从活动理论看网络合作学习活动的设计

兴起于20世纪20年代的活动理论是理解和构建情境脉络中活动的有益框架,分析活动理论对设计网络环境下的合作学习活动具有现实指导意义。在对网络合作学习的内涵、特点及优势分析的基础上,提出在活动理论指导下,基于网络的合作学习活动的教学设计方法。     

Bringing Inquiry to the First Two Years of College Mathematics

Abstract

In this editorial, we provide an introduction to the special issue on Inquiry-Based Learning in First and Second Year Courses. We also discuss the essential features of inquiry-based learning and provide a brief overview of the literature and evidence for its effectiveness.     

Fluid reasoning,working memory and planning ability in assessment of risk for mathematical difficulties

ABSTRACT

The demands on mathematical problem-solving have increased in almost all school systems internationally and may constitute a barrier for children with special educational needs (SEN). This study explored the role of fluid reasoning (FR), working memory (WM) and complex executive function of planning (EF) in children (N = 62) referred for assessment of SEN, and specifically of risk for mathematical difficulties (MD). Performances on FR, WM and complex EF of planning were used to predict risk for MD. Results showed that planning ability predicted children at risk for MD, beyond FR or WM ability, when comparing with children not at risk for MD. It was concluded that assessing the complex EF of planning in addition to FR and WM ability is crucial in identifying children at risk for MD. The importance of understanding how planning ability affects children’s mathematical problem-solving is discussed, in relation to assessment and teaching practices.     

Learning about the past: exploring the opportunities and challenges of using an outdoor learning approach

This paper examines the potential of outdoor learning for supporting children’s understanding of and attitude towards history. A class of primary school children participated in an intensive experiential, residential history programme. A range of data was collected before, during and after the residential programme, and the findings suggest that the experience had a positive impact on the children’s attitude towards history and enabled many of the children to be able to easily recall highly specific factual knowledge. However, the children’s understanding of history as a provisional construct was not developed, as it was not a strong feature of the programme. Nor was the experiential nature of the experience fully exploited. Overall the study suggests that such a programme has the potential to support children’s learning of the past, but a deeper understanding of history, drawing on the benefits of outdoor learning pedagogy, needs to be planned for more explicitly.     

Networking around The Waterhole and other tales: the importance of relationships among texts for reading and related instruction

This article explores ways in which children's picture books form networks of relationships, and their implications for readers and classroom teachers. In this exploration, reading is seen to involve making connections within and beyond the text at hand. These connections, evoked differently across readers, shape readers' interpretations of text. Many possible meanings may arise from just one text, reinforcing the idea that no single correct meaning resides in a text. This article demonstrates tools for exploring textual connections with readers, and the value of such explorations for opening‐up reader interpretations of a text.     

用课堂教学语言营造英语语言环境

英语课堂教学是英语学习者所需要的最便捷的语言环境，这一语言环境是通过英语教学语言来实现的.英语教学语言是英语学习者能获得的重要语言环境之一。本文就用课堂教学语言营造英语语言环境的必要性、英语教学语言的概念、特点及其作用作简浅论述。     

变革传统的学校教育创建开放的学习环境

在传统的学校教育中,学生的学习环境是封闭的,主要表现为:学习场所局限于狭小的物理空间;课程内容与学习资源缺乏选择性;教学和评价以教师为中心。随着技术的发展和社会的进步,需要对传统学校教育进行有效的变革,为每一个学生的个性化学习创建开放的学习环境。     

影响外语学习的情感因素

影响外语学习的因素多种多样，而情感因素对学习效果起着至关重要作用。本文拟从影响外语学习的情感因素入手，解析各因素的影响，提请广大外语教育工作者重视情感因素在教学中的作用，并提出了一些可行性建议。     

Assessment of Cooperative Learning: A Goal-Criterion Approach

The problem of assessment of non-traditional teaching techniques has long challenged educational administrators and faculty. The approach to assessment that we followed in this instance employed a model that we developed to assess group learning, variously known as cooperative learning, collaborative learning, or team learning. We applied the model to group-based case study courses that included innovative enhancements such as group exams and group-based role-play. The model required balanced representation among multiple learning criteria arranged in six goal-criterion sets, all drawn from the literature on group learning. We designed a test instrument based on the model and administered the instrument to 85 students near the end of three business strategy courses. Imbalances among criteria in the six goal-criterion sets helped identify and correct weaknesses in course design and in methods of instruction.     

大学英语中个性化教学的探索与实践

个性化教学不是一种学习方式或方法,而是一种教育理念。在每个学生接受传授的同时,以学生为中心,目的是让学生按自己的进度,用自己的方法来学习他们所需要的内容,计算机和网络技术是必要的硬件保证。文章探讨了使用计算机进行个性化教学的利与弊以及如何进行个性化教学。最后,作者以一次教学尝试说明了个性化教学的可行性和效果。