Design of an interactive informational program: Formative evaluation and experimental research

The design and evaluation of an interactive informational program is outlined in this article. Also reported is an integrated research study which examines the effects of differing levels of orientation to an interactive informational program on user confidence and attitudes. Research results indicate that a full orientation providing information, examples, practice, and feedback for various program options can lead to greater levels of user comfort than a more limited type of orientation providing brief information and single examples, and with equally positive user attitudes. However, subjects receiving the full orientation spent less time in the actual program and accessed a smaller proportion of available program segments than did their limited-orientation counterparts. No differences in efficiency were noted between the two groups in the use of the program. Sex differences noted in attitudes and time expended are discussed, with reference to a possible preference by females for greater levels of program support. Recommendations are offered for interactive program developers and future research directions are suggested. This work was supported in part by Summer Research Awards provided by the Curry School of Education at the University of Virginia. I gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Richard Berdel, Cheryl Wissick, and Maureen Glasser in the data collection, and of theETR&D editor and anonymous reviewers for their comments on a draft of this article.     

Methods of analysis and overall mathematics teaching quality in at-risk prekindergarten classrooms

Research Findings: This study analyzed the quality of teacher–child interactions across 10 videotaped observations drawn from 5 different prekindergarten classrooms delivering the same mathematics curriculum: MyTeachingPartner–Math. Interactions were coded using 2 observational measures: (a) a general measure, the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS); and (b) a math-specific measure, the Classroom Observation of Early Mathematics–Environment and Teaching (COEMET). Practice or Policy: High correlations were found between the 2 measures, suggesting that the CLASS may serve as a sufficient metric to determine the quality of mathematics instruction in prekindergarten, though the COEMET may provide finer grained detail about teachers’ practice. Results indicate that the quality of mathematics instruction provided by teachers generally fell in the low- to medium-quality range and did not differ significantly across curriculum-related contextual factors.     

Requirements and benefits of effective interactive instruction: Learner control,self-regulation,and continuing motivation

While educational technologies provide increasing opportunities for interactive exploration in a learning environment, crucial questions remain: Will learners be able to exercise control and effectively regulate their own learning in flexible learning systems? Will they be motivated enough really to explore? Theory and research suggest that learners can and will, if the instructional systems are well-designed and if the learners are adequately prepared. In this paper, the components of learner control, self-regulated learning, and continuing motivation are examined as possible requirements and benefits of effective interactive instruction. A theoretical framework is advanced which illustrates the interdependence and mutual importance of these three components. Educational research in each of these three areas is analyzed, inconsistencies are discussed, and further support is developed for consideration of these components within an instructional situation. Finally, recommendations are offered for future research, to develop further what we know about what makes instruction effective and learners successful.     

Impacts of an Early Childhood Mathematics and Science Intervention on Teaching Practices and Child Outcomes

abstract

This randomized controlled trial examined effects of the MyTeachingPartner-Math/Science intervention on the quality and quantity of teachers’ mathematics and science instruction, and children’s mathematics and science outcomes in 140 pre-kindergarten classrooms. Teachers participated in the intervention for two years with consecutive cohorts of children. Results from Year 1 are considered experimental, however due to high levels of attrition, results from Year 2 are considered quasi-experimental. Across both years, intervention teachers exhibited higher quality and quantity of instruction. In Year 1, there were no significant effects of the intervention on children’s outcomes. In Year 2, children in intervention classrooms made greater gains in teachers’ ratings of mathematics and science skills and performed better on a spring assessment of science skills. These results have implications for designing and evaluating professional development aimed at supporting children’s mathematics and science knowledge and skills.     

Impact of online support for teachers’ open-ended questioning in pre-k science activities

We examined the effects of teacher supports in enhancing teachers’ open-ended questioning in pre-k activities. The blended teacher supports included online video demonstrations of questioning techniques and companion workshop activities. Twenty-five teachers received the blended supports while the control group did not. The data consisted of classroom video observations, teacher surveys, and teachers’ access time to teacher supports. Our quantitative analyses revealed that the treatment group teachers used more open-ended questions than the control group teachers. The students in the treatment group used a greater number of different words and complex sentences than those in the control group.     

Assessing conditions to enhance student success: How six campuses got started

The Inventory for Student Engagement and Success (ISES) uses evidence from educationally effective institutions to help campuses gain a better understanding of their work with students. Campuses of varying sizes, with diverse missions, are using ISES to solve problems and improve educational practices.     

Going deep: Learning from campuses that share responsibility for student success

Nearly two years of intensive research into the daily work of twenty institutions may finally put to rest any doubt that building cross‐campus collaborations to facilitate student success is essential.