Education Commons^™

Stop “Going Over” Exams!: The Multiple Benefits Of Team Exams, Gary Stark

Journal Articles

This article describes the use of team exams as a means of postexam feedback and explains the benefits of their use. Team exams are a simple procedure for those who use exams in their classrooms. Team exams can be a valuable experiential exercise in management classes but offer educational benefits in any class. Among the benefits of team exams are accurate feedback and active engagement of students in postexam review. Team exams can also serve to check the validity of exam questions and reduce the angst often associated with “going over” exams.

Malcolm S. Knowles: Four Major Historical Social Movements That Influencd Him And He Influenced As He Became An Adult Educator, John A. Henschke Edd

IACE Hall of Fame Repository

Using a qualitative approach, this research provided thematic analysis and description of the context of Knowles' autobiography. The Making of an Adult Educator. The research questions included: What took place when Knowles and Savicevic met in 1966? How did Knowles decide to make use of the term andragogy to name his theory of adult learning in 1967 and 1968? What discourse followed Knowles' introduction of his theory? What social movements in the U.S. occurred during Knowles' times? Denzin's (1989) model of a fully triangulated biographical investigation, consisting of a case history, a case study, a life story, a personal experience …

An Inquiry Into Retention And Achievement Differences In Campus Based And Web Based Ap Classes, Michael Barbour, Dennis Mulcahy

Education Faculty Publications

A decade ago the Advanced Placement (AP) program was introduced into the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Initially, schools embraced this opportunity to provide their students with opportunities that were previously unavailable. However, within a few years the AP program was relegated to urban and large regional high schools. Few smaller, and particularly rural schools, were able to offer AP courses only to the brightest one or two students taking it as an independent study. In 1997-98, schools began to delivery AP courses in a web-based method. The purpose of the study is to examine the retention rates and …

Supplemental Education Services In Arkansas, Sarah C. Mckenzie, Gary W. Ritter

Policy Briefs

The federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001 gives eligible students who attend Title I schools not making adequate yearly progress (AYP) for at least three consecutive years the right to receive free supplemental education services, such as after-school tutoring. Under NCLB, states must provide a list of approved supplemental services providers to districts, who then, theoretically, provide the list to parents of eligible students prior to the start of the school year, so that they can choose the best provider for their children (U. S. Department of Education, 2005).

Alternative Learning Environments In Arkansas, Sarah C. Mckenzie, Gary W. Ritter

Policy Briefs

One intervention that has been shown to be successful in helping students who have not done well in traditional school settings is alternative learning environments (ALE), or alternative schools (Lehr, Lanners, & Lange, 2003). The U.S. Department of Education (2002) defines an alternative school as “a public elementary/secondary school that addresses the needs of students that typically cannot be met in a regular school, provides nontraditional education, serves as an adjunct to a regular school, or falls outside the categories for regular, special education or vocational education.”

Return To The Past:, Teaching Cooperation Through Play And Games Of The Past, Kathie C. Morgan

Faculty Publications and Presentations

In the past play has prepared children for life by teaching: fair play, cooperation, compromising skills, mediation skills, and responsibility. Character skills learned through play promote community and are universally accepted. The games of the past teach students today those exact same skills.

Starting Conversations With Content Area Peers [Out Of The Box], Jenelle Reeves

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Faculty Publications

I offer three principles to guide you as you initiate conversations with content area peers: make it personal, make it positive, and make a connection.

Considering the importance of the relationship between ESOL professionals and content teachers, it is critically important to consider how you engage colleagues in conversation about effective English language learner inclusion. If you open your conversations with content area peers in a positive way, it will set the tone for harmonious, mutually beneficial relationships to follow.

International Collaboration In Blended Problem-Based Learning, Roisin Donnelly

Conference papers

European education today is characterized by two dominant trends. First, e-learning has made impressive advances in the past five years. Second, European higher education has become increasingly internationalized. Within this, there has been an obvious shift towards more social, collaborative and communal perspectives of learning reported in recent educational research. Various forms of collaborative and inquiry-based learning include the idea that learning should be understood as a combination of participation, knowledge creation and internal processes. This paper discusses the blending of e-learning and problem-based learning (PBL), based on these observations and as a comprehensive approach encompassing the learning environment, curriculum, …

What Effects Does Peer Group Study Have On Students’ Learning In Commerce Mathematics? A Case Study Of Diverse Ethnic Learning, Crystal Chun Yun Lau

EDU-COM International Conference

Nowadays collaborative learning (CL) has been widely known as the most effective form of learning. Yet, despite all the studies and anecdotal experiences reported by teachers and researchers, the paradigm remains largely unused in university contexts. CL is a philosophy that encompasses all elements of group work and learning situations where students cooperate in order to accomplish a specific learning objective. It is a philosophy that fits in today's globalized world and provides an opportunity for students to become better citizens of the world. CL provides the mechanism for students to interact positively with people who think differently, not only …

Teaching As Art Form - Review Of The Elements Of Teaching, David I.C. Thomson

Sturm College of Law: Faculty Scholarship

The authors of this gem of a book—both retired college teachers who gave their professional lifetimes to teaching—write simply and passionately about what it takes to be an effective teacher, and manage to reduce the key aspects of a complex process down to nine primary elements. In so doing, they provide not only a road map of aspiration for the new teacher, but also signposts of inspiration for the experienced teacher.

How Learning Styles Impact E-Learning: A Case Comparative Study Of Undergraduate Students Who Excelled, Passed, Or Failed An Online Course In Scientific/Technical Writing, William West, B.R. Simon Rosser, Salma Monani, Laura Gurak

Environmental Studies Faculty Publications

Online classes appear increasingly popular, making it critical in each discipline to study the advantages and disadvantages of learning online. Following up on anecdotal impressions that scientific/technical writing students appeared to do either better or worse in an online course than an offline equivalent (unpublished data), it was decided to study the impact of learning style and experience in using the Internet on grades. The 60 students who participated in an online course on scientific/technical writing were emailed post-course evaluations which included questions on learning styles. Of these, 37 (62%) returned the evaluations, revealing a clear and significant pattern of …

Common Elements For Re-Orienting Higher Education Institutions In Various Countries Toward Lifelong Learning: Research And Implications For Practice, John A. Henschke Edd

IACE Hall of Fame Repository

This research study focused on the question: What common elements will need to be considered to help higher education institutions in various countries shift toward a lifelong learning focus? Research is presented on the background and experiences of various institutions in this regard, developing a policy statement on elements of this re-orientation as a product of a worldwide conference, and ultimately constructing "measurable performance indicators" (MPI) for the seven elements - overarching frameworks, strategic partnerships and linkages, research, teaching and learning processes, administration policies and mechanisms, decision support systems, and student support systems and services. Research and implications for practices …

International Research Foundation For Andragogy And The Implications For Adult Education Practice, John A. Henschke Edd

IACE Hall of Fame Repository

This study searched the literature providing an international research foundation for andragogy. Six themes have emerged: The evolution of the term; historical antecedents shaping the concept; comparison of American and European understandings; popularizing of the American concept; practical applications; and theory, research, and definition. Implications are provided for the practice of andragogy within the fields of adult, continuing, community, extension, and human resource development education.

Problem Based Learning In Spatial Information Sciences: A Case Study, Audrey Martin, Eugene Mcgovern, Kevin Mooney

Conference papers

This paper describes the introduction, implementation and evaluation of a Problem Based Learning component in the Geodetic Surveying syllabus of the fourth / final year of the honours degree programme in Geomatics at the Department of Spatial Information Sciences, Technological University of Dublin,Ireland. The reasons behind adopting this constructivist educational approach as opposed to traditional instructivist methods more commonly employed are addressed, together with an evaluation of the process from both the educator (academic) and student (learners) perspective. The results of this case study are considered in the context of a number of interconnected pedagogical issues including (a) enhancement of …

The Experience Of E-Learning: Progress Towards A New Learning Paradigm, Audrey Martin, Eugene Mcgovern, Kevin Mooney

Conference papers

This paper reviews the use of E-Learning in the spatial information science programmes of the Technological University of Dublin (DIT).

The spatial information science programmes are placed within the context of the use of E-Learning across the Institute and this paper draws on the experiences of the DIT Learning Technology Team (LTT). The LTT has just completed the initial brief given to it by the DIT strategic planning group charged with ensuring the implementation of E-Learning as a resource in support of the change from a teacher-centred to a learner-centred paradigm.

E-Learning was first introduced in the Department of Spatial …

Interactive E-Assessments, Geoffrey Crisp

EDU-COM International Conference

It is useful for teachers to reflect on the future formats that will be necessary for assessment tasks. There is currently much discussion concerning the need for immersive and authentic learning environments. Teachers will need to investigate assessments that mix real and virtual environments, testing declarative knowledge and also conditional and procedural capabilities. Teachers will need to contemplate using assessments that measure approaches to problem solving and student responses in terms of efficiency, ethical considerations and the involvement of others. This image of assessment is still sometime away, but will be within reach in the short term. Are academic staff …

The Use Of Weblogs To Students’ Learning Engagement: A Case Study Of Brick And Mortar Course, Sylvia Ping Ping Chin

EDU-COM International Conference

The purpose of this case study was to determine the effect of the easy-to-use and cost-free Weblog as an instructional tool on students‘ engagement in their learning process. Weblogs are a new and effective platform for information sharing and interaction among the bloggers (Marlow 2004) and was introduced in Pre-University IT course. This course was offered in a traditional class environment but the coursework and group discussion/communication occurred virtually. Weblogging enabled students to share their work with each other online, and make it available from and to any computer that is connected to the Internet. The curricula were designed to …

Identifying The Challenges In Teaching Computer Science Topics Online, Yuwanuch Gulatee, Barbara Combes

EDU-COM International Conference

In an attempt to provide educational opportunities for students who are working or who are located at a distance, many universities have developed wholly online distance education programs. These online courses use web technology as a distributed learning mechanism. However, online distance learning in Computer Science courses remains challenging for both teachers and students. Research has shown that there is a significant risk factor for online courses in Computer Science. Course developers and teachers need to be aware of the particular needs of Computer Science students when establishing online courses, if they wish to graduate successful and satisfied students. This …

Iternational Postgraduate Student Experience: How Can We Enhance Transition Management?, K Singh, L Armstrong

EDU-COM International Conference

Within the broad scope of literature addressing the issue of student experience very limited attention has been given to examining the particular issues impacting international students. This paper draws attention to transition as an aspect impacting the international postgraduate (IP) student experience within a School of Computer and Information Science with a high proportion of IP students (65-75%). Literature relating to both, first year experience and international onshore education provided a frame of reference for a pilot survey (N=58) investigating student perceptions and attitudes on choice of study destination; academic orientation, application and coping; future orientation; social integration and belonging; …

Empowering Students’ Learning Achievement Through Project-Based Learning As Perceived By Electrical Instructors And Students, Anuvat Tongsakul, Kalaynee Jitgarun

EDU-COM International Conference

Purposes of this research were to find out factors empowering electrical students‘ learning achievement through Project-Based Learning (PBL) as perceived by instructors‘ and students‘ opinions. The sample chosen for this study were 247 electrical power instructors at vocational education institutes and 161 electrical students in the 3 rd and 4th year who were studying in the 1st semester of academic year 2006 at Electrical Education Department, Faculty of Industrial Education and Technology, King Mongkut‘s University of Technology Thonburi by using simple random sampling. The instrument used for data collection was 7 rating scales questionnaire. The reliability of the instrument calculated …

Technical Education 2020 In Singapore: Better Quality, Higher Performance And More Choices Through A Market Approach, Tiew Ming Yek

EDU-COM International Conference

This article aims to create a vision for technical education in Singapore in the year 2020, and the likely outcomes in terms of quality, performance and choice. Singapore is today one of the world‘s most globalised nations and it has achieved notable economic success. The current technical education system with the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) as the principal provider can be considered highly successful after more than 40 years of development. By analysing the evolution of a contemporary governance model employed by ITE and juxtaposing it with growing global trends in school choice, privatisation and marketisation, there is reason …

Roll Tape? Recommendations Regarding Video Viewing In Public School Classrooms, Roxanne Greitz Miller

Education Faculty Articles and Research

The writer provides some guidelines and a review of the laws regarding television or movie viewing in public schools. In general, if a teacher wants to use a video in class, the video should be tied to instruction and parents should be notified if the nature of the video might be construed as objectionable in any way to a reasonable observer.

Online Learning Delivered Via Blended Problem-Based Learning, Roisin Donnelly

Books/Book Chapters

Course and Institution: Online Learning Module on the Postgraduate Diploma in Third Level Learning and Teaching; located in the Technological University Dublin. Teaching Strategy: Blended Problem Based Learning approach for 10 weeks. Students/Participants: 10 lecturers/academic staff members from a variety of higher education institutions from around the Republic of Ireland. Average Age: mature participants; some are new to teaching in higher education, and some have been teaching for anywhere between 5-25 years.

Can Blending Face-To-Face Teaching With E-Learning Support The Development Of Phase 4 Apprentices In Mathematics? A Formative Evaluation Research Study., Peter Hinch

Theses

This thesis is a formative evaluation research study. Its purpose is to establish if blending face-to-face and e-learning delivery methods can support the development of Phase 4 apprentice plumbers in mathematics in the Department of Construction Skills in the Technologicl University Dublin. The study also included the design, development and evaluation of a mathematics web site called Plumatics 4 U which is grounded in established theoretical criteria for effective blended delivery within third level education. This web site is currently in use by Phase 4 apprentice plumbers and is delivered through WebCT. The CD accompanying this thesis contains a short …

Michael Graham Moore: A Significant Contributor To The Field Of Educational Technology, Michael Barbour, Thomas C. Reeves

Education Faculty Publications

Moore’s theories related to distance education, his contributions to scholarship and practice, and his efforts to establish the venues for distance education researchers to interact with one another have influenced many educational technologists in valuable ways.

An Examination Of The Interaction Between Exemplary Teachers And Struggling Writers, Betty Ruth Sylvester

Education Faculty Publications

This study examined the interactions between teachers of writing and struggling writers. There were two main research questions: (1) What is the nature of the interaction between exemplary teachers of writing and struggling writers? (2) What arethe responses of struggling writers to exemplary teachers' scaffolding? To answer these questions, qualitative analysis was conducted on data. Two struggling writers were selected for the study based on their responses to the Writers Self-Perception Scale,writing samples, and teacher recommendation. Data collection included observation in two separate fourth grade classrooms during the writing block for 30 days. Data sources included audio-recording of writing instruction …

Karaoke: A Tool For Promoting Reading, Abha Gupta

Teaching & Learning Faculty Publications

This article is a description of a teaching strategy that we have experimented with promising results as a motivational tool. The strategy uses Karaoke as a tool to build and enhance reading behaviors such as fluency and motivation as a twofold purpose for struggling readers. An audio and video sample of children engaged in reading and singing using Karaoke is enclosed. Some modified Karaoke instructional approaches are mentioned for a whole group/classroom use.

Reusable And Sharable Learning Objects Supporting Students’ Learning Of Data Structures In University Courses, K Chansilp, Ron Oliver

EDU-COM International Conference

Data structures are a conceptually demanding topic which confronts many computer science students early in their course. The topic has a strong conceptual basis and often proves difficult for many to grasp. This paper reports on a project which has developed a range of learning objects to help students learn about the different data structures and the algorithms by which they are controlled. Called VIDSAA, the suite of learning objects provides a visual representation which enables students to observe and interact with a large number of data structure algorithms as they are run and to observe and view the outcomes. …

The Application Of Genre Theory To Improve Academic English Writing Courses, Karmolnad Malakul, Margaret Bowering

EDU-COM International Conference

The development of academic writing skills in English has recently become a global priority. However, these courses, where they exist at all, usually adopt an out-dated approach. This paper seeks to redress this by giving an example of a research program, where current linguistic theory was blended with an awareness of local conditions to good effect in terms of student outcomes. In this case what is known as genre theory was applied to the teaching of basic scientific report writing to final year science students at Pibulsongkram Rajabhat University. According to genre theory, as interpreted by the Australian School of …

E-Learning 2.0: New Frontier For Student Empowerment, William Renner

EDU-COM International Conference

Second generation web applications (Web 2.0) are transforming elearning and opening new frontiers for learner empowerment, control and engagement. New online technologies allow individuals to filter and control existing content (aggregation), easily create new content (personal publishing) and rapidly communicate, inform and distribute this information with peers through online social networking services. Learners are able to construct highly personalized learning environments, assembled from a very large range of tools available on the internet, including blogs, wikis, podcasts and social bookmarking sites. Together the technical and social advances which characterize this change may even constitute a paradigm shift, which some authors …