On Fitting a Multivariate Two-Part Latent Growth Model

The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of the number of targets specified on the quality of exploratory factor analysis solutions with a complex underlying structure and incomplete substantive measurement theory. Three Monte Carlo studies were performed based on the ratio of the number of observed variables to the number of underlying factors. Within each study, communality, sample size, and the number of targets were manipulated. Outcomes included a measure of congruence and a measure of variability with regard to the rotated pattern matrix. The magnitude of the main effect for the influence of the number of targets on congruence and variability ranged from moderate to large. The magnitude of the interaction between the number of targets and level of communality ranged from small to moderate with regard to congruence and variability. Consistent with theoretical expectations, the minimum number of targets to specify to be reasonably assured of obtaining an accurate solution varied across study conditions.     

Graphical Extension of Sample Size Planning With AIPE on RMSEA Using R

Kelley and Lai (2011) recently proposed the use of accuracy in parameter estimation (AIPE) for sample size planning in structural equation modeling. The sample size that reaches the desired width for the confidence interval of root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) is suggested. This study proposes a graphical extension with the AIPE approach, abbreviated as GAIPE, on RMSEA to facilitate sample size planning in structural equation modeling. GAIPE simultaneously displays the expected width of a confidence interval of RMSEA, the necessary sample size to reach the desired width, and the RMSEA values covered in the confidence interval. Power analysis for hypothesis tests related to RMSEA can also be integrated into the GAIPE framework to allow for a concurrent consideration of accuracy in estimation and statistical power to plan sample sizes. A package written in R has been developed to implement GAIPE. Examples and instructions for using the GAIPE package are presented to help readers make use of this flexible framework. With the capacity of incorporating information on accuracy in RMSEA estimation, values of RMSEA, and power for hypothesis testing on RMSEA in a single graphical representation, the GAIPE extension offers an informative and practical approach for sample size planning in structural equation modeling.     

An Evaluation of Latent Growth Models for Propensity Score Matched Groups

Because random assignment is not possible in observational studies, estimates of treatment effects might be biased due to selection on observable and unobservable variables. To strengthen causal inference in longitudinal observational studies of multiple treatments, we present 4 latent growth models for propensity score matched groups, and evaluate their performance with a Monte Carlo simulation study. We found that the 4 models performed similarly with respect to model fit, bias of parameter estimates, Type I error, and power to test the treatment effect. To demonstrate a multigroup latent growth model with dummy treatment indicators, we estimated the effect of students changing schools during elementary school years on their reading and mathematics achievement, using data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study Kindergarten Cohort.     

The Ability for Posterior Predictive Checking to Identify Model Misspecification in Bayesian Growth Mixture Modeling

Proper model specification is an issue for researchers, regardless of the estimation framework being utilized. Typically, indexes are used to compare the fit of one model to the fit of an alternate model. These indexes only provide an indication of relative fit and do not necessarily point toward proper model specification. There is a procedure in the Bayesian framework called posterior predictive checking that is designed theoretically to detect model misspecification for observed data. However, the performance of the posterior predictive check procedure has thus far not been directly examined under different conditions of mixture model misspecification. This article addresses this task and aims to provide additional insight into whether or not posterior predictive checks can detect model misspecification within the context of Bayesian growth mixture modeling. Results indicate that this procedure can only identify mixture model misspecification under very extreme cases of misspecification.     

马克思主义中国化的基本途径和方法

系统学习和掌握马克思主义基本原理的立场、观点和方法,掌握中国的具体现实国情和历史国情,推进马克思主义基本原理与中国实际相结合,是马克思主义中国化的基本途径和方法。     

玉雕专业职业教育的探索

结合教学实际,以中国玉石文化的发展为切入口,对玉文化观念、玉的发展和繁荣进行了探讨,进而对玉雕造型能力的教学培养、以及在玉雕绘画、技法、加工教学中的实际问题提出了建议.     

口译教学实证研究:教师、教材、教法

口译能力培养是一项系统工程,需要在教师、教材和教法上做全方位的努力。目前针对学生口译能力培养的研究以经验性讨论为主,实证研究较少,且显有从学生反馈出发进行探讨的。在回顾口译教学相关理论的基础上,通过对学习者的问卷调查和访谈,探究学生需求并提出以下口译教学建议:1)口译教师要有丰富口译经验及科学教学方法;2)课堂教材应以技能为线,练习材料要与时俱进,灵活多变;3)在教法上区别于语言教学,以技能为主;教师应多点评,做口译示范。     

Field-based teacher education in literacy: preparing teachers in real classroom contexts

For the past two decades, scholars have advocated for reforms in teacher education that emphasize relevant connections between theory and practice in university coursework and focus on clinical experiences. This paper is based on our experiences in designing and implementing an integrated literacy methods course in a field-based teacher education program. We describe issues involved in helping preservice teachers learn to differentiate literacy instruction for diverse learners in urban schools and describe how we use Grossman’s framework of representation, decomposition, and approximation of practice to connect theory and practice. We offer insights about the importance of using recursive cycles of practice and carefully scaffolded learning through attention to different aspects of practice. Initial successes and challenges in implementing field-based literacy education are discussed.     

Pre-service teachers’ science beliefs,attitudes, and self-efficacy: a multi-case study

The aim of this multi-case study was to explore the extent and nature of changes in elementary pre-service teachers’ beliefs, attitudes, and self-efficacy toward science and science teaching as a result of participating in a science methods course. The study specifically focused on three groups of pre-service teachers based on their varying beliefs, attitudes, and self-efficacy prior to the course. The study examined factors that may have contributed to changes in these domains as well as interrelationships among the three constructs.     

Speaking of whiteness: compromise as a purposeful pedagogical strategy toward white students' learning about race

This article discusses pedagogical issues that arise in higher education when instructors of color teach classes with predominantly white students. We use student interview data collected during one graduate social foundations of education course to argue that in order to be effective, pedagogical decisions in a foundations course centered on race necessitate certain compromises in terms of power. To open up spaces of dialogic possibility for the discussion and understanding of white privilege, the authors suggest that instructors engage in a pedagogy of purposeful compromise. Such a pedagogy accepts that most white students will not, in the space of one course, recognize their own agency in the perpetuation of privilege and racism, but they might recognize white privilege as a larger structural process that inhibits the opportunities of people of color.