Education Commons^™

Integrating Mathematical Modeling For Undergraduate Pre-Service Science Education Learning And Instruction In The Middle School Classroom, William H. Robertson, David Carrejo

William H. Robertson

El Paso is a bicultural, bilingual community with a 76.6% Hispanic population. Combining El Paso’s population with that of its sister city, Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, our community is the largest metropolitan area on any international border in the world. Students at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) are mostly female, and 50% of the total student population is made up of first-generation college students. These demographics are accompanied by low socioeconomic and educational factors: 23.6% of local families live below the poverty level, compared to 12.5% nationally; 32.9% of 25-year-olds have not graduated from high school; 19% of …

Enhancing The Cs Curriculum With With Aspect-Oriented Software Development (Aosd) And Early Experience, Konstantin Läufer, George K. Thiruvathukal, Tzilla Elrad

George K. Thiruvathukal

Aspect-oriented software development (AOSD) is evolving as an important step beyond existing software development approaches such as object-oriented development. An aspect is a module that captures a crosscutting concern, behavior that cuts across different units of abstraction in a software application; expressed as a module, such behavior can be enabled and disabled transparently and non-invasively, without changing the application code itself. Increasing industry demand for expertise in AOSD gives rise to the pedagogical challenge of covering this methodology and its foundations in the computer science curriculum. We present our curricular initiative to incorporate a novel course in AOSD in the …

The Extreme Software Development Series: An Open Curricular Framework For Applied Capstone Courses, Konstantin Läufer, George K. Thiruvathukal

George K. Thiruvathukal

We describe an open, flexible curricular framework for offering a collection of advanced undergraduate and graduate courses in software development. The courses offered within this framework are further unified by combining solid foundations with current technology and play the role of capstone courses in a modern software development track. Our initiative has been very successful with all stakeholders involved.

Helping College Students Climb Onto The Lifelong Learning Scaffold And Grapple With Real Life Skills, Debbie Morrow

Debbie Morrow

College students today must “learn how to learn” – the content of their college courses will only scratch the surface of what they’ll need to know in the years following graduation, and the ocean of information is wide and deep. Teaching of information literacy skills is ideally closely tied to disciplinary and professional standards, curricular goals, course objectives, and assignment requirements. And ideally librarians can be partners with disciplinary faculty in strategically introducing IL skills into key courses and assignments at selected points in a curriculum. This session will explore a particularly fortuitous convergence of needs and opportunities leading to …

Impulsive-Analytic Disposition: Instrument Pilot Testing, Kien H. Lim, Osvaldo F. Morera

Kien H Lim

The likelihood-to-act (LtA) survey measures impulsive and analytic dispositions in solving mathematics problems. The current version has 16 impulsive and 16 analytic items. Its validity was assessed using a sample of 27 in-service and 92 pre-service teachers. Both the impulsive and analytic subscales were found to have internal consistency reliability, but they were not correlated with one another. The impulsive subscale was predictive of correctness in classifying the LtA items. The analytic subscale was predictive of how well a participant would perform in Part 2 of a math test after taking Part 1 and being warned that some items could …

Biosmart: An Integrated Programme To Enhance Graduate Skills In Biomedical Science, Peter Johnson, Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik, Kevin Ashton, John Leggett, Russ Chess-Williams, Debra Henly

Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik

The BioSMART (Scientific Methods for Analytical and Reasoning Skills and Critical Thinking) program was developed to support the professional development of Bachelor of Biomedical Science students in the Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine at Bond University. BioSMART comprises an integrated suite of learning activities and assessments embedded across the degree program in three phases. In Phase One, students develop foundational laboratory and scientific reasoning and writing skills. In Phase Two, students plan and conduct scientific research projects and other activities, which develop work-ready competencies including project design, implementation, data analysis, team work and presentation skills. Finally, in Phase Three, …

Biosmart: An Integrated Programme To Enhance Graduate Skills In Biomedical Science, Peter Johnson, Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik, Kevin Ashton, John Leggett, Russ Chess-Williams, Debra Henly

Russ Chess-Williams

The BioSMART (Scientific Methods for Analytical and Reasoning Skills and Critical Thinking) program was developed to support the professional development of Bachelor of Biomedical Science students in the Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine at Bond University. BioSMART comprises an integrated suite of learning activities and assessments embedded across the degree program in three phases. In Phase One, students develop foundational laboratory and scientific reasoning and writing skills. In Phase Two, students plan and conduct scientific research projects and other activities, which develop work-ready competencies including project design, implementation, data analysis, team work and presentation skills. Finally, in Phase Three, …

Undergraduate Engineering Students' Understanding Of Heat, Temperature, And Radiation, Katharyn Nottis, Michael Prince, Margot Vigeant, Sarah Nelson, Kathryn Hartsock

Michael J. Prince

Difficulty understanding heat and temperature concepts has been recognized in engineering education. Confusion has been shown to persist after instruction. The purpose of this study was to determine whether undergraduate engineering students’ knowledge of four heat transfer concept areas significantly changed with instruction and whether this varied by major and GPA. Two hundred twenty-eight undergraduate engineering students from six institutions were assessed prior to and after instruction. Results showed significant improvement in most concept areas but mean scores were below mastery. Previously documented misconceptions persisted after instruction. Significant differences were found by major and GPA. Suggestions for future research provided.

Addressing Misconceptions About Heat Transfer In Undergraduate Chemical Engineering Instruction, Katharyn E. K. Nottis, Michael J. Prince, Margot A. Vigeant

Michael J. Prince

Understanding heat, energy and temperature can be difficult. Misconceptions about heat transfer have been found to persist, even after instruction. New instructional methods are needed to address them. This pilot study examined whether researcher-developed, inquiry-based activities could increase conceptual understanding of heat transfer. Twenty-two undergraduate chemical engineering students were assessed before and after instruction with inquiry-based activities. Participants had significantly higher scores on the post-test. An examination of assessment questions revealed substantial improvement on questions closely related to activities. However, participants had difficulty applying concepts in new and related contexts. Educational implications and suggestions for future research will be discussed.

Addressing Misconceptions About Heat Transfer In Undergraduate Chemical Engineering Instruction, Katharyn E. K. Nottis, Michael J. Prince, Margot A. Vigeant

Margot Vigeant

Understanding heat, energy and temperature can be difficult. Misconceptions about heat transfer have been found to persist, even after instruction. New instructional methods are needed to address them. This pilot study examined whether researcher-developed, inquiry-based activities could increase conceptual understanding of heat transfer. Twenty-two undergraduate chemical engineering students were assessed before and after instruction with inquiry-based activities. Participants had significantly higher scores on the post-test. An examination of assessment questions revealed substantial improvement on questions closely related to activities. However, participants had difficulty applying concepts in new and related contexts. Educational implications and suggestions for future research will be discussed.

Pisa And The ‘Latest Model’: Can An International Survey Have Anything Useful To Say To Canberra’S Mathematics Teachers?, Ross Turner

Ross Turner

Embedding Lifelong Learning Skills Into A First-Year Engineering Course Through Introduction Of An Independent Research Project And Information Literacy Skills, Chris Plouff, Debbie Morrow

Chris Plouff

This paper reports on a work in progress to address ABET program outcome ‘i’ (“graduates have a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in, lifelong learning”) in the Bachelor of Science in Engineering programs (mid-size, undergraduate engineering program) at a large Master’s-granting university in the mid-western United States. One performance criterion used by the programs to assess program outcome ‘i’ is the ability to find, evaluate, and effectively use information independently. This concept is introduced in the first-year of the programs, and is reinforced in an intentional thread throughout the curriculum, culminating with the senior capstone …

The Honour House Project: Reservist Re-Entry Program, Sarah A. Rajala, Kevin J. Wainwright, Barbara E. Endicott-Popovsky

Sarah A. Rajala

Both the United States and Canada invest a great deal of resources in the training of their military personal. Many of the skills and experiences accumulated by soldiers are those that are highly valued by civilian employers. Further, these skills are often embodied in academic programs, suggesting soldiers would have a comparative advantage in such programs; however, despite the efforts of government agencies, many soldiers are unable to convert their skills and training into meaningful careers. While there are several reasons why individuals leaving military duty have trouble re-integrating into work and education, one of the major obstacles is the …

Addressing Abet Program Outcome 'I': #11;A First-Year Engineering Program And Library Instruction Initiative Collaboration, Debbie Morrow

Debbie Morrow

Grand Valley's School of Engineering recently invited the University Libraries to collaborate in an effort to address ABET outcome ‘i’, engaging in lifelong learning, in one of their first year core courses. The Libraries have recently developed an "Information Literacy Core Competencies" document, evolving out of the ACRL IL competencies standard adopted in 2000. Our collaboration has so far been a great exercise in exploring the effective intersection of ABET ‘i’ and information literacy competencies, in the context of incorporation into an existing course in GVSU's first-year engineering curriculum.

Planting The Seeds Of Computational Thinking: An Introduction To Programminsuitable For Inclusion In Stem Curriculag, Eric A. Freudenthal, Art Duval, Sarah Hug, Alexandria N. Ogrey, Kien H. Lim, Catherine Tabor, Rebeca Q. Gonzalez, Alan Siegel

Kien H Lim

Inadequate math preparation discourages many capable students – especially those from traditionally underrepresented groups – from pursuing or succeeding in STEM academic programs. iMPaCT is a family of―"Media Propelled" courses and course enrichment activities that introduce students to―"Computational Thinking." iMPaCT integrates exploration of math and programmed computation by engaging students in the design and modification of tiny programs that render raster graphics and simulate familiar kinematics. Through these exercises, students gain experience and confidence with foundational math concepts necessary for success in STEM studies, and an understanding of programmed computation. This paper presents early results from our formal evaluation of …

New Exact Travelling Wave Solutions Of Bidirectional Wave Equations, Habibolla Latifizadeh

H. L. Zadeh

No abstract provided.

Transferts De Chaleur Dans Un Réacteur Thermochimique Solaire Muni D’Un Récepteur Volumique Poreux, Hernando Romero Paredes Rubio

Hernando Romero Paredes Rubio

Un réacteur thermochimique solaire de 1 kW muni d’une structure céramique poreuse en céramique est modélisé pour simuler les transferts thermiques a l’intérieur du récepteur volumétrique. Le modèle développé a été utilisé pour prévoir le comportement thermique du réacteur en fonction des différentes conditions opératoires qui concernent le débit de gaz inerte, le flux solaire incident, la porosité, la longueur du récepteur, et la prise en compte de réactions chimiques. Les résultats montrent que la température maximale est de 1850K pour une concentration solaire de 1000 soleils. La température diminue de manière significative lorsque le débit de gaz augmente. Un …

Science Boot Camp For Librarians – A Five Campus Collaboration., Naka J. Ishii, Elizabeth Winiarz, Marion Muskiewicz

Naka J Ishii

Presentation at the ACRL New England Chapter annual conference, 13 May 2011 with with Marion Muskiewicz (UMass Lowell) and Elizabeth Winiarz (UMass Dartmouth) on the inception and collaborative creation of an annual "boot camp" for science librarians. This inexpensive and intensive program covers 3 science subjects over 2.5 days to bring librarians up to speed on these topics. Usually, one faculty member gives an overview of the field, and another describes a current research area. This event also provides librarians with an informal way to network and enjoy each other's company.

Scaffolding Isn’T Just For Window-Washers Anymore: Ilccs – A Scaffolded Approach To Teaching Information Literacy, Debbie Morrow

Debbie Morrow

Over the last several years, the University Libraries' Research & Instruction Division librarians developed a set of "Information Literacy Core Competencies" (ILCCs), based on information literacy standards adopted by the Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL) in 2000. Competencies were locally revised and tailored specifically to complement the institution’s General Education Program skills goals. Session participants will be introduced to the Information Literacy Core Competencies document, and to the Liaison Librarians' goal of incorporating the ILCCs into their course support and classroom instruction. Librarians use the ILCC skills goals and learning objectives to focus plans for single information literacy …

Peer Review In An Undergraduate Biology Curriculum: Effects On Students’ Scientific Reasoning, Writing And Attitudes, Briana Timmerman

Briana Eileen Timmerman

Scientific reasoning and writing skills are ubiquitous processes in science and therefore common goals of science curricula, particularly in higher education. Providing the individualized feedback necessary for the development of these skills is often costly in terms of faculty time, particularly in large science courses common at research universities. Past educational research literature suggests that the use of peer review may accelerate students’ scientific reasoning skills without a concurrent demand on faculty time per student. Peer review contains many elements of effective pedagogy such as peer-peer collaboration, repeated practice at evaluation and critical thinking, formative feedback, multiple contrasting examples, and …

Dissect: A Framework For Effective Inclusive Instruction In Science, Jenny Sue Flannagan, Lucinda S. Spaulding

Lucinda S. Spaulding

In this presentation we present a framework for effective inclusive education in science.

How Do Mathematicians Make Sense Of Definitions?, Laurie O. Cavey, Margaret T. Kinzel, Thomas A. Kinzel, Kathleen L. Rohrig, Sharon B. Walen

Laurie O. Cavey

It seems clear that students’ activity while working with definitions differs from that of mathematicians. The constructs of concept definition and concept image have served to support analyses of both mathematicians’ and students’ work with definitions (c.f. Edwards & Ward, 2004; Tall & Vinner, 1981). As part of an ongoing study, we chose to look closely at how mathematicians make sense of definitions in hopes of informing the ways in which we interpret students’ activity and support their understanding of definitions. We conducted interviews with mathematicians in an attempt to reveal their process when making sense of definitions. A striking …

How Do Mathematicians Make Sense Of Definitions?, Laurie O. Cavey, Margaret T. Kinzel, Thomas A. Kinzel, Kathleen L. Rohrig, Sharon B. Walen

Margaret T. Kinzel

It seems clear that students’ activity while working with definitions differs from that of mathematicians. The constructs of concept definition and concept image have served to support analyses of both mathematicians’ and students’ work with definitions (c.f. Edwards & Ward, 2004; Tall & Vinner, 1981). As part of an ongoing study, we chose to look closely at how mathematicians make sense of definitions in hopes of informing the ways in which we interpret students’ activity and support their understanding of definitions. We conducted interviews with mathematicians in an attempt to reveal their process when making sense of definitions. A striking …

O Debate Ciências Versus Humanidades No Século Xix: Reflexões Sobre O Ensino De Ciências No Collegio De Pedro Ii [The Science Vs. Humanities Debate In The Xix Century: Reflections On The Teaching Of The Sciences In The College Pedro Ii], Karl M. Lorenz, Ariclê Vechia

Karl M Lorenz

O trabalho analisa a organização e a composição dos estudos do Colégio Pedro II no âmbito dos debates travado na Europa e nas Américas sobre a importância dos estudos humanísticos e científicos, durante o século XIX, em decorrência do desenvolvimento cientifico e tecnológico. Apresenta algumas reflexões sobre o ensino de Ciências no referido colégio e aponta que essa instituição seguiu a tendência verificada no ensino de países europeus, notadamente na França.
The chapter analyzes the changes in the organization and composition of the program of studies of the College Pedro II during the XIX century. The discussion of the changes …

Approximate Solution Of Fractional Integro-Differential Equations By Taylor Expansion Method, Li Huang

Li Huang

In this paper, Taylor expansion approach is presented for solving (approximately) a class of inear fractional integro-differential equations including those of Fredholm and of Volterra types. By means of themth-order Taylor expansion of the unknown function at an arbitrary point, the linear fractional integro-differential equation can be converted approximately to a system of equations for the unknown function itself and its m derivatives under initial conditions. This method gives a simple and closed form solution for a linear fractional integro-differential equation. In addition, illustrative examples are presented to demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed method.

Cognitive Effects Of Argument Visualization Tools, Michael H.G. Hoffmann

Michael H.G. Hoffmann

External representations play a crucial role in learning. At the same time, cognitive load theory suggests that the possibility of learning depends on limited resources of the working memory and on cognitive load imposed by instructional design and representation tools. Both these observations motivate a critical look at Computer-Supported Argument Visualization (CSAV) tools that are supposed to facilitate learning. This paper uses cognitive load theory to compare the cognitive efficacy of RationaleTM 2 and AGORA.

Addressing The Multiplication Makes Bigger And Division Makes Smaller Misconceptions Via Prediction And Clickers, Kien Lim

Kien H Lim

This article presents a lesson that uses prediction items, clickers and visuals via PowerPoint slides to help prospective middle-school teachers address two common misconceptions: multiplication makes bigger and division makes smaller (MMB–DMS). Classroom research was conducted to explore the viability of such a lesson. Results show that the lesson was effective in creating awareness that multiplication does not always make bigger and division does not always makes smaller, uncovering students’ misconceptions, and providing opportunities for students to learn from mistakes. Students liked the activity for various reasons, such as getting to learn certain mathematical ideas, to think about the problems, …

Identifying Cognitive Processes Important To Mathematics Learning But Often Overlooked, Ross Turner

Ross Turner

Lib 3010 Spring 2011: Students Choose An Image To Represent Patent Searching, Jan Comfort

Jan Comfort

The Number Crunch Game: A Simple Vehicle For Building Algebraic Reasoning Skills, Stephen Sugden

Stephen Sugden

A newspaper numbers game based on simple arithmetic relationships is discussed. Its potential to give students of elementary algebra practice in semi ad-hoc reasoning and to build general arithmetic reasoning skills is explored.