Education Commons^™

Teaching Quality And Student Outcomes: Academic Achievement And Educational Engagement In Rural Northwest China, Xuehui An, Emily C. Hannum, Tanja Sargent

Emily C. Hannum

A central task of educational researchers has been to uncover factors that improve student academic achievement. Research in both developed and developing nations during the past few decades has analysed the links between educational outcomes and school physical resources, teacher quality and children's demographic and family background. Importantly, research on teacher and school effects in developing countries has focused on factors such as human capital, economic resources and physical infrastructure, the so-called input factors in the "black box" production function model of school outcomes. Fewer studies have focused on the "softer" classroom process factors that might be seen as important …

Keeping Teachers Happy: Job Satisfaction Among Primary School Teachers In Rural Northwest China, Tanja Sargent, Emily Hannum

Emily C. Hannum

Numerous empirical studies from developing countries have noted that parental education has a robust and positive effect on child learning, a result that is often attributed to more educated parents making greater investments in their children's human capital. However, the nature of any such investment has not been well understood. This study examines how parental education affects various parental investments in goods and time used in children's human capital production via an unusually detailed survey from rural China. It is found that more educated parents make greater educational investments in both goods and time and that these relationships are generally …

Attitudes Of University Students Toward Individuals With Exceptionalities And Inclusive Practices, Dr Williams Emeka Obiozor

Dr Williams Emeka Obiozor

No abstract provided.

Ifees: Enhancing Engineering Education At A Global Scale, Lueny Morrell, Claudio Borri, Hans J. Hoyer, Sarah A. Rajala, Seeram Ramakrishna, Xavier Fouger, Bruno Laporte, José Carlos Quadrado, Maria M. Larrondo Petrie, Duncan Mckenzie Frasier

Sarah A. Rajala

Engineering and technology play a key role in globalization as developed and developing countries develop and implement effective and efficient strategies that advance their economies and social development. Engineering has played a critical role in economic development in the history of civilization, because engineers are important not only in solving local problems but also in knowledge creation and knowledge transfer. Thus, science and technology education need to be in continuous evolvement in order to keep assisting countries reduce poverty, boost socio-economic development and make the right decisions for sustainable and environmentally compatible development. In a flat world, a global approach …

The Standardization Of Scientific Terminology And The Teaching Of The Natural Sciences In Nineteenth-Century Brazil: The Contribution Of Benjamin Ramiz Galvão [A Padronização Da Terminologia Científica E O Ensino Das Ciências Naturais No Brasil Oitocentista: A Contribuição De Benjamin Ramiz Galvão], Karl M. Lorenz

Karl M Lorenz

During the nineteenth century, and the first years of the twentieth century, science textbooks and science teaching in the faculties of medicine and engineering and in the secondary schools of Brazil were characterized by the lack of a standardized scientific terminology. The rules governing the orthography and prosody of many scientific terms in the life, physical and earth sciences were inconsistent. The paper examines this phenomenon and recounts the first significant attempt to standardize scientific terminology in the Portuguese language by the Brazilian philologist, Benjamin Franklin Ramiz Galvão.
Durante o século XIX e os primeiros anos do século XX os …

Language And Graffiti Of Exceptional Individuals In West Africa, Dr Williams Emeka Obiozor

Dr Williams Emeka Obiozor

This paper establishes the place of language and graffiti practiced by exceptional individuals in the interpretation of family values, the preservation of culture and traditional heritage of the Igbo community in Southeastern Nigeria. The paper also takes a cursory look at graffiti art and exceptionality in a time when the Igbo tradition and culture were highly respected, jealously guarded and deep-rooted in the heart and soul of its people. Graffiti creations by exceptional individuals transfer both oral and visual education to documented tradition; for societal knowledge and awareness, individual wisdom, expressions against repression, pride and recognition of Igbo language and …

Schooling And The “Hygienization” Of Less-Privileged Children In Brazil, 1870-1900, Karl M. Lorenz, Ariclê Vechia, António G. Ferreira

Karl M Lorenz

The movement to broaden educational opportunities for the large number of urban and rural children was widely supported by influential groups within Brazilian society in the late 1800s. These proponents sought to articulate a theory of education that would guide them in their efforts. Several phenomena interacted towards the end of the century to influence Brazilians in this regard. Among these were the prevalence of disease and pestilence, the unhealthy conditions of urban centers, inadequate public and private schools, and a growing propensity to entertain racist themes. This paper explores how these phenomena contributed to a view that the intellectual, …

O Positivismo No Ensino De Ciências Naturais Na Escola Secundária Brasileira: 1890-1900 [Positivism And The Teaching Of The Natural Sciences In The Brazilian Secondary School: 1890-1900], Karl M. Lorenz

Karl M Lorenz

O trabalho analisa a influência do Positivismo no ensino de ciências no Ginásio Nacional, antigo Colégio de Pedro II, fundado em 1837 no Rio de Janeiro, como modelo para as instituições secundárias em todo o país. Com a proclamação da República em 1889, e a subsequente reforma educacional do Ministro Benjamin Constant em 1890, o currículo do colégio foi profundamente marcado pelas ideias positivistas de August Comte, e de modo particular, o ensino de Ciências. Uma análise dos programas de ensino cientifico adotados no referido Ginásio, de 1890 a 1900, demonstra que os mesmos foram organizados seguindo uma forma remanescente …

A Primary Human Challenge, Carroy U. Ferguson

Carroy U "Cuf" Ferguson, Ph.D.

We may ask why, at both the individual and collective levels, it has seemed so difficult for us to choose to evolve our human games with Joy. There is no one answer for such a question, for each of us has the gift of free will. I will suggest, however, that built into our human games is what I call a primary human challenge. That primary human challenge is a dynamic tension, flowing from our creative urge for the freedom “to be” who we really are in our current physical form, and simultaneously to embrace our responsibility for our Being-ness.

Applying Focus Groups In Educational Research In Africa, Dr Williams Emeka Obiozor

Dr Williams Emeka Obiozor

The study using focus groups in the West African nation of The Gambia was an experiential research, which provided viable data on girl child education practices, problems and prospects in the African sub region. This paper presents an opportunity to explore peoples’ perceptions on issues of interest and concern to Gambians on girl child education. The 2006-2007 study was conducted through the use of focus groups for data collection, covering six educational regions in the Republic of The Gambia.

Idéias Educacionais Transnacionais E O Ensino Secundário Brasileiro: O Imperial Collégio De Pedro Ii Como Uma Versão Do Ensino Secundário Frances [Transnational Education Ideas And Brazilian Secondary Education: The Imperial College Pedro Ii As A Version Of The French Lycée], Karl M. Lorenz, Ariclê Vechia

Karl M Lorenz

The paper discusses the adoption of French curriculum models and educational practices, from 1837 to 1889, by the College Pedro II, the premier secondary school of Brazil during the empire. The college was founded in Rio de Janeiro to attend to the children of the elite in the Municipality of the Court and to serve as a model institution for public and private secondary schools in the provinces.
O trabalho discute a adoção de modelos curriculares e de praticas educativas da França, de 1838 a 1889, pelo Colégio de Pedro II, a escola secundaria preeminente durante o Império. O colégio …

A Escola Alemã Versus As Políticas Educacionais Nacionais Na Primeira Metade Do Século Xx: Transformando Imigrantes Alemães Em Cidadãos Brasileiros [The Deutsche School Vs. National Educational Policies In Early Twentieth-Century Brazil: Transforming German Immigrants Into Brazilian Citizens], Karl M. Lorenz, Ariclê Vechia, António G. Ferreira

Karl M Lorenz

Durante a segunda metade do século XIX e as primeiras décadas do século XX, imigrantes alemães estabeleceram colônias em áreas poucas povoadas nos estados no sul de Brasil. Este grupo étnico criou comunidades que mantiveram suas tradições europeias. Central à este fenômeno foi a “Deutsch Schule”, uma instituição educacional que representou e transmitiu os valores e a cultura da comunidade imigrante. Este trabalho discute a origem e o funcionamento do Deutsch Schule, que tipicamente existia no sul de Brasil, e as medidas tomadas pelo governo brasileiro de impôr às escolas o padrão educacional brasileiro no período de 1937 -1945.
During …

Los Límites De La Autonomía Universitaria, Imanol Ordorika

Imanol Ordorika

Uno de los resultados políticos de los conflictos que tuvieron lugar a lo largo de los años setenta, los cuales marcaron de cierta forma la pauta para las relaciones entre la Universidad y el gobier- no para la siguiente década, fue el refuerzo de los vínculos entre el gobierno federal y los grupos dominantes en el seno de la Universidad. En este contexto es posible señalar, contrariamente a lo que afirman Levy y otros, que durante los ochenta la intervención gubernamental en los asuntos políticos, académicos y económicos de la Universidad se hizo de forma más encubierta, pero su influencia …

Development And Validation Of Physical Education Achievement, Dr. Uche J. Obidiegwu

Dr. Uche J. Obidiegwu

This study sought to develop and validate a Physical Education Achievement Test (PEAT) which will be used for accurate assessment of adult learners in basic education. Eight items were developed and pilot tested. Validation and reliability were determined using Kuder-Richardson formula ‘21’. Based on the results some recommendations were made.

"Barack Obama’S Dual Triple Heritage,", Amadu Jacky Kaba

Amadu Jacky Kaba

Contributing to Ali A. Mazrui’s (1986) Africa’s triple heritage concept, this paper argues that United States Senator Barack Obama from Illinois has a dual triple heritage: (1) race or ethnicity (ethnic origin) and (2) religion. The paper argues that the new positive friendship or partnership between the people of Africa and the people of the United States in the first decade of the 21st century is a contributing factor to the Barack Obama phenomenon. Finally, the paper claims that Barack Obama has the potential to help in uniting: (1) the United States; (2) Africa and the United States; (3) a …

"Religion, Immigration And Assimilation: The Hispanic/Latino Population In The United States And The North African/Muslim Population In Europe,", Amadu Jacky Kaba

Amadu Jacky Kaba

This paper argues that there are geographic and human (racial makeup) similarities in the emigration of Hispanics/Latinos to the U.S. and that of North Africans/Muslims to Europe. The paper argues, however, that compared to their counterparts in Europe, the Hispanic/Latino population in the U.S. tends to be more assimilated, with shared religious history (Christianity) being a big part of the reason for such assimilation. To put differently, unlike North African/Muslim immigrants in Europe, Latin American immigrants are more integrated in the U.S. because most of them share with the majority of the population similar beliefs in conservative traditions, Christianity and …

"Culture, Economic Progress And Immigration: The Hispanic/Latino Population In The U.S. And The North African/Muslim Population In European Countries,", Amadu Jacky Kaba

Amadu Jacky Kaba

This paper explores the rising populations of Hispanics/Latinos in the United States and of North Africans/Muslims in European countries. It examines the “push” and “pull” factors contributing to the increase in emigration of Hispanics to the U.S. and North Africans/Muslims to Europe. Examining social and economic data for both immigrant groups, the paper argues that due largely to cultural similarities, the Hispanic population in the U.S. tends to be more easily integrated into the mainstream population than the North African/Muslim population in Europe.

"Sex Ratio At Birth And Racial Differences: Why Do Black Women Give Birth To More Females Than Non-Black Women?,", Amadu Jacky Kaba

Amadu Jacky Kaba

The two important questions that this paper will attempt to answer are: (1) why is it that regardless of race/ethnicity or geographic location, the sex ratio data at birth show more males than females?; and (2) Why is it that regardless of geographic location compared to other racial/ethnic groups, Black women or Women of sub-Saharan Black African descent tend to give birth to more females? Or to put this question the other way around, compared to Black women, why do non-Black women give birth to more males? (

Research On The Experiences Of International Graduate Students: A Selective Literature Review, Bryan M. Carson

Bryan M. Carson

In 2003, there were 586,523 international students in U.S. institutions. International students make up 13 percent of U.S. graduate students, and account for one-fifth of all doctorates. Some students remain in the U.S., while others return to their home countries. Either way, however, international students represent a very significant portion of the U.S. higher education field. Yet the literature on international graduate students is surprisingly sparse. While there are many studies of the international graduate student experience, they tend to focus mostly on language acquisition, academics, acculturation and social adaptation. There are few well-constructed theoretical, qualitative, or quantitative studies dealing …

College Males: Keeping Them Engaged On Your Campus, Jason A. Laker

Jason Laker

No abstract available.

Sustainable Teachers' Development: Exploring The Effect Of Follow-Up Support An An Element, Wasim Qazi

Wasim Qazi

A professional development program with built-in follow up support mechanism was offered during years 2004-06 in selected districts of Pakistan. The training reportedly had sustained impact on teachers’ attitude toward teaching.

This paper investigates the role of follow up support as an element of sustainable teacher development, and the part of teachers’ learning they could have implemented over the period after the end of project. Data was collected through classroom observations, interviews with these teachers and the head teachers of these schools, and analysis of lesson plans and reflective journals maintained by the teachers.

Findings affirm that the follow up …

The Hegemony Of English As A Global Language, Gulbahar Beckett, Yan Guo

Gulbahar Beckett

The Mexican Education System In The Context Of The Demographic Transition: The Case Of The Tertiary Education Level, Daniel Tapia

Daniel Tapia

No abstract provided.

What Would Vincent Do? Vincentian Higher Education And Poverty Reduction, Marco Tavanti, Craig Mousin

Marco Tavanti

The worldwide Vincentian major higher education institutions have best practices and pedagogical innovative strategies for linking their educational mission with poverty alleviation. This edited volume includes experiences from DePaul University, St. John;s University, Niagara University, Adamson University, Santa Isabelle University and All Hallows College.

Review Of Career Development Services In Australian Tertiary Institutions, Craig Mcinnis, Bernadette Delaney, Justin Brown

Dr Justin Brown

No abstract provided.

Kentucky Youth At Risk Transitions: A Report To The Commonwealth, Doris Pierce, Norman Powell, Amy Marshall, Ronnie Nolan, Elaine Fehringer

Norman W. Powell

In the Commonwealth of Kentucky, there are over 22,000 youth being educated in programs that are funded, operated or contracted by state agencies. These state agency children come from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds and bring a multiplicity of social, psychological, behavioral and educational problems that challenge teachers and staffs. These particular Kentucky students, more than any others, are at the greatest risk of not making successful transitions into adulthood. It is critical that all such young people be afforded the highest quality of transition planning and support so that they can become successful and productive adults.

This report is …

A Synthetic Teaching-Learning Model: A Contextualized Study, Wasim Qazi

Wasim Qazi

The paper aims at institutionalizing instructional technology with a view to improving the quality of education. The conceptual framework developed in this paper reviews the existing status of training programs in light of the suggested initiatives of education sectors reforms (Ministry of Education, Government of Pakistan -August-2003). It has been argued that major purpose of imparting professional training to teachers and administrators should be directed towards improvement of quality of education. In stating the problem the malaise underlining the teaching-learning process has been identified as a core issue. The teaching-learning process which is the hallmark of quality of education has …

Health Education Achievement Test, Dr. Uche J. Obidiegwu

Prof. Uche J. Obidiegwu

This study developed and validated a diagnostic health education achievement test for adult learners in Anambra State. Two research questions and a research hypothesis guided the study. The instrument was pretested. Following the result of the pilot test, a total of 96 multiple choice test items were administered to 1, 342 adult learners. The analysis of the data was carried out using item analysis. Kuder-Richardson formula ‘21’ was used to determine the internal consistency of the instrument. Finally, t-test was used to test the hypothesis. Based on the results, some recommendations were made.

Teacher Perception About Implementation Strategy Of B.Ed Teaching Practice In Real School Classrooms: Issues And Challenges, Wasim Qazi, Khalid Jamil Rawat, Muhammad Yousuf Sharjeel, Shila Devi

Wasim Qazi

Teaching practice is the core component of all pre-service teacher education programs. Through teaching practice, a novice teacher is assumed to have inculcated a supposedly viable pedagogic experience to transfer the core competency of the subject knowledge to students in real classroom situation.

This study encompasses the challenges and issues that the novice teachers experience at post-training level of their B.Ed programme of studies. The investigations also enlighten the gaps that the trained teachers have shared with the researchers. The study highlights the extent to which the on-training components of teaching practice is reflected in the attitude of the trained …

What Would Vincent Do? Vincentian Higher Education And Poverty Reduction, Marco Tavanti, Craig Mousin

Craig B. Mousin

The worldwide Vincentian major higher education institutions have best practices and pedagogical innovative strategies for linking their educational mission with poverty alleviation. This edited volume includes experiences from DePaul University, St. John;s University, Niagara University, Adamson University, Santa Isabelle University and All Hallows College.