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Full-Text Articles in Education
Attributions Of The Educational Outcomes Of Students With Learning Disabilities In China, Stuart Woodcock, Han Jiang
Attributions Of The Educational Outcomes Of Students With Learning Disabilities In China, Stuart Woodcock, Han Jiang
Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)
This paper aims to raise awareness of the importance of attributional beliefs in relation to the educational outcomes of students with a learning disability (LD) in China. The study presented in this paper examined the attributional beliefs that Chinese pre-service teachers had developed towards students with LD, in comparison to students without LD. The findings show that Chinese pre-service teachers did not differ in their attributional beliefs between students with and without LD. Implications from the findings, and future research recommendations are also presented.
The Impact Of Students' Exploration Strategies In Discovery-Based Instructional Software, Barney Dalgarno, Gregor Kennedy, Sue Bennett
The Impact Of Students' Exploration Strategies In Discovery-Based Instructional Software, Barney Dalgarno, Gregor Kennedy, Sue Bennett
Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)
Active learning is a key element of constructivist learning theory and has been used as an argument for employing discovery-based designs with instructional software. On the other hand, researchers have highlighted empirical evidence showing that 'pure' discovery- based learning is of limited value. This suggests that how learners interact is important in predicting whether learning occurs. This paper reports on a study of 158 university students who each used two instructional simulations - one with a discovery-based design and the other with a tutorial-based design. Students' learning outcomes were assessed via pre-tests and program were recorded and coded as either …
Ustart@Uow And Ustart2@Uow: A Comprehensive Approach To Supporting Commencing Students From Low Socio-Economic Backgrounds, Sarah O'Shea, Pauline Lysaght, Yvonne Kerr
Ustart@Uow And Ustart2@Uow: A Comprehensive Approach To Supporting Commencing Students From Low Socio-Economic Backgrounds, Sarah O'Shea, Pauline Lysaght, Yvonne Kerr
Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)
Students from low socio-economic backgrounds as well as those who are the first in family to attend university often report feeling that they don’t ‘belong’ at university (James, Krause & Jennings, 2010; O’Shea, 2008). The isolation they sometimes experience may be exacerbated when families are unable to provide personal support through a basic lack of knowledge and understanding of university life. This nuts and bolts session explores two initiatives introduced at the University of Wollongong to support commencing students from low socio-economic backgrounds and to provide information for their families. The session will provide details about how this framework was …
Understanding The Complexity Of Technology Acceptance By Higher Education Students, Sue Bennett, Karl A. Maton, Lisa Carrington
Understanding The Complexity Of Technology Acceptance By Higher Education Students, Sue Bennett, Karl A. Maton, Lisa Carrington
Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)
It is often claimed that all young people are highly adept with the digital technologies that infuse their lives, and that the way they think and behave has created a new gap between them and their teachers. It is suggested that to bridge this gap and ensure that young people are fully engaged, educators must incorporate digital technology more effectively into teaching and learning. This is problematic, however, because technology has had limited impact on education and has failed to be widely adopted as a learning support across many aspects of school and university education. More needs to be known …
The Influence Of State Motivation, Content Relevance And Affective Learning On High School Students' Intentions To Use Class Content Following Completion Of Compulsory Physical Education, Collin A. Webster, Diana Mindrila, Robert Weaver
The Influence Of State Motivation, Content Relevance And Affective Learning On High School Students' Intentions To Use Class Content Following Completion Of Compulsory Physical Education, Collin A. Webster, Diana Mindrila, Robert Weaver
Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)
Little research has examined mechanisms leading to the utilization of compulsory physical education content in future contexts. This study tested a model in which motivation to be in physical education class functions as a predisposition influencing perceptions of teacher communication of content relevance, perceptions of course relevance to one’s personal life, affect for physical education and intentions to apply class content in the future. High school students (N = 636) enrolled in compulsory physical education classes completed questionnaires assessing each of these variables. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses indicated the questionnaire items were adequate indicators of the five constructs. Structural …
Culture, Motivation, And Vocational Decision-Making Of Australian Senior High School Students In Private Schools, Jae Yup Jung, John M. Mccormick, Gary Gregory, Kerry Barnett
Culture, Motivation, And Vocational Decision-Making Of Australian Senior High School Students In Private Schools, Jae Yup Jung, John M. Mccormick, Gary Gregory, Kerry Barnett
Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)
The purpose of this study was to investigate the roles of culture and motivation in the occupational decisions of senior high school students attending private schools. A theoretical framework guided the study. A questionnaire was administered to 492 Grade 11 students attending a stratified random sample of six independent (private) schools located in the Sydney (Australia) metropolitan area. Structural equation modelling was performed on the data collected. The major findings of the study centre on a new model of vocational decision-making, which provides empirical support for relationships between cultural orientation variables, expectancy-value variables, and related constructs. The findings may be …
Are We Exacerbating Students' Learning Disabilities? An Investigation Of Preservice Teachers' Attributions Of The Educational Outcomes Of Students With Learning Disabilities, Wilhelmina J. Vialle, Stuart Woodcock
Are We Exacerbating Students' Learning Disabilities? An Investigation Of Preservice Teachers' Attributions Of The Educational Outcomes Of Students With Learning Disabilities, Wilhelmina J. Vialle, Stuart Woodcock
Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)
While claims of the importance of attribution theory and teachers’ expectations of students for student performance are repeatedly made, there is little comprehensive research identifying the perceptions preservice teachers have of students with learning disabilities (LD). Accordingly, 444 Australian preservice primary school teachers were surveyed using vignettes and Likert-scale questions, to ascertain their responses to students with and without LD. It was found that preservice primary school general education teachers held a negative attribution style towards students with LD. Preservice primary teachers perceived students with LD as lacking ability in comparison to others in the class. Recommendations for research and …
Attributional Beliefs Of Students With Learning Disabilities, Stuart Woodcock, Wilma Vialle
Attributional Beliefs Of Students With Learning Disabilities, Stuart Woodcock, Wilma Vialle
Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)
While claims of the importance of attribution theory and teachers’ expectations of students in regards to performance are repeatedly made, there is little comprehensive research identifying the perceptions preservice teachers have of students with learning disabilities (LD). Accordingly, this study examined 154 Australian preservice secondary school teachers to ascertain their responses to students with and without LD. It was found that preservice secondary school teachers held a negative attribution style towards students with LD. Preservice secondary teachers perceived students with LD as lacking ability in comparison to others in the class. Recommendations for research and training programs conclude the paper.
Are We Doing Enough? Assessing The Needs Of Teachers In Isolated Schools With Students With Oppositional Defiant Disorder In Mainstream Classes, Fiona Mclean, Roselyn Dixon
Are We Doing Enough? Assessing The Needs Of Teachers In Isolated Schools With Students With Oppositional Defiant Disorder In Mainstream Classes, Fiona Mclean, Roselyn Dixon
Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)
The Vinson report (2001) into public education highlighted the growing incidence of behavioural problems within the NSW public school system.
Interactive Whiteboards As A Tool For Teaching Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders, Irina Verenikina, Kathleen Tanner, Roselyn M. Dixon, Elleni De Graaf
Interactive Whiteboards As A Tool For Teaching Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders, Irina Verenikina, Kathleen Tanner, Roselyn M. Dixon, Elleni De Graaf
Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)
This paper presents part of a research study on the affordances of digital technologies in the learning of students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) undertaken in the Faculty of Education, University of Wollongong. The study is framed around the understanding of modern digital technologies, and Interactive Whiteboards (IWBs) in particular, as cognitive tools for teaching and learning based on the theory of social and cultural mediation of children’s development and learning (Vygotsky, 1978; Engestrom, 2001). The view of the IWB as a teaching and learning tool is twofold: firstly, the IWB is analysed as a tool that can be used …
The Digital Technology In The Learning Of Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders (Asd) In Applied Classroom Settings, Kathleen Tanner, Roselyn M. Dixon, Irina Verenikina
The Digital Technology In The Learning Of Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders (Asd) In Applied Classroom Settings, Kathleen Tanner, Roselyn M. Dixon, Irina Verenikina
Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)
This paper describes a research study that is a stepping stone to further research on the affordances of digital technologies in the learning of students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The study is framed around the modern understanding of technologies as cognitive tools for learning based on the theory of social and cultural mediation of children’s development and learning (Vygotsky, 1978), together with Activity Theory (Engestrom, 2001). The study focuses on the day-to-day reality of the use of computer and other digital technologies to assist the classroom learning of children with ASD. A series of observations, semi-structured interviews with teachers …
Change In Affect And Needs Satisfaction For Amotivated Students Within The Sport Education Model, Dana Perlman
Change In Affect And Needs Satisfaction For Amotivated Students Within The Sport Education Model, Dana Perlman
Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)
The purpose of this study is to examine the in!uence of the Sport Education Model (SEM) on amotivated students affect and needs satisfaction. 78 amotivated students from an original pool of 1,176 students enrolled in one of 32 physical education classes. Classes were randomly assigned to either the SEM (N = 16) or traditional class (N = 16). Data were collected using a pretest/posttest design measuring affect (enjoyment) and needs satisfaction. Analysis of data used repeated-measures ANOVAs to examine differences. Results indicated signi"- cant changes in amotivated student’s perceptions of enjoyment and relatedness satisfaction within the SEM.
Beyond The 'Digital Natives' Debate: Towards A More Nuanced Understanding Of Students' Technology Experiences, Susan J. Bennett, Karl A. Maton
Beyond The 'Digital Natives' Debate: Towards A More Nuanced Understanding Of Students' Technology Experiences, Susan J. Bennett, Karl A. Maton
Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)
The idea of the ‘digital natives’, a generation of tech-savvy young people immersed in digital technologies for which current education systems cannot cater, has gained widespread popularity on the basis of claims rather than evidence. Recent research has shown flaws in the argument that there is an identifiable generation or even a single type of highly adept technology user. For educators, the diversity revealed by these studies provides valuable insights into students’ experiences of technology inside and outside formal education. While this body of work provides a preliminary understanding, it also highlights subtleties and complexities that require further investigation. It …
The Potential To Learn: Pre-Service Teachers' Proposed Use Of Instructional Strategies For Students With A Learning Disability, Stuart Woodcock, Wilma Vialle
The Potential To Learn: Pre-Service Teachers' Proposed Use Of Instructional Strategies For Students With A Learning Disability, Stuart Woodcock, Wilma Vialle
Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)
Over recent years, moves toward the inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms has brought about increasing attention to the way general education teachers perceive these students. Commensurate with this has been a growing interest in what may constitute educational success for children with special needs in mainstream classrooms, plus the ability of general education teachers to provide effective and appropriate instruction for them. It is known that teachers form beliefs about the process of teaching during their pre-service training and also that once a belief has been held for a long time, it becomes extremely difficult to …
Metacognitive Engagement During Field-Trip Experiences: A Case Study Of Students In An Amusement Park Physics Program, Wendy S. Nielsen, Samson Nashon, David Anderson
Metacognitive Engagement During Field-Trip Experiences: A Case Study Of Students In An Amusement Park Physics Program, Wendy S. Nielsen, Samson Nashon, David Anderson
Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)
This paper reports on a study that investigated students' metacognitive engagement of in both out-of-school and classroom settings, as they participated in an amusement park physics program. Students from two schools that participated in the program worked in groups to collectively solve novel physics problems that engaged their individual metacognition. Their conversations and behavioral dispositions during problem solving were digitally audio-recorded on devices that they wore or placed on the tables where groups worked on the assigned physics problems. The students also maintained reflection journals on the strategies they employed to manage their own understanding as well as learning processes. …
Validating The Slowmation Learning Design: Comparing A Learning Design With Students' Experiences Of Learning, Garry Hoban, Wendy Nielsen, David Macdonald, Brian Ferry
Validating The Slowmation Learning Design: Comparing A Learning Design With Students' Experiences Of Learning, Garry Hoban, Wendy Nielsen, David Macdonald, Brian Ferry
Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)
A slowmation (abbreviated from slow-motion animation) is a narrated animation designed and made by learners that is played in slow motion at 2 frames/second to explain a science concept. The purpose of this study was to compare the proposed learning design of a slowmation with the actual learning experiences of three preservice primary teachers as they created an animation about an obscure topic over a period of two hours. A range of data gathering methods were used to document the students’ learning experiences including individual interviews before and after creation to ascertain their pre and post knowledge as well as …
Year 12 Students' And Higher Mathematics: Emerging Issues, Mohan Chinnappan, Stephen Dinham, Anthony J. Herrington, Dale Scott
Year 12 Students' And Higher Mathematics: Emerging Issues, Mohan Chinnappan, Stephen Dinham, Anthony J. Herrington, Dale Scott
Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)
In order for young Australians to contribute to economic prosperity and remain competitive in a global market place, participation in higher and further education is essential. In this context, participation in mathematics, and in particular, higher mathematics, is an important prerequisite for young Australians to enable them to develop the range of skills that underpin a scientifically literate workforce. This is a report on a study in progress focusing on the fact that participation in mathematics study at higher levels to Year 12, and in universities in Australia, is in decline. We provide data on the specific nature of this …
Responsibilities, Rights And Respect Online: A Web-Based Tutorial For University Students, Lynne Wright, Robert J. Wright, Yvonne B. Kerr, Karl B. Mutimer
Responsibilities, Rights And Respect Online: A Web-Based Tutorial For University Students, Lynne Wright, Robert J. Wright, Yvonne B. Kerr, Karl B. Mutimer
Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)
The Director EED, the Dean of Students and the interactive multimedia team from the Educational Media Laboratory (emlab) within the Faculty of Education at the University of Wollongong have joined together in a project to create an online tutorial to educate university students in Australia about harassment and discrimination, within the context of a university environment. The program draws from a range of student experiences in a variety of settings to raise awareness of their responsibilities and rights and the types of behaviour, which can be discriminatory or considered as harassment. It is proposed to make the program compulsory for …
Trans-National Education: The Politics Of Mobility, Migration And The Wellbeing Of International Students, Peter M. Kell, Gillian J. Vogl
Trans-National Education: The Politics Of Mobility, Migration And The Wellbeing Of International Students, Peter M. Kell, Gillian J. Vogl
Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)
This paper explores some of the background issues regarding international students and seeks to identify the ways in which the experience of transnational education by international students in higher education is positioned within academic debates, policy debates, literature and theory. This paper argues about the need for new ways of exploring the phenomena of international education and that many of the theoretical frameworks used are inadequate to account for the complexities that characterise transnational higher education and what international students experienced.
Engaging Early Career Teachers In 'Virtual Writing Conferences' With Grade Five Students, Lisa K. Kervin, Jessica Mantei
Engaging Early Career Teachers In 'Virtual Writing Conferences' With Grade Five Students, Lisa K. Kervin, Jessica Mantei
Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)
The changing definition of what it means to be literate is well documented within the literature. The familiarity of many students with screen-based texts and their ability to manipulate computer-based technologies, in particular Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), is well understood. There are examples within the literature of how technology can be used to support the writing process (Turbill & Murray, 2006), provide students with control over the phases of text production (Novinger & Smith, 2003) and the need for teachers to create authentic and engaging experiences (Kervin & Mantei, 2006; Peterson, 2005). Taking such perspectives into consideration, we worked …
Design-Based Research And Doctoral Students: Guidelines For Preparing A Dissertation Proposal, Janice A. Herrington, Susan Mckenney, Thomas C. Reeves, Ron Oliver
Design-Based Research And Doctoral Students: Guidelines For Preparing A Dissertation Proposal, Janice A. Herrington, Susan Mckenney, Thomas C. Reeves, Ron Oliver
Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)
At first glance, design-based research may appear to be such a long-term and intensive approach to educational inquiry that doctoral students, most of whom expect to complete their Ph.D. degree in 4-5 years, should not attempt to adopt this approach for their doctoral dissertations. In this paper, we argue that design-based research is feasible for doctoral students, andthat candidates should be encouraged to engage in it. More specifically, we describe the components of a dissertation proposal or prospectus that utilizes design-based research methods in the context of educational technology research.
From The Web To Writing: The Role Of Collaboration In Providing First Year University Students With The Skills To Succeed, Sarah E. O'Shea, Julie Mundy-Taylor
From The Web To Writing: The Role Of Collaboration In Providing First Year University Students With The Skills To Succeed, Sarah E. O'Shea, Julie Mundy-Taylor
Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)
In contemporary university environments not only have student populations become more diverse, but also institutions have embraced technological advances to create new facets to the teaching and learning process. The challenges offered by virtual learning as well as the impact of email and e-learning remain largely under-researched both broadly and in relation to first year transition. First year students are now expected to not only acquire the implicit academic discourse in a timely fashion but also master the computing skills so central to contemporary university delivery. Skills central to effective and efficient academic research and writing are often perceived in …
Exploring The Nardoo: Designing Problem-Based Learning Experiences For Secondary School Students, Susan J. Bennett
Exploring The Nardoo: Designing Problem-Based Learning Experiences For Secondary School Students, Susan J. Bennett
Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)
This chapter examines how instructional designers work together in teams to solve problems. It examines the advantages and disadvantages of a team approach to instructional design. This case will explore how a team of instructional designers worked together to create Exploring the Nardoo, a multi-award winning CD-ROM developed by the University of Wollongong’s Educational Media Laboratory (emLab). The case describes key issues related to the design and development of the package from the perspective of a faculty-based multimedia unit, which was established with a strong emphasis on advancing research through innovations in design.
Ipods And Podcasting Technologies To Support Talking And Listening Experiences Of Grade 4 Students, Jeff Vardy, Lisa K. Kervin, Doug Reid
Ipods And Podcasting Technologies To Support Talking And Listening Experiences Of Grade 4 Students, Jeff Vardy, Lisa K. Kervin, Doug Reid
Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)
Traditional primary classrooms (Kindergarten to Grade 6) have been characterised with chalkboards, books, pencils and pens for decades. However, the range of technology available for use is ever increasing across educational sectors; including primary classrooms. Teachers are under increasing pressure to include new technologies into learning experiences and to also consider ways to present curricula content. In 2006 12 x 30GB 5th Generation Video iPods were provided for use in a Grade 4 classroom. This paper explores how one primary teacher integrated iPods and podcasting into learning experiences with emphasis on the Talking and Listening strand of the New South …
Well I Got Here ... But What Happens Next? Exploring The Early Narratives Of First Year Female Students Who Are The First In The Family To Attend University, Sarah E. O'Shea
Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)
There is much literature and research pertaining to the First Year Experience but little that acknowledges or explores how this varies between different cohorts of students. The so-called massification of higher education has led to what Rendon (1994) terms a ‘tapestry of differentiation’ (p.33) amongst students. No longer is the typical candidate a school leaver originating from predominantly white, middle class enclaves where the tradition of attending further education is well established. Instead, many students now access university through non-traditional modes of entry or may be the first in the family to attend such an institution and as such, may …
Nsw High School Students Construction Of Democratic Citizenship Through Language Learning: A Case Study Of Japanese Language Learning Experience, Yuko Ramzan
Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)
This study reports on the perceptions of five high school students in NSW who have been studying Japanese language since their primary schooling. The study examines how the students construct their self and others within their Japanese language classes and how the classes contribute to citizenship education. The discussion, based on data derived from in-depth and semi-structured interviews is focused on perceptions of language learning, interculturality and citizenship education. The results suggest that language learning contributes to the students’ construction of interculturality, which in turn provides a focus for meting the students’ needs for citizenship education.
Dive In 2005 - A Cd Rom In 'Student Speak' For First Year Students, Pauline Lysaght, Russell Walton
Dive In 2005 - A Cd Rom In 'Student Speak' For First Year Students, Pauline Lysaght, Russell Walton
Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)
This paper reports on the development of a CD-ROM for undergraduate students beginning their first year of study in 2005 in the Faculty of Education at the University of Wollongong. The CD (entitled Dive In 2005: A Guide for Beginning Education Students) includes information about many aspects of university life ranging from general policies, procedures and resources to facultyspecific items that support the academic and social life of Education students. An innovative feature of Dive In 2005 is the degree of involvement of “experienced” undergraduate students at every level of its production. By drawing on the wisdom of these continuing …
Technology-Supported Collaboration On Field-Based Authentic Tasks, Gwyn Brickell, J. Herrington, Barry Harper
Technology-Supported Collaboration On Field-Based Authentic Tasks, Gwyn Brickell, J. Herrington, Barry Harper
Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)
The traditional ‘work-sheet’ approach has long been a favoured method for the conduct of field trips and excursions for school students. Such an approach fails to capitalise on constructivist theory and more specifically, collaborative learning, which holds rich potential to engage students and enhance learning on excursions. This paper describes a new approach to school excursions where learners are challenged in multiple learning contexts in a School Excursion Education Program at Sydney Olympic Park. The Park has a wealth of opportunities for the examination of a range of issues other than Olympic sport, such as natural environments, endangered species, pollution …
Curriculum Adjustments For Students With Learning Disabilities In Mainstream Clasrooms., Deslea M. Konza
Curriculum Adjustments For Students With Learning Disabilities In Mainstream Clasrooms., Deslea M. Konza
Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)
The stated policies or mission statements of many education systems around the world reflect the widespread realisation that students with learning difficulties and disabilities have both the ability and the right to learn in a normalised environment, and thus include a goal related to helping all students achieve to their potential. Indeed, education is viewed as one of the major ways in which individuals may achieve life goals, as it often holds the key to level of employment and financial security, level of housing and other life opportunities in addition to personal satisfaction and achievement (Allen, 2003; UNESCO, 2001).
Students Talking About Home-School Communication: Can Technology Support This Process?, Lisa K. Kervin
Students Talking About Home-School Communication: Can Technology Support This Process?, Lisa K. Kervin
Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)
This paper explores the use of technology to support communication about student learning and classroom experiences between home and school contexts. An examination of literature addressing home-school partnerships along with current thinking about the integration of this with Learning Technologies is presented. Research centred on the use of a mobile telephone as a tool to facilitate this process will be discussed. The power this ‘new’ technology brings to the students is discussed with reference to subsequent constraints. However, it is argued that students overwhelmingly perceive this tool as a valuable resource in stimulating and encouraging dialogue between the contexts and …