literacy through first‐year undergraduate coursework

This article provides a case study of a first‐year university subject designed to assist the development of media literacy. The context is one of ongoing debate about the purpose and role of media courses. In what ways do new communications technologies alter our understanding of media literacy? How can media subjects be most relevant to students following increasingly different educational pathways? The subject in question responded to such questions by seeking to promote independent capacities for research and writing in the changing media communications field. It used flexible learning techniques to encourage students to apply and reflect on writing formats drawn from professional fields such as journalism and screen production. In doing so, it aimed to encourage interest in the broader social conditions affecting media practices and the diverse settings in which these forms can operate. Through the case study, the article draws out some of the problems encountered in resource‐based learning and suggests some strategies for dealing with them in media education.     

'Mental Model' Comparison of Automated and Human Scoring

'Mental models' used by automated scoring for the simulation divisions of the computerized Architect Registration Examination are contrasted with those used by experienced human graders. Candidate solutions (N = 3613) received both automated and human holistic scores. Quantitative analyses suggest high correspondence between automated and human scores; thereby suggesting similar mental models are implemented. Solutions with discrepancies between automated and human scores were selected for qualitative analysis. The human graders were reconvened to review the human scores and to investigate the source of score discrepancies in light of rationales provided by the automated scoring process. After review, slightly more than half of the score discrepancies were reduced or eliminated. Six sources of discrepancy between original human scores and automated scores were identified: subjective criteria; objective criteria; tolerances/ weighting; details; examinee task interpretation; and unjustified. The tendency of the human graders to be compelled by automated score rationales varied by the nature of original score discrepancy. We determine that, while the automated scores are based on a mental model consistent with that of expert graders, there remain some important differences, both intentional and incidental, which distinguish between human and automated scoring. We conclude that automated scoring has the potential to enhance the validity evidence of scores in addition to improving efficiency.     

Two years' experience with recording equipment

THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION AND TRANSITION 1960–1961. Edited by Paul T. David. Washington, D.C.: Brookings Institution, 1961; pp. x+353. $3.75.

THE GREAT DEBATES: BACKGROUND, PERSPECTIVE, EFFECTS. Edited by Sidney Kraus. Bloomington, Ind.: Indiana University Press, 1962; pp. 439. $7.95.

REPORT OF THE COUNTY CHAIRMAN. By James A. Michener. New York: Random House, 1961; pp. 310. $3.95.

SIX CRISES. By Richard M. Nixon. New York: Doubleday, 1962; pp. xvi+459. $5.95.

THE MAKING OF THE PRESIDENT 1960. By Theodore H. White. New York: Atheneum Publishers, 1961; pp. viii+393. $6.95.     

An Investigation into the Nature of Inclusion Problem-Solving Teams

This investigation addressed the use of problem-solving teams (PST) to support general education teachers working in inclusive classrooms. Eight teams in a high-poverty elementary school that had recently implemented an inclusive program were the focus of the study. Teachers noted several benefits of PSTs, including social support, learning new instructional approaches, obtaining practical help with problems, and improving practice through reflection. However, there were several problems with the teams, primarily related to the logistics of team meetings. Finally, analysis of teacher dialogue revealed several features of meetings that contributed to meeting productivity. The implications of these findings for practice are discussed.     

Faculty and Instructor Perceptions of Open Educational Resources in Engineering

As open education initiatives aiming to lower the cost of course materials appeared at two universities, librarians became involved in identifying open educational resources (OERs) for university courses. However, when considering a number of subject areas—particularly in colleges focused on upper-division instruction—librarians encountered problems related to the availability of resources and materials selection processes. For this project, librarians selected one prominent subject area at their respective institutions—engineering—and worked to identify best practices for introducing OERs into courses. They surveyed engineering faculty and instructors to better understand their perceptions and needs related to OERs and, based on this work, they suggest best practices for liaison librarians in specialized fields who wish to incorporate OERs into their outreach work with a focus on upper-division courses.     

Inductive Influence

Objective Bayesianism has been criticised for not allowing learningfrom experience: it is claimed that an agent must give degreeof belief     

Parental teaching styles in an open-ended teaching-learning environment

The present study extends earlier work on parental teaching style by making the task to be completed less structured, extending parent-child interaction over a 2 week time period, and equalizing the expertise of the parent relative to the child. Additionally, the study examines the effects of parental intrusiveness on a subsequent task. Subjects were 22 Caucasian middle class parent-child dyads. Audiorecordings were taped over a 2-week period while dyads were learning aspects of Logo computer programming. Even in this prolonged nonspecific learning situation, in which parents were encouraged to proceed at the child's pace, parents were overwhelmingly directive. Additionally, children of directive parents performed best on a subsequent generalization task.