The effect of using a systematic cooperative learning approach to help preservice teachers learn informal reading inventory procedures

This study examined the effect of using a systematic cooperative learning approach to help preservice teachers learn Informal Reading Inventory (IRI) concepts and procedures. Participants (N = 77) were enrolled in two different sections of a required reading methods course. Group 1 (n = 47) received instruction using a systematic cooperative learning approach and Group 2 (n = 30) received instruction using a direct instruction approach. Two instruments were designed for this study and administered as posttests. One instrument measured learning outcomes related to IRI concepts and procedures. The second instrument examined Group 1's perceptions toward the systematic cooperative learning approach. Treatment occurred during a three week unit and consisted of lecture, examples, guided practice, independent practice accomplished in cooperative groups, and specific feedback. Analysis included computing a one-way ANOVA, frequencies, and percentages. Results indicated that significant differences existed between Group 1 and Group 2 learning outcome scores. In addition, Group 1 perceived lectures, working in groups, and feedback as helping them learn IRI concepts and procedures.Judy Wedman obtained her Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma in reading education. Currently, she is an associate professor in elementary education at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Her research interests are in preservice teacher training in reading methodology.Julie Hughes obtained her Ph.D. from the University of Iowa in Higher Education and Administration. She currently is an assistant professor at the University of Missouri-Columbia in the Higher and Adult Education and Foundations area. Her research focus is on cooperative learning at the post-secondary level.Richard Robinson is currently professor of education in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Missouri-Columbia. A graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in reading education, his current research focus is reading comprehension with particular interest in the readability of medical information for patients.     

The use of performance indicators in performance analysis

The aims of this paper are to examine the application of performance indicators in different sports and, using the different structural definitions of games, to make general recommendations about the use and application of these indicators. Formal games are classified into three categories: net and wall games, invasion games, and striking and fielding games. The different types of sports are also sub-categorized by the rules of scoring and ending the respective matches. These classes are analysed further, to enable definition of useful performance indicators and to examine similarities and differences in the analysis of the different categories of game. The indices of performance are sub-categorized into general match indicators, tactical indicators, technical indicators and biomechanical indicators. Different research examples and the accuracy of their presentation are discussed. We conclude that, to enable a full and objective interpretation of the data from the analysis of a performance, comparisons of data are vital. In addition, any analysis of the distribution of actions across the playing surface should also be presented normalized, or non-dimensionalized, to the total distribution of actions across the area. Other normalizations of performance indicators should also be used more widely in conjunction with the accepted forms of data analysis. Finally, we recommend that biomechanists should pay more attention to games to enrich the analysis of performance in these sports.     

Sport competition as a dynamical self-organizing system

The existence of structure in sport competition is implicated in the widespread practice of using the information gathered from a past contest to prepare for a future contest. Based on this reasoning, we previously analysed squash match-play for evidence of signature traits from among the stochastic relations between the various types of shot. The mixed findings from these analyses led us to re-analyse squash match-play as a dynamical system. Here, we extend this line of investigation with some suggestions as to how various sports might be described further within this theoretical framework. We offer some examples of dynamical interactions in dyadic (i.e. one vs one) and team (e.g. many vs many) sports, as well as some predictions from a dynamical systems analysis for these types of sports contests. This paper should serve to initiate further research into the complex interactions that occur in sport competition.     

Managing Equality in Access

How can equality of access be managed successfully and what are the informing trends that institutions should not only acknowledge but act upon? An opening up of the education market means widening access, but this cannot be done in a vacuum. The associated management of equality in access must have a place in institutions’ strategic plans linked to a system of performance indicators to ensure appropriate measurement. Approaches will differ, but senior management should be committed to allocating resources and devoting marketing energies to this important area. Commitment to CATS will be a significant part of managing equality in access as will be the management of quality in access. These are challenges that are on the further and higher education agenda but which have yet to assume a higher priority in implementation.     

The information needs and information seeking behaviour of family doctors

AIMS: To explore the information needs and information seeking behaviour of family doctors, identifying any differences in attitudes and behaviours deriving from membership of a training practice and investigating the impact of a practice librarian. METHODS: A case study of general practitioners (GPs) in Aylesbury Vale incorporated a quantitative study of use of the medical library, and two qualitative techniques, in-depth interviews and group discussions. RESULTS: A total of 58 GPs, almost three quarters of those in the Vale, participated; 19 via individual interviews and a further 39 via two group discussions. Family doctors are prompted to seek information by needs arising from a combination of professional responsibilities and personal characteristics. A need for problem-orientated information, related to the care of individual patients, was the predominant factor that prompted these GPs to seek information. Personal collections remain the preferred information resource; electronic sources rank second. The study demonstrated low use of the medical library. However, both vocational training and the employment of a practice librarian impacted on library use. CONCLUSIONS: The study illuminates the information needs and preferences of GPs and illustrates the contribution that librarians may make at practice level, indicating the importance of outreach work.