Education Commons^™

An Investigation Of Volunteer-Student Relationship Trajectories Within School-Based Youth Mentoring Programs, Thomas Keller, Julia Pryce

Julia Pryce

This prospective, mixed-method study investigates the development of school-based mentoring relationships using direct observations, in-depth interviews, and questionnaires from the perspective of mentors and students. A pattern-oriented analysis of qualitative data explores the diversity observed in the life-course of mentor-student relationships. Systematic variation in developmental trends across relationships revealed four distinctive groupings. Some relationships showed progressive improvement in strength and quality. Others started well but reached a plateau and did not become particularly close. A third group struggled throughout to make a connection. Finally, some relationships succeeded after a breakthrough to overcome their challenges. These inductively derived categories are corroborated …

Students’ Views About Learning With Technologies: A Literature Review, Kathryn Moyle, Guus Wijingaards, Susanne Owen

Professor Kathryn Moyle

There is a paucity of recent, formal education research that listens directly to students’ views of learning with technologies. Much of the research that has been conducted has tended to focus on evaluating students’ current experiences within a specific course, or concerned with tangible issues such as frequency of computer use, access to computers and the Internet, and evaluations of technical skill levels. Available research has tended to use quantitative or mixed method approaches, with data collected through surveys using convenience samples, Likert scales and free response questions. These methods are sometimes supplemented with interviews and observations. To establish an …

Factors That Influence The Difficulty Of Problem Solving Items, Dara Ramalingam, Ray Philpot

Ray Philpot

Computer-based assessment of problem solving allows problems of both static and interactive natures to be posed. Examples of static problems are scheduling and logic puzzles in which all relevant information is available to the solver at the outset. Problems of an interactive nature, on the other hand, require exploration of the situation to acquire additional knowledge needed to solve the problem. Examples include discovering how to use an unfamiliar mobile telephone or automatic vending machine. This study used data from the 2011 Field Trial of the PISA 2012 computer-based assessment of problem solving which comprised 34 static and 45 interactive …

Engineering Assessment Development Report: Ahelo Feasibility Study, Jacob Pearce, Julian Fraillon, Hamish Coates, Sarah Richardson

Julian Fraillon

No abstract provided.

Knowledge Of Future Primary Teachers For Teaching Mathematics : An International Comparative Study, S Senk, M Tatto, M Reckase, Glenn Rowley, Ray Peck, K Bankov

Ray Peck

This article reports the results of the Teacher Education and Development Study in Mathematics (TEDS-M) that are related to prospective primary teachers’ knowledge for teaching mathematics. TEDS-M was conducted under the auspices of the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement with additional support from the US. National Science Foundation and the participating countries. In 2008 more than 15,000 future primary teachers, enrolled in about 450 institutions that prepare future primary teachers, were surveyed. Two domains of knowledge for teaching mathematics were assessed using items that had been developed and validated in a cross-national field trial. Large differences in …

Assessing Higher Education Learning Outcomes In Civil Engineering: The Oecd Ahelo Feasibility Study, Roger Hadgraft, Jacob Pearce, Daniel Edwards, Julian Fraillon, Hamish Coates

Julian Fraillon

BACKGROUND

Higher education is increasingly a global business. At present, university ranking schemes are heavily reliant on research indicators, while students are likely looking for an excellent teaching and learning environment. Aware of this discrepancy, the OECD has funded the AHELO project.

PURPOSE

AHELO was designed to test the feasibility of an international assessment of higher education learning outcomes. The two test disciplines are civil engineering and economics, together with an assessment of generic skills. The civil engineering test will be reported in this paper.

More than a ranking, AHELO is a direct evaluation of student performance. It is intended …

An Assessment Of The Effects Of Desertification In Yobe State, Nigeria, Jibril Musa Phd

Confluence Journal Environmental Studies (CJES), Kogi State University, Nigeria

Desertification is one of the most serious environmental and socio-economic problems of our time. Desertification describes circumstances of land degradation in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid regions resulting from the climatic variation and human activities. The fundamental goal of this thesis was to assess the effects of desertification in Yobe State, Nigeria. The present threat of desertification in the sahel has reached an alarming stage where crops cultivation and animal rearing/grazing are no more productive, soil has lost its nutrient/fertility, various infrastructure had given way because of windstorm from the neighbouring Niger Republic and sand dunes had taken over. The …

Using Remote Sensing Data To Improve Rice Production In Kutigi, Niger State, Nigeria, Jibril Musa Phd, M B. Yunusa

Confluence Journal Environmental Studies (CJES), Kogi State University, Nigeria

This research work looked in the used of Remote Sensing to improve Agricultural production in Kutigi, Niger State. The aim of the study is to use remote sensing to improve rice farming activities in Kutigi, Niger State. It is very important to identify such methods to improve Agricultural production because experts are always interested in new researches and findings to better the standard of living in any environment. In view of this, Remotely-sensed data could be used or employed to elevate most of these agricultural problems in Kutigi through the following objectives: Using Landsat imagery to assess the present landuse …

Png Curriculum Reform Implementation Project : Implementation Project Report On The Pilot Curriculum Standards Monitoring Test, Chris Freeman, Prue Anderson, George Morgan

Chris Freeman

This report presents an analysis of the test data from the Curriculum Standards Monitoring Test (CSMT) Pilot program, conducted in 2003 - 2004. It has been prepared by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) on behalf of the Department of Education (DoE), with the support of the Curriculum Reform Implementation Project (CRIP). The terms of reference for the pilot CSMT required ACER and Curriculum Development Division (CDD) to conduct an assessment of PNG student achievements in literacy and numeracy in Grades 3, 4, 5 and 8 against the then current curriculum, taking into account also the outcomes of the …

Pm's Education Goals Mired In Underachievement, Geoff Masters

Prof Geoff Masters AO

International test results released this week highlight the magnitude of the challenge we face in raising the level of educational achievement in Australia. The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) add to the publicly available information about how students in our schools are performing. The results include the first data on how reading levels in Australian primary schools compare with standards in other countries.

How To Ignite Excitement For The Development Of A Transformational Qep In A Distributed University, Aaron D. Clevenger, Kelly W. George, Jayathi S. Raghavan

Kelly Whealan George

No abstract provided.

How To Ignite Excitement For The Development Of A Transformational Qep In A Distributed University, Aaron D. Clevenger, Kelly W. George, Jayathi S. Raghavan

Aaron D. Clevenger

No abstract provided.

National Assessment Program : Ict Literacy 2011 : Year 6 And Year 10 : Technical Report, Eveline Gebhardt, Julian Fraillon, Wolfram Schulz, Kate O'Malley, Chris Freeman, Martin Murphy, John Ainley

Chris Freeman

This report describes the technical aspects of the National Assessment Program – ICT Literacy (NAP – ICTL) 2011 sample assessment and summarises the main activities involved in the data collection, the data collection instruments and the analysis and reporting of the data. Chapter 2 summarises the development of the assessment domain and describes the process of item development and construction of the instruments. Chapter 3 reviews the sample design and describes the sampling process. It also describes the weighting procedures that were implemented to derive population estimates and calculation of participation rates. Chapter 4 summarises the field administration of the …

Task-Based Language Teaching As A Suitable Didactic Method For The Teaching And Learning Of Second And Foreign Languages, Kerwin A. Livingstone

Kerwin A. Livingstone

This research seeks to highlight that Task-Based Language Teaching is a suitable didactic method for the teaching and learning of second and foreign languages. The development and implementation of a teaching module for Spanish as a foreign language, in the face to face environment, is contemplated. The primary objective is to portray how methodological principles from Task-Based Language Teaching can be combined effectively in designing activities for face to face contexts. In this regard, empirical evidence is analysed in order to determine the effectiveness of the mixed methodology in the teaching-learning of Spanish as a foreign language, in the said …

Exploring Enrolment, Achievement And Progression Of Ib Graduates In Australian Universities, Daniel Edwards

Dr Daniel Edwards

No abstract provided.

National Assessment Program : Ict Literacy 2011 : Year 6 And Year 10 : Technical Report, Eveline Gebhardt, Julian Fraillon, Wolfram Schulz, Kate O'Malley, Chris Freeman, Martin Murphy, John Ainley

Dr John Ainley

This report describes the technical aspects of the National Assessment Program – ICT Literacy (NAP – ICTL) 2011 sample assessment and summarises the main activities involved in the data collection, the data collection instruments and the analysis and reporting of the data. Chapter 2 summarises the development of the assessment domain and describes the process of item development and construction of the instruments. Chapter 3 reviews the sample design and describes the sampling process. It also describes the weighting procedures that were implemented to derive population estimates and calculation of participation rates. Chapter 4 summarises the field administration of the …

National Assessment Program : Ict Literacy 2011 : Year 6 And Year 10 : Technical Report, Eveline Gebhardt, Julian Fraillon, Wolfram Schulz, Kate O'Malley, Chris Freeman, Martin Murphy, John Ainley

Julian Fraillon

This report describes the technical aspects of the National Assessment Program – ICT Literacy (NAP – ICTL) 2011 sample assessment and summarises the main activities involved in the data collection, the data collection instruments and the analysis and reporting of the data. Chapter 2 summarises the development of the assessment domain and describes the process of item development and construction of the instruments. Chapter 3 reviews the sample design and describes the sampling process. It also describes the weighting procedures that were implemented to derive population estimates and calculation of participation rates. Chapter 4 summarises the field administration of the …

The 'Digital Natives' And Ict Literacy, Julian Fraillon

Julian Fraillon

Julian Fraillon reports on the latest national assessment of information and communication technology literacy.

National Assessment Program : Ict Literacy 2011 : Year 6 And Year 10 : Technical Report, Eveline Gebhardt, Julian Fraillon, Wolfram Schulz, Kate O'Malley, Chris Freeman, Martin Murphy, John Ainley

Dr Wolfram Schulz

This report describes the technical aspects of the National Assessment Program – ICT Literacy (NAP – ICTL) 2011 sample assessment and summarises the main activities involved in the data collection, the data collection instruments and the analysis and reporting of the data. Chapter 2 summarises the development of the assessment domain and describes the process of item development and construction of the instruments. Chapter 3 reviews the sample design and describes the sampling process. It also describes the weighting procedures that were implemented to derive population estimates and calculation of participation rates. Chapter 4 summarises the field administration of the …

Ib Graduates In Australian Universities : Entry And Outcomes : A Case Study Of Two Institutions : Project Report, Daniel Edwards, Catherine Underwood

Dr Daniel Edwards

This report explores the entry into and progression through university of graduates from the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP). It focuses on two Australian universities, used as case studies for exploring the higher education pathways of IB DP graduates. The study has been conducted for the International Baccalaureate, the organisation which oversees the IB DP. This project responds to one key element of the IB research agenda, which focuses on establishing and expanding empirical evidence related to the postsecondary transitions, academic outcomes and experiences of IB DP graduates in the tertiary education sector. This report is intended to provide …

Tensions In The Practice Of Action Research, Zuwati Hasim

zuwati hasim

No abstract provided.

Assessing Creative Thinking Skills - An Interdisciplinary Approach, Mark Butler

Mark Butler

The Australian Council for Educational Research (A.C.E.R.) is a not-for-profit organisation that works with Australian and international governments to develop and improve learning and assessment practices. In 2012 A.C.E.R. was contracted by the Victorian government to undertake research in the assessment of critical and creative thinking skills for students aged 8 to 18. Over 300 test items were developed for this purpose and these items were used to form a developmental scale for thinking. The research highlights the how critical and creative thinking skills can be incorporated into lessons which transcend traditional subject boundaries. This presentation focuses on the process …

How Does Student Performance On Process Items Compare To That Of Knowledge Items In Science Assessments?, Ross Hudson, Stewart Monckton

Dr Ross Hudson

No abstract provided.

Where Equity Is A Dirty Word: Contradictions In Hong Kong's Policy Of Support Measure For Ethnic And Linguistic Minority Students, J. Connelly

Dr. CONNELLY, Jennifer

No abstract provided.

Academics’ Attitudes Towards Phd Students’ Teaching: Preparing Research Higher Degree Students For An Academic Career, Denise Jepsen, Melinda Varhegyi, Daniel Edwards

Dr Daniel Edwards

An exploratory study of 473 academics in a metropolitan university investigated the attitudes of academic spervisors towards training for university teaching for doctoral students. The study investigated academic supervisors’ levels of awareness and knowledge of teacher training opportunities, the relative importance of teaching – both lecturing and tutoring – compared with research in the academic selection process, and the academics’ own entry into and attitudes about PhD students teaching during their candidature. Results indicate that academic supervisors are more aware of short courses and workshops than in-depth teaching certificates and diplomas. In terms of the relative value of aspects of …

Assessing Higher Education Learning Outcomes In Civil Engineering: The Oecd Ahelo Feasibility Study, Roger Hadgraft, Jacob Pearce, Daniel Edwards, Julian Fraillon, Hamish Coates

Dr Daniel Edwards

BACKGROUND

Higher education is increasingly a global business. At present, university ranking schemes are heavily reliant on research indicators, while students are likely looking for an excellent teaching and learning environment. Aware of this discrepancy, the OECD has funded the AHELO project.

PURPOSE

AHELO was designed to test the feasibility of an international assessment of higher education learning outcomes. The two test disciplines are civil engineering and economics, together with an assessment of generic skills. The civil engineering test will be reported in this paper.

More than a ranking, AHELO is a direct evaluation of student performance. It is intended …

Plan And Assess: The Basics Of Learning Outcomes And Survey Development, Larry D. Long, Angela Baugher, Jess Turuc

Larry D. Long

No abstract provided.

The Abcs Of Gfe, Brandon Youker

Brandon W. Youker Ph.D

Goal-free evaluation (GFE) is the process of determining something’s merit intentionally without reference to its stated goals and objectives. The following PowerPoint presentation describes GFE and discusses preliminary attempts at operationalization. The video concludes with a lively discussion where audience members challenge Dr. Youker on GFE's feasibility and merit. . *This presentation is available at The Evaluation Center's website archived as an Evaluation Café presentation: http://www.wmich.edu/evalctr/2012/11/goal-free-evaluation-an-analog-experiment-comparing-goal-free-evaluation-and-goal-based-evalation-utility/

Action Learning- A Process Which Supports Organisational Change Initiatives., Pauline Joyce

Pauline Joyce

This paper reflects on how action learning sets were used to support organisational change initiatives. It sets the scene with contextualising the inclusion of change projects in a masters programme. Action learning is understood to be a dynamic process where a team meets regularly to help individual members address issues through a highly structured, facilitated team process of reflection and action. The key findings from evaluation of the students and facilitators’ experiences are reflected on, together with plans for improving the experience for all stakeholders for the next academic year. In sharing this experience the purpose of the paper is …

Learning As Doing –Common Goals And Interests Across Management And Education., Pauline Joyce

Pauline Joyce

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate approaches to learning of healthcare professionals in a postgraduate management programme.

Background: The study was carried out in a higher education institution.

Methods: An evaluation research study of an interprofessional healthcare group was carried out with students (insider stakeholders), and their lecturers and external examiner (external stakeholders). All three perspectives are presented here. Data was collected by interview, document analysis and reflection.

Results: This paper focused on the domain of learning as doing, as a major theme of the study, drawing variances between nurses and other healthcare professionals. The study highlights …