Exploring student learning approaches on an initial teacher education programme: A comparison of mature learners and direct entry third-level students

This article compares the learning approaches of students on an initial teacher education programme. Using a mixed method approach, the study examines differences between mature learners and direct entry students, across the domains of deep, strategic and surface learning approaches. Following the quantitative phase, group interviews were conducted to gain additional insights into the factors, which impacted learning approach. Significant differences were evident between both cohorts. The key categories that contributed to learning approach included; motivation to learn, collaborative and competitive learning, prior educational experiences and school placement. The findings provide insights into the diversity of student cohorts.     

Teachers’ perception of mobile edutainment for special needs learners: the Malaysian case

Study of Malaysian adoption of mobile learning (m-learning) is still in the early stages. However, there are numerous researchers in the country exploring the potential and application of m-learning in the Malaysian education system, including special education. A key question is whether teachers are prepared to incorporate mobile technology as part of their teaching tools or do teachers perceive mobile technology only as personal communication gadgets. This paper investigates teachers' perception of m-learning applications in special education classes. Interviews were conducted to collect related information on teachers' perceptions of m-learning in the selected schools. The teachers expressed that there are limited resources to cater to the attention of special needs learners and they believed edutainment technologies such as augmented reality, game-based educational software and animation projects could be the answer. The benefits and challenges of implementing blended learning for special education are also discussed. The paper concludes by summarising the current environment of m-learning in Malaysian special needs education, together with recommendations for future use of the technology.     

天津电大远程开放教育教育类课程学员及教学情况的调查研究

本文通过对天津电大远程开放教育教育类课程学员及教学情况的调查研究,总结了目前存在的基本问题,分析其成因,并提出改进建议。     

自主学习环境下的学习动机研究

学习动机分为内在动机和外在动机,内在动机是自主学习能力培养的决定性因素。调查发现,在使用自主学习中心学习外语过程中,学习者的外在动机占主导地位,而内在动机严重不足。因此,进行自主学习培训,应提供网络学习资源和服务的详细信息,开展学习能力培养竞赛,展示成功范例,推进教师发展。     

PBL在国外ESL\EFL领域的研究综述

从PBL的定义、特征、作用,以其在国外ESL\EFL教学中的实施等方面,对PBL研究现状进行了系统地梳理和分析,旨在为我国英语教师实施PBL提供参考。     

中国EFL语境下伦理语言观念的转变——英语教材内容纯净化之伦理思考

英语学习在我国的国情决定了英语对大多数学习者来说只能是外语（EFL）,而不是二语（ESL）,二语习得的某些理论是不适合这种外语学习的。文章以英语粗话作为例证,认为英语粗话是人们创造和运用语言的一种社会行为,它在日常交际中扮演着情感宣泄的重要作用,理应在我们的英语教材中占有一席之地。可是我们目前的英语教材中都是被过滤的语言,其内容的纯净化使得它们远离世俗生活,书卷气十足,这也是造成我国学生英语交际能力不高的部分原因。这就要求我们适当改变伦理语言观念,改革教材编写规范,合理把握教学尺度,从而提高学生的语言交际能力。     

远程教育学习者沉淀现象分析

沉淀现象在远程教育实践中普遍存在,这一现象被认为是远程教育机构实行弹性学制的自然结果而被忽视或缺乏研究。对远程教育沉淀现象进行研究,采用统计资料分析法、问卷调查法和访谈法,分析广东某大学网络教育学院的远程学习者的沉淀规律,对远程教育机构在学生支持服务、课程开发与管理等方面提供借鉴。     

论英汉学习词典存在的六大问题

从英语学习者角度出发,指出了英汉学习词典编纂中存在的六大问题,分析了问题之所在,并提出了解决问题的措施与方法。     

内蒙古地区远程学习者学业表现及学习环境分析

边远地区的少数民族远程学习者在以共享优质教育资源为主要特征的远程教育形式下处于弱势的地位。由于语言文化环境及经济环境的差异其在接受学习支持服务和选择学习资源时存在许多不利条件,从而导致其学业表现弱于汉族远程学习者。本文选择内蒙古广播电视大学在籍学生为研究对象,从民族、性别两个维度分析比较内蒙古地区远程学习者的学业表现,并由此分析少数民族远程学习者所处的学习环境对其产生的影响,从而从政策角度提出对策建议。     

开放教育中学习者质量诉求分类及其表达

开放教育中学习者的质量诉求对教育质量的提升具有重要意义。学习者的质量诉求可分为感性质量诉求与理性质量诉求。诉求的表达可粗分为四类：积极参与式、消极参与式、积极退出式、消极退出式。