Direct and indirect measures of writing for nonlearning disabled and learning disabled college students

Direct and indirect measures were used to compare the written language abilities of three groups of college students: two with learning disabilities and one without learning disabilities. Main effects were found for group, but not gender. Differences between nonlearning disabled students (NLD) and those with learning disabilities (LD) in writing were evident on both types of measures. Performance by LD students with disabilities in an area other than writing differed depending on the type of measure and often was no different from either of the other two groups. The combined use of direct and indirect measures appeared most effective for examining the complexities of writing produced by all groups.     

Multiple Outcomes of Class Visits to Natural History Museums: The Students’ View

The purpose of this study was to describe and understand the range of outcomes of class visits to natural history museums. The theoretical framework is based on the multifaceted process of learning in free choice learning environments, and emphasizes the unique and individual learning experience in museum settings. The study’s significance is in highlighting several possible cognitive as well as non-cognitive learning effects in museums class visits, by providing the student’s point of view. Data was collected by semi-structured interviews with 50 students in grades 6–8 on the day following the visit. We present evidence that students expressed several learning outcomes, connected directly and indirectly to the scientific content of the visit. Content oriented outcomes included acquiring scientific knowledge and making connections to prior knowledge; social oriented outcomes were identified in students’ statements regarding communicating knowledge and social aspects of learning; and interest oriented outcomes were evidenced by students’ expressions about emotions, interest and curiosity. The aggregate data addressed the common outcomes and the impact of class visits to natural history museums in the short term. Comparisons between two types of museums show significant differences in several aspects, regarding the exhibit and/or the activity type. Practical ideas for structuring the ultimate experience are included.     

Teachers or learning leaders?: where have all the teachers gone? gone to be leaders,everyone

This paper traces the dramatic proliferation of leadership roles in English primary and secondar schools, due mainly to central government education policy of the past two decades. This has transformed schools from relatively simple to highly complex organizations and has impacted on the working conditions of, and demands on, teachers, together with many aspects of schooling. These changes are illustrated with typical examples of schools' leadership structures and their functioning. Interview data provide teachers' views on, and reactions to, the changes in school leadership. The paper also reviews the ways in which teacher education institutions have responded in terms of providing initial and in‐service education and training to equip the profession for this new and developing challenge. It examines the reception of such programmes by teachers and the reported impact on schools' management and the role of leadership within it.     

混合式教学模式在电大开放英语教学中的应用

混合式教学模式把传统教学模式的优势和信息化网络教学中的优势相互结合起来,较好地实现了信息与学科之间的整合.香港公开大学就是采用混合式教学(blended learning)模式的一个成功范例.文章阐述了混合式教学模式含义,论证了其应用于电大开放英语教学的可行性,并从混合式教学模式的主要实施环节入手,探讨了如何将混合式教学模式应用于电大开放英语课程教学,希望能为当前电大英语教学提供一些借鉴.     

合作学习教学模式在普通高校网球公共选项课中的实验研究

运用问卷调查法、教学实验法和数理统计法对合作学习教学模式在普通高校网球选项课中的教学效果与传统教学模式进行了对比研究。结果显示：该模式在提高学生网球技术,发展学生的身体素质,特别是在培养学生的合作意识、团队精神和社会适应能力等方面均显著优越于传统教学模式;值得当前高校网球教师研究和推广应用。