An investigation of introductory physical science using the test of science process

The hypotheses tested were that there would be differentially, significant improvement in scores on the Test of Science Processes (TSP) for four homogeneous divisions of an eight grade class during the period they studied the first five chapters of Introductory Physical Science (IPS). Results indicated significant improvement in at least one process subscore for each division of the class. A hierarchy of processes was suggested as a topic for further study.     

Navigating the Gifted Bubble: Black Adults Reflecting on Their Transition Experiences in NYC Gifted Programs

Through the reflections of 17 Black adults who attended gifted schools in New York City, this qualitative study investigated how they transitioned into and through gifted programs as students. Findings suggest four themes: (a) Many students were referred to gifted programs during their elementary school experience either by their teachers or by their parents; (b) participants expressed having an easy transition into gifted programs in elementary because their schools and gifted programs were racially diverse and provided a welcoming school environment; (c) during middle and high school, participants noted difficulty transitioning through school as gifted students, due to being one of few Black students in their gifted programs, as well as having to attend schools outside of their neighborhood; and (d) despite this, through supportive relationships and community partnerships, they were able to find the space to survive (and thrive) in their programs. Recommendations are provided for educators to support gifted Black students.     

Confirmatory factor analysis of the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the factor structure of the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2) using confirmatory factor analysis. Volunteer participants (n = 1213) completed the CSAI-2 approximately 1 h before competition and the data were analysed in two samples. The hypothesized model showed poor fit indices in both samples independently (Robust Comparative Fit Index: sample A = 0.82, sample B = 0.84) and simultaneously (Comparative Fit Index = 0.83), suggesting that the factor structure proposed by Martens et al. is flawed. Our findings suggest that a limitation of the Cognitive Anxiety scale derives from phrasing items around the word 'concerned' rather than 'worried'. We suggest that being concerned about an impending performance does not necessarily mean that an athlete is experiencing negative thoughts, but that the athlete is acknowledging the importance and difficulty of the challenge and is attempting to mobilize resources to cope. The present results question the use of the CSAI-2 as a valid measure of competitive state anxiety.     

A three-factor model of educational practice considerations for teaching neurodiverse learners from a strengths-based perspective

The purpose of this practice paper is to promote the teaching of learners with neurodevelopmental conditions from a neurodiverse perspective. The challenge teachers face in having to draw on up-to-date research evidence and theoretical perspectives, and align these with practical considerations to generate contextualised teaching strategies, are addressed with the introduction of a three-factor model. The utility of considering pupil assessment data gathered from a strengths-based perspective is positioned as a central component to bridging the gap between the incipient neurodiversity literature and the realities of applied teaching practice. Two case examples have presented that draw on the proposed three-factor model to demonstrate how teachers can assess and teach learners from a neurodevelopmental perspective. These case studies focus on supporting learners with Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in a secondary setting.     

Log jammed by standard assessment tests: how feedback can help writers

Standard assessment tests have been part of the literacy practice in English primary schools for many years. While educators point to the dangers of ‘teaching to the test’, politicians continue to believe that the best way of achieving accountability is by retaining league tables of these test results. Currently the curriculum is too readily restricted by what can be tested with little time allowed to stimulate children's imaginative thinking. This article looks critically at practice in an English junior school that has been in the top 9 per cent of performing schools and the effect on two Level 5 writers. The author offers a more complex approach for consideration, with herself as the teacher assessor concentrating on what is good in the writing as well as what is weak and offering interactive, followed by remedial, feedback to the writer.     

Biking to Academic Success: A Study on a Bike Desk Implementation at an Academic Library

Sedentary behavior has increased over the last several decades, and this has led to major life-threatening health issues. Texas A&M University Libraries has introduced an innovative idea in three of their buildings. This case study highlights the implementation of Bike Desks at an academic library while offering strategies for other libraries wishing to replicate this project, and analyzes data from a user survey. The survey explored student experiences, including perceived satisfaction and any perceived gains in study habits while using the Bike Desk.     

The Effects of Targeted Instruction and Other Interventions on the Interlibrary Loan Use Patterns of Historians and Their Students

Prior to this study, the Access Services Librarian systematically improved interlibrary loan (ILL) and related services offered by the R. Barbara Gitenstein Library of The College of New Jersey (TCNJ). She and her staff reviewed and revised workflows even as the Humanities Librarian focused on instructional efforts to further drive ILL use. Patrons’ confidence in ILL expanded. Requests for non-returnables, primarily journal articles and book chapters delivered electronically and within twenty-four hours, increased significantly. Returnables now arrive on average within six business days, more than double the speed previously achieved. Despite vastly improved turnaround times for all material types and efforts to boost users’ awareness of those improvements, faculty members affiliated with the History Department whose students rely on printed monographs told us that they remained reluctant to initiate ILL requests. Moving beyond anecdote, the Humanities and Access Services Librarians surveyed TCNJ historians and their capstone students on attitudes toward and use of ILL. Survey results are cross-referenced with ILL use statistics to aggregate reality versus perception among study participants. Changes in target patrons’ use of, confidence in, and feelings about TCNJ ILL over time are described.