Chinese award-winning tutors’ perceptions and practices of classroom-based assessment

This study examines Chinese tertiary award-winning tutors’ perceptions and reported practices of classroom-based assessment. Seventeen tutors in the final stage of a national university teaching contest were individually interviewed. An interview framework was developed using three process dimensions of assessment for learning (AfL). A sequential and iterative analysis of resulting data was conducted based on Miles and Huberman’s protocols for qualitative analysis. Participants demonstrated a complex set of connections between perceptions and practices around issues of sharing standards, delivering feedback and response to external assessments. Results deviate from widely promoted principles of AfL and classroom-based assessment espoused in the international literature; in doing so, they challenge existing research and assumptions about the standardised and international nature of award-winning instructors’ assessment practices. Findings are discussed in relationship to understanding best practices in tertiary assessment, given emerging tertiary education markets. Practical implications for the further development of learning and assessment practices and theoretical implications for the AfL theory are also discussed.     

近十年国际高等教育评估研究的现状、热点及趋势

《高等教育评估与评价》(Assessment&Evaluation in Higher Education)作为唯一被SSCI收录的高等教育评估期刊,具有很大的学术影响力。以该期刊近十年来的载文为研究对象,运用CiteSpace文献计量软件分析国际高等教育评估的高影响力作者群体、研究热点、知识基础和前沿领域。研究结果表明:我国高等教育评估研究者的国际影响力逐步扩大;强调学生在评估中的参与度、关注反馈在评估中的地位以及重视教与学微观层面的评估为国际高等教育评估的三大研究热点;学生评教以及评估设计将是未来一段时间国际高等教育评估的前沿领域。     

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.     

Validating a computerized scoring system for assessing writing and placing students in composition courses

How do scores from writing samples generated by computerized essay scorers compare to those generated by “untrained” human scorers and what combination of scores, if any, is more accurate at placing students in composition courses? This study endeavored to answer this two-part question by evaluating the correspondence between writing sample scores generated by the IntelliMetric™ automated scoring system and scores generated by University Preparation English faculty, as well as examining the predictive validity of both the automated and human scores. The results revealed significant correlations between the faculty scores and the IntelliMetric™ scores of the ACCUPLACER™ OnLine WritePlacer Plus test. Moreover, logistic regression models that utilized the IntelliMetric™ scores and average faculty scores were more accurate at placing students (77% overall correct placement rate) than were models incorporating only the average faculty score or the IntelliMetric™ scores.     

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.     

The cooking teacher: investigating gender stereotypes in a Korean kindergarten

This article discusses some findings from a small‐scale investigation of children's gendered beliefs and behaviours in a Korean kindergarten which was attempting to challenge gender stereotyping through the anti‐bias intervention of a ‘cooking curriculum’. A sample of 14 children, some with ‘working’ mothers and some with ‘housewife’ mothers, was observed for two months, and informally interviewed on several occasions. The children's mothers were also interviewed. The findings are situated in the context of the changing, but still traditional, culture of Korean society, as well as in the contexts of early childhood education and theories of gender acquisition. They confirm that, although children are highly likely to reproduce the beliefs current in their home environment, they are open to reconstructing these views when actively challenged to consider alternatives, either by the school curriculum or by engaging in debate with a researcher or practitioner. The nature of the ‘alternative’ views available may however be problematic.     

开放式多通道数据采集系统硬件平台设计

描述一个以ISA总线为依托而扩展成的多通道数据采集系统硬件平台，在这个平台上，用户可以根据自己的需要组成不同位数及不同采样速率的多通道数据采集系统。     

研究性学习活动的设计与实施

随着新课程计划的实施,作为培养创新精神和实践能力的研究性学习活动已在不少省市展开,为了避免活动的盲目性,本文就研究性学习活动设计与实施中的目标、内容、程序及评价等作必要的探讨.     

Substituted plan analysis in the environmental impact assessment of Yongchuan wastewater treatment project

Substituted plan in EIA mainly means a the treatment technology and the substituted site of wastewater plant, and it also includes the many kinds of environment protection measures. In principal, the substituted plan should reach the same aim and achieve …     

试论高校质量保障评估机构的中介化

从国外近年来高等教育质量保障的实践与我国高等教育管理体制改革方向与高校发展的状况出发，我们认为建立具有中介性质的校外质量保障评估机构既是高等教育质量保障体系不可或缺的组成部分，又是国际高等教育质量保障运动的发展方向，就该问题进行进一步的理论探讨是十分必要的。