Sample records for basic computation skills

  1. The Effects of Computer Games on the Achievement of Basic Mathematical Skills

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sayan, Hamiyet

    2015-01-01

    This study aims to analyze the relationship between playing computer games and learning basic mathematics skills. It shows the role computer games play in the learning and achievement of basic mathematical skills by students. Nowadays it is clear that individuals, especially young persons are very fond of computer and computer games. Since…

  2. Deficiencies in Basic Knowledge and Skills among High School Business Education Seniors.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Goddard, M. Lee

    1982-01-01

    Conducted a study to determine the level of basic skills achievement among Ohio high school business education seniors. Found that these students lacked competency in general knowledge and in computational skills, basic English skills, and typewriting skills. (GC)

  3. Learning Computers, Speaking English: Cooperative Activities for Learning English and Basic Word Processing.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Quann, Steve; Satin, Diana

    This textbook leads high-beginning and intermediate English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) students through cooperative computer-based activities that combine language learning with training in basic computer skills and word processing. Each unit concentrates on a basic concept of word processing while also focusing on a grammar topic. Skills are…

  4. The Effect of Instructional Method on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Skill Performance: A Comparison Between Instructor-Led Basic Life Support and Computer-Based Basic Life Support With Voice-Activated Manikin.

    PubMed

    Wilson-Sands, Cathy; Brahn, Pamela; Graves, Kristal

    2015-01-01

    Validating participants' ability to correctly perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills during basic life support courses can be a challenge for nursing professional development specialists. This study compares two methods of basic life support training, instructor-led and computer-based learning with voice-activated manikins, to identify if one method is more effective for performance of CPR skills. The findings suggest that a computer-based learning course with voice-activated manikins is a more effective method of training for improved CPR performance.

  5. Effects of Computer-Based Practice on the Acquisition and Maintenance of Basic Academic Skills for Children with Moderate to Intensive Educational Needs

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Everhart, Julie M.; Alber-Morgan, Sheila R.; Park, Ju Hee

    2011-01-01

    This study investigated the effects of computer-based practice on the acquisition and maintenance of basic academic skills for two children with moderate to intensive disabilities. The special education teacher created individualized computer games that enabled the participants to independently practice academic skills that corresponded with their…

  6. Importance of Computer Competencies for Entering JCCC Students: A Survey of Faculty and Staff.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Weglarz, Shirley

    Johnson County Community College (JCCC) conducted a survey in response to faculty comments regarding entering students' lack of rudimentary computer skills. Faculty were spending time in non-computer related classes teaching students basic computer skills. The aim of the survey was to determine what the basic computer competencies for entering…

  7. Using the Computer to Improve Basic Skills.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bozeman, William; Hierstein, William J.

    These presentations offer information on the benefits of using computer-assisted instruction (CAI) for remedial education. First, William J. Hierstein offers a summary of the Computer Assisted Basic Skills Project conducted by Southeastern Community College at the Iowa State Penitentiary. Hierstein provides background on the funding for the…

  8. The Indispensable Teachers' Guide to Computer Skills. Second Edition.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Johnson, Doug

    This book provides a framework of technology skills that can be used for staff development. Part One presents critical components of effective staff development. Part Two describes the basic CODE 77 skills, including basic computer operation, file management, time management, word processing, network and Internet use, graphics and digital images,…

  9. Have Basic Mathematical Skills Grown Obsolete in the Computer Age: Assessing Basic Mathematical Skills and Forecasting Performance in a Business Statistics Course

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Noser, Thomas C.; Tanner, John R.; Shah, Situl

    2008-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to measure the comprehension of basic mathematical skills of students enrolled in statistics classes at a large regional university, and to determine if the scores earned on a basic math skills test are useful in forecasting student performance in these statistics classes, and to determine if students' basic math…

  10. The Impact of the Digital Divide on First-Year Community College Students

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mansfield, Malinda

    2017-01-01

    Some students do not possess the learning management system (LMS) and basic computer skills needed for success in first-year experience (FYE) courses. The purpose of this quantitative study, based on the Integrative Learning Design Framework and theory of transactional distance, was to identify what basic computer skills and LMS skills are needed…

  11. Establishing the Content Validity of a Basic Computer Literacy Course.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Clements, James; Carifio, James

    1995-01-01

    Content analysis of 13 textbooks and 2 Department of Education documents was conducted to ascertain common word processing, database, and spreadsheet software skills in order to determine which specific skills should be taught in a high school computer literacy course. Aspects of a basic computer course, created from this analysis, are described.…

  12. Greek Undergraduate Physical Education Students' Basic Computer Skills

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Adamakis, Manolis; Zounhia, Katerina

    2013-01-01

    The purposes of this study were to determine how undergraduate physical education (PE) students feel about their level of competence concerning basic computer skills and to examine possible differences between groups (gender, specialization, high school graduation type, and high school direction). Although many students and educators believe…

  13. Job-Related Basic Skills: Cases and Conclusions.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sticht, Thomas G.; Mikulecky, Larry

    This monograph describes the job-related basic skills requirements of the work force and explores ways of developing and improving the reading, writing, and computational abilities of workers. The paper first examines trends that are influencing the demand for basic skills, such as the decline in youth population and the increase in service and…

  14. Exploring the Past. "A Senior Literacy Model." Final Report.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Greater Erie Community Action Committee, PA.

    A program of basic language/writing skills was designed to enhance the literacy levels of 24 multicultural seniors, aged 65 or older, who were recruited from senior centers throughout Erie County, Pennsylvania. Computer literacy and basic word processing skills were taught along with basic language/writing skills in a nonthreatening learning…

  15. Interpreting Mathematics Scores on the New Jersey College Basic Skills Placement Test.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Dass, Jane; Pine, Charles

    The New Jersey College Basic Skills Placement Test (NJCBSPT) is designed to measure certain basic language and mathematics skills of students entering New Jersey colleges. The primary purpose of the two mathematics sections is to determine whether students are prepared to begin certain college-level work without a handicap in computation or…

  16. What Research Says about Keyboarding Skills and Computer Anxiety.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Artwohl, Mary Jane

    A literature search identified 14 studies that were examined concerning keyboarding and computer anxiety. Although research on the relationship between keyboarding skills and computer anxiety is scarce, studies are being conducted to measure the effects of basic keyboarding skills on increased productivity. In addition, research is being performed…

  17. Administrators' Perceptions of Community College Students' Computer Literacy Skills in Beginner Courses

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ragin, Tracey B.

    2013-01-01

    Fundamental computer skills are vital in the current technology-driven society. The purpose of this study was to investigate the development needs of students at a rural community college in the Southeast who lacked the computer literacy skills required in a basic computer course. Guided by Greenwood's pragmatic approach as a reformative force in…

  18. A Comparison of Student Perceptions of Their Computer Skills to Their Actual Abilities

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Grant, Donna M.; Malloy, Alisha D.; Murphy, Marianne C.

    2009-01-01

    In this technology intensive society, most students are required to be proficient in computer skills to compete in today's global job market. These computer skills usually consist of basic to advanced knowledge in word processing, presentation, and spreadsheet applications. In many U.S. states, students are required to demonstrate computer…

  19. Index of Workplace & Adult Basic Skills Software.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Askov, Eunice N.; Clark, Cindy Jo

    This index of workplace and adult basic skills computer software includes 108 listings. Each listing is described according to the following classifications: (1) teacher/tutor tools (customizable or mini-authoring systems); (2) assessment and skills; (3) content; (4) instruction method; (5) system requirements; and (6) name, address, and phone…

  20. Job-Related Basic Skills. ERIC Digest No. 94.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kerka, Sandra

    Seven job-related basic skills identified as skills employers want are as follows: (1) learning to learn; (2) reading, writing, and computation; (3) oral communication and listening; (4) creative thinking and problem solving; (5) personal management, including self-esteem, goal setting, motivation, and personal and career development; (6) group…

  1. Success in Institutionalizing Basic Computer Skills Courses at a Community College Level.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Dodge, Lucy

    This article outlines the development of basic computer literacy skills courses under the auspices of the Title III Grant awarded to San Jose City College (SJCC) of San Jose, California by the United States Department of Education (Grant no. PO31A980093, Strengthening Institutions, 1998-2003). The grant has been in effect for 3 years, and grant…

  2. Pennsylvania Blue Shield's Job Linked Skills Program. A Basic Skills Education Program. Final Performance Report.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Pennsylvania Blue Shield, Camp Hill.

    A project developed a model curriculum to be delivered by computer-based instruction to teach the required literacy skills for entry workers in the health insurance industry. Literacy task analyses were performed for the targeted jobs and then validated with focus groups. The job tasks and related basic skills were divided into modules. The job…

  3. Beyond the Computer Literacy.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Streibel, Michael J.; Garhart, Casey

    1985-01-01

    Describes the approach taken in an education computing course for pre- and in-service teachers. Outlines the basic operational, analytical, and evaluation skills that are emphasized in the course, suggesting that these skills go beyond the attainment of computer literacy and can assist in the effective use of computers. (ML)

  4. CBT Pilot Program Instructional Guide. Basic Drafting Skills Curriculum Delivered through CAD Workstations and Artificial Intelligence Software.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Smith, Richard J.; Sauer, Mardelle A.

    This guide is intended to assist teachers in using computer-aided design (CAD) workstations and artificial intelligence software to teach basic drafting skills. The guide outlines a 7-unit shell program that may also be used as a generic authoring system capable of supporting computer-based training (CBT) in other subject areas. The first section…

  5. Evaluation Research in Basic Skills with Incarcerated Adults. Technical Report No. 303.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Meyer, Linda A.; And Others

    To evaluate the relative effectiveness of traditional versus computer managed instruction (CMI) basic skills programs for incarcerated adults, 359 male inmates from three traditional self-paced and three PLATO/CMI programs were given pretests in the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) and the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale (TSCS). Following three…

  6. Framework and Implementation for Improving Physics Essential Skills via Computer-Based Practice: Vector Math

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mikula, Brendon D.; Heckler, Andrew F.

    2017-01-01

    We propose a framework for improving accuracy, fluency, and retention of basic skills essential for solving problems relevant to STEM introductory courses, and implement the framework for the case of basic vector math skills over several semesters in an introductory physics course. Using an iterative development process, the framework begins with…

  7. The reported preparedness and disposition by students in a Nigerian university towards the use of information technology for medical education.

    PubMed

    Fadeyi, A; Desalu, O O; Ameen, A; Adeboye, A N Muhammed

    2010-01-01

    The computer and information technology (IT) revolution have transformed modern health care systems in the areas of communication, storage, retrieval of medical information and teaching, but little is known about IT skill and use in most developing nations. The aim of this study has been to evaluate the reported preparedness and disposition by medical students in a Nigerian university toward the use of IT for medical education. A self-administered structured questionnaire containing 24 items was used to obtain information from medical students in the University of Ilorin, Nigeria on their level of computer usage, knowledge of computer software and hardware, availability and access to computer, possession of personal computer and e-mail address, preferred method of medical education and the use of computer as a supplement to medical education. Out of 479 medical students, 179 (37.4%) had basic computer skills, 209 (43.6%) had intermediate skills and 58(12.1%) had advanced computer skills. Three hundred and thirty (68.9%) have access to computer and 451(94.2%) have e-mail addresses. For medical teaching, majority (83.09%), preferred live lecture, 56.78% lecture videos, 35.1% lecture handout on web site and 410 (85.6%) wants computer as a supplement to live lectures. Less than half (39.5%) wants laptop acquisition to be mandatory. Students with advanced computer skills were well prepared and disposed to IT than those with basic computer skill. The findings revealed that the medical students with advanced computer skills were well prepared and disposed to IT based medical education. Therefore, high level of computer skill is required for them to be prepared and favorably disposed to IT based medical education.

  8. Framework and implementation for improving physics essential skills via computer-based practice: Vector math

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mikula, Brendon D.; Heckler, Andrew F.

    2017-06-01

    We propose a framework for improving accuracy, fluency, and retention of basic skills essential for solving problems relevant to STEM introductory courses, and implement the framework for the case of basic vector math skills over several semesters in an introductory physics course. Using an iterative development process, the framework begins with a careful identification of target skills and the study of specific student difficulties with these skills. It then employs computer-based instruction, immediate feedback, mastery grading, and well-researched principles from cognitive psychology such as interleaved training sequences and distributed practice. We implemented this with more than 1500 students over 2 semesters. Students completed the mastery practice for an average of about 13 min /week , for a total of about 2-3 h for the whole semester. Results reveal large (>1 SD ) pretest to post-test gains in accuracy in vector skills, even compared to a control group, and these gains were retained at least 2 months after practice. We also find evidence of improved fluency, student satisfaction, and that awarding regular course credit results in higher participation and higher learning gains than awarding extra credit. In all, we find that simple computer-based mastery practice is an effective and efficient way to improve a set of basic and essential skills for introductory physics.

  9. Basic Skills Resource Center: Documentation and Phaseover Report for the Military Educators Resource NETWORK

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1985-01-01

    narrative form. 111. Describe the subject of your request in 3 or 4 precise terms (e.g., reading skills , computer assisted instruction, adult literacy ...00 Research Product 85-03 L’C £ BASIC SKILLS RESOURCE CENTER: DOCUMENTATION AND PHASEOVER REPORT FOR THE MILITARY EDUCATORS RESOURCE NETWORK... SKILLS RESOURCE CENTER: DOCUMENTATION AND Interim Report PHLASEOVER REPORT FOR THE MILITARY EDUCATORS Feb 1982 - Sept 1984 RESOURCE NETWORK 6

  10. Using a Computer Game to Reinforce Skills in Addition Basic Facts in Second Grade.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kraus, William H.

    1981-01-01

    A computer-generated game called Fish Chase was developed to present drill-and-practice exercises on addition facts. The subjects of the study were 19 second-grade pupils. The results indicate a computer game can be used effectively to increase proficiency with basic facts. (MP)

  11. Adult Education Basic Skills Task Force: Writing Skills.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Utah State Office of Education, Salt Lake City.

    In response to the Utah State Board of Education's new high school graduation requirements, five task forces of adult basic education teachers were charged with the identification of functional competencies for adult students in the areas of reading, writing, speaking, listening, and computation, and with the development of curricular materials…

  12. Improving Soldier Training: An Aptitude-Treatment Interaction Approach.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1979-06-01

    magazines. Eighteen percent of American adults lack basic literacy skills to the point where they cannot even fill out basic forms. Dr. Food emphasized...designed to upgrade the literacy and computational skills of Army personnel found deficient. The magnitude of the problem is such, however, that the services...knowledge, (WK); arithmetic reasoning, AR); etc.) predict the aiount learned or the rate of learning or both. Special abilities such as psychomotor skills

  13. Job Skills Education Program. Final Technical Report.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Florida State Univ., Tallahassee. Center for Educational Technology.

    This publication provides materials developed by a project designed to transfer a U.S. Army computer-based basic skills curriculum to applications in the vocational skills development of civilian adults. An executive summary of the final report describes the Job Skills Education Program (JSEP), which teaches academic skills that support vocational…

  14. Workforce Improvement Network 2000 Survey of Virginia Employers.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Foucar-Szocki, Diane; Bolt, Les

    A stratified random sample of Virginia's 4,000 employers with over 100 employees was surveyed about workplace-based foundational basic skills (oral and written communication, reading, math, thinking skills, teamwork, English proficiency, and basic computer literacy). A total of 446 surveys were sent with a usable response rate of 18 percent.…

  15. Computer literacy and attitudes towards e-learning among first year medical students

    PubMed Central

    Link, Thomas Michael; Marz, Richard

    2006-01-01

    Background At the Medical University of Vienna, most information for students is available only online. In 2005, an e-learning project was initiated and there are plans to introduce a learning management system. In this study, we estimate the level of students' computer skills, the number of students having difficulty with e-learning, and the number of students opposed to e-learning. Methods The study was conducted in an introductory course on computer-based and web-based training (CBT/WBT). Students were asked to fill out a questionnaire online that covered a wide range of relevant attitudes and experiences. Results While the great majority of students possess sufficient computer skills and acknowledge the advantages of interactive and multimedia-enhanced learning material, a small percentage lacks basic computer skills and/or is very skeptical about e-learning. There is also a consistently significant albeit weak gender difference in available computer infrastructure and Internet access. As for student attitudes toward e-learning, we found that age, computer use, and previous exposure to computers are more important than gender. A sizable number of students, 12% of the total, make little or no use of existing e-learning offerings. Conclusion Many students would benefit from a basic introduction to computers and to the relevant computer-based resources of the university. Given to the wide range of computer skills among students, a single computer course for all students would not be useful nor would it be accepted. Special measures should be taken to prevent students who lack computer skills from being disadvantaged or from developing computer-hostile attitudes. PMID:16784524

  16. Computer literacy and attitudes towards e-learning among first year medical students.

    PubMed

    Link, Thomas Michael; Marz, Richard

    2006-06-19

    At the Medical University of Vienna, most information for students is available only online. In 2005, an e-learning project was initiated and there are plans to introduce a learning management system. In this study, we estimate the level of students' computer skills, the number of students having difficulty with e-learning, and the number of students opposed to e-learning. The study was conducted in an introductory course on computer-based and web-based training (CBT/WBT). Students were asked to fill out a questionnaire online that covered a wide range of relevant attitudes and experiences. While the great majority of students possess sufficient computer skills and acknowledge the advantages of interactive and multimedia-enhanced learning material, a small percentage lacks basic computer skills and/or is very skeptical about e-learning. There is also a consistently significant albeit weak gender difference in available computer infrastructure and Internet access. As for student attitudes toward e-learning, we found that age, computer use, and previous exposure to computers are more important than gender. A sizable number of students, 12% of the total, make little or no use of existing e-learning offerings. Many students would benefit from a basic introduction to computers and to the relevant computer-based resources of the university. Given to the wide range of computer skills among students, a single computer course for all students would not be useful nor would it be accepted. Special measures should be taken to prevent students who lack computer skills from being disadvantaged or from developing computer-hostile attitudes.

  17. An Introduction to Research and the Computer: A Self-Instructional Package.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Vasu, Ellen Storey; Palmer, Richard I.

    This self-instructional package includes learning objectives, definitions, exercises, and feedback for learning some basic concepts and skills involved in using computers for analyzing data and understanding basic research terminology. Learning activities are divided into four sections: research and research hypotheses; variables, cases, and…

  18. Individual Differences in Learning from an Intelligent Discovery World: Smithtown.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Shute, Valerie J.

    "Smithtown" is an intelligent computer program designed to enhance an individual's scientific inquiry skills as well as to provide an environment for learning principles of basic microeconomics. It was hypothesized that intelligent computer instruction on applying effective interrogative skills (e.g., changing one variable at a time…

  19. Development of Interactive Computer Programs To Help Students Transfer Basic Skills to College Level Science and Behavioral Science Courses.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mikulecky, Larry

    Interactive computer programs, developed at Indiana University's Learning Skills Center, were designed to model effective strategies for reading biology and psychology textbooks. For each subject area, computer programs and textbook passages were used to instruct and model for students how to identify key concepts, compare and contrast concepts,…

  20. Computer Literacy Teaching Using Peer Learning and under the Confucian Heritage Cultural Settings of Macao, China

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wong, Kelvin; Neves, Ana; Negreiros, Joao

    2017-01-01

    University students in Macao are required to attend computer literacy courses to raise their basic skills levels and knowledge as part of their literacy foundation. Still, teachers frequently complain about the weak IT skills of many students, suggesting that most of them may not be benefiting sufficiently from their computer literacy courses.…

  1. An Investigation into the Feasibility of Using Computer Technology in Achievement Directed Leadership.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Research for Better Schools, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.

    Between 1977 and 1981, the Basic Skills Component of Research for Better Schools worked with education agencies to develop a research-based approach to improving basic skills instruction and student achievement. Called Achievement Directed Leadership (ADL), the approach was field tested extensively in three school districts during the 1981-82…

  2. Using Electronic Technology in Adult Literacy Education

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rosen, David J.

    1999-01-01

    Students in adult literacy education, including basic and secondary education and English for speakers of other languages (ESOL), are increasingly using computers to write, find information, publish their writings, communicate by e-mail, learn basic skills, and for other purposes. In this chapter the focus is on computers, the Internet (including…

  3. Computing Support for Basic Research in Perception and Cognition

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1988-12-07

    hearing aids and cochlear implants, this suggests that certain types of proposed coding schemes, specifically those employing periodicity tuning in...developing a computer model of the interaction of declarative and procedural knowledge in skill acquisition. In the Visual Psychophysics Laboratory... Psycholinguistics - Laboratory a computer model of text comprehension and recall has been constructed and several - experiments have been completed that verify basic

  4. Information and informatics literacy: skills, timing, and estimates of competence.

    PubMed

    Scott, C S; Schaad, D C; Mandel, L S; Brock, D M; Kim, S

    2000-01-01

    Computing and biomedical informatics technologies are providing almost instantaneous access to vast amounts of possibly relevant information. Although students are entering medical school with increasingly sophisticated basic technological skills, medical educators must determine what curricular enhancements are needed to prepare learners for the world of electronic information. The purpose was to examine opinions of academic affairs and informatics administrators, curriculum deans and recently matriculated medical students about prematriculation competence and medical education learning expectations. Two surveys were administered: an Information Literacy Survey for curriculum/informatics deans and a Computing Skills Survey for entering medical students. Results highlight differences of opinion about entering competencies. They also indicate that medical school administrators believe that most basic information skills fall within the domain of undergraduate medical education. Further investigations are needed to determine precise entry-level skills and whether information literacy will increase as a result of rising levels of technical competence.

  5. Why I'm a Yearbook Sponsor Again and Why I Won't Be for Long.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tarasovic, Janet

    1995-01-01

    Offers advice, in the form of a letter, to an aspiring teacher about the benefits of being a yearbook advisor. Reviews some of the basic skills needed to be an advisor, such as writing, photography and design skills, computer skills, budgetary and advertising skills, and public relations skills. (TB)

  6. Elaborated Corrective Feedback and the Acquisition of Reasoning Skills: A Study of Computer-Assisted Instruction.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Collins, Maria; And Others

    1987-01-01

    Thirteen learning disabled and 15 remedial high school students were taught reasoning skills using computer-assisted instruction and were given basic or elaborated corrections. Criterion-referenced test scores were significantly higher for the elaborated-corrections treatment on the post- and maintenance tests and on a transfer test assessing…

  7. Computer Programming with Early Elementary Students with Down Syndrome

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Taylor, Matthew S.; Vasquez, Eleazar; Donehower, Claire

    2017-01-01

    Students of all ages and abilities must be given the opportunity to learn academic skills that can shape future opportunities and careers. Researchers in the mid-1970s and 1980s began teaching young students the processes of computer programming using basic coding skills and limited technology. As technology became more personalized and easily…

  8. Increasing Mathematical Computation Skills for Students with Physical and Health Disabilities

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Webb, Paula

    2017-01-01

    Students with physical and health disabilities struggle with basic mathematical concepts. The purpose of this research study was to increase the students' mathematical computation skills through implementing new strategies and/or methods. The strategies implemented with the students was utilizing the ten-frame tiles and technology with the purpose…

  9. Description of an Introductory Learning Strategies Course for the Job Skills Educational Program.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Murphy, Debra Ann; Derry, Sharon J.

    The Job Skills Educational Program (JSEP), currently under development for the Army Research Institute, embeds learner strategies training within the context of a basic skills computer-assisted instruction curriculum. The curriculum is designed for low-ability soldiers, and consists largely of instruction in the domain of intellectual skills. An…

  10. Technology Integration

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    T.H.E. Journal, 2004

    2004-01-01

    The use of instructional technology has evolved over the last two decades, initially, instructional technology had two uses: learning about computers and using computers to increase basic skills. Learning about computers morphed into computer literacy, which is typically defined as the history, terminology and background of computing, using…

  11. MUJER: Mothers United for Jobs, Education, and Results. 1997-8 Project FORWARD Project-based Learning Project Summary.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Green, Anson M.

    Students in the Culebra Road GED/JOBS (General Educational Development/Job Opportunities and Basic Skills) class, an adult education class for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) students, created their own website. First, students completed a computer literacy survey to gauge their computer skills. Next, students were encouraged to…

  12. Using Video Modeling via Handheld Computers to Improve Geometry Skills for High School Students with Learning Disabilities

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cihak, David F.; Bowlin, Tammy

    2009-01-01

    The researchers examined the use of video modeling by means of a handheld computer as an alternative instructional delivery system for learning basic geometry skills. Three high school students with learning disabilities participated in this study. Through video modeling, teacher-developed video clips showing step-by-step problem solving processes…

  13. Training femoral neck screw insertion skills to surgical trainees: computer-assisted surgery versus conventional fluoroscopic technique.

    PubMed

    Nousiainen, Markku T; Omoto, Daniel M; Zingg, Patrick O; Weil, Yoram A; Mardam-Bey, Sami W; Eward, William C

    2013-02-01

    : Femoral neck fractures are among the most common orthopaedic injuries impacting the health care system. Surgical management of such fractures with cannulated screws is a commonly performed procedure. The acquisition of surgical skills necessary to perform this procedure typically involves learning on real patients with fluoroscopic guidance. This study attempts to determine if a novel computer-navigated training model improves the learning of this basic surgical skill. A multicenter, prospective, randomized, and controlled study was conducted using surgical trainees with no prior experience in surgically managing femoral neck fractures. After a training session, participants underwent a pretest by performing the surgical task (screw placement) on a simulated hip fracture using fluoroscopic guidance. Immediately after, participants were randomized into either undergoing a training session using conventional fluoroscopy or computer-based navigation. Immediate posttest, retention (4 weeks later), and transfer tests were performed. Performance during the tests was determined by radiographic analysis of hardware placement. Screw placement by trainees was ultimately equal to the level of an expert surgeon with either training technique. Participants who trained with computer navigation took fewer attempts to position hardware and used less fluoroscopy time than those trained with fluoroscopy. When those trained with fluoroscopy used computer navigation at the transfer test, less fluoroscopy time and dosage was used. The concurrent augmented feedback provided by computer navigation did not affect the learning of this basic surgical skill in surgical novices. No compromise in learning occurred if the surgical novice trained with one type of technology and transferred to using the other. The findings of this study suggest that computer navigation may be safely used to train surgical novices in a basic procedure. This model avoids using both live patients and harmful radiation without a compromise in the acquisition of a 3-dimensional technical skill.

  14. How Much Does the 24 Game Increase the Recall of Arithmetic Facts?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Eley, Jonquille

    2009-01-01

    Sixth grade students come to MS 331 with strong mathematics backgrounds from elementary school. Nevertheless, students often come with a dearth of skills when performing basic math computations. The focus of this study is to investigate the use of the 24 Game in quickening the ability of sixth graders to perform basic computations. The game…

  15. Sources of Group and Individual Differences in Emerging Fraction Skills

    PubMed Central

    Hecht, Steven A.; Vagi, Kevin J.

    2010-01-01

    Results from a two year longitudinal study of 181 children from fourth through fifth grade are reported. Levels of growth in children’s computation, word problem, and estimation skills using common fractions were predicted by working memory, attentive classroom behavior, conceptual knowledge about fractions, and simple arithmetic fluency. Comparisons of 55 participants identified as having mathematical difficulties to those without mathematical difficulties revealed that group differences in emerging fraction skills were consistently mediated by attentive classroom behavior and conceptual knowledge about fractions. Neither working memory nor arithmetic fluency mediated group differences in growth in fraction skills. It was also found that the development of basic fraction skills and conceptual knowledge are bidirectional in that conceptual knowledge exerted strong influences on all three types of basic fraction skills, and basic fraction skills exerted a more modest influence on subsequent conceptual knowledge. Results are discussed with reference to how the identification of potentially malleable student characteristics that contribute to the difficulties that some students have with fractions informs interventions and also will contribute to a future theoretical account concerning how domain general and domain specific factors influence the development of basic fraction skills. PMID:21170171

  16. A Reading Skills Development Program for Adult Non-Readers. Featuring: Supplementary Graphics and Sound (Voice Tutorials). Volumes 1 and 2. The TRS-80 Computer Assisted Instruction Series for Adult Basic Education Students.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    San Antonio State Hospital, TX. Office of Education Services.

    This instructional manual consists of materials for use in implementing a computer-assisted instructional program in reading skills development for adult nonreaders. Discussed first are the project during which this instructional program and manual were developed and the goals of the computer-assisted beginning reading program, a major feature of…

  17. Comparing Peer-to-Peer and Individual Learning: Teaching Basic Computer Skills to Disadvantaged Adults

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kelly, Patrick; Katz, Larry

    2016-01-01

    Peer-to-peer (P2P) learning within two distinct groups of disadvantaged adults was studied during a two-hour computer skills workshop. Of interest was whether or not P2P learning with this population was a viable method for increasing performance and confidence. Two qualified instructors at two locations taught the same introductory…

  18. Technology skills assessment for deaf and hard of hearing students in secondary school.

    PubMed

    Luft, Pamela; Bonello, Mary; Zirzow, Nichole K

    2009-01-01

    To BE COMPETITIVE in the workplace, deaf and hard of hearing students must not only possess basic computer literacy but also know how to use and care for personal assistive and listening technology. An instrument was developed and pilot-tested on 45 middle school and high school deaf and hard of hearing students in 5 public school programs, 4 urban and 1 suburban, to assess these students' current technology skills and to prepare them for post-high school expectations. The researchers found that the students' computer skills depended on their access to technology, which was not always present in the schools. Many students also did not know basic care practices or troubleshooting techniques for their own personal hearing aids (if worn), or how to access or use personal assistive technology.

  19. A Computational Model of Human Table Tennis for Robot Application

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mülling, Katharina; Peters, Jan

    Table tennis is a difficult motor skill which requires all basic components of a general motor skill learning system. In order to get a step closer to such a generic approach to the automatic acquisition and refinement of table tennis, we study table tennis from a human motor control point of view. We make use of the basic models of discrete human movement phases, virtual hitting points, and the operational timing hypothesis. Using these components, we create a computational model which is aimed at reproducing human-like behavior. We verify the functionality of this model in a physically realistic simulation of a Barrett WAM.

  20. Computer Applications in Teaching and Learning.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Halley, Fred S.; And Others

    Some examples of the usage of computers in teaching and learning are examination generation, automatic exam grading, student tracking, problem generation, computational examination generators, program packages, simulation, and programing skills for problem solving. These applications are non-trivial and do fulfill the basic assumptions necessary…

  1. Analogy Mapping Development for Learning Programming

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sukamto, R. A.; Prabawa, H. W.; Kurniawati, S.

    2017-02-01

    Programming skill is an important skill for computer science students, whereas nowadays, there many computer science students are lack of skills and information technology knowledges in Indonesia. This is contrary with the implementation of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) since the end of 2015 which is the qualified worker needed. This study provided an effort for nailing programming skills by mapping program code to visual analogies as learning media. The developed media was based on state machine and compiler principle and was implemented in C programming language. The state of every basic condition in programming were successful determined as analogy visualization.

  2. Using Computation Curriculum-Based Measurement Probes for Error Pattern Analysis

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Dennis, Minyi Shih; Calhoon, Mary Beth; Olson, Christopher L.; Williams, Cara

    2014-01-01

    This article describes how "curriculum-based measurement--computation" (CBM-C) mathematics probes can be used in combination with "error pattern analysis" (EPA) to pinpoint difficulties in basic computation skills for students who struggle with learning mathematics. Both assessment procedures provide ongoing assessment data…

  3. Applied Educational Computing: Putting Skills to Practice.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Thomerson, J. D.

    The College of Education at Valdosta State University (Georgia) developed a followup course to their required entry-level educational computing course. The introductory course covers word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, Internet, electronic mail, and operating system software and basic computer concepts. Students expressed a need…

  4. Enhancing Arithmetic and Word-Problem Solving Skills Efficiently by Individualized Computer-Assisted Practice

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Schoppek, Wolfgang; Tulis, Maria

    2010-01-01

    The fluency of basic arithmetical operations is a precondition for mathematical problem solving. However, the training of skills plays a minor role in contemporary mathematics instruction. The authors proposed individualization of practice as a means to improve its efficiency, so that the time spent with the training of skills is minimized. As a…

  5. Lessons Learned: Job Skills Education Program. Final Report.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    National Alliance of Business, Inc., Washington, DC.

    The Job Skills Education Program (JSEP) is a computer-based, functional basic skills curriculum and instructional delivery system originally designed for the U.S. Department of the Army. The U.S. Department of Labor funded an exploration of the feasibility of increasing the use of JSEP as a workplace literacy tool for employers. It was found that…

  6. Employment Skills for the 21st Century: Applied Activities To Develop a Competitive American Workforce. Teacher Edition.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Oklahoma State Dept. of Vocational and Technical Education, Stillwater. Curriculum and Instructional Materials Center.

    This publication is a collection of 201 activities designed to give students practice in developing and applying in meaningful real-life settings both basic academic skills in reading, writing, and computation, and the more advanced higher-order skills of problem solving, critical thinking, group interaction, and oral communication. These…

  7. Promoting Access to Common Core Mathematics for Students with Severe Disabilities through Mathematical Problem Solving

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Spooner, Fred; Saunders, Alicia; Root, Jenny; Brosh, Chelsi

    2017-01-01

    There is a need to teach the pivotal skill of mathematical problem solving to students with severe disabilities, moving beyond basic skills like computation to higher level thinking skills. Problem solving is emphasized as a Standard for Mathematical Practice in the Common Core State Standards across grade levels. This article describes a…

  8. Assessment of Computer Literacy of Nurses in Lesotho.

    PubMed

    Mugomeri, Eltony; Chatanga, Peter; Maibvise, Charles; Masitha, Matseliso

    2016-11-01

    Health systems worldwide are moving toward use of information technology to improve healthcare delivery. However, this requires basic computer skills. This study assessed the computer literacy of nurses in Lesotho using a cross-sectional quantitative approach. A structured questionnaire with 32 standardized computer skills was distributed to 290 randomly selected nurses in Maseru District. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses in Stata 13 were performed to identify factors associated with having inadequate computer skills. Overall, 177 (61%) nurses scored below 16 of the 32 skills assessed. Finding hyperlinks on Web pages (63%), use of advanced search parameters (60.2%), and downloading new software (60.1%) proved to be challenging to the highest proportions of nurses. Age, sex, year of obtaining latest qualification, computer experience, and work experience were significantly (P < .05) associated with inadequate computer skills in univariate analysis. However, in multivariate analyses, sex (P = .001), year of obtaining latest qualification (P = .011), and computer experience (P < .001) emerged as significant factors. The majority of nurses in Lesotho have inadequate computer skills, and this is significantly associated with having many years since obtaining their latest qualification, being female, and lack of exposure to computers. These factors should be considered during planning of training curriculum for nurses in Lesotho.

  9. Workplace Math I: Easing into Math.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wilson, Nancy; Goschen, Claire

    This basic skills learning module includes instruction in performing basic computations, using general numerical concepts such as whole numbers, fractions, decimals, averages, ratios, proportions, percentages, and equivalents in practical situations. The problems are relevant to all aspects of the printing and manufacturing industry, with emphasis…

  10. Using the Microcomputer to Develop Listening Skills.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mohler, Stephen C.

    A college-level introductory Spanish instructional system uses an interactive combination of microcomputer and program-stop tape recorder to enhance students' listening skills. The basic content is listening drills, adapted to the computer medium. Microcomputer use adds considerable versatility to instructional materials, including such features…

  11. Comprehensive Computer-Based Instructional Programs: What Works for Educationally Disadvantaged Students?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Swan, Karen; And Others

    The Computer Pilot Program of the Division of Computer Information Services of the New York City Board of Education was designed to investigate the claim that comprehensive computer-based instruction (CBI) might best be used to improve the basic skills of educationally disadvantaged students. This ongoing project is designed to identify…

  12. Adult Literacy Learning and Computer Technology: Features of Effective Computer-Assisted Learning Systems.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fahy, Patrick J.

    Computer-assisted learning (CAL) can be used for adults functioning at any academic or grade level. In adult basic education (ABE), CAL can promote greater learning effectiveness and faster progress, concurrent learning and experience with computer literacy skills, privacy, and motivation. Adults who face barriers (financial, geographic, personal,…

  13. Homepages: Built-in Motivation.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    McKenzie, Cheryl

    2000-01-01

    Describes a Web-building class aimed at motivating English-as-a-Foreign-Language students to improve their English writing and editing skills while building a homepage. All students had a basic or better knowledge of keyboarding and Internet search techniques, two had advanced computer skills, but none had ever created a homepage. (Author/VWL)

  14. A Comparative Assessment of Computer Literacy of Private and Public Secondary School Students in Lagos State, Nigeria

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Osunwusi, Adeyinka Olumuyiwa; Abifarin, Michael Segun

    2013-01-01

    The aim of this study was to conduct a comparative assessment of computer literacy of private and public secondary school students. Although the definition of computer literacy varies widely, this study treated computer literacy in terms of access to, and use of, computers and the internet, basic knowledge and skills required to use computers and…

  15. 4-6 Computer Awareness. Interim Guide.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Manitoba Dept. of Education, Winnipeg. Computer Services Branch.

    This guide was developed to assist teachers in achieving goals related to the development of computer awareness in students in grades 4-6 in the Canadian province of Manitoba. An overview of the program describes a set of basic concepts, skills, and attitudes relating to computer technology, and provides information on activities that can be used…

  16. Computer Communications and Operations--Intermediate, Data Processing Technology: 8025.21.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Dade County Public Schools, Miami, FL.

    The following course outline is a guide which presents students with the basic programing and operation concepts for developing the skills necessary to become proficient in the area of computer communications and operation. The student must have met the objectives of Introduction to Computer Programming prior to enrollment in this course. The…

  17. Data Mining Techniques for Identifying Students at Risk of Failing a Computer Proficiency Test Required for Graduation

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tsai, Chih-Fong; Tsai, Ching-Tzu; Hung, Chia-Sheng; Hwang, Po-Sen

    2011-01-01

    Enabling undergraduate students to develop basic computing skills is an important issue in higher education. As a result, some universities have developed computer proficiency tests, which aim to assess students' computer literacy. Generally, students are required to pass such tests in order to prove that they have a certain level of computer…

  18. Assessing Cognitive Learning of Analytical Problem Solving

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Billionniere, Elodie V.

    Introductory programming courses, also known as CS1, have a specific set of expected outcomes related to the learning of the most basic and essential computational concepts in computer science (CS). However, two of the most often heard complaints in such courses are that (1) they are divorced from the reality of application and (2) they make the learning of the basic concepts tedious. The concepts introduced in CS1 courses are highly abstract and not easily comprehensible. In general, the difficulty is intrinsic to the field of computing, often described as "too mathematical or too abstract." This dissertation presents a small-scale mixed method study conducted during the fall 2009 semester of CS1 courses at Arizona State University. This study explored and assessed students' comprehension of three core computational concepts---abstraction, arrays of objects, and inheritance---in both algorithm design and problem solving. Through this investigation students' profiles were categorized based on their scores and based on their mistakes categorized into instances of five computational thinking concepts: abstraction, algorithm, scalability, linguistics, and reasoning. It was shown that even though the notion of computational thinking is not explicit in the curriculum, participants possessed and/or developed this skill through the learning and application of the CS1 core concepts. Furthermore, problem-solving experiences had a direct impact on participants' knowledge skills, explanation skills, and confidence. Implications for teaching CS1 and for future research are also considered.

  19. Can "Withitness Skills" Be Applied to Teaching with Laptops?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    McDaniel, Larry; Jackson, Allen; Gaudet, Laura; Shim, Andrew

    2009-01-01

    It may amaze those in education that in this age of technology and computers, how basic concepts of classroom teaching are similar or even more important than they were 40 years ago when Kounin first defined withitness elements. New challenges, related to laptop Internet instruction, require instructors to develop "withitness" skills and…

  20. Teaching Early Reading Skills to Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Using Computer-Delivered Instruction: A Pilot Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tyler, Emily J.; Hughes, John C.; Wilson, Meadhbh M.; Beverley, Michael; Hastings, Richard P.; Williams, Bethan M.

    2015-01-01

    Many children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) have considerable difficulty learning basic reading skills. Increasing evidence suggests individuals with IDD may benefit from instruction incorporating components of reading found to be effective for typically developing children. However, little research into reading…

  1. A cost-effective approach to establishing a surgical skills laboratory.

    PubMed

    Berg, David A; Milner, Richard E; Fisher, Carol A; Goldberg, Amy J; Dempsey, Daniel T; Grewal, Harsh

    2007-11-01

    Recent studies comparing inexpensive low-fidelity box trainers to expensive computer-based virtual reality systems demonstrate similar acquisition of surgical skills and transferability to the clinical setting. With new mandates emerging that all surgical residency programs have access to a surgical skills laboratory, we describe our cost-effective approach to teaching basic and advanced open and laparoscopic skills utilizing inexpensive bench models, box trainers, and animate models. Open models (basic skills, bowel anastomosis, vascular anastomosis, trauma skills) and laparoscopic models (basic skills, cholecystectomy, Nissen fundoplication, suturing and knot tying, advanced in vivo skills) are constructed using a combination of materials found in our surgical research laboratories, retail stores, or donated by industry. Expired surgical materials are obtained from our hospital operating room and animal organs from food-processing plants. In vivo models are performed in an approved research facility. Operation, maintenance, and administration of the surgical skills laboratory are coordinated by a salaried manager, and instruction is the responsibility of all surgical faculty from our institution. Overall, the cost analyses of our initial startup costs and operational expenditures over a 3-year period revealed a progressive decrease in yearly cost per resident (2002-2003, $1,151; 2003-2004, $1,049; and 2004-2005, $982). Our approach to surgical skills education can serve as a template for any surgery program with limited financial resources.

  2. Everyday Everywhere Materials as Teaching Resources in Adult Basic Education.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Shaw, Marilyn B.; Roark, Mary

    This book of instructional materials for adult basic education teachers is a collection of exercises and activities which involve the use of resources found in the everyday environment of adults, relate to adult coping skills, and provide students with practice in language and computation. Following a brief introduction and discussion of adult…

  3. Experiences with Efficient Methodologies for Teaching Computer Programming to Geoscientists

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jacobs, Christian T.; Gorman, Gerard J.; Rees, Huw E.; Craig, Lorraine E.

    2016-01-01

    Computer programming was once thought of as a skill required only by professional software developers. But today, given the ubiquitous nature of computation and data science it is quickly becoming necessary for all scientists and engineers to have at least a basic knowledge of how to program. Teaching how to program, particularly to those students…

  4. Developing Student Programming and Problem-Solving Skills with Visual Basic

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Siegle, Del

    2009-01-01

    Although most computer users will never need to write a computer program, many students enjoy the challenge of creating one. Computer programming enhances students' problem solving by forcing students to break a problem into its component pieces and reassemble it in a generic format that can be understood by a nonsentient entity. It promotes…

  5. Computer Systems for Teaching Complex Concepts.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Feurzeig, Wallace

    Four Programing systems--Mentor, Stringcomp, Simon, and Logo--were designed and implemented as integral parts of research into the various ways computers may be used for teaching problem-solving concepts and skills. Various instructional contexts, among them medicine, mathematics, physics, and basic problem-solving for elementary school children,…

  6. Microcomputers in the Curriculum: Micros and the First R.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Balajthy, Ernest; Reinking, David

    1985-01-01

    Introduces the range of computer software currently available to aid in developing children's basic skills in reading, including programs for reading readiness, word recognition, vocabulary development, reading comprehension, and learning motivation. Additional information on software and computer use is provided in sidebars by Gwen Solomon and…

  7. Improving Learning in Rural Schools through Instructional Computing.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Friedman, Daniel

    Effective individualized learning continues to be the primary educational goal of small-rural schools. Three thrusts towards individualized learning--non-graded instruction, an emphasis on basic skills, and socially relevant education--can be enhanced by instructional computing, the use of microcomputers to facilitate learning. However, most…

  8. Maintaining the competitive edge; Use of computers for undergraduate instruction

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Hurley, F.; Miller, M.; Podlo, A.L.

    1991-11-01

    There is a revolution in U.S. undergraduate engineering curricula, one marked by a renaissance of interest in liberal arts education, re-emphasis on basic education, and a new emphasis on computer training. The Dept. of Petroleum Engineering at the U. of Texas recognized its weaknesses and in Sept. 1987 designed and implemented new curricula incorporating computer and technical communications skills for undergraduate students. This paper provides details of the curricula changes. The results of this 4-year program demonstrate that problem-solving skills of petroleum engineering students are sharpened through computerized education and proficient communication.

  9. [New simulation technologies in neurosurgery].

    PubMed

    Byvaltsev, V A; Belykh, E G; Konovalov, N A

    2016-01-01

    The article presents a literature review on the current state of simulation technologies in neurosurgery, a brief description of the basic technology and the classification of simulation models, and examples of simulation models and skills simulators used in neurosurgery. Basic models for the development of physical skills, the spectrum of available computer virtual simulators, and their main characteristics are described. It would be instructive to include microneurosurgical training and a cadaver course of neurosurgical approaches in neurosurgery training programs and to extend the use of three-dimensional imaging. Technologies for producing three-dimensional anatomical models and patient-specific computer simulators as well as improvement of tactile feedback systems and display quality of virtual models are promising areas. Continued professional education necessitates further research for assessing the validity and practical use of simulators and physical models.

  10. An Expedient Study on Back-Propagation (BPN) Neural Networks for Modeling Automated Evaluation of the Answers and Progress of Deaf Students' That Possess Basic Knowledge of the English Language and Computer Skills

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vrettaros, John; Vouros, George; Drigas, Athanasios S.

    This article studies the expediency of using neural networks technology and the development of back-propagation networks (BPN) models for modeling automated evaluation of the answers and progress of deaf students' that possess basic knowledge of the English language and computer skills, within a virtual e-learning environment. The performance of the developed neural models is evaluated with the correlation factor between the neural networks' response values and the real value data as well as the percentage measurement of the error between the neural networks' estimate values and the real value data during its training process and afterwards with unknown data that weren't used in the training process.

  11. Female and Male Interns and Their Mentors? Perception of Workforce Skill Development

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hall, Cathy W.; Pinelli, Thomas E.; Brush, Kimberly M.

    2013-01-01

    Participants in this study were student interns and mentors taking part in the 2012, 10- week Langley Aerospace Research Student Scholars (LARSS) summer internship program in Hampton, Virginia. The study examined mentors and student interns' ratings of their preparedness in basic knowledge and skills. The study focused on three primary areas: 1) overall evaluation of knowledge and skills by mentors and interns; 2) male and female interns' perceptions of their own skills in these key areas; and 3) mentors' perceptions of their student interns' knowledge and skills in the same areas by gender. Overall mentors were more positive about their interns' improvement in 12 of 17 areas assessed than were the student interns. There were no significant gender differences in how mentors rated their male and female interns' abilities in these workforce skills, but there were four key areas where female interns rated their own abilities lower than did their male peers: analytical thinking, computational skills, computer skills and technical skills. Implications of these findings are discussed.

  12. Integration of CAI into a Freshmen Liberal Arts Math Course in the Community College.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    McCall, Michael B.; Holton, Jean L.

    1982-01-01

    Discusses four computer-assisted-instruction programs used in a college-level mathematics course to introduce computer literacy and improve mathematical skills. The BASIC programs include polynomial functions, trigonometric functions, matrix algebra, and differential calculus. Each program discusses mathematics theory and introduces programming…

  13. Nurses and health information technology: working with and around computers.

    PubMed

    Peace, Jane

    2011-01-01

    Information technology is nearly ubiquitous in health care settings. Nurses need basic computer skills and information literacy to effectively practice nursing. In addition, nurses must be prepared not only to work around complex health information technology, but also to communicate with individuals who can address the underlying problems.

  14. Experiences in Digital Circuit Design Courses: A Self-Study Platform for Learning Support

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bañeres, David; Clarisó, Robert; Jorba, Josep; Serra, Montse

    2014-01-01

    The synthesis of digital circuits is a basic skill in all the bachelor programmes around the ICT area of knowledge, such as Computer Science, Telecommunication Engineering or Electrical Engineering. An important hindrance in the learning process of this skill is that the existing educational tools for the design of circuits do not allow the…

  15. Teaching High School Students To Write for Life Outside of School.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Knight, Lorraine Rushing

    A practicum (which took place at a high school in an urban community in the Southeastern United States) was designed to give high school students the opportunity to gain writing skills that meet the challenge of real-world demands. Students need to be competent in basic skills, the use of computers, and applications that meet workplace challenges…

  16. Designing Multimedia Learning Systems for Adult Learners: Basic Skills with a Workforce Emphasis. NCAL Working Paper.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sabatini, John P.

    An analysis was conducted of the results of a formative evaluation of the LiteracyLink "Workplace Essential Skills" (WES) learning system conducted in the fall of 1998. (The WES learning system is a multimedia learning system integrating text, sound, graphics, animation, video, and images in a computer system and includes a videotape series, a…

  17. [North Carolina Gifted and Talented Minigrant Curriculum Projects: Two Microcomputer Projects].

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Parrish, Ronald; Baker, Reginald

    Computer awareness and literacy programs for gifted and talented high school students were developed at two Washington City Schools (North Carolina). At Carteret High School, a variety of computer programs were purchased for biology and physics studies, trigonometry and algebra studies, aptitude and merit exam preparation, basic skills math…

  18. Computer Assisted Vocational Math. Written for TRS-80, Model I, Level II, 16K.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Daly, Judith; And Others

    This computer-assisted curriculum is intended to be used to enhance a vocational mathematics/applied mathematics course. A total of 32 packets were produced to increase the basic mathematics skills of students in the following vocational programs: automotive trades, beauty culture, building trades, climate control, electrical trades,…

  19. Evaluation of DILearn: An Interactive Computer-Assisted Learning Program for Drug Information.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tunget, Cynthia L.; And Others

    1993-01-01

    Use of an interactive computer-assisted learning program to teach basic skills in obtaining drug information was investigated with 26 doctoral pharmacy students and a control group of 25 students receiving lecture instruction. Findings indicated no significant differences in short-term retention of drug information between groups and that students…

  20. Home Economics. Education for Technology Employment.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Northern Illinois Univ., De Kalb. Dept. of Technology.

    This guide was developed in an Illinois program to help home economics teachers integrate the use of computers and program-related software into existing programs. After students are taught the basic computer skills outlined in the beginning of the guide, 50 learning activities can be used as an integral part of the instructional program. (One or…

  1. Knowledge Intensive Programming: A New Educational Computing Environment.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Seidman, Robert H.

    1990-01-01

    Comparison of the process of problem solving using a conventional procedural computer programing language (e.g., BASIC, Logo, Pascal), with the process when using a logic programing language (i.e., Prolog), focuses on the potential of the two types of programing languages to facilitate the transfer of problem-solving skills, cognitive development,…

  2. Use of an Automatic Problem Generator to Teach Basic Skills in a First Course in Assembly Language.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Benander, Alan; And Others

    1989-01-01

    Discussion of the use of computer aided instruction (CAI) and instructional software in college level courses highlights an automatic problem generator, AUTOGEN, that was written for computer science students learning assembly language. Design of the software is explained, and student responses are reported. (nine references) (LRW)

  3. Integration of Basic Skills into Vocational Education: Expert Systems in Electronics Technology. Vocational Education Research.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    University of Southwestern Louisiana, Lafayette.

    A student who plans to enter the field of technology education must be especially motivated to incorporate computer technology into the theories of learning. Evaluation prior to the learning process establishes a frame of reference for students. After preparing students with the basic concepts of resistors and the mental tools, the expert system…

  4. An undergraduate course, and new textbook, on ``Physical Models of Living Systems''

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nelson, Philip

    2015-03-01

    I'll describe an intermediate-level course on ``Physical Models of Living Systems.'' The only prerequisite is first-year university physics and calculus. The course is a response to rapidly growing interest among undergraduates in several science and engineering departments. Students acquire several research skills that are often not addressed in traditional courses, including: basic modeling skills, probabilistic modeling skills, data analysis methods, computer programming using a general-purpose platform like MATLAB or Python, dynamical systems, particularly feedback control. These basic skills, which are relevant to nearly any field of science or engineering, are presented in the context of case studies from living systems, including: virus dynamics; bacterial genetics and evolution of drug resistance; statistical inference; superresolution microscopy; synthetic biology; naturally evolved cellular circuits. Publication of a new textbook by WH Freeman and Co. is scheduled for December 2014. Supported in part by EF-0928048 and DMR-0832802.

  5. Computers, Education and the Library at The Bronx High School of Science.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Nachbar, Sondra; Sussman, Valerie

    1988-01-01

    Describes the services and programs offered by the library at The Bronx High School of Science. Topics discussed include the library collection; a basic library skills mini-course for freshmen and incoming sophomores; current uses of the library's computer system; and plans to automate the library's card catalog and circulation records.…

  6. Mathematics for the Technical Student: The Use of the Computer in the Systems Approach to Instruction.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Capps, Joan P.

    An instructional method using flow-chart symbols to make mathematical abstractions more concrete was implemented for a year in a technical mathematics course. Students received instruction in computer applications and programming in the BASIC language in order to increase motivation and firm the mathematical skills and problem-solving approaches…

  7. Improving the Acquisition of Basic Technical Surgical Skills with VR-Based Simulation Coupled with Computer-Based Video Instruction.

    PubMed

    Rojas, David; Kapralos, Bill; Dubrowski, Adam

    2016-01-01

    Next to practice, feedback is the most important variable in skill acquisition. Feedback can vary in content and the way that it is used for delivery. Health professions education research has extensively examined the different effects provided by the different feedback methodologies. In this paper we compared two different types of knowledge of performance (KP) feedback. The first type was video-based KP feedback while the second type consisted of computer generated KP feedback. Results of this study showed that computer generated performance feedback is more effective than video based performance feedback. The combination of the two feedback methodologies provides trainees with a better understanding.

  8. Good enough practices in scientific computing.

    PubMed

    Wilson, Greg; Bryan, Jennifer; Cranston, Karen; Kitzes, Justin; Nederbragt, Lex; Teal, Tracy K

    2017-06-01

    Computers are now essential in all branches of science, but most researchers are never taught the equivalent of basic lab skills for research computing. As a result, data can get lost, analyses can take much longer than necessary, and researchers are limited in how effectively they can work with software and data. Computing workflows need to follow the same practices as lab projects and notebooks, with organized data, documented steps, and the project structured for reproducibility, but researchers new to computing often don't know where to start. This paper presents a set of good computing practices that every researcher can adopt, regardless of their current level of computational skill. These practices, which encompass data management, programming, collaborating with colleagues, organizing projects, tracking work, and writing manuscripts, are drawn from a wide variety of published sources from our daily lives and from our work with volunteer organizations that have delivered workshops to over 11,000 people since 2010.

  9. Computer Proficiency Questionnaire: Assessing Low and High Computer Proficient Seniors

    PubMed Central

    Boot, Walter R.; Charness, Neil; Czaja, Sara J.; Sharit, Joseph; Rogers, Wendy A.; Fisk, Arthur D.; Mitzner, Tracy; Lee, Chin Chin; Nair, Sankaran

    2015-01-01

    Purpose of the Study: Computers and the Internet have the potential to enrich the lives of seniors and aid in the performance of important tasks required for independent living. A prerequisite for reaping these benefits is having the skills needed to use these systems, which is highly dependent on proper training. One prerequisite for efficient and effective training is being able to gauge current levels of proficiency. We developed a new measure (the Computer Proficiency Questionnaire, or CPQ) to measure computer proficiency in the domains of computer basics, printing, communication, Internet, calendaring software, and multimedia use. Our aim was to develop a measure appropriate for individuals with a wide range of proficiencies from noncomputer users to extremely skilled users. Design and Methods: To assess the reliability and validity of the CPQ, a diverse sample of older adults, including 276 older adults with no or minimal computer experience, was recruited and asked to complete the CPQ. Results: The CPQ demonstrated excellent reliability (Cronbach’s α = .98), with subscale reliabilities ranging from .86 to .97. Age, computer use, and general technology use all predicted CPQ scores. Factor analysis revealed three main factors of proficiency related to Internet and e-mail use; communication and calendaring; and computer basics. Based on our findings, we also developed a short-form CPQ (CPQ-12) with similar properties but 21 fewer questions. Implications: The CPQ and CPQ-12 are useful tools to gauge computer proficiency for training and research purposes, even among low computer proficient older adults. PMID:24107443

  10. Baseline Skills Assessment of the US Army Research Laboratory

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-01-01

    level definitions Level Definition 1 Basic understanding, minimal experience 2 More specific understanding, some level of application 3 Expertise...polymers 1 Energy absorbers 2 Computational material modeling 1 Powder metallurgy 1 Tribology 1 Non-destructive inspection 1 Advanced

  11. Improved Outcomes with Computer-Assisted Instruction in Mathematics and English Language Skills for Hispanic Students in Need of Remedial Education at Miami Dade College, Florida

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Vassiliou, John

    2011-01-01

    In this study, 180 first-time-in-college (FTIC) students at Miami Dade College, Florida in need of remedial instruction in basic mathematics, reading, and sentence skills utilized the A[superscript +]dvancer[R] College Readiness Online software. Significant results were found with increased ACCUPLACER[R] scores; number of students who avoided at…

  12. Assessing computer skills in Tanzanian medical students: an elective experience

    PubMed Central

    Samuel, Miriam; Coombes, John C; Miranda, J Jaime; Melvin, Rob; Young, Eoin JW; Azarmina, Pejman

    2004-01-01

    Background One estimate suggests that by 2010 more than 30% of a physician's time will be spent using information technology tools. The aim of this study is to assess the information and communication technologies (ICT) skills of medical students in Tanzania. We also report a pilot intervention of peer mentoring training in ICT by medical students from the UK tutoring students in Tanzania. Methods Design: Cross sectional study and pilot intervention study. Participants: Fourth year medical students (n = 92) attending Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Main outcome measures: Self-reported assessment of competence on ICT-related topics and ability to perform specific ICT tasks. Further information related to frequency of computer use (hours per week), years of computer use, reasons for use and access to computers. Skills at specific tasks were reassessed for 12 students following 4 to 6 hours of peer mentoring training. Results The highest levels of competence in generic ICT areas were for email, Internet and file management. For other skills such as word processing most respondents reported low levels of competence. The abilities to perform specific ICT skills were low – less than 60% of the participants were able to perform the core specific skills assessed. A period of approximately 5 hours of peer mentoring training produced an approximate doubling of competence scores for these skills. Conclusion Our study has found a low level of ability to use ICT facilities among medical students in a leading university in sub-Saharan Africa. A pilot scheme utilising UK elective students to tutor basic skills showed potential. Attention is required to develop interventions that can improve ICT skills, as well as computer access, in order to bridge the digital divide. PMID:15306029

  13. Assessing computer skills in Tanzanian medical students: an elective experience.

    PubMed

    Samuel, Miriam; Coombes, John C; Miranda, J Jaime; Melvin, Rob; Young, Eoin J W; Azarmina, Pejman

    2004-08-12

    One estimate suggests that by 2010 more than 30% of a physician's time will be spent using information technology tools. The aim of this study is to assess the information and communication technologies (ICT) skills of medical students in Tanzania. We also report a pilot intervention of peer mentoring training in ICT by medical students from the UK tutoring students in Tanzania. Cross sectional study and pilot intervention study. Fourth year medical students (n = 92) attending Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Self-reported assessment of competence on ICT-related topics and ability to perform specific ICT tasks. Further information related to frequency of computer use (hours per week), years of computer use, reasons for use and access to computers. Skills at specific tasks were reassessed for 12 students following 4 to 6 hours of peer mentoring training. The highest levels of competence in generic ICT areas were for email, Internet and file management. For other skills such as word processing most respondents reported low levels of competence. The abilities to perform specific ICT skills were low - less than 60% of the participants were able to perform the core specific skills assessed. A period of approximately 5 hours of peer mentoring training produced an approximate doubling of competence scores for these skills. Our study has found a low level of ability to use ICT facilities among medical students in a leading university in sub-Saharan Africa. A pilot scheme utilising UK elective students to tutor basic skills showed potential. Attention is required to develop interventions that can improve ICT skills, as well as computer access, in order to bridge the digital divide.

  14. Internet Passport: NorthWestNet's Guide to Our World Online. Fourth Edition.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kochmer, Jonathan

    The purpose of this guide is to help computer network users get over the hurdle of new technologies. Every Internet user is different, but most network activities depend on the mastery of three basic skills: using electronic mail (e-mail) to communicate with other Internet users; logging in to remote computers with a service called Telnet, and…

  15. The Effectiveness of Interactive Computer Assisted Modeling in Teaching Study Strategies and Concept Mapping of College Textbook Material.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mikulecky, Larry

    A study evaluated the effectiveness of a series of print materials and interactive computer-guided study programs designed to lead undergraduate students to apply basic textbook reading and concept mapping strategies to the study of science and social science textbooks. Following field testing with 25 learning skills students, 50 freshman biology…

  16. Computers in Traffic Education.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Alexander, O. P.

    1983-01-01

    Traffic education covers basic road skills, legal/insurance aspects, highway code, accident causation/prevention, and vehicle maintenance. Microcomputer applications to traffic education are outlined, followed by a selected example of programs currently available (focusing on drill/practice, simulation, problem-solving, data manipulation, games,…

  17. Pharmacist Computer Skills and Needs Assessment Survey

    PubMed Central

    Jewesson, Peter J

    2004-01-01

    Background To use technology effectively for the advancement of patient care, pharmacists must possess a variety of computer skills. We recently introduced a novel applied informatics program in this Canadian hospital clinical service unit to enhance the informatics skills of our members. Objective This study was conducted to gain a better understanding of the baseline computer skills and needs of our hospital pharmacists immediately prior to the implementation of an applied informatics program. Methods In May 2001, an 84-question written survey was distributed by mail to 106 practicing hospital pharmacists in our multi-site, 1500-bed, acute-adult-tertiary care Canadian teaching hospital in Vancouver, British Columbia. Results Fifty-eight surveys (55% of total) were returned within the two-week study period. The survey responses reflected the opinions of licensed BSc and PharmD hospital pharmacists with a broad range of pharmacy practice experience. Most respondents had home access to personal computers, and regularly used computers in the work environment for drug distribution, information management, and communication purposes. Few respondents reported experience with handheld computers. Software use experience varied according to application. Although patient-care information software and e-mail were commonly used, experience with spreadsheet, statistical, and presentation software was negligible. The respondents were familiar with Internet search engines, and these were reported to be the most common method of seeking clinical information online. Although many respondents rated themselves as being generally computer literate and not particularly anxious about using computers, the majority believed they required more training to reach their desired level of computer literacy. Lack of familiarity with computer-related terms was prevalent. Self-reported basic computer skill was typically at a moderate level, and varied depending on the task. Specifically, respondents rated their ability to manipulate files, use software help features, and install software as low, but rated their ability to access and navigate the Internet as high. Respondents were generally aware of what online resources were available to them and Clinical Pharmacology was the most commonly employed reference. In terms of anticipated needs, most pharmacists believed they needed to upgrade their computer skills. Medical database and Internet searching skills were identified as those in greatest need of improvement. Conclusions Most pharmacists believed they needed to upgrade their computer skills. Medical database and Internet searching skills were identified as those in greatest need of improvement for the purposes of improving practice effectiveness. PMID:15111277

  18. Computer games and fine motor skills.

    PubMed

    Borecki, Lukasz; Tolstych, Katarzyna; Pokorski, Mieczyslaw

    2013-01-01

    The study seeks to determine the influence of computer games on fine motor skills in young adults, an area of incomplete understanding and verification. We hypothesized that computer gaming could have a positive influence on basic motor skills, such as precision, aiming, speed, dexterity, or tremor. We examined 30 habitual game users (F/M - 3/27; age range 20-25 years) of the highly interactive game Counter Strike, in which players impersonate soldiers on a battlefield, and 30 age- and gender-matched subjects who declared never to play games. Selected tests from the Vienna Test System were used to assess fine motor skills and tremor. The results demonstrate that the game users scored appreciably better than the control subjects in all tests employed. In particular, the players did significantly better in the precision of arm-hand movements, as expressed by a lower time of errors, 1.6 ± 0.6 vs. 2.8 ± 0.6 s, a lower error rate, 13.6 ± 0.3 vs. 20.4 ± 2.2, and a shorter total time of performing a task, 14.6 ± 2.9 vs. 32.1 ± 4.5 s in non-players, respectively; p < 0.001 all. The findings demonstrate a positive influence of computer games on psychomotor functioning. We submit that playing computer games may be a useful training tool to increase fine motor skills and movement coordination.

  19. A new course and textbook on Physical Models of Living Systems, for science and engineering undergraduates

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nelson, Philip

    2015-03-01

    I'll describe an intermediate-level course on ``Physical Models of Living Systems.'' The only prerequisite is first-year university physics and calculus. The course is a response to rapidly growing interest among undergraduates in a broad range of science and engineering majors. Students acquire several research skills that are often not addressed in traditional courses: Basic modeling skills Probabilistic modeling skills Data analysis methods Computer programming using a general-purpose platform like MATLAB or Python Dynamical systems, particularly feedback control. These basic skills, which are relevant to nearly any field of science or engineering, are presented in the context of case studies from living systems, including: Virus dynamics Bacterial genetics and evolution of drug resistance Statistical inference Superresolution microscopy Synthetic biology Naturally evolved cellular circuits. Work supported by NSF Grants EF-0928048 and DMR-0832802.

  20. Determination of Tasks Required by Graduates of Manufacturing Engineering Technology Programs.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Zirbel, Jay H.

    1993-01-01

    A Delphi panel of 14 experts identified 37 tasks performed by/qualities needed by manufacturing engineering technologists. Most important were work ethic, performance quality, communication skills, teamwork, computer applications, manufacturing basics, materials knowledge, troubleshooting, supervision, and global issues. (SK)

  1. Analysis of the Effects of the Computer Enhanced Classroom on the Achievement of Remedial High School Math Students.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lang, William Steve; And Others

    The effects of the use of computer-enhanced instruction with remedial students were assessed, using 4,293 ninth through twelfth graders--3,308 Black, 957 White, and 28 Other--involved in the Governor's Remediation Initiative (GRI) in Georgia. Data sources included the Comprehensive Tests of Basic Skills (CTBS), a data collection form developed for…

  2. Computer proficiency questionnaire: assessing low and high computer proficient seniors.

    PubMed

    Boot, Walter R; Charness, Neil; Czaja, Sara J; Sharit, Joseph; Rogers, Wendy A; Fisk, Arthur D; Mitzner, Tracy; Lee, Chin Chin; Nair, Sankaran

    2015-06-01

    Computers and the Internet have the potential to enrich the lives of seniors and aid in the performance of important tasks required for independent living. A prerequisite for reaping these benefits is having the skills needed to use these systems, which is highly dependent on proper training. One prerequisite for efficient and effective training is being able to gauge current levels of proficiency. We developed a new measure (the Computer Proficiency Questionnaire, or CPQ) to measure computer proficiency in the domains of computer basics, printing, communication, Internet, calendaring software, and multimedia use. Our aim was to develop a measure appropriate for individuals with a wide range of proficiencies from noncomputer users to extremely skilled users. To assess the reliability and validity of the CPQ, a diverse sample of older adults, including 276 older adults with no or minimal computer experience, was recruited and asked to complete the CPQ. The CPQ demonstrated excellent reliability (Cronbach's α = .98), with subscale reliabilities ranging from .86 to .97. Age, computer use, and general technology use all predicted CPQ scores. Factor analysis revealed three main factors of proficiency related to Internet and e-mail use; communication and calendaring; and computer basics. Based on our findings, we also developed a short-form CPQ (CPQ-12) with similar properties but 21 fewer questions. The CPQ and CPQ-12 are useful tools to gauge computer proficiency for training and research purposes, even among low computer proficient older adults. © The Author 2013. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Gerontological Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  3. The Definition of Basic Skills in Manufacturing Industries.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jones, Charles M.

    1996-01-01

    Survey responses from 186 of 250 trainers/human resource managers and a Delphi panel of 21 rated companies' basic skills training provisions and the importance of basic skills. Although most stated their companies provide basic skills training, results show most are reluctant to hire, train, or retain workers with low basic skills. (SK)

  4. Establishing the minimal number of virtual reality simulator training sessions necessary to develop basic laparoscopic skills competence: evaluation of the learning curve.

    PubMed

    Duarte, Ricardo Jordão; Cury, José; Oliveira, Luis Carlos Neves; Srougi, Miguel

    2013-01-01

    Medical literature is scarce on information to define a basic skills training program for laparoscopic surgery (peg and transferring, cutting, clipping). The aim of this study was to determine the minimal number of simulator sessions of basic laparoscopic tasks necessary to elaborate an optimal virtual reality training curriculum. Eleven medical students with no previous laparoscopic experience were spontaneously enrolled. They were submitted to simulator training sessions starting at level 1 (Immersion Lap VR, San Jose, CA), including sequentially camera handling, peg and transfer, clipping and cutting. Each student trained twice a week until 10 sessions were completed. The score indexes were registered and analyzed. The total of errors of the evaluation sequences (camera, peg and transfer, clipping and cutting) were computed and thereafter, they were correlated to the total of items evaluated in each step, resulting in a success percent ratio for each student for each set of each completed session. Thereafter, we computed the cumulative success rate in 10 sessions, obtaining an analysis of the learning process. By non-linear regression the learning curve was analyzed. By the non-linear regression method the learning curve was analyzed and a r2 = 0.73 (p < 0.001) was obtained, being necessary 4.26 (∼five sessions) to reach the plateau of 80% of the estimated acquired knowledge, being that 100% of the students have reached this level of skills. From the fifth session till the 10th, the gain of knowledge was not significant, although some students reached 96% of the expected improvement. This study revealed that after five simulator training sequential sessions the students' learning curve reaches a plateau. The forward sessions in the same difficult level do not promote any improvement in laparoscopic basic surgical skills, and the students should be introduced to a more difficult training tasks level.

  5. Basic practical skills teaching and learning in undergraduate medical education - a review on methodological evidence.

    PubMed

    Vogel, Daniela; Harendza, Sigrid

    2016-01-01

    Practical skills are an essential part of physicians' daily routine. Nevertheless, medical graduates' performance of basic skills is often below the expected level. This review aims to identify and summarize teaching approaches of basic practical skills in undergraduate medical education which provide evidence with respect to effective students' learning of these skills. Basic practical skills were defined as basic physical examination skills, routine skills which get better with practice, and skills which are also performed by nurses. We searched PubMed with different terms describing these basic practical skills. In total, 3467 identified publications were screened and 205 articles were eventually reviewed for eligibility. 43 studies that included at least one basic practical skill, a comparison of two groups of undergraduate medical students and effects on students' performance were analyzed. Seven basic practical skills and 15 different teaching methods could be identified. The most consistent results with respect to effective teaching and acquisition of basic practical skills were found for structured skills training, feedback, and self-directed learning. Simulation was effective with specific teaching methods and in several studies no differences in teaching effects were detected between expert or peer instructors. Multimedia instruction, when used in the right setting, also showed beneficial effects for basic practical skills learning. A combination of voluntary or obligatory self-study with multimedia applications like video clips in combination with a structured program including the possibility for individual exercise with personal feedback by peers or teachers might provide a good learning opportunity for basic practical skills.

  6. Basic practical skills teaching and learning in undergraduate medical education – a review on methodological evidence

    PubMed Central

    Vogel, Daniela; Harendza, Sigrid

    2016-01-01

    Objective: Practical skills are an essential part of physicians’ daily routine. Nevertheless, medical graduates’ performance of basic skills is often below the expected level. This review aims to identify and summarize teaching approaches of basic practical skills in undergraduate medical education which provide evidence with respect to effective students’ learning of these skills. Methods: Basic practical skills were defined as basic physical examination skills, routine skills which get better with practice, and skills which are also performed by nurses. We searched PubMed with different terms describing these basic practical skills. In total, 3467 identified publications were screened and 205 articles were eventually reviewed for eligibility. Results: 43 studies that included at least one basic practical skill, a comparison of two groups of undergraduate medical students and effects on students’ performance were analyzed. Seven basic practical skills and 15 different teaching methods could be identified. The most consistent results with respect to effective teaching and acquisition of basic practical skills were found for structured skills training, feedback, and self-directed learning. Simulation was effective with specific teaching methods and in several studies no differences in teaching effects were detected between expert or peer instructors. Multimedia instruction, when used in the right setting, also showed beneficial effects for basic practical skills learning. Conclusion: A combination of voluntary or obligatory self-study with multimedia applications like video clips in combination with a structured program including the possibility for individual exercise with personal feedback by peers or teachers might provide a good learning opportunity for basic practical skills. PMID:27579364

  7. OASIS connections: results from an evaluation study.

    PubMed

    Czaja, Sara J; Lee, Chin Chin; Branham, Janice; Remis, Peggy

    2012-10-01

    The objectives of this study were to evaluate a community-based basic computer and Internet training program designed for older adults, provide recommendations for program refinement, and gather preliminary information on program sustainability. The program was developed by the OASIS Institute, a nonprofit agency serving older adults and implemented in 4 cities by community trainers across the United States. One hundred and ninety-six adults aged 40-90 years were assigned to the training or a wait-list control group. Knowledge of computers and the Internet, attitudes toward computers, and computer/Internet use were assessed at baseline, posttraining, and 3 months posttraining. The program was successful in increasing the computer/Internet skills of the trainees. The data indicated a significant increase in computer and Internet knowledge and comfort with computers among those who received the training. Further, those who completed the course reported an increase in both computer and Internet use 3 months posttraining. The findings indicate that a community-based computer and Internet training program delivered by community instructors can be effective in terms of increasing computer and Internet skills and comfort with computer technology among older adults.

  8. The Eukaryotic Pathogen Databases: a functional genomic resource integrating data from human and veterinary parasites.

    PubMed

    Harb, Omar S; Roos, David S

    2015-01-01

    Over the past 20 years, advances in high-throughput biological techniques and the availability of computational resources including fast Internet access have resulted in an explosion of large genome-scale data sets "big data." While such data are readily available for download and personal use and analysis from a variety of repositories, often such analysis requires access to seldom-available computational skills. As a result a number of databases have emerged to provide scientists with online tools enabling the interrogation of data without the need for sophisticated computational skills beyond basic knowledge of Internet browser utility. This chapter focuses on the Eukaryotic Pathogen Databases (EuPathDB: http://eupathdb.org) Bioinformatic Resource Center (BRC) and illustrates some of the available tools and methods.

  9. Performance on Monitoring Basic Skills Progress--Computation Probes in First, Second, and Third Grade: Is It a Predictor of Pennsylvania System of School Assessment Mathematics Achievement in Third Grade?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Campbell, Adelle C.

    2017-01-01

    This study examined the predictive relationship of a brief computation measure administered in the fall, winter, and spring of first, second, and third grade with the mathematic portion of a state-mandated academic achievement test administered in the spring of third grade. The relationship between mathematical achievement and resource…

  10. Numerosity as a topological invariant.

    PubMed

    Kluth, Tobias; Zetzsche, Christoph

    2016-01-01

    The ability to quickly recognize the number of objects in our environment is a fundamental cognitive function. However, it is far from clear which computations and which actual neural processing mechanisms are used to provide us with such a skill. Here we try to provide a detailed and comprehensive analysis of this issue, which comprises both the basic mathematical foundations and the peculiarities imposed by the structure of the visual system and by the neural computations provided by the visual cortex. We suggest that numerosity should be considered as a mathematical invariant. Making use of concepts from mathematical topology--like connectedness, Betti numbers, and the Gauss-Bonnet theorem--we derive the basic computations suited for the computation of this invariant. We show that the computation of numerosity is possible in a neurophysiologically plausible fashion using only computational elements which are known to exist in the visual cortex. We further show that a fundamental feature of numerosity perception, its Weber property, arises naturally, assuming noise in the basic neural operations. The model is tested on an extended data set (made publicly available). It is hoped that our results can provide a general framework for future research on the invariance properties of the numerosity system.

  11. Education in the Information Age.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hay, Lee

    1983-01-01

    This essay considers the revolutionized education of a projected future of cheap and sophisticated technology. Predictions include a redefinition of literacy and basic skills and a restructuring of educational delivery employing computers to dispense information in order to free teachers to work directly with students on cognitive development.…

  12. Usability and Navigability of an HIV/AIDS Internet Intervention for Adolescents in a Resource Limited Setting

    PubMed Central

    Ybarra, Michele; Biringi, Ruth; Prescott, Tonya; Bull, Sheana S.

    2012-01-01

    Use of Internet is growing in Sub Saharan Africa. Evidence of computer and Internet effectiveness for reduction in risk behaviors associated with HIV shown in U.S. settings has yet to be replicated in Africa. We describe the development, usability and navigability testing of an Internet-based HIV prevention program for secondary school students in Uganda, called CyberSenga. For this work, we used four data collection activities, including observation of (a) computer skills and (b) navigation, (c) focus group discussions, and (d) field assessments to document comprehension and usability of program content. We document limited skills among students, but youth with basic computers skills were able to navigate the program after instruction. Youth were most interested in activities with more interaction. Field-testing illustrated the importance of using a stand-alone electrical source during program delivery. This work suggests delivery of Internet-based health promotion content in Africa requires attention to user preparedness and literacy, bandwidth, Internet connection, and electricity. PMID:22918136

  13. Skills and knowledge of informatics, and training needs of hospital pharmacists in Thailand: A self-assessment survey.

    PubMed

    Chonsilapawit, Teeraporn; Rungpragayphan, Suang

    2016-10-01

    Because hospital pharmacists have to deal with large amounts of health information and advanced information technology in practice, they must possess adequate skills and knowledge of informatics to operate efficiently. However, most current pharmacy curricula in Thailand barely address the principles and skills concerned with informatics, and Thai pharmacists usually acquire computer literacy and informatics skills through personal-interest training and self-study. In this study, we aimed to assess the skills and knowledge of informatics and the training needs of hospital pharmacists in Thailand, in order to improve curricular and professional development. A self-assessment postal survey of 73 questions was developed and distributed to the pharmacy departments of 601 hospitals throughout the country. Practicing hospital pharmacists were requested to complete and return the survey voluntarily. Within the 3 months of the survey period, a total of 805 out of 2002 surveys were returned. On average, respondents rated themselves as competent or better in the skills of basic computer operation, the Internet, information management, and communication. Understandably, they rated themselves at novice level for information technology and database design knowledge/skills, and at advanced beginner level for project, risk, and change management skills. Respondents believed that skills and knowledge of informatics were highly necessary for their work, and definitely needed training. Thai hospital pharmacists were confident in using computers and the Internet. They realized and appreciated their lack of informatics knowledge and skills, and needed more training. Pharmacy curricula and training should be developed accordingly. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Family Literacy Works: Key Findings from the NFER Evaluation of the Basic Skills Agency's Demonstration Programmes

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Basic Skills Agency, 2006

    2006-01-01

    The Basic Skills Agency (formerly the Adult Literacy and Basic Skills Unit--ALBSU) is the national development agency for literacy, numeracy and related basic skills in England and Wales. This agency defines basic skills as " the ability to read, write, and speak in English and use mathematics at a level necessary to function and progress at…

  15. The acquisition of inquiry skills and computer skills by 8th grade urban middle school students in a technology-supported environment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ruffin, Monya Aisha

    The evolution of increased global accessibility and dependency on computer technologies has revolutionized most aspects of everyday life, including a rapid transformation of 21st century schools. Current changes in education reflect the need for the integration of effective computer technologies in school curricula. The principal objective of this investigation was to examine the acquisition of computer skills and inquiry skills by urban eighth grade students in a technology-supported environment. The study specifically focused on students' ability to identify, understand, and work through the process of scientific inquiry, while also developing computer technology tool skills. The unique component of the study was its contextualization within a local historically significant setting---an African-American cemetery. Approximately seventy students, in a local middle school, participated in the five-week treatment. Students conducted research investigations on site and over the Internet, worked in collaborative groups, utilized technology labs, and received inquiry and computer technology instruction. A mixed method design employing quantitative and qualitative methods was used. Two pilot studies conducted in an after-school science club format helped sharpen the research question, data collection methods, and survey used in the school-based study. Complete sets of data from pre and post surveys and journals were collected from sixty students. Six students were randomly selected to participate in in-depth focus group interviews. Researcher observations and inferences were also included in the analysis. The research findings showed that, after the treatment, students: (a) acquired more inquiry skills and computer skills, (b) broadened their basic conceptual understanding and perspective about science, (c) engaged actively in a relevant learning process, (d) created tangible evidence of their inquiry skills and computer skills, and (e) recalled and retained more details about the inquiry process and the computer technology tools (when they attended at least 80% of the treatment sessions). The findings indicated that project-based, technology-supported experiences allowed students to learn content in an interdisciplinary way (building on culturally relevant local histories) and provided enjoyable learning opportunities for students and teachers. Participation in the treatment encouraged students to think beyond the technical aspects of technology and relate its relevancy and usefulness to solving scientific queries.

  16. Field Evaluation of Model II of the Computer-Based, Individual Trainer for the Radar Intercept Officer

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1974-07-01

    of an (almost) completely automated CAI capability for teaching skills for the Radar Intercept Officer’s (RIO’s) job. Contributions made by this...expected) from such features. At present, the utility of developing CAI materials for teaching the utiliza- tion of the AWG-9 system for maintaining...this complexity is necessary even though the trainer -as designed to teach only basic skills used in this performance. Therefore, chc details of the

  17. Private Sector Providers of Basic Skills Training in the Workplace. A Study of the General Training and Basic Skills Responses of Randomly Selected Companies Which Provide Basic Skills Training to Their Employees.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mark, Jorie Lester

    A questionnaire was distributed to 1,305 companies to study the basic skills training provided. Of 62 responses, 41 companies had basic skills training programs. Respondents represented these types of companies: communications and utilities, finance and insurance, manufacturing, wholesalers, retailers, health and hospitals, and mining, and had…

  18. Teaching Basic Skills With Computer Games.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Brownfield, Sharon; Vik, Gretchen

    1983-01-01

    The Army hired the Center for Instructional Development and Evaluation at the University of Maryland to design a system of individualized self-paced literacy lessons for military trainees. The Space Time Army Reconnaissance System is structured according to Gagne's model of instructional events and capitalizes on its audience's interest in video…

  19. The Information Society: Byting the Hand that Feeds You.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bernstein, Harriet T.

    1983-01-01

    This position paper denounces what the author considers to be an increasing and excessive reliance on computers and technological advancements generally as panaceas for educational and social problems whose real resolution demands the skills of "citizens with a basic liberal arts education" rather than those of technocrats. (JBM)

  20. CAI and Developmental Education.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Anderson, Rick

    This paper discusses the problems and achievements of computer assisted instruction (CAI) projects at University College, University of Cincinnati. The most intensive use of CAI on campus, the CAI Lab, is part of the Developmental Education Center's effort to serve students who lack mastery of basic college-level skills in mathematics and English.…

  1. The Legal Implications of Statewide Pupil Performance Standards.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tractenberg, Paul L.

    About half the states in the U.S., either by legislative or administrative action, have moved toward the imposition of statewide performance standards in their elementary and secondary schools. Typically these standards pertain to the basic skills--reading, mathematical computation, and written and oral expression. Almost all of these programs…

  2. A Survey of Automated Assessment Approaches for Programming Assignments

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ala-Mutka, Kirsti M.

    2005-01-01

    Practical programming is one of the basic skills pursued in computer science education. On programming courses, the coursework consists of programming assignments that need to be assessed from different points of view. Since the submitted assignments are executable programs with a formal structure, some features can be assessed automatically. The…

  3. Eastern Adult, Continuing, and Distance Education Research Conference Proceedings (University Park, Pennsylvania, October 24-26, 1996).

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park. Coll. of Education.

    Includes the following among 52 papers: "Accelerated Degree Programs" (Anderson et al.); "Basic Skills in the Workplace" (Askov); "Breaking All the Rules" (Baird); "Data Mining for Factors Affecting the Implementation of Interactive, Computer-Mediated Instructional Techniques for Students at a Distance"…

  4. Analysis of Prospective Mathematics Teachers’ Basic Teaching Skills (a Study of Mathematics Education Departement Students’ Field Experience Program at STKIP Garut)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rahayu, D. V.

    2017-02-01

    This study was intended to figure out basic teaching skills of Mathematics Department Students of STKIP Garut at Field Experience Program in academic year 2014/2015. This study was qualitative research with analysis descriptive technique. Instrument used in this study was observation sheet to measure basic teaching mathematics skills. The result showed that ability of content mastery and explaining skill were in average category. Questioning skill, conducting variations skill and conducting assessment skill were in good category. Managing classroom skill and giving motivation skill were in poor category. Based on the result, it can be concluded that the students’ basic teaching skills weren’t optimal. It is recommended for the collegians to get lesson with appropriate strategy so that they can optimize their basic teaching skills.

  5. The Social Studies Basic Skills Connection: Practical Strategies for Teaching Basic Skills in Conjunction with Social Studies Content.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Missouri State Dept. of Education, Jefferson City.

    Arranged in two parts, this guide introduces elementary and secondary social studies teachers to a variety of methods for integrating social studies content and basic skills instruction. Chapter I defines basic skills as the skills an individual needs to become a self-directed learner, communicate clearly, and make reasoned decisions, and presents…

  6. Breaking Down Barriers: Certificate in Workplace Basic Skills Training for Adult Basic Education Tutors & Co-Ordinators.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Frank, Fiona; Holland, Chris; Jeffery, Sue; Marquand, Alison; Noel, Alison

    Designed to familiarize experienced and qualified basic skills tutors and coordinators with issues of teaching basic skills in the workplace in Great Britain, this course can be delivered by experienced workplace basic skills training program coordinators. It can be delivered over three days or as six half-day sessions. Each of the four units…

  7. Coordination for the Improvement of Basic Skills.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Roberts, Jane M. E.

    The Title II Basic Skills legislation, which is part of the Educational Amendments of 1978, requires coordination of basic skills improvement among related federally-supported programs. Coordination, while essential, is made difficult by the proliferation of agencies and bureaus concerned with basic skills and by the need for autonomy among…

  8. Effects of aging on perception of motion

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kaur, Manpreet; Wilder, Joseph; Hung, George; Julesz, Bela

    1997-09-01

    Driving requires two basic visual components: 'visual sensory function' and 'higher order skills.' Among the elderly, it has been observed that when attention must be divided in the presence of multiple objects, their attentional skills and relational processes, along with impairment of basic visual sensory function, are markedly impaired. A high frame rate imaging system was developed to assess the elderly driver's ability to locate and distinguish computer generated images of vehicles and to determine their direction of motion in a simulated intersection. Preliminary experiments were performed at varying target speeds and angular displacements to study the effect of these parameters on motion perception. Results for subjects in four different age groups, ranging from mid- twenties to mid-sixties, show significantly better performance for the younger subjects as compared to the older ones.

  9. Adult Basic Skills and the Kansas Workforce. Executive Report.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Krider, Charles E.; And Others

    This report considers the basic skills levels of adults in Kansas, the provision of basic skills training by public and private agencies, and policy options for improving the basic skills of Kansas's workforce. Following a detailed executive report, chapter 1 reviews the workforce challenge, economic and technological changes, and shifts in…

  10. Let the Data Speak: Gender Differences in Math Curriculum-Based Measurement

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Yarbrough, Jamie L.; Cannon, Laura; Bergman, Shawn; Kidder-Ashley, Pamela; McCane-Bowling, Sara

    2017-01-01

    Numerous studies have identified differences between males and females in academic performance across the areas of reading, writing, and mathematics. The current study examined whether or not gender differences exist when math curriculum-based measures (M-CBMs) are used to assess basic math computation skills in a sample of third- through…

  11. Do ICT Competences Support Educational Attainment at University?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    De Wit, Kurt; Heerwegh, Dirk; Verhoeven, Jef C.

    2012-01-01

    Taking into account that universities assume students will have at least some basic knowledge of the use of computers and the Internet, we hypothesize that the command of ICT skills by freshmen could have an influence on their educational attainment. To test this hypothesis an online questionnaire was used, which was answered by a representative…

  12. Digital Literacy Practices among Youth Populations: A Review of the Literature

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Blummer, Barbara

    2008-01-01

    Digital literacy includes a range of abilities from basic computing skills to the creation of multimodal texts. This literature review examines eleven articles that track the digital literacy practices of youth populations or individuals between the ages of 12 and 17. It describes the practices of these individuals through three perspectives,…

  13. Podcast Pilots for Distance Planning, Programming, and Development

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cordes, Sean

    2005-01-01

    This paper examines podcasting as a library support for distance learning and information systems and services. The manuscript provides perspective on the knowledge base in the growing area of podcasting in libraries and academia. A walkthrough of the podcast creation and distribution process using basic computing skills and open source tools is…

  14. Project SYNERGY: Software Support for Underprepared Students. Year Two Report.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Miami-Dade Community Coll., FL. Div. of Educational Technologies.

    With funds from the International Business Machines (IBM) Corporation, Project SYNERGY was launched in January 1990 to address the problem of students entering colleges underprepared in basic skills and to make use of the tremendous potential for significant remediation through computers. Twenty-two institutions in the United States and Canada,…

  15. Lessons Learned in Starting and Running a Neighborhood Networks Center.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Department of Housing and Urban Development, Washington, DC.

    This guide shares information about setting up and operating Neighborhood Networks centers. (These centers operate in Department of Housing and Urban Development-assisted or -insured housing nationwide to help low-income people boost their basic skills and find good jobs, learn to use computers and the Internet, run businesses, improve their…

  16. A needs assessment study of undergraduate surgical education

    PubMed Central

    Birch, Daniel W.; Mavis, Brian

    2006-01-01

    Background There is compelling evidence to suggest that undergraduate surgical education may fail to provide appropriate instruction in basic surgical principles and skills. Methods We completed a descriptive, cross-sectional survey of stakeholder groups (surgeon educators and recent medical school graduates) to assess the perceived relevance and learning for surgical principles, surgical skills, teaching environments and teaching interventions. Results Graduates returned 123 surveys, and surgeons returned 55 surveys (response rates: graduates 46%, surgeons 45%). Both graduates and surgeons considered 8 of 10 surgical principles highly relevant to current medical practice. Despite this, the surgical clerkship seemed to enable proficiency in far fewer principles (graduates: 3, surgeons: 5). Graduates believed that each of the 15 basic surgical skills is relevant to current medical practice, whereas surgeons indicated that more invasive skills (i.e., central venous lines, thoracentesis) are much less relevant. Graduates and surgeons indicated that medical students will achieve proficiency in only 3 basic skills areas as a result of the surgical clerkship. Graduates and surgeons considered each surgical specialty relevant and effective in undergraduate surgical education. According to graduates and surgeons, the most effective teaching environments are outpatient settings (emergency department, outpatient clinics). Graduates and surgeons ranked resident teaching as the most effective teaching intervention, and traditional interventions (grand rounds, formal rounds) and electronic resources (computer-assisted learning, web-based learning) were ranked the least effective. Conclusions In this study, we assessed the learning needs of contemporary medical students in surgery. The results suggest that respondent graduate students and surgeons believe that the level of proficiency achieved in surgical principles and basic skills through undergraduate surgical educations is much less than anticipated. Outpatient settings and resident teaching are believed to provide the most effective teaching for medical students. Information from this study has important implications for Canadian undergraduate surgery programs and curricula. PMID:17152571

  17. Cueing Strategies and Basic Skills in Early Reading.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Beebe, Mona J.; Bulcock, Jeffrey W.

    The extent to which cuing strategies and basic skills explanations of early reading constitute complementary approaches was examined in a study involving 94 fourth grade students. Basic skills--a unidimensional component based on measures of vocabulary development, language skills, and work-study skills--proved to be a powerful variable mediating…

  18. Setting Up Workplace Basic Skills Training. Guidelines for Practitioners. An ALBSU Special Development Project.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rees, Libby

    This guide provides information on basic skills needs and programs in the workplace and issues affecting basic skills provision from a British perspective. Section 1 aims to provide a context for workplace basic skills provision. Sections 2-7 provide practical suggestions and advice on the following topics: (1) marketing; (2) contacting employers;…

  19. What's Working: Program Factors Influencing California Community College Basic Skills Mathematics Students' Advancement to Transfer Level

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fiero, Diane M.

    2013-01-01

    Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine which basic skills program factors were exhibited by successful basic skills programs that helped students advance to transfer-level mathematics. This study specifically examined California community college basic skills programs that assist students who place in mathematics courses 2 levels…

  20. New Directions in the Army's Basic Skills Education Program (BSEP).

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Pilgrim, Mark T.

    The Army has given to the Training and Doctrine Command the task of developing four Basic Skills Education Program (BSEP) curricula to provide functional, job-related basic skills training. These would be Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Baseline Skills, English-as-a-Second Language (ESL), Military Life Coping Skills, and Learning Strategies.…

  1. New Skills for a New Economy: Adult Education's Key Role in Sustaining Economic Growth and Expanding Opportunity.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Comings, John; Sum, Andrew; Uvin, Johan

    The role of adult education in sustaining economic growth and expanding opportunity in Massachusetts was explored. The analysis focused on the new basic skills needed for a new economy, groups lacking the new basic skills, the demand for adult basic education (ABE), funding for ABE, building basic skills through adult education, ABE's costs and…

  2. A Multi-Faceted Approach for the Development of the Army's Functional Basic Skills Education Program (BSEP).

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Begland, Robert R.

    In reviewing the Army Continuing Education System in 1979, the Assistant Secretary of the Army found a basic skills program based on traditional academic level goals was inadequate to meet the Army's requirement to provide functional, job-related basic skill education. Combining the shrinking manpower pool and projected basic skill deficiencies of…

  3. The Effects of Basketball Basic Skills Training on Gross Motor Skills Development of Female Children

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bayazit, Betul

    2015-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of basketball basic skills training on gross motor skills development of female children in Turkey. For that purpose, 40 female children took part in the study voluntarily. Basketball basic skills test was used to improve the gross motor skills of the female children in the study. Also,…

  4. ARES (Automated Residential Energy Standard) 1.2: User`s guide, in support of proposed interim energy conservation voluntary performance standards for new non-federal residential buildings: Volume 1

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    NONE

    The ARES (Automated Residential Energy Standard) User`s Guide is designed to the user successfully operate the ARES computer program. This guide assumes that the user is familiar with basic PC skills such as using a keyboard and loading a disk drive. The ARES computer program was designed to assist building code officials in creating a residential energy standard based on local climate and costs.

  5. Washington State's Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training Program (I-BEST): New Evidence of Effectiveness. CCRC Working Paper No. 20

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Zeidenberg, Matthew; Cho, Sung-Woo; Jenkins, Davis

    2010-01-01

    To increase the rate at which adult basic skills students advance to and succeed in college-level occupational programs, the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) developed the Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training, or I-BEST. In the I-BEST model, a basic skills instructor and an occupational instructor team…

  6. Employers' Perceptions of Basic Technology Skills Needed for Workplace Preparation in Adult Basic Education

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Yow, Alma V.

    2010-01-01

    Research has documented that many new entrants to the workforce from adult basic education (ABE) programs are critically lacking in the preparation and technology skills needed for workplace success. To address this problem, this basic interpretive qualitative study was implemented to examine and identify the basic technology skills perceived by…

  7. Technological Proficiency as a Key to Job Security. Trends and Issues Alert No. 6.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Imel, Susan

    Although not all current jobs require basic computer skills, technological advances in society have created new jobs and changed the ways many existing jobs are performed. Clearly, workers who are proficient in technology have a greater advantage in the current workplace and the need for technologically proficient workers will only continue to…

  8. Computational Performance of Group IV Personnel in Vocational Training Programs. Final Report.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Main, Ray E.; Harrigan, Robert J.

    The document evaluates Navy Group Four personnel gains in basic arithmetic skills after taking experimental courses in linear measurement and recipe conversion. Categorized as Mental Group Four by receiving scores from the 10th to the 30th percentile of the Armed Forces Qualification Test, trainees received instruction tailored to the level of…

  9. Computing facilities available to final-year students at 3 UK dental schools in 1997/8: their use, and students' attitudes to information technology.

    PubMed

    Grigg, P; Macfarlane, T V; Shearer, A C; Jepson, N J; Stephens, C D

    2001-08-01

    To identify computer facilities available in 3 dental schools where 3 different approaches to the use of technology-based learning material have been adopted and assess dental students' perception of their own computer skills and their attitudes towards information technology. Multicentre cross sectional by questionnaire. All 181 dental students in their final year of study (1997-8). The overall participation rate was 80%. There were no differences between schools in the students' self assessment of their IT skills but only 1/3 regarded themselves as competent in basic skills and nearly 50% of students in all 3 schools felt that insufficient IT training had been provided to enable them to follow their course without difficulty. There were significant differences between schools in most of the other areas examined which reflect the different ways in which IT can be used to support the dental course. 1. Students value IT as an educational tool. 2. Their awareness of the relevance of a knowledge of information technology for their future careers remains generally low. 3. There is a need to provide effective instruction in IT skills for those dental students who do not acquire these during secondary education.

  10. Project CAPABLE: Model Unit.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Madawaska School District, ME.

    Project CAPABLE (Classroom Action Program: Aim: Basic Learning Effectiveness) is a classroom approach which integrates the basic learning skills with content. The goal of the project is to use basic learning skills to enhance the learning of content and at the same time use the content to teach basic learning skills. This manual illustrates how…

  11. Results of a national survey indicating information technology skills needed by nurses at time of entry into the work force.

    PubMed

    McCannon, Melinda; O'Neal, Pamela V

    2003-08-01

    A national survey was conducted to determine the information technology skills nurse administrators consider critical for new nurses entering the work force. The sample consisted of 2,000 randomly selected members of the American Organization of Nurse Executives. Seven hundred fifty-two usable questionnaires were returned, for a response rate of 38%. The questionnaire used a 5-point Likert scale and consisted of 17 items that assessed various technology skills and demographic information. The questionnaire was developed and pilot tested with content experts to establish content validity. Descriptive analysis of the data revealed that using e-mail effectively, operating basic Windows applications, and searching databases were critical information technology skills. The most critical information technology skill involved knowing nursing-specific software, such as bedside charting and computer-activated medication dispensers. To effectively prepare nursing students with technology skills needed at the time of entry into practice, nursing faculty need to incorporate information technology skills into undergraduate nursing curricula.

  12. Increase in counselling communication skills after basic and advanced microskills training.

    PubMed

    Kuntze, Jeroen; van der Molen, Henk T; Born, Marise P

    2009-03-01

    Mastering counselling communication skills is one of the requirements that lead to the diploma of a registered European psychologist. The microcounseling method proves to be effective in training these skills. Research into the effectiveness of the microcounseling method often reports overall effect sizes only. The aim of this study was to investigate the adequate use of separate counselling communication skills (seven basic skills: minimal encouragements; asking questions; paraphrasing; reflection of feeling; concreteness; summarizing; and situation clarification and five advanced skills: advanced accurate empathy; confrontation; positive relabelling; examples of one's own; and directness) after respectively a basic and an advanced training in these skills. Participants were 583 first year or second year bachelor students in psychology who took the counselling communication skills progress test (CSPT). The participants are divided in a group of freshmen, who had not received any training in counselling communication skills; first year students, who had received a training in basic skills; second year students who had followed a training in advanced skills and a control group. A between-subject design, a within-subject design and a pre-test-post-test-control group design were used to examine the scores on these skills. Seven basic skills and four advanced skills had large effect sizes. One advanced skill had a moderate effect size. The microcounseling method is very effective on the level of separate microskills. However, students perform better on the basic skills than on the advanced skills. More training seems to be needed in the latter to achieve the same level of mastery.

  13. Exploring Work-Based Foundation Skills in the ABLE Classroom. Instructional Activities and Resources for the Adult Learner [and] Supplemental Handouts for Modules. Version 1.2.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Carman, Priscilla; Van Horn, Barbara; Hamilton, KayLynn; Williams, Mary Kay

    This guide contains activities and resources to help adult learners develop the work-based foundation skills and knowledge areas included on the Foundation Skills Framework wheel (Institute for the Study of Adult Literacy 2000). Its four sections (basic employability skills, basic workplace knowledge, basic workplace skills, and lifelong learning…

  14. Music Basic Skills.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kentucky State Dept. of Education, Frankfort.

    This document is a statement of the basic music skills that Kentucky students should develop. This skills list does not replace any locally developed curriculum. It is intended as a guide for local school districts in Kentucky in their development of a detailed K-12 curriculum. The skills presented are considered basic to a sound education program…

  15. Entrepreneur Program. COM-LINK. Competency Based Vocational Curricula with Basic Skills and Academic Linkages.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    De Maria, Richard

    This competency-based module uses the Ocean County (New Jersey) Vocational-Technical Schools curriculum-infused model for infusing basic skills instruction into vocational education. The document consists of matrices that describe the relationship of vocational skills to basic communication, mathematics, and science skills within the entrepreneur…

  16. Survival Skills: A Basic Skills Program.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mahoney, Don

    The guide describes an approach designed to promote the basic skills of hearing impaired students Basic or survival skills are identified which cover the student's daily functioning at home, school, and in the community. The guide is aimed at the 10-15 year old hearing impaired student, but techniques are expected to be applicable to both…

  17. Undergraduate basic surgical skills education: impact on attitudes to a career in surgery and surgical skills acquisition.

    PubMed

    McAnena, P F; O'Halloran, N; Moloney, B M; Courtney, D; Waldron, R M; Flaherty, G; Kerin, M J

    2018-05-01

    Basic surgical skills modules in medical education are effective in teaching skills and increasing confidence among students approaching surgery. However, these modules are not delivered universally and their effect on the professional development of graduates has not been established. We aimed to assess the impact of a 10-week basic surgical skills module on attitudes and technical skills of first year medical students compared to interns. Eighteen students participated and were assessed using a 4-part questionnaire. Technical skills were assessed by observing students perform a basic interrupted suture, using the objective structured assessment of technical skills (OSATS) tool. Fourteen interns were recruited. Students were more confident in surgical scrubbing (mean score 4.0 vs. 2.86, p = 0.001), and performing a basic suture (4.05 vs. 1.93, p = 0.000), more enthusiastic about assisting with an operation (4.5 vs. 3.0, p = 0.001) and more likely to consider a career in surgery (4.16 vs. 2.28, p = 0.000). Technical skills were greater in the student group (mean score 30.8 vs. 19.6, p = 0.001). Five interns had taken part in surgical skills modules as undergraduates. Their technical skills were significantly higher compared to interns who had not (n = 9) (28.8 vs. 14.5, p = 0.006), and they were more likely to consider a career in surgery (3.6 vs. 1.5, p = 0.036). The introduction of surgical skills teaching to the undergraduate medical curriculum has a positive impact on students' attitudes towards surgery and accelerates basic technical skills development. Consideration should be given to development of a standardised undergraduate core curriculum in basic surgical skills teaching.

  18. Rapid Deterioration of Basic Life Support Skills in Dentists With Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider.

    PubMed

    Nogami, Kentaro; Taniguchi, Shogo; Ichiyama, Tomoko

    2016-01-01

    The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between basic life support skills in dentists who had completed the American Heart Association's Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider qualification and time since course completion. Thirty-six dentists who had completed the 2005 BLS Healthcare Provider course participated in the study. We asked participants to perform 2 cycles of cardiopulmonary resuscitation on a mannequin and evaluated basic life support skills. Dentists who had previously completed the BLS Healthcare Provider course displayed both prolonged reaction times, and the quality of their basic life support skills deteriorated rapidly. There were no correlations between basic life support skills and time since course completion. Our results suggest that basic life support skills deteriorate rapidly for dentists who have completed the BLS Healthcare Provider. Newer guidelines stressing chest compressions over ventilation may help improve performance over time, allowing better cardiopulmonary resuscitation in dental office emergencies. Moreover, it may be effective to provide a more specialized version of the life support course to train the dentists, stressing issues that may be more likely to occur in the dental office.

  19. The effects of alternative input devices and repeated exposures on the Test of Basic Aviation Skills (TBAS) performance.

    PubMed

    Momen, Nausheen

    2009-12-01

    The use of computer-based, psychomotor testing systems for personnel selection and classification has gained popularity in the civilian and military worlds in recent years. However, several issues need to be resolved before adopting a computerized, psychomotor test. The purpose of this study was to compare the impact of alternative input devices used for the Test Of Basic Aviation Skills (TBAS) as well as to explore the practice effects of the TBAS. In study 1, participants were administered the TBAS tracking tests once with a throttle and once with foot pedals in a classic test-retest paradigm. The results confirmed that neither of the input devices provided a significant advantage on TBAS performance. In study 2, participants were administered the TBAS twice with a 24-hour interval between testing. The results demonstrated significant practice effects for all the TBAS subtests except for the dichotic listening tests.

  20. Diagnostic Online Assessment of Basic IT Skills in 1st-Year Undergraduates in the Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sieber, Vivien

    2009-01-01

    Attitude, experience and competence (broadly covered by the European Computer Driving Licence syllabus) in information technology (IT) were assessed in 846 1st-year Medical Sciences Division undergraduates (2003-06) at the start of their first term. Online assessments delivered during induction workshops were presented as an opportunity for…

  1. Information Power: Use it or Loose it. Reflections on the Development and Use of a Statewide Assessment Information System.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bigelow, Robert A.

    The Delaware Educational Assessment Program publishes annual results from the California Test of Basic Skills by district, school, and grade (1 through 8 and 11). A statewide computer information system was developed to manage the testing program, the massive 10-year longitudinal database, and the information requests received. The Delaware…

  2. Effects of Targeted Test Preparation on Scores of Two Tests of Oral English as a Second Language

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Farnsworth, Tim

    2013-01-01

    This study investigated the effect of targeted test preparation, or coaching, on oral English as a second language test scores. The tests in question were the Basic English Skills Test Plus (BEST Plus), a scripted oral interview published by the Center for Applied Linguistics, and the Versant English Test (VET), a computer-administered and…

  3. How Gamers Manage Aggression: Situating Skills in Collaborative Computer Games

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bennerstedt, Ulrika; Ivarsson, Jonas; Linderoth, Jonas

    2012-01-01

    In the discussion on what players learn from digital games, there are two major camps in clear opposition to each other. As one side picks up on negative elements found in games the other side focuses on positive aspects. While the agendas differ, the basic arguments still depart from a shared logic: that engagement in game-related activities…

  4. College Readiness: A Compendium of M-DCPS Results from the Florida College Placement Test, 2007 to 2010

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Romanik, Dale; Rembowski, Mary

    2012-01-01

    Section 1008.30 (formerly 240.117), Florida Statutes, requires the State Board of Education to develop and implement a common placement testing program to assess the basic computation and communication skills of students who intend to enter a degree program at any public community college or state university. Every year the State provides reports…

  5. College Readiness: A Compendium of M-DCPS Results from the Florida College Placement Test, 2006 to 2009

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Romanik, Dale; Rembowski, Mary

    2011-01-01

    Section 1008.30 (formerly 240.117), Florida Statutes, requires the State Board of Education to develop and implement a common placement testing program to assess the basic computation and communication skills of students who intend to enter a degree program at any public community college or state university. Every year the State provides reports…

  6. Project EASE II. Workplace Education Curricula: From Teaching Basic Skills to Training the Trainer.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Northern Illinois Univ., De Kalb.

    This curriculum guide was created to guide workplace basic skills instructors in the design of customized curricula for Project Employment Assistance and Skill Enhancement (EASE II), an on-the-job literacy and basic skills improvement project for employees of small companies in the metal working industry in the Chicago area. The guide contains…

  7. Money Management and the Consumer, Basic Economic Skills: "Baffled, Bothered, Bewildered".

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Florida State Dept. of Education, Tallahassee. Div. of Elementary and Secondary Education.

    This document, one in a series of six Project SCAT (Skills for Consumers Applied Today) units for senior high school students, provides an overview of basic economic skills and consumer practices. Project SCAT is designed to help students develop basic skills, solve problems, and apply consumer knowledge necessary for making wise choices in the…

  8. Profiles of Learning. The Basic Skills Testing Program in New South Wales: 1989.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Masters, Geofferey; And Others

    This publication on the New South Wales' Basic Skills Testing Program (BSTP) describes the development of the program's tests, the analysis of students' results, and the communication of results to parents, teachers, and schools. In BSTP tests, basic skills are defined not as low-level, rudimentary survival skills, but as major areas of learning…

  9. Rethinking health numeracy: a multidisciplinary literature review.

    PubMed

    Ancker, Jessica S; Kaufman, David

    2007-01-01

    The purpose of this review is to organize various published conceptions of health numeracy and to discuss how health numeracy contributes to the productive use of quantitative information for health. We define health numeracy as the individual-level skills needed to understand and use quantitative health information, including basic computation skills, ability to use information in documents and non-text formats such as graphs, and ability to communicate orally. We also identify two other factors affecting whether a consumer can use quantitative health information: design of documents and other information artifacts, and health-care providers' communication skills. We draw upon the distributed cognition perspective to argue that essential ingredients for the productive use of quantitative health information include not only health numeracy but also good provider communication skills, as well as documents and devices that are designed to enhance comprehension and cognition.

  10. Students' Perceptions of and Experiences With Educational Technology: A Survey.

    PubMed

    Royal, Kenneth; Hedgpeth, Mari-Wells; McWhorter, Dan

    2016-05-18

    It is generally assumed that incoming students in medical education programs will be better equipped for the "digital age" given their younger age and an educational upbringing in which technology was seemingly omnipresent. In particular, many assume that today's medical students are more likely to hold positive attitudes and increased comfortability with technology and possess greater information technology (IT) skills. The purpose of this study was to compare responses of incoming veterinary medical students to a series of IT-related questions contained in a common questionnaire over the course of a 10-year period (2005-2015) to discern whether students' attitudes have improved and uses and comfortability with technology have increased as anticipated. A survey measuring attitudes and preferences, computing experience, and technology ownership was administered each year for the past 10 years to incoming veterinary medical students at a large veterinary school in the United States. Students' responses to survey items were compared at 3 data points (2005, 2010, and 2015). Today's incoming veterinary medical students tend to indicate the same desire to improve skills using spreadsheets and web page design as incoming students from 10 years ago. It seems that despite technological advances and increased exposure to such applications and skills, there remains a challenge for students to "keep up" with the ever evolving technology. Moreover, although students continue to report they are very comfortable with using a computer (and related devices), many use their computers as typewriters or word processors, as opposed to a means for performing more advanced computing functions. In general, today's medical students are not expert computer users as many assume. Despite an upbringing in a digitized world, many students still lack many basic computing skills.

  11. Students' Perceptions of and Experiences With Educational Technology: A Survey

    PubMed Central

    Hedgpeth, Mari-Wells; McWhorter, Dan

    2016-01-01

    Background It is generally assumed that incoming students in medical education programs will be better equipped for the “digital age” given their younger age and an educational upbringing in which technology was seemingly omnipresent. In particular, many assume that today's medical students are more likely to hold positive attitudes and increased comfortability with technology and possess greater information technology (IT) skills. Objective The purpose of this study was to compare responses of incoming veterinary medical students to a series of IT-related questions contained in a common questionnaire over the course of a 10-year period (2005-2015) to discern whether students’ attitudes have improved and uses and comfortability with technology have increased as anticipated. Methods A survey measuring attitudes and preferences, computing experience, and technology ownership was administered each year for the past 10 years to incoming veterinary medical students at a large veterinary school in the United States. Students' responses to survey items were compared at 3 data points (2005, 2010, and 2015). Results Today's incoming veterinary medical students tend to indicate the same desire to improve skills using spreadsheets and web page design as incoming students from 10 years ago. It seems that despite technological advances and increased exposure to such applications and skills, there remains a challenge for students to “keep up” with the ever evolving technology. Moreover, although students continue to report they are very comfortable with using a computer (and related devices), many use their computers as typewriters or word processors, as opposed to a means for performing more advanced computing functions. Conclusions In general, today's medical students are not expert computer users as many assume. Despite an upbringing in a digitized world, many students still lack many basic computing skills. PMID:27731853

  12. Leveraging Scratch4SL and Second Life to motivate high school students' participation in introductory programming courses: findings from a case study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pellas, Nikolaos; Peroutseas, Efstratios

    2017-01-01

    Students in secondary education strive hard enough to understand basic programming concepts. With all that is known regarding the benefits of programming, little is the published evidence showing how high school students can learn basic programming concepts following innovative instructional formats correctly with the respect to gain/enhance their computational thinking skills. This distinction has caused lack of their motivation and interest in Computer Science courses. This case study presents the opinions of twenty-eight (n = 28) high school students who participated voluntarily in a 3D-game-like environment created in Second Life. This environment was combined with the 2D programming environment of Scratch4SL for the implementation of programming concepts (i.e. sequence and concurrent programming commands) in a blended instructional format. An instructional framework based on Papert's theory of Constructionism to assist students how to coordinate or manage better the learning material in collaborative practice-based learning activities is also proposed. By conducting a mixed-method research, before and after finishing several learning tasks, students' participation in focus group (qualitative data) and their motivation based on their experiences (quantitative data) are measured. Findings indicated that an instructional design framework based on Constructionism for acquiring or empowering students' social, cognitive, higher order and computational thinking skills is meaningful. Educational implications and recommendations for future research are also discussed.

  13. Data Entry Skills in a Computer-based Spread Sheet Amongst Postgraduate Medical Students: A Simulation Based Descriptive Assessment.

    PubMed

    Khan, Amir Maroof; Shah, Dheeraj; Chatterjee, Pranab

    2014-07-01

    In India, research work in the form of a thesis is a mandatory requirement for the postgraduate (PG) medical students. Data entry in a computer-based spread sheet is one of the important basic skills for research, which has not yet been studied. This study was conducted to assess the data entry skills of the 2(nd) year PG medical students of a medical college of North India. A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted among 111 second year PG students by using four simulated filled case record forms and a computer-based spread sheet in which data entry was to be carried out. On a scale of 0-10, only 17.1% of the students scored more than seven. The specific sub-skills that were found to be lacking in more than half of the respondents were as follows: Inappropriate coding (93.7%), long variable names (51.4%), coding not being done for all the variables (76.6%), missing values entered in a non-uniform manner (84.7%) and two variables entered in the same column in the case of blood pressure reading (80.2%). PG medical students were not found to be proficient in data entry skill and this can act as a barrier to do research. This being a first of its kind study in India, more research is needed to understand this issue and then include this yet neglected aspect in teaching research methodology to the medical students.

  14. Using Computers in Introductory Astronomy Courses

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Deming, Grace L.

    1995-12-01

    Computer literacy is fast becoming a focal point in undergraduate education. Scientific literacy has been a continuing goal of undergraduate programs across the nation and a course in introductory astronomy is often used to satisfy such science requirements. At U. MD an introduction to computer skills is being integrated into our astronomy curriculum for non-science majors. The campus is adequately equipped with computer labs, yet many students enter college without basic computer skills. In Astronomy 101 (General Astronomy) students are introduced to electronic mail, a Listserver, and the world wide web. Students in this course are required to register for a free campus computer account. Their first assignment is to use e-mail to subscribe to the class Listserver, Milkyway. Through Milkyway, students have access to weekly lecture summaries, questions to review for exams, and copies of previous exams. Using e-mail students may pose questions, provide comments, or exchange opinions using Milkyway, or they may e-mail the instructor directly. Studies indicate that using e-mail is less intimidating to a student than asking a question in a class of 200 students. Monitoring e-mail for student questions has not been a problem. Student reaction has been favorable to using e-mail, since instructor office hours are not always convenient, especially to commuting or working students. Through required assignments, students receive an introduction to accessing information on the world wide web using Netscape. Astronomy has great resources available on the Internet which can be used to supplement and reinforce introductory material. Assignments are structured so that students will gain the techniques necessary to access available information. It is hoped that students will successfully apply the computer skills they learn in astronomy class to their own fields and as life-long learners. We have found that students comfortable with computers are willing to share their knowledge with others. The computer activities have been structured to promote cooperation between students. These skills are also necessary for success.

  15. Two Reading Assessments for Youth in Alternative Basic Skills and Livelihood Skills Training Programs

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Comings, John P.; Strucker, John; Bell, Brenda

    2017-01-01

    This article describes two assessment tools that have been used to assess the reading skills of youth participating in alternative basic skills and livelihood skills training programs. The Rapid Assessment of Reading Skills (RARS) was developed to identify potential participants who needed to improve their reading skills before beginning training…

  16. Basic Skills Applications in Occupational Investigation.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hendrix, Mary

    This guide contains 50 lesson plans for learning activities that incorporate basic skills into content areas of career education, mathematics, science, social studies, communications, and productive work habits. Each lesson consists of a purpose, basic skills applications, approximate time required, materials needed, things for the teacher to do…

  17. Do Basic Skills Predict Youth Unemployment (16- to 24-Year-Olds) Also when Controlled for Accomplished Upper-Secondary School? A Cross-Country Comparison

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lundetrae, Kjersti; Gabrielsen, Egil; Mykletun, Reidar

    2010-01-01

    Basic skills and educational level are closely related, and both might affect employment. Data from the Adult Literacy and Life Skills Survey were used to examine whether basic skills in terms of literacy and numeracy predicted youth unemployment (16-24 years) while controlling for educational level. Stepwise logistic regression showed that in…

  18. Comparing levels of school performance to science teachers' reports on knowledge/skills, instructional use and student use of computers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kerr, Rebecca

    The purpose of this descriptive quantitative and basic qualitative study was to examine fifth and eighth grade science teachers' responses, perceptions of the role of technology in the classroom, and how they felt that computer applications, tools, and the Internet influence student understanding. The purposeful sample included survey and interview responses from fifth grade and eighth grade general and physical science teachers. Even though they may not be generalizable to other teachers or classrooms due to a low response rate, findings from this study indicated teachers with fewer years of teaching science had a higher level of computer use but less computer access, especially for students, in the classroom. Furthermore, teachers' choice of professional development moderated the relationship between the level of school performance and teachers' knowledge/skills, with the most positive relationship being with workshops that occurred outside of the school. Eighteen interviews revealed that teachers perceived the role of technology in classroom instruction mainly as teacher-centered and supplemental, rather than student-centered activities.

  19. The California Basic Skills Initiative

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Illowsky, Barbara

    2008-01-01

    This article describes the evolution and implementation of the California Basic Skills Initiative (CA BSI), a statewide effort to address ongoing basic skills and ESL needs of community college students and of all campus faculty, administrators, and staff who support these students. CA BSI strategies include assisting every college in assessing…

  20. Adult Basic Skills: Innovations in Measurement and Policy Analysis. Series on Literacy: Research, Policy, and Practice.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tuijnman, Albert C., Ed.; Kirsch, Irwin S., Ed.; Wagner, Daniel A., Ed.

    This book contains 13 papers examining innovations in measuring adults' basic skills and analyzing adult literacy policy. The following papers are included: "Series Preface" (Daniel A. Wagner); "Foreword" (Torsten Husen); "Introduction" (Albert Tuijnman); "Adult Basic Skills: Policy Issues and a Research…

  1. Basic Language Skills and Young Children's Understanding of Causal Connections during Storytelling

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Brown, Danielle D.; Lile, Jacquelyn; Burns, Barbara M.

    2011-01-01

    The current study examined the role of basic language skills for individual differences in preschoolers' understanding of causal connections. Assessments of basic language skills, expressive vocabulary, phonological processing, and receptive language comprehension were examined in relation to the production of causal connections in a storytelling…

  2. Basic Skills in Asian Studies: India.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hantula, James

    Designed for an Asian studies program at the secondary level and using learning activities centering on India, the guide develops four basic skills: reading, applying critical thinking, interpreting the geography, and understanding history. Five learning activities are provided for each basic skill and each unit is introduced with a description…

  3. Alternative Environments for Basic Skills Development.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Crowe, Michael R.; And Others

    This study focused on the identification and description of environmental characteristics and their relationship to basic skills exposure. The objectives of the study were to identify the major factors that characterize environments in which learning is intended to occur, and to delineate patterns of co-exposure to basic skills and environmental…

  4. Basic Skills Support in Business and Industry.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Byatt, Janet; Davies, Karen

    This guide is designed as a tool for English and Welsh businesses wanting to provide basic skills training for their employees. It provides practical solutions to the problems of identifying employees' basic skills needs and selecting the best model of training delivery to address identified training needs. The introductory section discusses basic…

  5. Basic Learning Skills Grades K-6. Minimum Statewide Educational Objectives Approved by the Board of Education May 27, 1977.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Virginia State Dept. of Education, Richmond. Div. of Elementary Education.

    The specific educational objectives or basic learning skills are listed for the Virginia elementary school grades. Minimum skills are listed in reading, communications, and mathematics. Terminal objectives for reading include skills in word identification or decoding, comprehension, and study skills. Communication skills include listening,…

  6. Learning tactile skills through curious exploration

    PubMed Central

    Pape, Leo; Oddo, Calogero M.; Controzzi, Marco; Cipriani, Christian; Förster, Alexander; Carrozza, Maria C.; Schmidhuber, Jürgen

    2012-01-01

    We present curiosity-driven, autonomous acquisition of tactile exploratory skills on a biomimetic robot finger equipped with an array of microelectromechanical touch sensors. Instead of building tailored algorithms for solving a specific tactile task, we employ a more general curiosity-driven reinforcement learning approach that autonomously learns a set of motor skills in absence of an explicit teacher signal. In this approach, the acquisition of skills is driven by the information content of the sensory input signals relative to a learner that aims at representing sensory inputs using fewer and fewer computational resources. We show that, from initially random exploration of its environment, the robotic system autonomously develops a small set of basic motor skills that lead to different kinds of tactile input. Next, the system learns how to exploit the learned motor skills to solve supervised texture classification tasks. Our approach demonstrates the feasibility of autonomous acquisition of tactile skills on physical robotic platforms through curiosity-driven reinforcement learning, overcomes typical difficulties of engineered solutions for active tactile exploration and underactuated control, and provides a basis for studying developmental learning through intrinsic motivation in robots. PMID:22837748

  7. The Sex Difference in Basic Surgical Skills Learning: A Comparative Study.

    PubMed

    Lou, Zheng; Yan, Fei-Hu; Zhao, Zhi-Qing; Zhang, Wei; Shui, Xian-Qi; Liu, Jia; Zhuo, Dong-Lan; Li, Li; Yu, En-da

    2016-01-01

    Very little is known of sex-related differences among medical students in the acquisition of basic surgical skills at an undergraduate level. The aim of this study was to investigate the sex differences in basic surgical skills learning and the possible explanations for sex disparities within basic surgical skills education. A didactic description of 10 surgical skills was performed, including knot tying, basic suture I, basic suture II, sterile technique, preoperative preparation, phlebotomy, debridement, laparotomy, cecectomy, and small bowel resection with hand-sewn anastomosis. The students were rated on a 100-point scale for each basic surgical skill. Later during the same semester all the students took the final theoretical examination. A total of 342 (male = 317 and female = 25) medical students participated in a single skills laboratory as part of their third-year medical student clerkship. The mean scores for each of the 10 surgical skills were higher in female group. The difference in sterile technique, preoperative preparation, cecectomy, and small bowel resection with hand-sewn anastomosis reached the significant level. Compared with male medical students, the mean theory examination score was significantly higher in female medical students. Approximately 76% of the (19 of 25) female students expressed their interest in pursuing a surgical career, whereas only 65.5% (207 of 317) male students wanted to be surgical professionals (p = 0.381). Female medical students completed basic surgical skills training more efficiently and passed the theoretical examination with significantly higher scores than male medical students. In the future, studies should be done in other classes in our institution and perhaps other schools to see if these findings are reliable or valid or just a reflection of this 1 sample. Copyright © 2016 Association of Program Directors in Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. Construction of a Urologic Robotic Surgery Training Curriculum: How Many Simulator Sessions Are Required for Residents to Achieve Proficiency?

    PubMed

    Wiener, Scott; Haddock, Peter; Shichman, Steven; Dorin, Ryan

    2015-11-01

    To define the time needed by urology residents to attain proficiency in computer-aided robotic surgery to aid in the refinement of a robotic surgery simulation curriculum. We undertook a retrospective review of robotic skills training data acquired during January 2012 to December 2014 from junior (postgraduate year [PGY] 2-3) and senior (PGY4-5) urology residents using the da Vinci Skills Simulator. We determined the number of training sessions attended and the level of proficiency achieved by junior and senior residents in attempting 11 basic or 6 advanced tasks, respectively. Junior residents successfully completed 9.9 ± 1.8 tasks, with 62.5% completing all 11 basic tasks. The maximal cumulative success rate of junior residents completing basic tasks was 89.8%, which was achieved within 7.0 ± 1.5 hours of training. Of senior residents, 75% successfully completed all six advanced tasks. Senior residents attended 6.3 ± 3.5 hours of training during which 5.1 ± 1.6 tasks were completed. The maximal cumulative success rate of senior residents completing advanced tasks was 85.4%. When designing and implementing an effective robotic surgical training curriculum, an allocation of 10 hours of training may be optimal to allow junior and senior residents to achieve an acceptable level of surgical proficiency in basic and advanced robotic surgical skills, respectively. These data help guide the design and scheduling of a residents training curriculum within the time constraints of a resident's workload.

  9. A survey of the computer literacy of undergraduate dental students at a University Dental School in Ireland during the academic year 1997-98.

    PubMed

    Ray, N J; Hannigan, A

    1999-05-01

    As dental practice management becomes more computer-based, the efficient functioning of the dentist will become dependent on adequate computer literacy. A survey has been carried out into the computer literacy of a cohort of 140 undergraduate dental students at a University Dental School in Ireland (years 1-5), in the academic year 1997-98. Aspects investigated by anonymous questionnaire were: (1) keyboard skills; (2) computer skills; (3) access to computer facilities; (4) software competencies and (5) use of medical library computer facilities. The students are relatively unfamiliar with basic computer hardware and software: 51.1% considered their expertise with computers as "poor"; 34.3% had taken a formal typewriting or computer keyboarding course; 7.9% had taken a formal computer course at university level and 67.2% were without access to computer facilities at their term-time residences. A majority of students had never used either word-processing, spreadsheet, or graphics programs. Programs relating to "informatics" were more popular, such as literature searching, accessing the Internet and the use of e-mail which represent the major use of the computers in the medical library. The lack of experience with computers may be addressed by including suitable computing courses at the secondary level (age 13-18 years) and/or tertiary level (FE/HE) education programmes. Such training may promote greater use of generic softwares, particularly in the library, with a more electronic-based approach to data handling.

  10. Associations of Postural Knowledge and Basic Motor Skill with Dyspraxia in Autism: Implication for Abnormalities in Distributed Connectivity and Motor Learning

    PubMed Central

    Dowell, Lauren R.; Mahone, E. Mark; Mostofsky, Stewart H.

    2009-01-01

    Children with autism often have difficulty performing skilled movements. Praxis performance requires basic motor skill, knowledge of representations of the movement (mediated by parietal regions), and transcoding of these representations into movement plans (mediated by premotor circuits). The goals of this study were: (a) to determine whether dyspraxia in autism is associated with impaired representational (“postural”) knowledge, and (b) to examine the contributions of postural knowledge and basic motor skill to dyspraxia in autism. Thirty-seven children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and 50 typically developing (TD) children, ages 8–13, completed: (a) an examination of basic motor skills, (b) a postural knowledge test assessing praxis discrimination, and (c) a praxis examination. Children with ASD showed worse basic motor skill and postural knowledge than controls. The ASD group continued to show significantly poorer praxis than controls after accounting for age, IQ, basic motor skill, and postural knowledge. Dyspraxia in autism appears to be associated with impaired formation of spatial representations, as well as transcoding and execution. Distributed abnormality across parietal, premotor, and motor circuitry, as well as anomalous connectivity may be implicated. PMID:19702410

  11. Basic and Advanced Numerical Performances Relate to Mathematical Expertise but Are Fully Mediated by Visuospatial Skills

    PubMed Central

    2016-01-01

    Recent studies have highlighted the potential role of basic numerical processing in the acquisition of numerical and mathematical competences. However, it is debated whether high-level numerical skills and mathematics depends specifically on basic numerical representations. In this study mathematicians and nonmathematicians performed a basic number line task, which required mapping positive and negative numbers on a physical horizontal line, and has been shown to correlate with more advanced numerical abilities and mathematical achievement. We found that mathematicians were more accurate compared with nonmathematicians when mapping positive, but not negative numbers, which are considered numerical primitives and cultural artifacts, respectively. Moreover, performance on positive number mapping could predict whether one is a mathematician or not, and was mediated by more advanced mathematical skills. This finding might suggest a link between basic and advanced mathematical skills. However, when we included visuospatial skills, as measured by block design subtest, the mediation analysis revealed that the relation between the performance in the number line task and the group membership was explained by non-numerical visuospatial skills. These results demonstrate that relation between basic, even specific, numerical skills and advanced mathematical achievement can be artifactual and explained by visuospatial processing. PMID:26913930

  12. Typical and Atypical Development of Basic Numerical Skills in Elementary School

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Landerl, Karin; Kolle, Christina

    2009-01-01

    Deficits in basic numerical processing have been identified as a central and potentially causal problem in developmental dyscalculia; however, so far not much is known about the typical and atypical development of such skills. This study assessed basic number skills cross-sectionally in 262 typically developing and 51 dyscalculic children in…

  13. Basic Workplace Skills: The Foundation for Productivity Improvement. Workforce Brief #4.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bergman, Terri

    Studies have confirmed that there is a strong correlation between employees' levels of basic workplace skills and their productivity in the workplace. Programs to build basic workplace skills have been shown to yield the following positive results: more instances of employees using reading and writing on the job, higher employee participation in…

  14. Community College Basic Skills Math Instructors' Experiences with Universal Design for Learning

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Greene, Sunny

    2016-01-01

    Multiple approaches have been used in U.S. community colleges to address the learning needs of postsecondary students who are underprepared in basic skills math. The purpose of this exploratory interview study was to gain a deeper understanding of community college basic skills math learning through instructors' lived experiences using the…

  15. The Cost to Industry. Basic Skills and the UK Workforce.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Adult Literacy and Basic Skills Unit, London (England).

    In Fall 1992, 400 telephone interviews established levels of basic skills difficulties among the work force as encountered or perceived by employers in the United Kingdom. Costs to employers of poor basic skills and the effect of these on their operation were quantified and described. Respondents were mainly personnel/training managers or…

  16. Responsive Multicultural Basic Skills Handbook for Teachers and Parents: Overview.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lewis, Francione N.; Margold, Jane

    A rationale for helping primary grade children learn about and value their own and other cultures while acquiring basic academic skills is provided. The handbook is based on the responsive multicultural basic skills approach (RMBS), which states that the school curriculum should reflect society's multicultural nature. The RMBS approach emphasizes…

  17. Basic Skills & the Health Care Industry. Workforce & Workplace Literacy Series. Revised.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    BCEL Brief, 1993

    1993-01-01

    This brief is a combination directory of contact persons and annotated bibliography designed to provide information on developing and implementing basic skills training programs for workers in the health care industry. The first section contains information on 33 contact persons currently operating employee basic skills programs for health care…

  18. Roadsigns from Research. BASICS: Bridging Vocational and Academic Skills.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sechler, Judith A.; Crowe, Michael R.

    This document responds to the need for integration of basic skills into vocational education by providing a summary of research findings, implications, and practical suggestions for teachers. The six sections and four complementary posters are intended as tools for staff development of teachers engaged in teaching basic skills. Sections can also…

  19. Issues in Basic Skills Assessment and Placement in the California Community Colleges

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Academic Senate for California Community Colleges, 2004

    2004-01-01

    When the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges compiled best practices for serving basic skills students in 2002-2003, assessment practices were notably absent. In this paper, problems with current assessment and placement practices with regards to basic skills are explored. The paper begins with a review of the matriculation process…

  20. Post-basic nursing students' access to and attitudes toward the use of information technology in practice: a descriptive analysis.

    PubMed

    Nkosi, Z Z; Asah, F; Pillay, P

    2011-10-01

    Nurses are exposed to the changing demands in technology as they execute their patient-related duties in the workplace. Integration of Information Technology (IT) in healthcare systems improves the quality of care provided. Nursing students with prior exposure to computers tend to have a positive influence IT. A descriptive study design using a quantitative approach and structured questionnaire was used to measure the nurses' attitudes towards computer usage. A census of 45 post-basic first year nursing management students were participated in this study. The students demonstrated a positive attitude towards the use of a computer. But access to and use of a computer and IT was limited and nurses in clinics had no access to IT. A lack of computer skills was identified as a factor that hinders access to IT. Nursing students agreed that computer literacy should be included in the curriculum to allow them to become independent computer users. The Department of Health should have IT in all health-care facilities and also train all health-care workers to use IT. With the positive attitudes expressed by the students, nurse managers need to create a conducive environment to ensure such a positive attitude continues to excel. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

  1. The Development of Computational Biology in South Africa: Successes Achieved and Lessons Learnt

    PubMed Central

    Mulder, Nicola J.; Christoffels, Alan; de Oliveira, Tulio; Gamieldien, Junaid; Hazelhurst, Scott; Joubert, Fourie; Kumuthini, Judit; Pillay, Ché S.; Snoep, Jacky L.; Tastan Bishop, Özlem; Tiffin, Nicki

    2016-01-01

    Bioinformatics is now a critical skill in many research and commercial environments as biological data are increasing in both size and complexity. South African researchers recognized this need in the mid-1990s and responded by working with the government as well as international bodies to develop initiatives to build bioinformatics capacity in the country. Significant injections of support from these bodies provided a springboard for the establishment of computational biology units at multiple universities throughout the country, which took on teaching, basic research and support roles. Several challenges were encountered, for example with unreliability of funding, lack of skills, and lack of infrastructure. However, the bioinformatics community worked together to overcome these, and South Africa is now arguably the leading country in bioinformatics on the African continent. Here we discuss how the discipline developed in the country, highlighting the challenges, successes, and lessons learnt. PMID:26845152

  2. The Development of Computational Biology in South Africa: Successes Achieved and Lessons Learnt.

    PubMed

    Mulder, Nicola J; Christoffels, Alan; de Oliveira, Tulio; Gamieldien, Junaid; Hazelhurst, Scott; Joubert, Fourie; Kumuthini, Judit; Pillay, Ché S; Snoep, Jacky L; Tastan Bishop, Özlem; Tiffin, Nicki

    2016-02-01

    Bioinformatics is now a critical skill in many research and commercial environments as biological data are increasing in both size and complexity. South African researchers recognized this need in the mid-1990s and responded by working with the government as well as international bodies to develop initiatives to build bioinformatics capacity in the country. Significant injections of support from these bodies provided a springboard for the establishment of computational biology units at multiple universities throughout the country, which took on teaching, basic research and support roles. Several challenges were encountered, for example with unreliability of funding, lack of skills, and lack of infrastructure. However, the bioinformatics community worked together to overcome these, and South Africa is now arguably the leading country in bioinformatics on the African continent. Here we discuss how the discipline developed in the country, highlighting the challenges, successes, and lessons learnt.

  3. Evaluation of a Computer-Based Training Program for Enhancing Arithmetic Skills and Spatial Number Representation in Primary School Children.

    PubMed

    Rauscher, Larissa; Kohn, Juliane; Käser, Tanja; Mayer, Verena; Kucian, Karin; McCaskey, Ursina; Esser, Günter; von Aster, Michael

    2016-01-01

    Calcularis is a computer-based training program which focuses on basic numerical skills, spatial representation of numbers and arithmetic operations. The program includes a user model allowing flexible adaptation to the child's individual knowledge and learning profile. The study design to evaluate the training comprises three conditions (Calcularis group, waiting control group, spelling training group). One hundred and thirty-eight children from second to fifth grade participated in the study. Training duration comprised a minimum of 24 training sessions of 20 min within a time period of 6-8 weeks. Compared to the group without training (waiting control group) and the group with an alternative training (spelling training group), the children of the Calcularis group demonstrated a higher benefit in subtraction and number line estimation with medium to large effect sizes. Therefore, Calcularis can be used effectively to support children in arithmetic performance and spatial number representation.

  4. The Basic/Essential Skills Taxonomy. Second Edition--Revised.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Snyder, Lester M., Jr.

    This revision of the "Basic/Essential Skills Taxonomy" exhibits changes based on use of the original taxonomy in the field. It features more precise definitions of the levels of key words and phrases, the deletion of some science items that ranged above basic skills, the combination of the language arts sections from the original two parts, and…

  5. Aligning CASAS Competencies and Assessments to Basic Skills Content Standards. Second Edition

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    CASAS - Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems (NJ1), 2009

    2009-01-01

    Since its inception, the Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System (CASAS) has focused on teaching and assessing basic skills in contexts that are relevant and important to adult learners. CASAS has developed and continues to refine a highly formalized hierarchy of competencies, the application of basic skills that adults need to be fully…

  6. California Community College Handbook: Teaching Basic Skills in Vocational Education. Model Programs.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Evaluation and Training Inst., Los Angeles, CA.

    This handbook was produced as a result of a project that studied California community college programs that teach basic skills in vocational education programs. The project included a literature review, a telephone survey, and 12 site visits. The handbook contains four sections: (1) steps for integrating basic skills and vocational instruction;…

  7. The Alpha Mu Study: A Report on the Survey of Basic Business Survival Skills.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Whitney, Eugene P.

    A study was conducted to secure information relating to the following questions: (1) Are high school graduates leaving school with sufficient basic business skills to adequately manage their personal business affairs? and (2) what role is the business education department playing to provide all students with these basic business skills? A list of…

  8. The Prevalence of Anxiety and Pro-Social Behaviors in Child-Centered and Basic Skills Preschool Classrooms.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Reio, Thomas G., Jr.; Maciolek, C. Lynn; Weiss, Erin M.

    Although there is considerable evidence that kindergartners in child-centered programs have more opportunities to increase prosocial behavior and are more internally motivated than children in basic skills programs, the efficacy of child-centered versus basic skills programs with regard to prosocial behavior has not been examined among preschool…

  9. Improving the Basic Skills of Vocational-Technical Students: An Administrator's Guide. Competency-Based Vocational Education Administrator Module Series.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ohio State Univ., Columbus. National Center for Research in Vocational Education.

    This guide provides information and guidelines intended to assist vocational administrators in developing and evaluating programs to improve the basic skills of vocational-technical students. Part one provides background information about basic skills and examines their role in vocational education. Discussed next are various program types,…

  10. Workplace Literacy and Basic Skills = L'alphabetisation et les competences de base en milieu de travail.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Waugh, Sue

    Workplace literacy and basic skills may be defined as skills needed by employees at work: reading, writing, math, and problem solving. Workplace literacy and skill requirements are based on the needs of each workplace and its workers. These skills are important because the work force needs to be highly skilled and adaptable to compete in a global…

  11. The Educational Software Marketplace and Adult Literacy Niches. Contractor Report, Adult Literacy and New Technologies: Tools for a Lifetime.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Education Turnkey Systems, Inc., Falls Church, VA.

    Over the past 10 years computer technology has come to occupy a central place in American life and has caused a redefinition of the level of literacy skills needed to participate effectively in American society. At the same time, some 20 to 30 million adults have serious problems of basic literacy. Within this context, the Office of Technology…

  12. Equating Two Forms of a Criterion-Referenced Test by Using Norm Referenced Data: An Illustration of Two Methods.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Garcia-Quintana, Roan A.; Johnson, Lynne M.

    Three different computational procedures for equating two forms of a test were applied to a pair of mathematics tests to compare the results of the three procedures. The tests that were being equated were two forms of the SRA Mastery Mathematics Tests. The common, linking test used for equating was the Comprehensive Tests of Basic Skills, Form S,…

  13. Conquering technophobia: preparing faculty for today.

    PubMed

    Richard, P L

    1997-01-01

    The constantly changing world of technology creates excitement and an obligation for faculty of schools of nursing to address computer literacy in the curricula at all levels. The initial step in the process of meeting the goals was to assist the faculty in becoming computer literate so that they could foster and encourage the same in the students. The implementation of The Cure for Technophobia included basic and advanced computer skills designed to assist the faculty in becoming comfortable and competent computer users. The applications addressed included: introduction to windows, electronic mail, word processing, presentation and database applications, library on-line searches of literature databases, introduction to internet browsers and a computerized testing program. Efforts were made to overcome barriers to computer literacy and promote the learning process. Familiar, competent, computer literate individuals were used to conduct the classes to accomplish this goal.

  14. Determining the Feasibility of an Annual Commissioner's Report of the Mastery of Basic Skills by Florida Citizens. Basic Literacy and Basic Skills Technical Report No. 1.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Powell, William R.; And Others

    This report recommends that an annual report be made to the citizens of Florida about the state of literacy in Florida. The concept of literacy is defined in terms of levels of literacy and basic skills required to achieve the different levels. A review of the literature on literacy is the basis for three suggested levels of literacy: (1)…

  15. A High School Level Course On Robot Design And Construction

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sadler, Paul M.; Crandall, Jack L.

    1984-02-01

    The Robotics Design and Construction Class at Sehome High School was developed to offer gifted and/or highly motivated students an in-depth introduction to a modern engineering topic. The course includes instruction in basic electronics, digital and radio electronics, construction skills, robotics literacy, construction of the HERO 1 Heathkit Robot, computer/ robot programming, and voice synthesis. A key element which leads to the success of the course is the involvement of various community assets including manpower and financial assistance. The instructors included a physics/electronics teacher, a computer science teacher, two retired engineers, and an electronics technician.

  16. Basic and advanced numerical performances relate to mathematical expertise but are fully mediated by visuospatial skills.

    PubMed

    Sella, Francesco; Sader, Elie; Lolliot, Simon; Cohen Kadosh, Roi

    2016-09-01

    Recent studies have highlighted the potential role of basic numerical processing in the acquisition of numerical and mathematical competences. However, it is debated whether high-level numerical skills and mathematics depends specifically on basic numerical representations. In this study mathematicians and nonmathematicians performed a basic number line task, which required mapping positive and negative numbers on a physical horizontal line, and has been shown to correlate with more advanced numerical abilities and mathematical achievement. We found that mathematicians were more accurate compared with nonmathematicians when mapping positive, but not negative numbers, which are considered numerical primitives and cultural artifacts, respectively. Moreover, performance on positive number mapping could predict whether one is a mathematician or not, and was mediated by more advanced mathematical skills. This finding might suggest a link between basic and advanced mathematical skills. However, when we included visuospatial skills, as measured by block design subtest, the mediation analysis revealed that the relation between the performance in the number line task and the group membership was explained by non-numerical visuospatial skills. These results demonstrate that relation between basic, even specific, numerical skills and advanced mathematical achievement can be artifactual and explained by visuospatial processing. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

  17. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ayer, Vidya M.; Miguez, Sheila; Toby, Brian H.

    Scientists have been central to the historical development of the computer industry, but the importance of software only continues to grow for all areas of scientific research and in particular for powder diffraction. Knowing how to program a computer is a basic and useful skill for scientists. The article introduces the three types of programming languages and why scripting languages are now preferred for scientists. Of them, the authors assert Python is the most useful and easiest to learn. Python is introduced. Also presented is an overview to a few of the many add-on packages available to extend the capabilitiesmore » of Python, for example, for numerical computations, scientific graphics and graphical user interface programming.« less

  18. Fundamental Movement Skills Development under the Influence of a Gymnastics Program and Everyday Physical Activity in Seven-Year-Old Children.

    PubMed

    Culjak, Zoran; Miletic, Durdica; Kalinski, Suncica Delas; Kezic, Ana; Zuvela, Frane

    2014-04-01

    The objectives of this study were: a) to examine the influence of an 18-week basic artistic gymnastics program on fundamental movement skills (FMS) development in seven-year-old children; b) to determine correlations between children's daily activities and successful performance of FMS and basic artistic gymnastics skills. Seventy five first grade primary school children took part in this study. A physical education teacher specialized in artistic gymnastics conducted a gymnastics program for 18 weeks, three times a week. The level of gymnastics skills and FMS were identified at the beginning and at the end of the program. The level of gymnastics skills was evaluated by performance of eight artistic gymnastics skills, while FMS were evaluated by the use of FMS-polygon. Physical activity and inactivity was evaluated by using a proxy-questionnaire "Netherlands Physical Activity Questionnaire˝ (NPAQ). According to the dependent samples t test, significant differences were found in the FMS-polygon and all gymnastics skills before and after the 18-week gymnastics program. Increasing correlations were established over time between gymnastics skills and the FMS-polygon. Unorganized daily activity of children significantly correlated with their mastering of gymnastics skills and FMS. The presented findings confirm: (1) the thesis that basic artistic gymnastics skills and FMS could be developed simultaneously, (2) the theory of positive transfer of similar skills between FMS and artistic gymnastic skills. Mastering basic artistic gymnastics skills will provoke improvement of FMS and finally become a prerequisite for successful introduction of learning more complex gymnastics skills. The obtained results imply that an increase of children's unorganized daily activities can improve the mastering of basic gymnastics skills and simultaneously the development of FMS.

  19. Fundamental Movement Skills Development under the Influence of a Gymnastics Program and Everyday Physical Activity in Seven-Year-Old Children

    PubMed Central

    Culjak, Zoran; Miletic, Durdica; Kalinski, Suncica Delas; Kezic, Ana; Zuvela, Frane

    2014-01-01

    Abstract Objective The objectives of this study were: a) to examine the influence of an 18-week basic artistic gymnastics program on fundamental movement skills (FMS) development in seven-year-old children; b) to determine correlations between children’s daily activities and successful performance of FMS and basic artistic gymnastics skills. Methods Seventy five first grade primary school children took part in this study. A physical education teacher specialized in artistic gymnastics conducted a gymnastics program for 18 weeks, three times a week. The level of gymnastics skills and FMS were identified at the beginning and at the end of the program. The level of gymnastics skills was evaluated by performance of eight artistic gymnastics skills, while FMS were evaluated by the use of FMS-polygon. Physical activity and inactivity was evaluated by using a proxy-questionnaire “Netherlands Physical Activity Questionnaire˝ (NPAQ). Findings According to the dependent samples t test, significant differences were found in the FMS-polygon and all gymnastics skills before and after the 18-week gymnastics program. Increasing correlations were established over time between gymnastics skills and the FMS-polygon. Unorganized daily activity of children significantly correlated with their mastering of gymnastics skills and FMS. The presented findings confirm: (1) the thesis that basic artistic gymnastics skills and FMS could be developed simultaneously, (2) the theory of positive transfer of similar skills between FMS and artistic gymnastic skills. Conclusion Mastering basic artistic gymnastics skills will provoke improvement of FMS and finally become a prerequisite for successful introduction of learning more complex gymnastics skills. The obtained results imply that an increase of children’s unorganized daily activities can improve the mastering of basic gymnastics skills and simultaneously the development of FMS. PMID:25535529

  20. Life Management Skills, 8230. Home Economics Education.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Loudoun County Public Schools, Leesburg, VA.

    The middle school home economics curriculum on Life Management Skills I (eighth grade) meets the needs of the early adolescent. It is based upon three major concepts: (1) basic skills; (2) self-knowledge/understanding/decision making; and (3) independence/interdependence. Emphasis on the basic skills of reading, writing, communicating, using…

  1. Developing Skills in Severely and Profoundly Handicapped Children.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Thomas, M. Angele, Ed.

    Included in the publication are 10 articles on developing basic skills in severely and profoundly handicapped children. The first paper focuses on the development of object permanence, a basic cognitive skill, while the second and third review procedures for developing self care skills (toileting and eating). A fourth paper discusses an…

  2. 5 CFR 9701.361 - Special skills payments.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 5 Administrative Personnel 3 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Special skills payments. 9701.361 Section... RESOURCES MANAGEMENT SYSTEM Pay and Pay Administration Special Payments § 9701.361 Special skills payments... at the same time as basic pay or in periodic lump-sum payments. Special skills payments are not basic...

  3. The LHCb Starterkit

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Puig, Albert; LHCb Starterkit Team

    2017-10-01

    The vast majority of high-energy physicists use and produce software every day. Software skills are usually acquired “on the go” and dedicated training courses are rare. The LHCb Starterkit is a new training format for getting LHCb collaborators started in effectively using software to perform their research. The course focuses on teaching basic skills for research computing. Unlike traditional tutorials we focus on starting with basics, performing all the material live, with a high degree of interactivity, giving priority to understanding the tools as opposed to handing out recipes that work “as if by magic”. The LHCb Starterkit was started by two young members of the collaboration inspired by the principles of Software Carpentry, and the material is created in a collaborative fashion using the tools we teach. Three successful entry-level workshops, as well as an advance one, have taken place since the start of the initiative in 2015, and were taught largely by PhD students to other PhD students.

  4. The Rise and Fall of Workplace Basic Skills Programmes: Lessons for Policy and Practice

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wolf, Alison; Aspin, Liam; Waite, Edmund; Ananiadou, Katerina

    2010-01-01

    Since the publication of the Moser Report in 1999, improving the basic skills of adults has been a major priority for all of the UK's governments. There has been a particular interest in building up workplace provision, because of the assumed relationship between the basic skills of the employed population and productivity. A longitudinal study…

  5. The National Conference on Achievement Testing and Basic Skills. March 1-3, 1978. Conference Proceedings.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    National Inst. of Education (DHEW), Washington, DC.

    Extracts from the papers and position statements presented at the National Conference on Achievement Testing and Basic Skills are provided in an attempt to capture both the diversity and the consensus among the participants. Six sessions are summarized: (1) achievement tests and basic skills: the issues and the setting--by Harold Howe II; (2)…

  6. Perception of Business and Industry: Basic Skills Necessary for Successful Employment Compared to Competencies of Entry Level Employees.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Junge, Denis A.; And Others

    This study was conducted to assess business and industry's perceptions of the basic skills needed for entry-level successful employment. It also assessed business and industry's perceptions of the competencies that entry-level employees now have. Information was gathered via a basic skills questionnaire that was mailed to the personnel directors…

  7. Critical thinking skills of basic baccalaureate and Accelerated second-degree nursing students.

    PubMed

    Newton, Sarah E; Moore, Gary

    2013-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to describe the critical thinking (CT) skills of basic baccalaureate (basic-BSN) and accelerated second-degree (ASD) nursing students at nursing program entry. Many authors propose that CT in nursing should be viewed as a developmental process that increases as students' experiences with it change. However, there is a dearth of literature that describes basic-BSN and ASD students' CT skills from an evolutionary perspective. The study design was exploratory descriptive. The results indicated thatASD students had higher CT scores on a quantitative critical thinking assessment at program entry than basic-BSN students. CT data are needed across the nursing curriculum from basic-BSN and ASD students in order for nurse educators to develop cohort-specific pedagogical approaches that facilitate critical thinking in nursing and produce nurses with good CT skills for the future.

  8. Basic Employability Skills: A Triangular Design Approach

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rosenberg, Stuart; Heimler, Ronald; Morote, Elsa-Sofia

    2012-01-01

    Purpose: This paper seeks to examine the basic employability skills needed for job performance, the reception of these skills in college, and the need for additional training in these skills after graduation. Design/methodology/approach: The research was based on a triangular design approach, in which the attitudes of three distinct groups--recent…

  9. Integration of Basic Skills into Social Studies Content.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lunstrum, John P.; Irvin, Judith L.

    1981-01-01

    A basic skills model is presented which stresses the skills of writing, reading, study, and research for elementary school pupils. The model focuses on lesson background, the purpose of the reading, independent reading, follow-up discussion, developing related skills, and extending and applying ideas. A lesson about the 1910 British expedition to…

  10. An Approximation of an Instructional Model for Developing Home Living Skills in Severely Handicapped Students.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hamre, S.

    The author discusses the need for severely handicapped students to acquire basic home living skills, reviews task analysis principles, and provides sample instructional programs. Listed are basic grooming, dressing, domestic maintenance, and cooking skills. A sample task analysis procedure is demonstrated for the skill of brushing teeth. Reported…

  11. Education in Basic Skills and Training for Productive Work

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Labarca, Guillermo

    1998-09-01

    The success of global policies and strategies aimed at training for productive work depends to a large extent on the level of development of basic skills among the work force and, likewise, training costs will vary according to the level of general preparation of those entering on the process. In view of the close relationship between the structure of the school system, the development of basic skills and actual training, different options are available to resolve imbalances between training for productive employment and previous basic education. Our conclusions are that training cannot replace basic education, that the process of technological change goes hand in hand with an increased demand for workers with a high level of education, that substituting training in specific skills for good basic education is not the most efficient option, and that one of the favorable effects of primary education is that it facilitates after- school training. This article seeks to identify certain dimensions of human resource training which are often overlooked in relation to both basic skills and specific training proper: namely, the imbalances existing between vocational training and previous education, and the options available for correcting them.

  12. The NIE Conference on Basic Mathematical Skills and Learning (Euclid, Ohio, October 4-6, 1975). Volume I: Contributed Position Papers.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    National Inst. of Education (DHEW), Washington, DC.

    In October 1975 a conference was convened in Euclid, Ohio, by the Basic Skills Group of the National Institute of Education (NIE). Thirty-three participants presented position papers addressing two major questions: (1) What are basic mathematical skills and learning? (2) What are the major problems related to children's acquisition of basic…

  13. Enhancing Basic Skill Levels of Marketing and Distributive Education Students Identified as Disadvantaged--A Tutorial Approach. Final Report, July 1, 1980-June 30, 1981.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wells, Randall L.

    A project was undertaken to enhance the basic skill levels of marketing and distributive education students identified as disadvantaged by using a tutorial approach. After determining the basic skill competencies needed for students to succeed in marketing and distributive education, project staff identified existing materials in the areas of math…

  14. Understanding the "Crisis" in Basic Skills: Framing the Issues in Community Colleges. Basic Skills Instruction in California Community Colleges. Working Paper, Number 1

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Grubb, W. Norton; Boner, Elizabeth; Frankel, Kate; Parker, Lynette; Patterson, David; Gabriner, Robert; Hope, Laura; Schiorring, Eva; Smith, Bruce; Taylor, Richard; Walton, Ian; Wilson, Smokey

    2011-01-01

    While increases in remedial education (or basic skills instruction or developmental education) have taken place at several levels of the education and training system, there are reasons for thinking that the issue is particularly acute in community colleges. This introductory working paper divides the problem into two. The first is the high…

  15. A new parallel DNA algorithm to solve the task scheduling problem based on inspired computational model.

    PubMed

    Wang, Zhaocai; Ji, Zuwen; Wang, Xiaoming; Wu, Tunhua; Huang, Wei

    2017-12-01

    As a promising approach to solve the computationally intractable problem, the method based on DNA computing is an emerging research area including mathematics, computer science and molecular biology. The task scheduling problem, as a well-known NP-complete problem, arranges n jobs to m individuals and finds the minimum execution time of last finished individual. In this paper, we use a biologically inspired computational model and describe a new parallel algorithm to solve the task scheduling problem by basic DNA molecular operations. In turn, we skillfully design flexible length DNA strands to represent elements of the allocation matrix, take appropriate biological experiment operations and get solutions of the task scheduling problem in proper length range with less than O(n 2 ) time complexity. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  16. Badminton--Teaching Concepts.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gibbs, Marilyn J.

    1988-01-01

    Teaching four basic badminton concepts along with the usual basic skill shots allows players to develop game strategy awareness as well as mechanical skills. These four basic concepts are: (1) ready position, (2) flight trajectory, (3) early shuttle contact, and (4) camouflage. (IAH)

  17. Mathematical model of bone drilling for virtual surgery system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Alaytsev, Innokentiy K.; Danilova, Tatyana V.; Manturov, Alexey O.; Mareev, Gleb O.; Mareev, Oleg V.

    2018-04-01

    The bone drilling is an essential part of surgeries in ENT and Dentistry. A proper training of drilling machine handling skills is impossible without proper modelling of the drilling process. Utilization of high precision methods like FEM is limited due to the requirement of 1000 Hz update rate for haptic feedback. The study presents a mathematical model of the drilling process that accounts the properties of materials, the geometry and the rotation rate of a burr to compute the removed material volume. The simplicity of the model allows for integrating it in the high-frequency haptic thread. The precision of the model is enough for a virtual surgery system targeted on the training of the basic surgery skills.

  18. 20 CFR 628.515 - Objective assessment.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ..., work history, education, basic and occupational skills, interests, aptitudes (including interests and... assessment shall include an examination of the basic skills and supportive service needs of each participant... appropriate means to measure skills, abilities, attitudes, and interests of the participants. The methods used...

  19. A Quick Win: Teaching Basic Skills in Context for Better Outcomes an Examination of Success Factors, with a Special Focus on the Potential for the Rapid Building of Self-Efficacy in Emerging Initiatives for "At Risk" Students at California Community Colleges

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hirsh, Deborah Duggin

    2011-01-01

    A small but growing body of evidence in reports, journal articles and conference papers indicates that if basic skills are embedded within specific career training programs, under-prepared students can acquire life enhancing basic skills at a higher rate than when those skills are taught in the traditional, unconnected way (Baker et al., 2009; Kuh…

  20. ICT Learning by Older Adults and Their Attitudes toward Computer Use

    PubMed Central

    González, Antonio; Ramírez, María Paz; Viadel, Vicente

    2015-01-01

    Information and communication technologies have proven to be an effective way of helping older adults improve independence outcomes, but such technologies are yet not widely used by this segment of the population. This paper aims to study computer use and senior citizens' attitudes toward computer technology in the context of a 20-hour course in basic skills. A questionnaire was used to conduct pre- and postcourse analyses with a sample of 191 adults over the age of 60. The findings show that direct contact with computers generates more positive attitudes toward computer use and also positive relationships with attitudes, user behavior, training expectations, and self-confidence. Results are discussed in the light of need-to-know attitudes toward computer use and training in new technologies as an opportunity for life-long learning and for improving quality of life in old age. PMID:26346158

  1. Verbal and Academic Skills in Children with Early-Onset Type 1 Diabetes

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hannonen, Riitta; Komulainen, Jorma; Eklund, Kenneth; Tolvanen, Asko; Riikonen, Raili; Ahonen, Timo

    2010-01-01

    Aim: Basic verbal and academic skills can be adversely affected by early-onset diabetes, although these skills have been studied less than other cognitive functions. This study aimed to explore the mechanism of learning deficits in children with diabetes by assessing basic verbal and academic skills in children with early-onset diabetes and in…

  2. Readers in Adult Basic Education: Component Skills, Eye Movements, and Fluency

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Barnes, Adrienne E.; Kim, Young-Suk; Tighe, Elizabeth L.; Vorstius, Christian

    2017-01-01

    The present study explored the reading skills of a sample of 48 adults enrolled in a basic education program in northern Florida, United States. Previous research has reported on reading component skills for students in adult education settings, but little is known about eye movement patterns or their relation to reading skills for this…

  3. An Empirical Determination of Tasks Essential to Successful Performance as a Chemical Applicator. Determination of a Common Core of Basic Skills in Agribusiness and Natural Resources.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Miller, Daniel R.; And Others

    To improve vocational educational programs in agriculture, occupational information on a common core of basic skills within the occupational area of the chemical applicator is presented in the revised task inventory survey. The purpose of the occupational survey was to identify a common core of basic skills which are performed and are essential…

  4. Teaching Basic Skills in Life Skills Contexts: An Inservice Training Module for LVA-CT English as a Second Language Tutors.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Literacy Volunteers of America--Connecticut, Hartford.

    The set of instructional materials is designed as a training module for volunteer tutors in English as a Second Language (ESL) for adults. It presents the content of a workshop, about 2.5 hours long, with three main objectives: to (1) help tutors understand the distinction between basic skills and life skills in ESL; (2) develop skills in two…

  5. Workplace Basics: The Skills Employers Want.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Carnevale, Anthony P.; And Others

    1989-01-01

    Identifies the basic skills needed by workers to function in today's high technology workplace. Examines ways of training employees in learning and communication skills, adaptability, personal management, group effectiveness, and organizational leadership. Describes the eight-step training approach used by Mazda Motor Manufacturing Corporation.…

  6. Computers in the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language: Access to the Diversity of Textual Genres and Language Skills

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dos Santos, Roberto-Márcio; Sobrinho, Jerônimo Coura

    In the area of language teaching both language skills and textual genres can be worked with simultaneously (thus responding to the Brazilian Curricular Parameters and to the trends in contemporary education, which emphasize contextualized teaching) by means of computers. Computers can make the teaching process dynamic and rich, since they enable the access to the foreign language through virtual environments, which creates a larger number of learning contexts, with all their specific vocabulary and linguistic features in real communication. This study focuses on possible applications of this kind of approach. The computer online is a resource of diverse textual genres and can be an important tool in the language classroom as well as an access to authentic material produced in contextualized practice close to real-life communication. On the other hand, all these materials must be appropriately used without ever worshipping the technology as if it were a miraculous solution. After all, the professional pedagogic skills of the teacher should never be forgotten or taken for granted. In this study, a series of interviews with teachers was carried out - both with Brazilian teachers of the public sector (basic education) and language institutes (private English courses) as well as teacher trainers (university professors), in order to verify if the teachers were prepared to work with informatics in teaching practices, and check the professionals’ views on the subject. The ideas of Maingueneau and Marcuschi about textual genres are a theoretical base in this work, besides the concept of cognitive economy. The text and its typology are focused here as the basic material for teaching English, through digital technologies and hypermedia. The study is also based on Sharma and Barrett’s notion of blended learning as a balanced combination of technological resources and traditional practices in the classroom. Thus, this is an attempt to investigate the relevance of information and communication technologies in the education and professional practice of English teachers in Brazil in the context of the 21st century.

  7. Box- or Virtual-Reality Trainer: Which Tool Results in Better Transfer of Laparoscopic Basic Skills?-A Prospective Randomized Trial.

    PubMed

    Brinkmann, Christian; Fritz, Mathias; Pankratius, Ulrich; Bahde, Ralf; Neumann, Philipp; Schlueter, Steffen; Senninger, Norbert; Rijcken, Emile

    Simulation training improves laparoscopic performance. Laparoscopic basic skills can be learned in simulators as box- or virtual-reality (VR) trainers. However, there is no clear recommendation for either box or VR trainers as the most appropriate tool for the transfer of acquired laparoscopic basic skills into a surgical procedure. Both training tools were compared, using validated and well-established curricula in the acquirement of basic skills, in a prospective randomized trial in a 5-day structured laparoscopic training course. Participants completed either a box- or VR-trainer curriculum and then applied the learned skills performing an ex situ laparoscopic cholecystectomy on a pig liver. The performance was recorded on video and evaluated offline by 4 blinded observers using the Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills (GOALS) score. Learning curves of the various exercises included in the training course were compared and the improvement in each exercise was analyzed. Surgical Skills Lab of the Department of General and Visceral Surgery, University Hospital Muenster. Surgical novices without prior surgical experience (medical students, n = 36). Posttraining evaluation showed significant improvement compared with baseline in both groups, indicating acquisition of laparoscopic basic skills. Learning curves showed almost the same progression with no significant differences. In simulated laparoscopic cholecystectomy, total GOALS score was significantly higher for the box-trained group than the VR-trained group (box: 15.31 ± 3.61 vs. VR: 12.92 ± 3.06; p = 0.039; Hedge׳s g* = 0.699), indicating higher technical skill levels. Despite both systems having advantages and disadvantages, they can both be used for simulation training for laparoscopic skills. In the setting with 2 structured, validated and almost identical curricula, the box-trained group appears to be superior in the better transfer of basic skills into an experimental but structured surgical procedure. Copyright © 2017 Association of Program Directors in Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. Basic Science Living Skills for Today's World. Teacher's Edition.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Zellers (Robert W.) Educational Services, Johnstown, PA.

    This document is a teacher's edition of a basic skills curriculum in science for adult basic education (ABE) students. The course consists of 25 lessons on basic science concepts, designed to give students a good understanding of the biological and physical sciences. Suggested activities and experiments that the student can do are also included.…

  9. Enhancing RN-to-BSN students' information literacy skills through the use of instructional technology.

    PubMed

    Schutt, Michelle A; Hightower, Barbara

    2009-02-01

    The American Association of Colleges of Nursing advocates that professional nurses have the information literacy skills essential for evidence-based practice. As nursing schools embrace evidence-based models to prepare students for nursing careers, faculty can collaborate with librarians to create engaging learning activities focused on the development of information literacy skills. Instructional technology tools such as course management systems, virtual classrooms, and online tutorials provide opportunities to reach students outside the traditional campus classroom. This article discusses the collaborative process between faculty and a library instruction coordinator and strategies used to create literacy learning activities focused on the development of basic database search skills for a Computers in Nursing course. The activities and an online tutorial were included in a library database module incorporated into WebCT. In addition, synchronous classroom meeting software was used by the librarian to reach students in the distance learning environment. Recommendations for module modifications and faculty, librarian, and student evaluations are offered.

  10. The keys to successful online continuing education programs for nurses.

    PubMed

    Sweeney, Nancy M; Saarmann, Lembi; Flagg, Joan; Seidman, Robert

    2008-01-01

    Asynchronous online tutorials that award continuing education units without cost and provide knowledge about computers and nursing informatics were made available to registered nurses in Southern California. Four hundred seventy-three nurses enrolled; 52% (246) completed tutorials. Nonsignificant differences in the number of tutorials completed were found across characteristics of participants, meaning that nurses were similarly disposed to participate regardless of age, educational preparation, experience, practice setting, or ethnicity. They tended to overestimate their computer capabilities at the time of enrollment and abandoned the tutorials when they encountered technical problems. Nurses need live workshops teaching computer basics, Internet skills, and how to enroll in and run asynchronous programs. Marketing of online programs should be multifaceted, including live and electronic strategies.

  11. Laparoscopic skills acquisition: a study of simulation and traditional training.

    PubMed

    Marlow, Nicholas; Altree, Meryl; Babidge, Wendy; Field, John; Hewett, Peter; Maddern, Guy J

    2014-12-01

    Training in basic laparoscopic skills can be undertaken using traditional methods, where trainees are educated by experienced surgeons through a process of graduated responsibility or by simulation-based training. This study aimed to assess whether simulation trained individuals reach the same level of proficiency in basic laparoscopic skills as traditional trained participants when assessed in a simulated environment. A prospective study was undertaken. Participants were allocated to one of two cohorts according to surgical experience. Participants from the inexperienced cohort were randomized to receive training in basic laparoscopic skills on either a box trainer or a virtual reality simulator. They were then assessed on the simulator on which they did not receive training. Participants from the experienced cohort, considered to have received traditional training in basic laparoscopic skills, did not receive simulation training and were randomized to either the box trainer or virtual reality simulator for skills assessment. The assessment scores from different cohorts on either simulator were then compared. A total of 138 participants completed the assessment session, 101 in the inexperienced simulation-trained cohort and 37 on the experienced traditionally trained cohort. There was no statistically significant difference between the training outcomes of simulation and traditionally trained participants, irrespective of the simulator type used. The results demonstrated that participants trained on either a box trainer or virtual reality simulator achieved a level of basic laparoscopic skills assessed in a simulated environment that was not significantly different from participants who had been traditionally trained in basic laparoscopic skills. © 2013 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

  12. Typewriting Methodology 1977: Eight Basic Principles for Good Results

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Winger, Fred E.

    1977-01-01

    The eight basic principles of teaching methodology discussed are as follows: Stress position and technique, stress skill building, stress the pretest/practice/posttest method, stress action research, stress true production skills, stress good proofreading skills, stress performance goals, and stress individualized instruction. (TA)

  13. Your Scores in Basic Skills: Iowa Tests of Basic Skills. AISD Junior High Schools, School Year 1981-82. AISD Senior High Schools, School Year 1981-82.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Austin Independent School District, TX.

    Designed for junior high and high school students and their parents, this brochure explains the structure, function, and method for interpretation of the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills and the Sequential Tests of Educational Progress. A question and answer format is used to provide information on scope and purposes of the tests, meaning and accuracy…

  14. Your Child's Scores in Basic Skills: Iowa Tests of Basic Skills. AISD Kindergarten, School Year 1981-82. AISD Elementary Schools, School Year 1981-82.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Austin Independent School District, TX.

    Designed for parents of kindergarten and elementary school children in Austin, Texas, this brochure explains the structure and function of the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills. A question and answer format is used to provide information on the scope and purposes of the tests, grade level differences in testing, meaning and accuracy of the scores, and…

  15. An Empirical Determination of Tasks Essential to Successful Performance as a Bulk Fertilizer Plant Worker. Determination of a Common Core of Basic Skills in Agribusiness and Natural Resources.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Miller, Daniel R.; And Others

    To improve vocational educational programs in agriculture, occupational information on a common core of basic skills within the occupational area of the bulk fertilizer plant worker is presented in the revised task inventory survey. The purpose of the occupational survey was to identify a common core of basic skills which are performed and are…

  16. An Empirical Determination of Tasks Essential to Successful Performance as an Animal Health Assistant. Determination of a Common Core of Basic Skills in Agribusiness and Natural Resources.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cooke, Fred C.; And Others

    To improve vocational educational programs in agriculture, occupational information on a common core of basic skills within the occupational area of the animal health assistant is presented in the revised task inventory survey. The purpose of the occupational survey was to identify a common core of basic skills which are performed and are…

  17. An Empirical Determination of Tasks Essential to Successful Performance as a Swine Farmer. Determination of a Common Core of Basic Skills in Agribusiness and Natural Resources.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Byrd, J. Rick; And Others

    To improve vocational educational programs in agriculture, occupational information on a common core of basic skills within the occupational area of the swine farmer is presented in the revised task inventory survey. The purpose of the occupational survey was to identify a common core of basic skills which are performed and are essential for…

  18. An Empirical Determination of Tasks Essential to Successful Performance as a Tree Service Worker. Determination of a Common Core of Basic Skills in Agribusiness and Natural Resources.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Waddy, Paul H.; And Others

    To improve vocational educational programs in agriculture, occupational information on a common core of basic skills within the occupational area of the tree service worker is presented in the revised task inventory survey. The purpose of the occupational survey was to identify a common core of basic skills which are performed and are essential…

  19. Math Practice and Its Influence on Math Skills and Executive Functions in Adolescents with Mild to Borderline Intellectual Disability

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jansen, Brenda R. J.; De Lange, Eva; Van der Molen, Mariet J.

    2013-01-01

    Adolescents with mild to borderline intellectual disability (MBID) often complete schooling without mastering basic math skills, even though basic math is essential for math-related challenges in everyday life. Limited attention to cognitive skills and low executive functioning (EF) may cause this delay. We aimed to improve math skills in an…

  20. Construction Upgrade. A Pack To Improve Communication, Numerical and IT Skills for NVQ.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rylands, Judy

    This pack of materials is designed to help students working to improve their basic skills as part of their carpentry and joinery course. An introduction lists relevant core skills units and basic skills standards. The six individual sections of the pack are divided into task sheets and fact sheets. The fact sheets give information and teaching…

  1. Assessing an effective undergraduate module teaching applied bioinformatics to biology students

    PubMed Central

    2018-01-01

    Applied bioinformatics skills are becoming ever more indispensable for biologists, yet incorporation of these skills into the undergraduate biology curriculum is lagging behind, in part due to a lack of instructors willing and able to teach basic bioinformatics in classes that don’t specifically focus on quantitative skill development, such as statistics or computer sciences. To help undergraduate course instructors who themselves did not learn bioinformatics as part of their own education and are hesitant to plunge into teaching big data analysis, a module was developed that is written in plain-enough language, using publicly available computing tools and data, to allow novice instructors to teach next-generation sequence analysis to upper-level undergraduate students. To determine if the module allowed students to develop a better understanding of and appreciation for applied bioinformatics, various tools were developed and employed to assess the impact of the module. This article describes both the module and its assessment. Students found the activity valuable for their education and, in focus group discussions, emphasized that they saw a need for more and earlier instruction of big data analysis as part of the undergraduate biology curriculum. PMID:29324777

  2. Learning physical biology via modeling and simulation: A new course and textbook for science and engineering undergraduates

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nelson, Philip

    To a large extent, undergraduate physical-science curricula remain firmly rooted in pencil-and-paper calculation, despite the fact that most research is done with computers. To a large extent, undergraduate life-science curricula remain firmly rooted in descriptive approaches, despite the fact that much current research involves quantitative modeling. Not only does our pedagogy not reflect current reality; it also creates a spurious barrier between the fields, reinforcing the narrow silos that prevent students from connecting them. I'll describe an intermediate-level course on ``Physical Models of Living Systems.'' The prerequisite is first-year university physics and calculus. The course is a response to rapidly growing interest among undergraduates in a broad range of science and engineering majors. Students acquire several research skills that are often not addressed in traditional undergraduate courses: •Basic modeling skills; •Probabilistic modeling skills; •Data analysis methods; •Computer programming using a general-purpose platform like MATLAB or Python; •Pulling datasets from the Web for analysis; •Data visualization; •Dynamical systems, particularly feedback control. Partially supported by the NSF under Grants EF-0928048 and DMR-0832802.

  3. Fundamental Movement Skill Proficiency amongst Adolescent Youth

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    O' Brien, Wesley; Belton, Sarahjane; Issartel, Johann

    2016-01-01

    Background: Literature suggests that physical education programmes ought to provide intense instruction towards basic movement skills needed to enjoy a variety of physical activities. Fundamental movement skills (FMS) are basic observable patterns of behaviour present from childhood to adulthood (e.g. run, skip and kick). Recent evidence indicates…

  4. Teaching Computational Geophysics Classes using Active Learning Techniques

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Keers, H.; Rondenay, S.; Harlap, Y.; Nordmo, I.

    2016-12-01

    We give an overview of our experience in teaching two computational geophysics classes at the undergraduate level. In particular we describe The first class is for most students the first programming class and assumes that the students have had an introductory course in geophysics. In this class the students are introduced to basic Matlab skills: use of variables, basic array and matrix definition and manipulation, basic statistics, 1D integration, plotting of lines and surfaces, making of .m files and basic debugging techniques. All of these concepts are applied to elementary but important concepts in earthquake and exploration geophysics (including epicentre location, computation of travel time curves for simple layered media plotting of 1D and 2D velocity models etc.). It is important to integrate the geophysics with the programming concepts: we found that this enhances students' understanding. Moreover, as this is a 3 year Bachelor program, and this class is taught in the 2nd semester, there is little time for a class that focusses on only programming. In the second class, which is optional and can be taken in the 4th or 6th semester, but often is also taken by Master students we extend the Matlab programming to include signal processing and ordinary and partial differential equations, again with emphasis on geophysics (such as ray tracing and solving the acoustic wave equation). This class also contains a project in which the students have to write a brief paper on a topic in computational geophysics, preferably with programming examples. When teaching these classes it was found that active learning techniques, in which the students actively participate in the class, either individually, in pairs or in groups, are indispensable. We give a brief overview of the various activities that we have developed when teaching theses classes.

  5. Nuclear Reactor Physics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Stacey, Weston M.

    2001-02-01

    An authoritative textbook and up-to-date professional's guide to basic and advanced principles and practices Nuclear reactors now account for a significant portion of the electrical power generated worldwide. At the same time, the past few decades have seen an ever-increasing number of industrial, medical, military, and research applications for nuclear reactors. Nuclear reactor physics is the core discipline of nuclear engineering, and as the first comprehensive textbook and reference on basic and advanced nuclear reactor physics to appear in a quarter century, this book fills a large gap in the professional literature. Nuclear Reactor Physics is a textbook for students new to the subject, for others who need a basic understanding of how nuclear reactors work, as well as for those who are, or wish to become, specialists in nuclear reactor physics and reactor physics computations. It is also a valuable resource for engineers responsible for the operation of nuclear reactors. Dr. Weston Stacey begins with clear presentations of the basic physical principles, nuclear data, and computational methodology needed to understand both the static and dynamic behaviors of nuclear reactors. This is followed by in-depth discussions of advanced concepts, including extensive treatment of neutron transport computational methods. As an aid to comprehension and quick mastery of computational skills, he provides numerous examples illustrating step-by-step procedures for performing the calculations described and chapter-end problems. Nuclear Reactor Physics is a useful textbook and working reference. It is an excellent self-teaching guide for research scientists, engineers, and technicians involved in industrial, research, and military applications of nuclear reactors, as well as government regulators who wish to increase their understanding of nuclear reactors.

  6. Managers' perceptions of radiographers' skills: current and future needs.

    PubMed

    Akroyd, D; Wold, B

    1996-01-01

    As the healthcare delivery system changes, it is imperative to assess the skills of practitioners to ensure consistency between educational preparation and work place needs. The purpose of this study was to examine radiology managers' perception of selected workplace skills and new radiography graduates' ability to perform them. A random sample of 1,932 members of the American Healthcare Radiology Administrators (AHRA) received a questionnaire containing 35 skills categorized as basic, intermediate or advanced. Skills were ranked by the magnitude of the difference between managers' rating of importance of each skill and their rating of graduates' ability to perform that skill satisfactorily. In the basic skill area, the four top-ranked skills represented problem-solving ability or critical thinking. Of the five highest-ranked intermediate skills, the top three were patient care skills: venipuncture, taking vital signs and monitoring patient equipment. In the advanced skill area, six skills exhibited high values for the difference between importance and ability. Two of those related to patient care, three were non-technical and the sixth was the ability to perform CT in addition to basic radiography. Employers and educators should work together to seek educational methods that produce radiographers who are better prepared for the fast-changing workplace.

  7. Using computers to overcome math-phobia in an introductory course in musical acoustics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Piacsek, Andrew A.

    2002-11-01

    In recent years, the desktop computer has acquired the signal processing and visualization capabilities once obtained only with expensive specialized equipment. With the appropriate A/D card and software, a PC can behave like an oscilloscope, a real-time signal analyzer, a function generator, and a synthesizer, with both audio and visual outputs. In addition, the computer can be used to visualize specific wave behavior, such as superposition and standing waves, refraction, dispersion, etc. These capabilities make the computer an invaluable tool to teach basic acoustic principles to students with very poor math skills. In this paper I describe my approach to teaching the introductory-level Physics of Musical Sound at Central Washington University, in which very few science students enroll. Emphasis is placed on how vizualization with computers can help students appreciate and apply quantitative methods for analyzing sound.

  8. Girls' Touch Football, Physical Education: 5551.03.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    King, Kathy

    This course outline is a guide for teaching basic understanding of fundamental skills and rules of girls' touch football in grades 7-12. The course format includes lectures, demonstrations, practice of basic skills, visual aids, lead-up games, presentation and practice of officiating techniques, tournaments, and written and skills tests. Course…

  9. Exploring Alignment of Community College Students for Preparedness and Achievement of Basic Skills

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jeffcoat, Kendra; Weisblat, Irina A.; Bresciani, Marilee J.; Sly, Robert W.; Tucker, Mark; Herrin, Bridget; Cao, LiuHui

    2014-01-01

    This mixed-method study explored the alignment of expected student learning outcomes (SLOs) and expected student entrance skills, as stated within "course outlines of record" (CORs), for basic skills courses in one California community college district. Researchers evaluated consistencies and discrepancies in course alignment. There were…

  10. Basic Emergency Medical Technician Skills Manual.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Oklahoma State Dept. of Vocational and Technical Education, Stillwater. Curriculum and Instructional Materials Center.

    This manual was developed to help students preparing to become emergency medical technicians (EMTs) learn standardized basic skills in the field. The manual itemizes the steps and performance criteria of each required skill and uses an accompanying videotape series (not included) to enhance the educational experience. The five units of the manual,…

  11. Employability Skills Center.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sweetwater Union High School District, Chula Vista, CA.

    The Employability Skills Center (ESC) of the Division of Adult and Continuing Education (DACE) of the Sweetwater Union High School District (California) was created out of a need to help adult students develop the basic skills that are required for success in their chosen vocational programs but not taught in regular adult basic education classes.…

  12. Welding. COM-LINK. Competency Based Vocational Curricula with Basic Skills and Academic Linkages.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Browning, Terry

    This competency-based module uses the Ocean County (New Jersey) Vocational-Technical Schools curriculum-infused model for infusing basic skills instruction into vocational education. The model demonstrates the relationship of vocational skills to communication, mathematics, and science. The document begins with a philosophy statement; preface; a…

  13. AN ANALYSIS OF THE BEHAVIORAL PROCESSES INVOLVED IN SELF-INSTRUCTION WITH TEACHING MACHINES.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    HOLLAND, JAMES G.; SKINNER, B.F.

    THIS COLLECTION OF PAPERS CONSTITUTES THE FINAL REPORT OF A PROJECT DEVOTED TO AN ANALYSIS OF THE BEHAVIORAL PROCESSES UNDERLYING PROGRAMED INSTRUCTION. THE PAPERS ARE GROUPED UNDER THREE HEADINGS--(1) "PROGRAMING RESEARCH," (2) "BASIC SKILLS--RATIONALE AND PROCEDURE," AND (3) "BASIC SKILLS--SPECIFIC SKILLS." THE…

  14. Sport Skills (Selected). Curriculum Support Series.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Manitoba Dept. of Education, Winnipeg.

    This resource package provides an overview of basic physical education skills. The first section describes the rationale, lists the objectives, and provides a scope and sequence chart indicating the times at which different activities can be introduced. The next three sections contain lists of the basic sport skills as well as teaching and…

  15. Daily Living Skills at Your Fingertips. Daily Living Skills for 0-4 Level Adult Basic Education Students. Curriculum and Teacher Guide.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Greene, Margret

    A curriculum and teacher guide are provided for a program to teach daily living skills to 0-4 level adult basic education students. The guide presents a method of instruction and lists the materials provided. Teaching plans (content outlines) are provided for these areas: cooking, housekeeping, laundry, leisure skills, and medication awareness. A…

  16. Basic Science Training Program.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Brummel, Clete

    These six learning modules were developed for Lake Michigan College's Basic Science Training Program, a workshop to develop good study skills while reviewing basic science. The first module, which was designed to provide students with the necessary skills to study efficiently, covers the following topics: time management; an overview of a study…

  17. Basic Skills--Basic Business.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Conference Board of Canada, Ottawa (Ontario).

    The experience of eight prominent Canadian business organizations was examined in terms of how basic skills deficits are identified in their work force, the impact of those deficiencies on organizational competitiveness, and why corporate programs are developed in response to the issue. Some of the key findings were as follows: (1) employee…

  18. Teaching basic lung isolation skills on human anatomy simulator: attainment and retention of lung isolation skills.

    PubMed

    Latif, Rana K; VanHorne, Edgar M; Kandadai, Sunitha Kanchi; Bautista, Alexander F; Neamtu, Aurel; Wadhwa, Anupama; Carter, Mary B; Ziegler, Craig H; Memon, Mohammed Faisal; Akça, Ozan

    2016-01-20

    Lung isolation skills, such as correct insertion of double lumen endobronchial tube and bronchial blocker, are essential in anesthesia training; however, how to teach novices these skills is underexplored. Our aims were to determine (1) if novices can be trained to a basic proficiency level of lung isolation skills, (2) whether video-didactic and simulation-based trainings are comparable in teaching lung isolation basic skills, and (3) whether novice learners' lung isolation skills decay over time without practice. First, five board certified anesthesiologist with experience of more than 100 successful lung isolations were tested on Human Airway Anatomy Simulator (HAAS) to establish Expert proficiency skill level. Thirty senior medical students, who were naive to bronchoscopy and lung isolation techniques (Novice) were randomized to video-didactic and simulation-based trainings to learn lung isolation skills. Before and after training, Novices' performances were scored for correct placement using pass/fail scoring and a 5-point Global Rating Scale (GRS); and time of insertion was recorded. Fourteen novices were retested 2 months later to assess skill decay. Experts' and novices' double lumen endobronchial tube and bronchial blocker passing rates showed similar success rates after training (P >0.99). There were no differences between the video-didactic and simulation-based methods. Novices' time of insertion decayed within 2 months without practice. Novices could be trained to basic skill proficiency level of lung isolation. Video-didactic and simulation-based methods we utilized were found equally successful in training novices for lung isolation skills. Acquired skills partially decayed without practice.

  19. Dataset on the learning performance of ECDL digital skills of undergraduate students for comparing educational gaming, gamification and social networking.

    PubMed

    de-Marcos, Luis; García-López, Eva; García-Cabot, Antonio

    2017-04-01

    This paper reports data about the learning performance of students using four different motivational tools: an educational game, a gamified plugin, a social networking website and a gamified social networking website. It also reports a control group. The data pertain to 379 students of an undergraduate course that covers basic Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills in Spain. Data corresponds to different learning modules of the European Computer Driving License (ECDL) initiative. The data include variables of four pre-test scores, four post-test scores and a final examination. It was gathered using a quasi-experimental research design during 2014. Data reported here refers to the research paper in (de-Marcos et al., 2016) [1].

  20. Enhancing academic achievement for children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: evidence from school-based intervention research.

    PubMed

    Jitendra, Asha K; Dupaul, George J; Someki, Fumio; Tresco, Katy E

    2008-01-01

    Although children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) exhibit significant academic difficulties in school settings, considerably less attention is devoted to remediating their academic problems when compared to behavioral and social difficulties. The purpose of this article is to review empirically supported academic interventions for children with ADHD. Specific evidence-based academic interventions are described under the categories of reading and mathematics, with examples that illustrate teacher-mediated interventions focusing on basic skills (e.g., phonological awareness in reading, mathematics computation) and higher-level cognitive skills (e.g., collaborative strategic reading, CSR; schema-based instruction, SBI). Finally, implications for educational practice and directions for future research on school-based academic interventions for students with ADHD are discussed.

  1. Training basic laparoscopic skills using a custom-made video game.

    PubMed

    Goris, Jetse; Jalink, Maarten B; Ten Cate Hoedemaker, Henk O

    2014-09-01

    Video games are accepted and used for a wide variety of applications. In the medical world, research on the positive effects of playing games on basic laparoscopic skills is rapidly increasing. Although these benefits have been proven several times, no institution actually uses video games for surgical training. This Short Communication describes some of the theoretical backgrounds, development and underlying educational foundations of a specifically designed video game and custom-made hardware that takes advantage of the positive effects of games on basic laparoscopic skills.

  2. The effect of switch control site on computer skills of infants and toddlers.

    PubMed

    Glickman, L; Deitz, J; Anson, D; Stewart, K

    1996-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to determine whether switch control site (hand vs. head) affects the age at which children can successfully activate a computer to play a cause-and-effect game. The sample consisted of 72 participants randomly divided into two groups (head switch and hand switch), with stratification for gender and age (9-11 months, 12-14 months, 15-17 months). All participants were typically developing. After a maximum of 5 min of training, each participant was given five opportunities to activate a Jelly Bean switch to play a computer game. Competency was defined as four to five successful switch activations. Most participants in the 9-month to 11-month age group could successfully use a hand switch to activate a computer, and for the 15-month to 17-month age group, 100% of the participants met with success. By contrast, in the head switch condition, approximately one third of the participants in each of the three age ranges were successful in activating the computer to play a cause-and-effect game. The findings from this study provide developmental guidelines for using switches (head vs. hand) to activate computers to play cause-and-effect games and suggest that the clinician may consider introducing basic computer and switch skills to children as young as 9 months of age. However, the clinician is cautioned that the head switch may be more difficult to master than the hand switch and that additional research involving children with motor impairments is needed.

  3. Interprofessional education and social interaction: The use of automated external defibrillators in team-based basic life support.

    PubMed

    Onan, Arif; Simsek, Nurettin

    2017-04-01

    Automated external defibrillators are pervasive computing devices designed for the treatment and management of acute sudden cardiac arrest. This study aims to explain users' actual use behavior in teams formed by different professions taken after a short time span of interaction with automated external defibrillator. Before the intervention, all the participants were certified with the American Heart Association Basic Life Support for healthcare providers. A statistically significant difference was revealed in mean individual automated external defibrillator technical skills between uniprofessional and interprofessional groups. The technical automated external defibrillator team scores were greater for groups with interprofessional than for those with uniprofessional education. The nontechnical automated external defibrillator skills of interprofessional and uniprofessional teams revealed differences in advantage of interprofessional teams. Students positively accept automated external defibrillators if well-defined and validated training opportunities to use them expertly are available. Uniprofessional teams were successfully supported by their members and, thereby, used automated external defibrillator effectively. Furthermore, the interprofessional approach resulted in as much effective teamwork as the uniprofessional approach.

  4. T.I.M.S: TaqMan Information Management System, tools to organize data flow in a genotyping laboratory

    PubMed Central

    Monnier, Stéphanie; Cox, David G; Albion, Tim; Canzian, Federico

    2005-01-01

    Background Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) genotyping is a major activity in biomedical research. The Taqman technology is one of the most commonly used approaches. It produces large amounts of data that are difficult to process by hand. Laboratories not equipped with a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) need tools to organize the data flow. Results We propose a package of Visual Basic programs focused on sample management and on the parsing of input and output TaqMan files. The code is written in Visual Basic, embedded in the Microsoft Office package, and it allows anyone to have access to those tools, without any programming skills and with basic computer requirements. Conclusion We have created useful tools focused on management of TaqMan genotyping data, a critical issue in genotyping laboratories whithout a more sophisticated and expensive system, such as a LIMS. PMID:16221298

  5. The Divergent Thinking of Basic Skills of Sciences Process Skills of Life Aspects on Natural Sciences Subject in Indonesian Elementary School Students

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Subali, Bambang; Paidi; Mariyam, Siti

    2016-01-01

    This research aims at measuring the divergent thinking of basic skills of science process skills (SPS) of life aspects in Natural Sciences subjects on Elementary School. The test instruments used in this research have been standardized through the development of instruments. In this case, the tests were tried out to 3070 students. The results of…

  6. Automotive Mechanics. COM-LINK. Competency Based Vocational Curricula with Basic Skills and Academic Linkages.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Brown, Desmond

    This competency-based module uses the Ocean County (New Jersey) Vocational-Technical Schools curriculum-infused model for infusing basic skills instruction into vocational education. The model demonstrates the relationship of vocational skills to communication, mathematics, and science. The document begins with a philosophy statement; preface; a…

  7. Basic Fishing. Aquatic Skills Series. Instructor Manual.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Staton, Robert D., Jr.

    Part of a series of self-contained instructional units to teach Missourians how to use outdoor resources wisely and skillfully, this module of the Aquatic Skills Series introduces the basics of sport fishing using spin-casting equipment. The instructor may modify the module to meet the individual needs of class members based on age, experience…

  8. 38 CFR 21.3344 - Special assistance for the educationally disadvantaged.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... language skills and mathematics skills may be made by: (i) A VA counseling psychologist or vocational...) (f) Basic skills. Basic English language courses or mathematics courses will be authorized when it is..., speaking, or essential mathematics. (Authority: 38 U.S.C. 3533) [61 FR 26112, May 24, 1996, as amended at...

  9. 38 CFR 21.3344 - Special assistance for the educationally disadvantaged.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... language skills and mathematics skills may be made by: (i) A VA counseling psychologist or vocational...) (f) Basic skills. Basic English language courses or mathematics courses will be authorized when it is..., speaking, or essential mathematics. (Authority: 38 U.S.C. 3533) [61 FR 26112, May 24, 1996, as amended at...

  10. 38 CFR 21.3344 - Special assistance for the educationally disadvantaged.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... language skills and mathematics skills may be made by: (i) A VA counseling psychologist or vocational...) (f) Basic skills. Basic English language courses or mathematics courses will be authorized when it is..., speaking, or essential mathematics. (Authority: 38 U.S.C. 3533) [61 FR 26112, May 24, 1996, as amended at...

  11. 38 CFR 21.3344 - Special assistance for the educationally disadvantaged.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... language skills and mathematics skills may be made by: (i) A VA counseling psychologist or vocational...) (f) Basic skills. Basic English language courses or mathematics courses will be authorized when it is..., speaking, or essential mathematics. (Authority: 38 U.S.C. 3533) [61 FR 26112, May 24, 1996, as amended at...

  12. Design Drafting. COM-LINK. Competency Based Vocational Curricula with Basic Skills and Academic Linkages.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sharkey, Jeff

    This competency-based module uses the Ocean County (New Jersey) Vocational-Technical Schools curriculum-infused model for infusing basic skills instruction into vocational education. The model demonstrates the relationship of vocational skills to communication, mathematics, and science. The document begins with a philosophy statement; preface; a…

  13. Adolescents Who Work: Effects on Work Values, Achievement, and Basic Living Skills.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Donohue, Peggy J.

    A study investigated the relationship of adolescent work status to personal values associated with work, social skills, and academic performance. The Work Values Inventory and the Basic Living Skills Pupil Record Form were administered to 165 eleventh and twelfth grade students. These students were subsequently classified as being naturally…

  14. Marine Trades. COM-LINK. Competency Based Vocational Curricula with Basic Skills and Academic Linkages.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Abbott, Alan

    This competency-based module uses the Ocean County (New Jersey) Vocational-Technical Schools curriculum-infused model for infusing basic skills instruction into vocational education. The model demonstrates the relationship of vocational skills to communication, mathematics, and science. The document begins with a philosophy statement; preface; a…

  15. Fashion Merchandising. COM-LINK. Competency Based Vocational Curricula with Basic Skills and Academic Linkages.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Williams, Edwina

    This competency-based module uses the Ocean County (New Jersey) Vocational-Technical Schools curriculum-infused model for infusing basic skills instruction into vocational education. The model demonstrates the relationship of vocational skills to communication, mathematics, and science. The document begins with a philosophy statement; preface; a…

  16. Food Services. COM-LINK. Competency Based Vocational Curricula with Basic Skills and Academic Linkages.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Vastano, Josephine; And Others

    This competency-based module uses the Ocean County (New Jersey) Vocational-Technical Schools curriculum-infused model for infusing basic skills instruction into vocational education. The model demonstrates the relationship of vocational skills to communication, mathematics, and science. The document begins with a philosophy statement; preface; a…

  17. Combining Basic Business Math and Electronic Calculators.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Merchant, Ronald

    As a means of alleviating math anxiety among business students and of improving their business machine skills, Spokane Falls Community College offers a course in which basic business math skills are mastered through the use of desk top calculators. The self-paced course, which accommodates varying student skill levels, requires students to: (1)…

  18. Recreational Vehicle Maintenance and Repair. COM-LINK. Competency Based Vocational Curricula with Basic Skills and Academic Linkages.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Felice, Michael

    This competency-based module uses the Ocean County (New Jersey) Vocational-Technical Schools curriculum-infused model for infusing basic skills instruction into vocational education. The model demonstrates the relationship of vocational skills to communication, mathematics, and science. The document begins with a philosophy statement; preface; a…

  19. User's Manual for the Basic Math Mastery Tests.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Weiss, David J.; Trombley, Robert J.

    This user manual introduces and explains the Basic Math Mastery Tests (BMMT), a collection of 10 tests of specific mathematics skills. The tests were designed to assess mastery of specific skills required for successful performance in vocational education or in occupations requiring mathematics skills. All 10 tests are administered and scored by…

  20. Commercial Building Construction (Masonry). COM-LINK. Competency Based Vocational Curricula with Basic Skills and Academic Linkages.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Keck, Robert

    This competency-based module uses the Ocean County (New Jersey) Vocational-Technical Schools curriculum-infused model for infusing basic skills instruction into vocational education. The model demonstrates the relationship of vocational skills to communication, mathematics, and science. The document begins with a philosophy statement; preface; a…

  1. Teaching Skills to Promote Clinical Reasoning in Early Basic Science Courses

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Elizondo-Omana, Rodrigo Enrique; Morales-Gomez, Jesus Alberto; Morquecho-Espinoza, Orlando; Hinojosa-Amaya, Jose Miguel; Villarreal-Silva, Eliud Enrique; Garcia-Rodriguez, Maria de los Angeles; Guzman-Lopez, Santos

    2010-01-01

    Basic and superior reasoning skills are woven into the clinical reasoning process just as they are used to solve any problem. As clinical reasoning is the central competence of medical education, development of these reasoning skills should occur throughout the undergraduate medical curriculum. The authors describe here a method of teaching…

  2. Plumbing and Heating. COM-LINK. Competency Based Vocational Curricula with Basic Skills and Academic Linkages.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mahieu, Louis

    This competency-based module uses the Ocean County (New Jersey) Vocational-Technical Schools curriculum-infused model for infusing basic skills instruction into vocational education. The model demonstrates the relationship of vocational skills to communication, mathematics, and science. The document begins with a philosophy statement; preface; a…

  3. Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating. COM-LINK. Competency Based Vocational Curricula with Basic Skills and Academic Linkages.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hardman, Thomas

    This competency-based module uses the Ocean County (New Jersey) Vocational-Technical Schools curriculum-infused model for infusing basic skills instruction into vocational education. The model demonstrates the relationship of vocational skills to communication, mathematics, and science. The document begins with a philosophy statement; preface; a…

  4. Building Trades. COM-LINK. Competency Based Vocational Curricula with Basic Skills and Academic Linkages.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gudzak, Raymond

    This competency-based module uses the Ocean County (New Jersey) Vocational-Technical Schools curriculum-infused model for infusing basic skills instruction into vocational education. The model demonstrates the relationship of vocational skills to communication, mathematics, and science. The document begins with a philosophy statement; a preface; a…

  5. Auto Body Repair. COM-LINK. Competency Based Vocational Curricula with Basic Skills and Academic Linkages.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ormsbee, Robert

    This competency-based module uses the Ocean County (New Jersey) Vocational-Technical Schools curriculum-infused model for infusing basic skills instruction into vocational education. The model demonstrates the relationship of vocational skills to communication, mathematics, and science. The document begins with a philosophy statement; preface; a…

  6. Electrical Trades. COM-LINK. Competency Based Vocational Curricula with Basic Skills and Academic Linkages.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cannone, Richard

    This competency-based module uses the Ocean County (New Jersey) Vocational-Technical Schools curriculum-infused model for infusing basic skills instruction into vocational education. The model demonstrates the relationship of vocational skills to communication, mathematics, and science. The document begins with a philosophy statement; preface; a…

  7. Cosmetology/Hairstyling. COM-LINK. Competency Based Vocational Curricula with Basic Skills and Academic Linkages.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Romano, Marie

    This competency-based module uses the Ocean County (New Jersey) Vocational-Technical Schools curriculum-infused model for infusing basic skills instruction into vocational education. The model demonstrates the relationship of vocational skills to communication, mathematics, and science. The document begins with a philosophy statement; preface; a…

  8. Automotive and Diesel Engine Rebuilding. COM-LINK. Competency Based Vocational Curricula with Basic Skills and Academic Linkages.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Salvatore, Gerald

    This competency-based module uses the Ocean County (New Jersey) Vocational-Technical Schools curriculum-infused model for infusing basic skills instruction into vocational education. The model demonstrates the relationship of vocational skills to communication, mathematics, and science. The document begins with a philosophy statement; preface; a…

  9. Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (I-BEST). Washington's Community and Technical Colleges

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, 2014

    2014-01-01

    Washington's Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training Program (I-BEST) quickly teaches students literacy, work, and college-readiness skills so they can move through school and into living wage jobs faster. Pioneered by Washington's community and technical colleges, I-BEST uses a team-teaching approach to combine college-readiness classes…

  10. Custom Cabinetmaking. COM-LINK. Competency Based Vocational Curricula with Basic Skills and Academic Linkages.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Holmes, Kenneth

    This competency-based module uses the Ocean County (New Jersey) Vocational-Technical Schools curriculum-infused model for infusing basic skills instruction into vocational education. The model demonstrates the relationship of vocational skills to communication, mathematics, and science. The document begins with a philosophy statement; preface; a…

  11. 38 CFR 21.3344 - Special assistance for the educationally disadvantaged.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... language skills and mathematics skills may be made by: (i) A VA counseling psychologist or vocational...) (f) Basic skills. Basic English language courses or mathematics courses will be authorized when it is..., speaking, or essential mathematics. (Authority: 38 U.S.C. 3533) [61 FR 26112, May 24, 1996, as amended at...

  12. Medical Office Receptionist/Assistant. COM-LINK. Competency Based Vocational Curricula with Basic Skills and Academic Linkages.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gorman, Dolores

    This competency-based module uses the Ocean County (New Jersey) Vocational-Technical Schools curriculum-infused model for infusing basic skills instruction into vocational education. The model demonstrates the relationship of vocational skills to communication, mathematics, and science. The document begins with a philosophy statement; preface; a…

  13. Landscaping and Greenhouse Technology. COM-LINK. Competency Based Vocational Curricula with Basic Skills and Academic Linkages.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kucharewski, Dennis

    This competency-based module uses the Ocean County (New Jersey) Vocational-Technical Schools curriculum-infused model for infusing basic skills instruction into vocational education. The model demonstrates the relationship of vocational skills to communication, mathematics, and science. The document begins with a philosophy statement; preface; a…

  14. Child Care Aide. COM-LINK. Competency Based Vocational Curricula with Basic Skills and Academic Linkages.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Moore, Pamela Hullen

    This competency-based module uses the Ocean County (New Jersey) Vocational-Technical Schools curriculum-infused model for infusing basic skills instruction into vocational education. The model demonstrates the relationship of vocational skills to communication, mathematics, and science. The document begins with a philosophy statement; preface; a…

  15. Dental Assisting. COM-LINK. Competency Based Vocational Curricula with Basic Skills and Academic Linkages.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mattia, Nancy

    This competency-based module uses the Ocean County (New Jersey) Vocational-Technical Schools curriculum-infused model for infusing basic skills instruction into vocational education. The model demonstrates the relationship of vocational skills to communication, mathematics, and science. The document begins with a philosophy statement; preface; a…

  16. Chapter 1 Basic Skills Improvement Program. An Information Booklet for Parents.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    New Jersey State Dept. of Education, Trenton.

    This information booklet for parents answers some of the questions parents often ask about their children's participation in basic skills improvement programs. It suggests ways in which parents can support and reinforce the school's role and offers suggestions for parent involvement and ideas for at-home activities to support skill development.…

  17. Transferability of laparoscopic skills using the virtual reality simulator.

    PubMed

    Yang, Cui; Kalinitschenko, Uljana; Helmert, Jens R; Weitz, Juergen; Reissfelder, Christoph; Mees, Soeren Torge

    2018-03-30

    Skill transfer represents an important issue in surgical education, and is not well understood. The aim of this randomized study is to assess the transferability of surgical skills between two laparoscopic abdominal procedures using the virtual reality simulator in surgical novices. From September 2016 to July 2017, 44 surgical novices were randomized into two groups and underwent a proficiency-based basic training consisting of five selected simulated laparoscopic tasks. In group 1, participants performed an appendectomy training on the virtual reality simulator until they reached a defined proficiency. They moved on to the tutorial procedural tasks of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Participants in group 2 started with the tutorial procedural tasks of laparoscopic cholecystectomy directly. Finishing the training, participants of both groups were required to perform a complete cholecystectomy on the simulator. Time, safety and economy parameters were analysed. Significant differences in the demographic characteristics and previous computer games experience between the two groups were not noted. Both groups took similar time to complete the proficiency-based basic training. Participants in group 1 needed significantly less movements (388.6 ± 98.6 vs. 446.4 ± 81.6; P < 0.05) as well as shorter path length (810.2 ± 159.5 vs. 945.5 ± 187.8 cm; P < 0.05) to complete the cholecystectomy compared to group 2. Time and safety parameters did not differ significantly between both groups. The data demonstrate a positive transfer of motor skills between laparoscopic appendectomy and cholecystectomy on the virtual reality simulator; however, the transfer of cognitive skills is limited. Separate training curricula seem to be necessary for each procedure for trainees to practise task-specific cognitive skills effectively. Mentoring could help trainees to get a deeper understanding of the procedures, thereby increasing the chance for the transfer of acquired skills.

  18. Work-based Project Overcomes Basic Skills Stigma.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wallis, Emma

    2002-01-01

    A project to provide steel workers in North Wales with guidance about learning opportunities and to promote lifelong learning in the workplace focused on the development of basic information technology skills. (JOW)

  19. Adult Literacy & Basic Skills Unit Newsletter. Nos. 32-35.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Adult Literacy & Basic Skills Unit Newsletter, 1989

    1989-01-01

    This packet contains the four issues of a newsletter published in 1989 by the Adult Literacy & Basic Skills Unit in England. The Winter issue contains the following articles: "After the Act"; "An Evening at the Theatre"; "Horticulture: A Practical Project with Autistic Adults"; "Shared Reading"; and "Literacy and Adult Basic Education in…

  20. Basic and Advanced Numerical Performances Relate to Mathematical Expertise but Are Fully Mediated by Visuospatial Skills

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sella, Francesco; Sader, Elie; Lolliot, Simon; Cohen Kadosh, Roi

    2016-01-01

    Recent studies have highlighted the potential role of basic numerical processing in the acquisition of numerical and mathematical competences. However, it is debated whether high-level numerical skills and mathematics depends specifically on basic numerical representations. In this study mathematicians and nonmathematicians performed a basic…

  1. A Hybrid Model of Mathematics Support for Science Students Emphasizing Basic Skills and Discipline Relevance

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jackson, Deborah C.; Johnson, Elizabeth D.

    2013-01-01

    The problem of students entering university lacking basic mathematical skills is a critical issue in the Australian higher-education sector and relevant globally. The Maths Skills programme at La Trobe University has been developed to address under preparation in the first-year science cohort in the absence of an institutional mathematics support…

  2. A Summary of an Assessment of Fourth and Sixth Grade Basic Skills.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    CTB / McGraw-Hill, Monterey, CA.

    A comprehensive assessment was made of the status of elementary education in Missouri in reading, mathematics, language, and study skills. The Comprehensive Tests of Basic Skills (CTBS) and the Short Form Test of Academic Aptitude (SFTAA) were administered to a sample of Missouri fourth and sixth graders. For each curricular area, Missouri…

  3. South Bronx High School. Bilingual Basic Skills Program. O.E.E. Evaluation Report, 1981-1982.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Collazo-Levy, Dora; And Others

    To expedite acquisition of English language skills needed for full mainstreaming, the Bilingual Basic Skills Program at South Bronx High School in New York City provided instruction in English as a second language and native language arts, and bilingual mathematics, science, and social studies for 370 Spanish speaking students of limited English…

  4. Teaching Skills and Health-Related Fitness through a Preservice Gymnastics Program

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Donham-Foutch, Shae

    2007-01-01

    Children who do not develop a foundation of basic motor skills are less likely to participate in regular physical activity. An excellent way of teaching basic motor skills, as well as health-related fitness, is through gymnastics. Many young teachers, however, think that teaching gymnastics is too challenging and do not know how to incorporate it…

  5. Perceptions of Southern Nevada Employers Regarding the Importance of SCANS Workplace Basic Skills.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Richens, Greg P.

    The perceptions of southern Nevada employers regarding the importance of the Secretary's Commission for Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) workplace basic skills were examined in a survey that was administered to a random sample of southern Nevada businesses. Of the 415 employers who completed the survey, 313 (75.4%) believed that the SCANS skills…

  6. Needs Assessment for the Construction Industry in B.C. & the Yukon. Skill Plan.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lewe, Glenda

    A basic skills needs assessment developed a picture of the basic skills levels and needs of the construction industry in British Columbia and the Yukon. The three parts of the assessment were interviews with business managers and managers of other programs provided through joint labor/management initiatives, a questionnaire administered to…

  7. Teaching Basic Caregiver Skills.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Schenk, Susan, Ed.; Harrah, Doris, Ed.

    This instructor's guide provides materials for a nursing skills course designed to teach basic home nursing skills to families who plan to care for a chronically ill or elderly family member at home. It may be taught by a registered nurse with knowledge of all areas or by a team, with each instructor concentrating on his/her area of expertise.…

  8. Basic School Skills Inventory-3: Validity and Reliability Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Yildiz, F. Ülkü; Çagdas, Aysel; Kayili, Gökhan

    2017-01-01

    The purpose of this study is to perform the validity-reliability analysis of the three subtests of Basic School Skills Inventory 3--Mathematics, Classroom Behavior and Daily Life skills--and do its adaptation for four to six year-old Turkish children. The sample of the study included 595 four to six year-old Turkish children attending public and…

  9. A Trainer's Manual for Basic Helping Skills. Counseling Older Persons. Volume III.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Myers, Jane E., Ed.

    This manual, the third in a three-volume series on counseling older adults, is designed to accompany and supplement volume II, "Basic Helping Skills for Service Providers," and focuses on training for communication skills. The units and their sections correspond to those in volume II, for easy cross-referencing. The units contain information for…

  10. Initial laparoscopic basic skills training shortens the learning curve of laparoscopic suturing and is cost-effective.

    PubMed

    Stefanidis, Dimitrios; Hope, William W; Korndorffer, James R; Markley, Sarah; Scott, Daniel J

    2010-04-01

    Laparoscopic suturing is an advanced skill that is difficult to acquire. Simulator-based skills curricula have been developed that have been shown to transfer to the operating room. Currently available skills curricula need to be optimized. We hypothesized that mastering basic laparoscopic skills first would shorten the learning curve of a more complex laparoscopic task and reduce resource requirements for the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery suturing curriculum. Medical students (n = 20) with no previous simulator experience were enrolled in an IRB-approved protocol, pretested on the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery suturing model, and randomized into 2 groups. Group I (n = 10) trained (unsupervised) until proficiency levels were achieved on 5 basic tasks; Group II (n = 10) received no basic training. Both groups then trained (supervised) on the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery suturing model until previously reported proficiency levels were achieved. Two weeks later, they were retested to evaluate their retention scores, training parameters, instruction requirements, and cost between groups using t-test. Baseline characteristics and performance were similar for both groups, and 9 of 10 subjects in each group achieved the proficiency levels. The initial performance on the simulator was better for Group I after basic skills training, and their suturing learning curve was shorter compared with Group II. In addition, Group I required less active instruction. Overall time required to finish the curriculum was similar for both groups; but the Group I training strategy cost less, with a savings of $148 per trainee. Teaching novices basic laparoscopic skills before a more complex laparoscopic task produces substantial cost savings. Additional studies are needed to assess the impact of such integrated curricula on ultimate educational benefit. Copyright (c) 2010 American College of Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. Basic Measurement and Related Careers: Level C.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ohio State Univ., Columbus. Center for Vocational and Technical Education.

    The teaching guide, part of a series of four, consists of learning experiences for use at the levels of grades 3 and 4 in mathematics. It focuses on the basic concepts of measurement and developing measurement skills in the early grades. It progresses to the concept of measurement by comparison and to developing basic volume measurement skills.…

  12. Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills: An Effective Tool to Assess Adult Literacy Students?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Binder, Katherine S.; Snyder, Melissa A.; Ardoin, Scott P.; Morris, Robin K.

    2011-01-01

    This study examined the reliability and validity of administering Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) to adult basic education (ABE) students. Ninety ABE participants were administered DIBELS measures, the Woodcock-Johnson III Broad Reading (WJ III BR) measures, and four orthographic ability tests. Since ABE students are a…

  13. Beyond Passive Learning: Problem-Based Learning and Concept Maps to Promote Basic and Higher-Order Thinking in Basic Skills Instruction

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Smith, Regina O.

    2014-01-01

    Research into the best practices for basic skills education, national bridge programs, the new GED® assessment, and accelerated developmental education indicated that contextualized instruction was most effective when preparing adult literacy students for college and work. Nevertheless, "remedial pedagogy" with a sole focus on the…

  14. [To strengthen the education on basic knowledge and skills of neuro-ophthalmology].

    PubMed

    Zhang, Xiao-jun; Wang, Ning-li

    2011-12-01

    Basic knowledge and skills are cornerstone of the diagnosis and treatment of neuro-ophthalmology diseases in ophthalmology practice. Due to the interdisciplinary features of neuro-ophthalmology, neuro-anatomy, neuro-physiology related to eyes, neuro-image and neuro-electrodiagnosis, these should be included in the education for the ophthalmologist. Special attention should be paid to training on capability of logically thinking in neuro-ophthalmology. Multiple ways can be used for the education of ophthalmologists and neurologists for the enhancement of basic knowledge and skills of neuro-ophthalmology in China.

  15. Protecting the patient by promoting end-user competence in health informatics systems-moves towards a generic health computer user "driving license".

    PubMed

    Rigby, Michael

    2004-03-18

    The effectiveness and quality of health informatics systems' support to healthcare delivery are largely determined by two factors-the suitability of the system installed, and the competence of the users. However, the profile of users of large-scale clinical health systems is significantly different from the profile of end-users in other enterprises such as the finance sector, insurance, travel or retail sales. Work with a mental health provider in Ireland, who was introducing a customized electronic patient record (EPR) system, identified the strong legal and ethical importance of adequately skills for the health professionals and others, who would be the system users. The experience identified the need for a clear and comprehensive generic user qualification at a basic but robust level. The European computer driving license (ECDL) has gained wide recognition as a basic generic qualification for users of computer systems. However, health systems and data have a series of characteristics that differentiate them from other data systems. The logical conclusion was the recognition of a need for an additional domain-specific qualification-an "ECDL Health Supplement". Development of this is now being progressed.

  16. Construct validity of individual and summary performance metrics associated with a computer-based laparoscopic simulator.

    PubMed

    Rivard, Justin D; Vergis, Ashley S; Unger, Bertram J; Hardy, Krista M; Andrew, Chris G; Gillman, Lawrence M; Park, Jason

    2014-06-01

    Computer-based surgical simulators capture a multitude of metrics based on different aspects of performance, such as speed, accuracy, and movement efficiency. However, without rigorous assessment, it may be unclear whether all, some, or none of these metrics actually reflect technical skill, which can compromise educational efforts on these simulators. We assessed the construct validity of individual performance metrics on the LapVR simulator (Immersion Medical, San Jose, CA, USA) and used these data to create task-specific summary metrics. Medical students with no prior laparoscopic experience (novices, N = 12), junior surgical residents with some laparoscopic experience (intermediates, N = 12), and experienced surgeons (experts, N = 11) all completed three repetitions of four LapVR simulator tasks. The tasks included three basic skills (peg transfer, cutting, clipping) and one procedural skill (adhesiolysis). We selected 36 individual metrics on the four tasks that assessed six different aspects of performance, including speed, motion path length, respect for tissue, accuracy, task-specific errors, and successful task completion. Four of seven individual metrics assessed for peg transfer, six of ten metrics for cutting, four of nine metrics for clipping, and three of ten metrics for adhesiolysis discriminated between experience levels. Time and motion path length were significant on all four tasks. We used the validated individual metrics to create summary equations for each task, which successfully distinguished between the different experience levels. Educators should maintain some skepticism when reviewing the plethora of metrics captured by computer-based simulators, as some but not all are valid. We showed the construct validity of a limited number of individual metrics and developed summary metrics for the LapVR. The summary metrics provide a succinct way of assessing skill with a single metric for each task, but require further validation.

  17. Environment and health: Probes and sensors for environment digital control

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Schettini, Chiara

    2014-05-01

    The idea of studying the environment using New Technologies (NT) came from a MIUR (Ministry of Education of the Italian Government) notice that allocated funds for the realization of innovative school science projects. The "Environment and Health" project uses probes and sensors for digital control of environment (water, air and soil). The working group was composed of 4 Science teachers from 'Liceo Statale G. Mazzini ', under the coordination of teacher Chiara Schettini. The Didactic Section of Naples City of Sciences helped the teachers in developing the project and it organized a refresher course for them on the utilization of digital control sensors. The project connects Environment and Technology because the study of the natural aspects and the analysis of the chemical-physical parameters give students and teachers skills for studying the environment based on the utilization of NT in computing data elaboration. During the practical project, samples of air, water and soil are gathered in different contexts. Sample analysis was done in the school's scientific laboratory with digitally controlled sensors. The data are elaborated with specific software and the results have been written in a booklet and in a computing database. During the first year, the project involved 6 school classes (age of the students 14—15 years), under the coordination of Science teachers. The project aims are: 1) making students more aware about environmental matters 2) achieving basic skills for evaluating air, water and soil quality. 3) achieving strong skills for the utilization of digitally controlled sensors. 4) achieving computing skills for elaborating and presenting data. The project aims to develop a large environmental conscience and the need of a ' good ' environment for defending our health. Moreover it would increase the importance of NT as an instrument of knowledge.

  18. Laparoscopic Skills Are Improved With LapMentor™ Training

    PubMed Central

    Andreatta, Pamela B.; Woodrum, Derek T.; Birkmeyer, John D.; Yellamanchilli, Rajani K.; Doherty, Gerard M.; Gauger, Paul G.; Minter, Rebecca M.

    2006-01-01

    Objective: To determine if prior training on the LapMentor™ laparoscopic simulator leads to improved performance of basic laparoscopic skills in the animate operating room environment. Summary Background Data: Numerous influences have led to the development of computer-aided laparoscopic simulators: a need for greater efficiency in training, the unique and complex nature of laparoscopic surgery, and the increasing demand that surgeons demonstrate competence before proceeding to the operating room. The LapMentor™ simulator is expensive, however, and its use must be validated and justified prior to implementation into surgical training programs. Methods: Nineteen surgical interns were randomized to training on the LapMentor™ laparoscopic simulator (n = 10) or to a control group (no simulator training, n = 9). Subjects randomized to the LapMentor™ trained to expert criterion levels 2 consecutive times on 6 designated basic skills modules. All subjects then completed a series of laparoscopic exercises in a live porcine model, and performance was assessed independently by 2 blinded reviewers. Time, accuracy rates, and global assessments of performance were recorded with an interrater reliability between reviewers of 0.99. Results: LapMentor™ trained interns completed the 30° camera navigation exercise in significantly less time than control interns (166 ± 52 vs. 220 ± 39 seconds, P < 0.05); they also achieved higher accuracy rates in identifying the required objects with the laparoscope (96% ± 8% vs. 82% ± 15%, P < 0.05). Similarly, on the two-handed object transfer exercise, task completion time for LapMentor™ trained versus control interns was 130 ± 23 versus 184 ± 43 seconds (P < 0.01) with an accuracy rate of 98% ± 5% versus 80% ± 13% (P < 0.001). Additionally, LapMentor™ trained interns outperformed control subjects with regard to camera navigation skills, efficiency of motion, optimal instrument handling, perceptual ability, and performance of safe electrocautery. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that prior training on the LapMentor™ laparoscopic simulator leads to improved resident performance of basic skills in the animate operating room environment. This work marks the first prospective, randomized evaluation of the LapMentor™ simulator, and provides evidence that LapMentor™ training may lead to improved operating room performance. PMID:16772789

  19. Improving the basic skills of teaching mathematics through learning with search-solve-create-share strategy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rahayu, D. V.; Kusumah, Y. S.; Darhim

    2018-05-01

    This study examined to see the improvement of prospective teachers’ basic skills of teaching mathematics through search-solve-create-share learning strategy based on overall and Mathematical Prior Knowledge (MPK) and interaction of both. Quasi experiments with the design of this experimental-non-equivalent control group design involved 67 students at the mathematics program of STKIP Garut. The instrument used in this study included pre-test and post-test. The result of this study showed that: (1) The improvement and achievement of the basic skills of teaching mathematics of the prospective teachers who get the learning of search-solve-create-share strategy is better than the improvement and achievement of the prospective teachers who get the conventional learning as a whole and based on MPK; (2) There is no interaction between the learning used and MPK on improving and achieving basic skills of teaching mathematics.

  20. Basic Skills Resource Center. Part 2

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1985-05-01

    side if neceseary and Identify by block number) Basic Skills Education Curriculum Development Learning Strategies Reading Comprehension Motivational ... Motivational Skills Training for Military Technical Training Students ...... Barbara L. McCombs 25 Problem 27 Purpose 27 Approach 28 - Phase 1 28 - Phase...and Learning ...... John J. Hedl , Jr. 53 Purpose of Project 55 Description of Work 55 V Products 56 Virtual Videodisc Software Requirements ...... J.D

  1. Design and Implementation of an Assessment Model for Students Entering Vocational Education Programs in the State of Colorado. Welding.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hartley, Nancy K.; And Others

    This basic vocational related skills assessment module in welding is one of sixteen modules designed to help teachers assess and identify some of the areas in which special needs students may encounter learning difficulties. The materials in the module allow for informal assessment in three basic areas: academic skills, motor skills, and…

  2. The Practice and Challenges of Implementing Critical Thinking Skills in Omani Post-Basic EFL Classrooms

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Al-Kindi, Naeema Saleh; AL-Mekhlafi, Abdo Mohammed

    2017-01-01

    The purpose of the current study is to investigate post-basic English teachers' practice of critical thinking skills and the challenges they face while teaching skills in EFL classrooms. Three research questions were investigated to achieve this purpose: 1--To what extent do EFL teachers use classroom behaviors that nurture critical thinking at…

  3. Making Basic Math Skills Work for You in Marketing. Student Manual and Laboratory Guide.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Klewer, Edwin D.

    This student manual and workbook is the second part of a mathematics series for use with high school students. The manual is to be used to apply the mathematics skills that students have learned in a first part called "Developing Basic Math Skills for Marketing." The manual presents conceptual instruction in mathematics in a competency based…

  4. An Internal Construct Validation Study of the "Iowa Tests of Basic Skills" (Level 12, Form G) Reading Comprehension Test Items.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Perkins, Kyle; Duncan, Ann

    An assessment analysis was performed to determine whether sets of items designed to measure three different subskills of reading comprehension of the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBSs) did, in fact, distinguish among these subskills. The three major skills objectives were: (1) facts; (2) generalizations; and (3) inferences. Data from…

  5. I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T: Increasing Reading Independence for Students with Dyslexia

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Milner, Diane Hansen

    2017-01-01

    Due to their unique brain profile, children with dyslexia struggle with acquiring basic literacy skills. Even after basic reading skills have been learned students with dyslexia may still struggle greatly with generalizing their skills to new contexts. Researchers have found that 75 percent of children identified with reading problems in third…

  6. Job-Related Basic Math Skills: An Analysis of Employees and Employers/Supervisors' Perception of Needed Math Skills for Office Occupations.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Redmann, Donna H.

    Phase I of a study was conducted to identify the basic mathematics competencies needed for job success in office occupations (14 job clusters). It also sought to determine the differences between employees' and employer/supervisors' perceptions of the degree of importance of mathematics skills for office occupations. Following a review of…

  7. Acquisition of Innovative and Entrepreneurial Skills in Basic Science Education for Job Creation in Nigeria

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mbanefo, Maryrose Chinwe; Eboka, Obiajulu C.

    2017-01-01

    Innovative and entrepreneurial skill acquisition in Nigeria entails focusing on what should be done to bridge the gap between the school and labor market, where the learner will work after graduation, so as to be self-reliant in the society. Specifically, the study determined: The innovative and entrepreneurial skills needed in basic science…

  8. Using Basic Reading Skills Instruction and Formative Assessments to Teach an Adult with Traumatic Brain Injury to Read: A Case Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Goddard, Yvonne; Rinderknecht, Laura

    2009-01-01

    Literacy expectations for persons with cognitive impairments, including impairments caused by traumatic brain injury (TBI), have remained quite low. Some researchers have suggested that educators move from a focus on teaching functional skills to teaching basic reading skills in a manner similar to instruction for nondisabled learners. The purpose…

  9. Climate, weather, space weather: model development in an operational context

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Folini, Doris

    2018-05-01

    Aspects of operational modeling for climate, weather, and space weather forecasts are contrasted, with a particular focus on the somewhat conflicting demands of "operational stability" versus "dynamic development" of the involved models. Some common key elements are identified, indicating potential for fruitful exchange across communities. Operational model development is compelling, driven by factors that broadly fall into four categories: model skill, basic physics, advances in computer architecture, and new aspects to be covered, from costumer needs over physics to observational data. Evaluation of model skill as part of the operational chain goes beyond an automated skill score. Permanent interaction between "pure research" and "operational forecast" people is beneficial to both sides. This includes joint model development projects, although ultimate responsibility for the operational code remains with the forecast provider. The pace of model development reflects operational lead times. The points are illustrated with selected examples, many of which reflect the author's background and personal contacts, notably with the Swiss Weather Service and the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology, Hamburg, Germany. In view of current and future challenges, large collaborations covering a range of expertise are a must - within and across climate, weather, and space weather. To profit from and cope with the rapid progress of computer architectures, supercompute centers must form part of the team.

  10. Back to Basics: Literacy at Work. Special Report. ERB Report No. 1764, Section III.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bureau of Business Practice, Waterford, CT.

    Functional illiteracy is an urgent problem for the U.S. business and industrial communities. Employers can uncover literacy problems among employees by conducting analyses of the literacy tasks needed on the job and assessing the basic skill levels of their work force. The design of a basic skills training program should be based on clearly…

  11. Implementing Communication Studies into General Education: The Basic Course as General Education (Or, How We Made It Work for Us).

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Buckrop, Jacquelyn J.

    At Ball State University in Indiana, the basic course (COMM 210) focuses communication concepts and skills with the goals of helping students understand basic communication principles, providing them with the opportunity to improve their communication skills, and enhancing their awareness of communication's role in culture. Special emphasis is…

  12. Destrezas de Lenguaje: Curriculo Basico. Guia para el Maestro (Language Skills: Basic Curriculum. Teacher's Guide).

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Puerto Rico State Dept. of Education, Hato Rey. Office of Special Education.

    The basic special education curriculum of the Department of Public Instruction of Puerto Rico is designed so that the skills defined can be used to attend to the needs of children with disabilities. This teacher's guide, in Spanish, presents a basic language curriculum to help the child develop the ability to communicate effectively. It includes…

  13. Motivational, Parental, and Cultural Influences on Achievement and Persistence in Basic Skills Mathematics at the Community College

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Nordstrom, Donna E.

    2012-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to address the gap in the current literature on community college students in basic math courses by examining motivational, parental and cultural factors as predictors of achievement and persistence of students enrolled in basic skills mathematics courses at a community college. More specifically, this study…

  14. The Quantitative Methods Boot Camp: Teaching Quantitative Thinking and Computing Skills to Graduate Students in the Life Sciences

    PubMed Central

    Stefan, Melanie I.; Gutlerner, Johanna L.; Born, Richard T.; Springer, Michael

    2015-01-01

    The past decade has seen a rapid increase in the ability of biologists to collect large amounts of data. It is therefore vital that research biologists acquire the necessary skills during their training to visualize, analyze, and interpret such data. To begin to meet this need, we have developed a “boot camp” in quantitative methods for biology graduate students at Harvard Medical School. The goal of this short, intensive course is to enable students to use computational tools to visualize and analyze data, to strengthen their computational thinking skills, and to simulate and thus extend their intuition about the behavior of complex biological systems. The boot camp teaches basic programming using biological examples from statistics, image processing, and data analysis. This integrative approach to teaching programming and quantitative reasoning motivates students’ engagement by demonstrating the relevance of these skills to their work in life science laboratories. Students also have the opportunity to analyze their own data or explore a topic of interest in more detail. The class is taught with a mixture of short lectures, Socratic discussion, and in-class exercises. Students spend approximately 40% of their class time working through both short and long problems. A high instructor-to-student ratio allows students to get assistance or additional challenges when needed, thus enhancing the experience for students at all levels of mastery. Data collected from end-of-course surveys from the last five offerings of the course (between 2012 and 2014) show that students report high learning gains and feel that the course prepares them for solving quantitative and computational problems they will encounter in their research. We outline our course here which, together with the course materials freely available online under a Creative Commons License, should help to facilitate similar efforts by others. PMID:25880064

  15. The quantitative methods boot camp: teaching quantitative thinking and computing skills to graduate students in the life sciences.

    PubMed

    Stefan, Melanie I; Gutlerner, Johanna L; Born, Richard T; Springer, Michael

    2015-04-01

    The past decade has seen a rapid increase in the ability of biologists to collect large amounts of data. It is therefore vital that research biologists acquire the necessary skills during their training to visualize, analyze, and interpret such data. To begin to meet this need, we have developed a "boot camp" in quantitative methods for biology graduate students at Harvard Medical School. The goal of this short, intensive course is to enable students to use computational tools to visualize and analyze data, to strengthen their computational thinking skills, and to simulate and thus extend their intuition about the behavior of complex biological systems. The boot camp teaches basic programming using biological examples from statistics, image processing, and data analysis. This integrative approach to teaching programming and quantitative reasoning motivates students' engagement by demonstrating the relevance of these skills to their work in life science laboratories. Students also have the opportunity to analyze their own data or explore a topic of interest in more detail. The class is taught with a mixture of short lectures, Socratic discussion, and in-class exercises. Students spend approximately 40% of their class time working through both short and long problems. A high instructor-to-student ratio allows students to get assistance or additional challenges when needed, thus enhancing the experience for students at all levels of mastery. Data collected from end-of-course surveys from the last five offerings of the course (between 2012 and 2014) show that students report high learning gains and feel that the course prepares them for solving quantitative and computational problems they will encounter in their research. We outline our course here which, together with the course materials freely available online under a Creative Commons License, should help to facilitate similar efforts by others.

  16. The Basic Surgical Skills Course in Sub-Saharan Africa: An Observational Study of Effectiveness.

    PubMed

    Fergusson, Stuart J; Sedgwick, David M; Ntakiyiruta, Georges; Ntirenganya, Faustin

    2018-04-01

    The Basic Surgical Skills (BSS) course is a common component of postgraduate surgical training programmes in sub-Saharan Africa, but was originally designed in a UK context, and its efficacy and relevance have not been formally assessed in Africa. An observational study was carried out during a BSS course delivered to early-stage surgical trainees from Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Technical skill in a basic wound closure task was assessed in a formal Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSAT) before and after course completion. Participants completed a pre-course questionnaire documenting existing surgical experience and self-perceived confidence levels in surgical skills which were to be taught during the course. Participants repeated confidence ratings and completed course evaluation following course delivery. A cohort of 17 participants had completed a pre-course median of 150 Caesarean sections as primary operator. Performance on the OSAT improved from a mean of 10.5/17 pre-course to 14.2/17 post-course (mean of paired differences 3.7, p < 0.001). Improvements were seen in 15/17 components of wound closure. Pre-course, only 47% of candidates were forming hand-tied knots correctly and 38% were appropriately crossing hands with each throw, improving to 88 and 76%, respectively, following the course (p = 0.01 for both components). Confidence levels improved significantly in all technical skills taught, and the course was assessed as highly relevant by trainees. The Basic Surgical Skills course is effective in improving the basic surgical technique of surgical trainees from sub-Saharan Africa and their confidence in key technical skills.

  17. Panel Workshops at the Conference--II. Improving Basic Education Skills of Appalachian Children.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Appalachia, 1979

    1979-01-01

    Concern over the channeling and coordination of resources to basic skills programs, and their integration and evaluation made up the bulk of this workshop in a conference sponsored by the Appalachian Regional Commission. (KR)

  18. Readers in Adult Basic Education.

    PubMed

    Barnes, Adrienne E; Kim, Young-Suk; Tighe, Elizabeth L; Vorstius, Christian

    The present study explored the reading skills of a sample of 48 adults enrolled in a basic education program in northern Florida, United States. Previous research has reported on reading component skills for students in adult education settings, but little is known about eye movement patterns or their relation to reading skills for this population. In this study, reading component skills including decoding, language comprehension, and reading fluency are reported, as are eye movement variables for connected-text oral reading. Eye movement comparisons between individuals with higher and lower oral reading fluency revealed within- and between-subject effects for word frequency and word length as well as group and word frequency interactions. Bivariate correlations indicated strong relations between component skills of reading, eye movement measures, and both the Test of Adult Basic Education ( Reading subtest) and the Woodcock-Johnson III Diagnostic Reading Battery Passage Comprehension assessments. Regression analyses revealed the utility of decoding, language comprehension, and lexical activation time for predicting achievement on both the Woodcock Johnson III Passage Comprehension and the Test of Adult Basic Education Reading Comprehension.

  19. Use of information and communication technology among dental students at the University of Jordan.

    PubMed

    Rajab, Lamis D; Baqain, Zaid H

    2005-03-01

    The aim of this study was to investigate the current knowledge, skills, and opinions of undergraduate dental students at the University of Jordan with respect to information communication technology (ICT). Dental students from the second, third, fourth, and fifth years were asked to complete a questionnaire presented in a lecture at the end of the second semester in the 2002-03 academic year. The response rate was 81 percent. Besides free and unlimited access to computers at the school of dentistry, 74 percent of the students had access to computers at home. However, 44 percent did not use a computer regularly. Male students were more regular and longer users of computers than females (p<0.001). A significant number of students (70 percent) judged themselves competent in information technology (IT) skills. More males felt competent in basic IT skills than did females (p<0.05). More than two-thirds acquired their computer skills through sources other than at the university. The main educational use of computers was accessing the Internet, word processing, multimedia, presentations, Medline search, and data management. More clinical students felt competent in word-processing skills (p<0.05) and many more used word processing for their studies (p<0.001) than did preclinical students. More males used word processing for their studies than females (p<0.001). Students used computers for personal activities more frequently than for academic reasons. More males used computers for both academic (p<0.01) and personal activities (p<0.001) than did females. All students had access to the Internet at the university, and 54 percent had access at home. A high percentage of students (94 percent) indicated they were comfortable using the Internet, 75 percent said they were confident in the accuracy, and 80 percent said they were confident in the relevance of information obtained from the Internet. Most students (90 percent) used email. Most students (83 percent) supported the idea of placing lectures on the web, and 61.2 percent indicated that this would not influence lecture attendance. Students used the Internet more for personal reasons than for the study of dentistry. More clinical students used the Internet for dentistry than preclinical students (p<0.001). More males than females used the Internet for dentistry (p<0.01) as well as for pleasure (p<0.01). Time and availability were the main obstacles to Internet use. Dental students at the University of Jordan have access to substantial IT resources and demonstrated attitudes toward the computer and Internet technology and use that were similar to other students in other nations. However, the educational use of ICT among Jordanian students remains low.

  20. Improving basic math skills through integrated dynamic representation strategies.

    PubMed

    González-Castro, Paloma; Cueli, Marisol; Cabeza, Lourdes; Álvarez-García, David; Rodríguez, Celestino

    2014-01-01

    In this paper, we analyze the effectiveness of the Integrated Dynamic Representation strategy (IDR) to develop basic math skills. The study involved 72 students, aged between 6 and 8 years. We compared the development of informal basic skills (numbers, comparison, informal calculation, and informal concepts) and formal (conventionalisms, number facts, formal calculus, and formal concepts) in an experimental group (n = 35) where we applied the IDR strategy and in a Control group (n = 37) in order to identify the impact of the procedure. The experimental group improved significantly in all variables except for number facts and formal calculus. It can therefore be concluded that IDR favors the development of the skills more closely related to applied mathematics than those related to automatic mathematics and mental arithmetic.

  1. Evaluation of Retention of Knowledge and Skills Imparted to First-Year Medical Students through Basic Life Support Training

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Pande, Sushma; Pande, Santosh; Parate, Vrushali; Pande, Sanket; Sukhsohale, Neelam

    2014-01-01

    Poor awareness among medical graduates about basic life support (BLS) is a matter of great concern. The presence of a trained rescuer is the key determinant of ultimate survival from life-threatening emergencies. To achieve this goal, early exposure to such life-saving skills is the right decision to foster these skills for medical students, which…

  2. Design and Implementation of an Assessment Model for Students Entering Vocational Education Programs in the State of Colorado. Automotive.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    University of Northern Colorado, Greeley.

    This basic vocational related skills assessment module in automotive mechanics is one of sixteen modules designed to help teachers assess and identify some of the areas in which special needs students may encounter learning difficulties. The materials in the module allow for informal assessment in three basic areas: academic skills, motor skills,…

  3. Design and Implementation of an Assessment Model for Students Entering Vocational Education Programs in the State of Colorado. Graphic Arts.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hartley, Nancy K.; And Others

    This basic vocational related skills assessment module in graphic arts is one of sixteen modules designed to help teachers assess and identify some of the areas in which special needs students may encounter learning difficulties. The materials in the module allow for informal assessment in three basic areas: academic skills, motor skills, and…

  4. Responsiveness of the Test of Basic Motor Skills of Children with Down Syndrome

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    van den Heuvel, Marieke E.; de Jong, Inge; Lauteslager, Peter E. M.; Volman, M. J. M.

    2009-01-01

    The aim of this study was to examine the responsiveness of the Test of Basic Motor Skills for Children with Down Syndrome (BMS). Forty-one children with Down Syndrome, 3 to 36 months of age, participated in the study. Gross motor skills were assessed three times using the BMS and the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) before and after a baseline…

  5. The Value of Basic Skills in the British Labour Market. CEE DP 77

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Marcenaro-Gutierrez, Oscar; Vignoles, Anna; De Coulon, Augustin

    2007-01-01

    In this paper we evaluate the labour market value of basic skills in the UK, focusing on the wage and employment returns to having better literacy and numeracy skills. We draw on literacy and numeracy assessments undertaken by all cohort members of the UK 1970 British Cohort Study. The data used are very rich and allow us to account for potential…

  6. Adult Basic Education for Psychiatric Survivors: Survival Skills.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Burstow, Bonnie

    2002-01-01

    Argues that adult basic educators should assist psychiatric clients in protecting themselves from unwanted intrusion. Identifies skills to be developed through social literacy training: coping with emotional distress, expressing oneself, interpreting social cues, and exercising legal rights. (Contains 12 references.) (SK)

  7. Priority for a Quality Basic Education. A First Report to Governor Joe Frank Harris and the Georgia General Assembly.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Georgia Governor's Education Review Commission, Atlanta.

    This report defines what is meant by quality basic education in Georgia and makes numerous recommendations for achieving it for all Georgians. The recommendations are that: (1) basic skills and general job skills be emphasized in vocational education; (2) the salary base for teachers be increased; (3) a five plateau teacher career ladder be…

  8. Project MAPP. The Vocabulary Booklet # 1. Implementing the Instructional Program: A Competency-Based Adult Education Learning System.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Maryland State Dept. of Education, Baltimore.

    This booklet is intended to help adults master the basic and life skill vocabulary needed to meet the simple communication demands of daily life. It is designed to assist adult basic education (ABE) teachers in the implementation of a competency-based learning system that emphasizes the integration of basic and life skills learning. The booklet…

  9. Adult Education and Training in Europe: Programmes to Raise Achievement in Basic Skills. Country Descriptions. Eurydice Report

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kocanova, Daniela

    2015-01-01

    This inventory of adult basic education and basic skills programmes takes the form of 35 system descriptions, covering 32 countries (all EU Member States as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Turkey). Its main goal is to support mutual understanding and dialogue between countries. The document has been drafted on the basis of a standalone…

  10. Installing computers in older adults' homes and teaching them to access a patient education web site: a systematic approach.

    PubMed

    Dauz, Emily; Moore, Jan; Smith, Carol E; Puno, Florence; Schaag, Helen

    2004-01-01

    This article describes the experiences of nurses who, as part of a large clinical trial, brought the Internet into older adults' homes by installing a computer, if needed, and connecting to a patient education Web site. Most of these patients had not previously used the Internet and were taught even basic computer skills when necessary. Because of increasing use of the Internet in patient education, assessment, and home monitoring, nurses in various roles currently connect with patients to monitor their progress, teach about medications, and answer questions about appointments and treatments. Thus, nurses find themselves playing the role of technology managers for patients with home-based Internet connections. This article provides step-by-step procedures for computer installation and training in the form of protocols, checklists, and patient user guides. By following these procedures, nurses can install computers, arrange Internet access, teach and connect to their patients, and prepare themselves to install future generations of technological devices.

  11. PowerPlay: Training an Increasingly General Problem Solver by Continually Searching for the Simplest Still Unsolvable Problem

    PubMed Central

    Schmidhuber, Jürgen

    2013-01-01

    Most of computer science focuses on automatically solving given computational problems. I focus on automatically inventing or discovering problems in a way inspired by the playful behavior of animals and humans, to train a more and more general problem solver from scratch in an unsupervised fashion. Consider the infinite set of all computable descriptions of tasks with possibly computable solutions. Given a general problem-solving architecture, at any given time, the novel algorithmic framework PowerPlay (Schmidhuber, 2011) searches the space of possible pairs of new tasks and modifications of the current problem solver, until it finds a more powerful problem solver that provably solves all previously learned tasks plus the new one, while the unmodified predecessor does not. Newly invented tasks may require to achieve a wow-effect by making previously learned skills more efficient such that they require less time and space. New skills may (partially) re-use previously learned skills. The greedy search of typical PowerPlay variants uses time-optimal program search to order candidate pairs of tasks and solver modifications by their conditional computational (time and space) complexity, given the stored experience so far. The new task and its corresponding task-solving skill are those first found and validated. This biases the search toward pairs that can be described compactly and validated quickly. The computational costs of validating new tasks need not grow with task repertoire size. Standard problem solver architectures of personal computers or neural networks tend to generalize by solving numerous tasks outside the self-invented training set; PowerPlay’s ongoing search for novelty keeps breaking the generalization abilities of its present solver. This is related to Gödel’s sequence of increasingly powerful formal theories based on adding formerly unprovable statements to the axioms without affecting previously provable theorems. The continually increasing repertoire of problem-solving procedures can be exploited by a parallel search for solutions to additional externally posed tasks. PowerPlay may be viewed as a greedy but practical implementation of basic principles of creativity (Schmidhuber, 2006a, 2010). A first experimental analysis can be found in separate papers (Srivastava et al., 2012a,b, 2013). PMID:23761771

  12. Cognitive skills assessment during robot-assisted surgery: separating the wheat from the chaff.

    PubMed

    Guru, Khurshid A; Esfahani, Ehsan T; Raza, Syed J; Bhat, Rohit; Wang, Katy; Hammond, Yana; Wilding, Gregory; Peabody, James O; Chowriappa, Ashirwad J

    2015-01-01

    To investigate the utility of cognitive assessment during robot-assisted surgery (RAS) to define skills in terms of cognitive engagement, mental workload, and mental state; while objectively differentiating between novice and expert surgeons. In all, 10 surgeons with varying operative experience were assigned to beginner (BG), combined competent and proficient (CPG), and expert (EG) groups based on the Dreyfus model. The participants performed tasks for basic, intermediate and advanced skills on the da Vinci Surgical System. Participant performance was assessed using both tool-based and cognitive metrics. Tool-based metrics showed significant differences between the BG vs CPG and the BG vs EG, in basic skills. While performing intermediate skills, there were significant differences only on the instrument-to-instrument collisions between the BG vs CPG (2.0 vs 0.2, P = 0.028), and the BG vs EG (2.0 vs 0.1, P = 0.018). There were no significant differences between the CPG and EG for both basic and intermediate skills. However, using cognitive metrics, there were significant differences between all groups for the basic and intermediate skills. In advanced skills, there were no significant differences between the CPG and the EG except time (1116 vs 599.6 s), using tool-based metrics. However, cognitive metrics revealed significant differences between both groups. Cognitive assessment of surgeons may aid in defining levels of expertise performing complex surgical tasks once competence is achieved. Cognitive assessment may be used as an adjunct to the traditional methods for skill assessment during RAS. © 2014 The Authors. BJU International © 2014 BJU International.

  13. Building Automatic Grading Tools for Basic of Programming Lab in an Academic Institution

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Harimurti, Rina; Iwan Nurhidayat, Andi; Asmunin

    2018-04-01

    The skills of computer programming is a core competency that must be mastered by students majoring in computer sciences. The best way to improve this skill is through the practice of writing many programs to solve various problems from simple to complex. It takes hard work and a long time to check and evaluate the results of student labs one by one, especially if the number of students a lot. Based on these constrain, web proposes Automatic Grading Tools (AGT), the application that can evaluate and deeply check the source code in C, C++. The application architecture consists of students, web-based applications, compilers, and operating systems. Automatic Grading Tools (AGT) is implemented MVC Architecture and using open source software, such as laravel framework version 5.4, PostgreSQL 9.6, Bootstrap 3.3.7, and jquery library. Automatic Grading Tools has also been tested for real problems by submitting source code in C/C++ language and then compiling. The test results show that the AGT application has been running well.

  14. Comparison of Legislation Concerned with Basic Skills.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Office of Education (DHEW), Washington, DC.

    This handbook provides a comparative listing of 22 federally legislated basic skills programs. Included are the names and phone numbers of working representatives associated with each program, application deadlines, target groups, funding instruments, possible grantees, sign-off requirements, program content, technical assistance, evaluation…

  15. READING UNREADINESS IN THE UNDERPRIVILEGED.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    CUTTS, WARREN G.

    CULTURALLY DEPRIVED CHILDREN HAVE DIFFICULTY MASTERING BASIC COMMUNICATION SKILLS. WHILE UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDREN CAN COMMUNICATE AMONG THEMSELVES AT A RATHER HIGH LEVEL OF FLUENCY, THEIR ONE-WORD SENTENCES, STRANGE SPEAKING NOISES, AND IRREGULARITIES PREVENT THE DEVELOPMENT OF BASIC READING READINESS SKILLS. A FUNDAMENTAL NECESSITY IN OVERCOMING…

  16. 32 CFR 634.27 - Speed-measuring devices.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... devices. Speed-measuring devices will be used in traffic control studies and enforcement programs. Signs.... (v) Demonstrate basic skills in checking calibration and operating the specific radar instrument(s). (vi) Demonstrate basic skills in preparing and presenting records and courtroom testimony relating to...

  17. The Event Related Brain Potential as an Index of Information Processing, Cognitive Activity, and Skill Acquisition: A Program of Basic Research.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1985-02-28

    psychophysiological function in question. For example, for most measurements of the cardiovascular system, data are available only at each heart beat ...function of the duration of the charging period, *i . and hence will be proportional to the inter- beat interval (and inversely °°. • .*~* 14 information (0... beat interval. Thus, the output will lag the input. 2.3 Computer Access to Voltage x Time Functions 2.3.1 Digital Input and Analog-to-Digital Conversion

  18. Basic Reading Skills in Swedish Children with Late Developing Language and with or without Autism Spectrum Disorder or ADHD

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Miniscalco, Carmela; Sandberg, Annika Dahlgren

    2010-01-01

    Reading skills at age 7-8 years were examined in a community-representative sample of 21 screened and clinically examined children with language delay (LD) followed prospectively from 2.5 years of age. The present study aimed to (1) determine whether these children with a history of LD had deficits in basic reading skills, i.e. decoding and…

  19. It Doesn't Get Any Better: The Impact of Poor Basic Skills on the Lives of 37 Year Olds. A Summary

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Basic Skills Agency, 1997

    1997-01-01

    This report summarises the main findings of research based on the National Child Development Study which has followed a group born in a single week in 1958. It examines their literacy and numeracy skills at the age of 37 and gives evidence on the relationship between poor basic skills and qualifications, unemployment, type of job, amount of…

  20. Basic Skills Resource Center: Teaching Reading Comprehension to Adults in Basic Skills Courses

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1985-08-01

    paper trash out to be burned 4. A hockey coach telling his players to keep shooting at the goalie . What skill, or skills, did you use to answer the...With this exercise the learner is introduced to the idea of INFERENCE. The learner’s mind must INFER the rest of the idea in order to pull the four...to pull the ideas of the paragraph together. (Lesson 3 will teach learners how to construct an "umbrella" idea to act as a topic sentence for readings

  1. Ex-vivo porcine organs with a circulation pump are effective for teaching hemostatic skills

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Surgical residents have insufficient opportunites to learn basic hemostatic skills from clinical experience alone. We designed an ex-vivo training system using porcine organs and a circulation pump to teach hemostatic skills. Residents were surveyed before and after the training and showed significant improvement in their self-confidence (1.83 ± 1.05 vs 3.33 ± 0.87, P < 0.01) on a 5 point Likert scale. This training may be effective to educate residents in basic hemostatic skills. PMID:22404974

  2. American Mathematical Association of Two Year Colleges Reform Policies in Practice: Implementing Standards in Classroom Instruction for Basic Skills Mathematics at One Four-Year College in New Jersey

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Garruto, Patricia J.

    2012-01-01

    High school graduates continue to enter post-secondary education lacking in basic mathematical skills and thus not academically prepared to enroll in college-level mathematics courses (ACT, 2010). Although it can be argued that those mathematical concepts should have been mastered in grades K-12, educating those students in basic skills…

  3. Improving Congolese Children's Early Math and Reading Ability: Preliminary Results from a Cluster Randomized Trial in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Starkey, Leighann; Aber, J. Lawrence; Johnston, Brian M.

    2014-01-01

    Mastering basic numeracy and literacy skills is one of the most fundamental goals of education. However, it is estimated that 250 million primary-school-age children lack basic reading, writing and math skills (UN, 2013). Children living in war and poverty stricken countries are among the least likely to attain those basic goals. The United States…

  4. Comparing the social skills of students addicted to computer games with normal students.

    PubMed

    Zamani, Eshrat; Kheradmand, Ali; Cheshmi, Maliheh; Abedi, Ahmad; Hedayati, Nasim

    2010-01-01

    This study aimed to investigate and compare the social skills of studentsaddicted to computer games with normal students. The dependentvariable in the present study is the social skills. The study population included all the students in the second grade ofpublic secondary school in the city of Isfahan at the educational year of2009-2010. The sample size included 564 students selected using thecluster random sampling method. Data collection was conducted usingQuestionnaire of Addiction to Computer Games and Social SkillsQuestionnaire (The Teenage Inventory of Social Skill or TISS). The results of the study showed that generally, there was a significantdifference between the social skills of students addicted to computer gamesand normal students. In addition, the results indicated that normal studentshad a higher level of social skills in comparison with students addicted tocomputer games. As the study results showed, addiction to computer games may affectthe quality and quantity of social skills. In other words, the higher theaddiction to computer games, the less the social skills. The individualsaddicted to computer games have less social skills.).

  5. Comparing the Social Skills of Students Addicted to Computer Games with Normal Students

    PubMed Central

    Zamani, Eshrat; Kheradmand, Ali; Cheshmi, Maliheh; Abedi, Ahmad; Hedayati, Nasim

    2010-01-01

    Background This study aimed to investigate and compare the social skills of studentsaddicted to computer games with normal students. The dependentvariable in the present study is the social skills. Methods The study population included all the students in the second grade ofpublic secondary school in the city of Isfahan at the educational year of2009-2010. The sample size included 564 students selected using thecluster random sampling method. Data collection was conducted usingQuestionnaire of Addiction to Computer Games and Social SkillsQuestionnaire (The Teenage Inventory of Social Skill or TISS). Findings The results of the study showed that generally, there was a significantdifference between the social skills of students addicted to computer gamesand normal students. In addition, the results indicated that normal studentshad a higher level of social skills in comparison with students addicted tocomputer games. Conclusion As the study results showed, addiction to computer games may affectthe quality and quantity of social skills. In other words, the higher theaddiction to computer games, the less the social skills. The individualsaddicted to computer games have less social skills.). PMID:24494102

  6. Twelve tips for postgraduate or undergraduate medics building a basic microsurgery simulation training course.

    PubMed

    Mason, Katrina A; Theodorakopoulou, Evgenia; Pafitanis, Georgios; Ghanem, Ali M; Myers, Simon R

    2016-09-01

    Microsurgery is used in a variety of surgical specialties, including Plastic Surgery, Maxillofacial Surgery, Ophthalmic Surgery, Otolaryngology and Neurosurgery. It is considered one of the most technically challenging fields of surgery. Microsurgical skills demand fine, precise and controlled movements, and microsurgical skill acquisition has a steep initial learning curve. Microsurgical simulation provides a safe environment for skill acquisition before operating clinically. The traditional starting point for anyone wanting to pursue microsurgery is a basic simulation training course. We present twelve tips for postgraduate and undergraduate medics on how to set up and run a basic ex-vivo microsurgery simulation training course suitable for their peers.

  7. A Single-Blind randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect of extended counseling on uptake of pre-antiretroviral care in eastern uganda

    PubMed Central

    2011-01-01

    Background Many newly screened people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Sub-Saharan Africa do not understand the importance of regular pre-antiretroviral (ARV) care because most of them have been counseled by staff who lack basic counseling skills. This results in low uptake of pre-ARV care and late treatment initiation in resource-poor settings. The effect of providing post-test counseling by staff equipped with basic counseling skills, combined with home visits by community support agents on uptake of pre-ARV care for newly diagnosed PLHIV was evaluated through a randomized intervention trial in Uganda. Methods An intervention trial was performed consisting of post-test counseling by trained counselors, combined with monthly home visits by community support agents for continued counseling to newly screened PLHIV in Iganga district, Uganda between July 2009 and June 2010, Participants (N = 400) from three public recruitment centres were randomized to receive either the intervention, or the standard care (the existing post-test counseling by ARV clinic staff who lack basic training in counseling skills), the control arm. The outcome measure was the proportion of newly screened and counseled PLHIV in either arm who had been to their nearest health center for clinical check-up in the subsequent three months +2 months. Treatment was randomly assigned using computer-generated random numbers. The statistical significance of differences between the two study arms was assessed using chi-square and t-tests for categorical and quantitative data respectively. Risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals were used to assess the effect of the intervention. Results Participants in the intervention arm were 80% more likely to accept (take up) pre-ARV care compared to those in the control arm (RR 1.8, 95% CI 1.4-2.1). No adverse events were reported. Conclusions Provision of post-test counseling by staff trained in basic counseling skills, combined with home visits by community support agents had a significant effect on uptake of pre-ARV care and appears to be a cost-effective way to increase the prerequisites for timely ARV initiation. Trial registration The trial was registered by Current Controlled Trials Ltd C/OBioMed Central Ltd as ISRCTN94133652 and received financial support from Sida and logistical support from the European Commission. PMID:21794162

  8. Development of Mathematical Skills Developing Game Software.

    PubMed

    Hajdics, Gyula; Guzsvinecz, Tibor; Szucs, Veronika; Sik Lanyi, Cecilia

    2017-01-01

    Using basic mathematical operations is not easy for everyone. The AndMaths game for Android devices was developed to help elementary school students to learn these basic mathematical skills in the number ranges of twenties, fifties, hundreds and thousands. The user can freely select the number ranges.

  9. Redundancy in the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Klein, Alice E.

    1981-01-01

    A factor analysis was performed for two levels of the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS). Results showed that there was essentially one common factor with little evidence that the user would gain much nonredundant information from the 15 scores yielded by the ITBS. (Author/GK)

  10. Developing Basic Mathematics Skills through the Use of African-American Children's Literature.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Stewart, Loraine Moses

    1997-01-01

    Discusses several books, such as "Feast for 10" and "One Smiling Grandma," which are effective in reinforcing basic mathematical skills. States that counting books ("Feast for 10," for example) are useful for elementary curriculum enhancement as well as fun to read. (PA)

  11. Promoting Workplace Literacy and Basic Skills Development.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Peterson, Elizabeth A.; Ott, Joyce; Wilson, Kathleen

    This document is intended to help literacy practitioners and others in South Carolina promote workplace literacy and basic skills development programs. The introduction examines the following topics: South Carolina's current workforce and its outlook; the definitions of literacy and workplace literacy; the need for workplace literacy and basic…

  12. 34 CFR 668.142 - Special definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    .... General learned abilities: Cognitive operations, such as deductive reasoning, reading comprehension, or translation from graphic to numerical representation, that may be learned in both school and non-school...,” “curricula,” or “basic verbal and quantitative skills,” the basic knowledge or skills generally learned in...

  13. 34 CFR 668.142 - Special definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    .... General learned abilities: Cognitive operations, such as deductive reasoning, reading comprehension, or translation from graphic to numerical representation, that may be learned in both school and non-school...,” “curricula,” or “basic verbal and quantitative skills,” the basic knowledge or skills generally learned in...

  14. 34 CFR 668.142 - Special definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    .... General learned abilities: Cognitive operations, such as deductive reasoning, reading comprehension, or translation from graphic to numerical representation, that may be learned in both school and non-school...,” “curricula,” or “basic verbal and quantitative skills,” the basic knowledge or skills generally learned in...

  15. 34 CFR 668.142 - Special definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    .... General learned abilities: Cognitive operations, such as deductive reasoning, reading comprehension, or translation from graphic to numerical representation, that may be learned in both school and non-school...,” “curricula,” or “basic verbal and quantitative skills,” the basic knowledge or skills generally learned in...

  16. Ergonomics content in the physical education teacher's guide in Rwanda.

    PubMed

    Nellutla, Manobhiram; Patel, Hetal; Kabanda, Aline; Nuhu, Assuman

    2012-01-01

    An important aspect that affects the effectiveness of ergonomic programs is that inefficient mechanical functioning start at an early age and that back pain and posture problems are already evident in children. Children, from a very early age, as well as adults spend an ever increasing amount of their time in front of computer and television screens. The cumulative effect of this sedentary lifestyle leads to improper posture, as well as inefficient and harmful movement patterns and loss of basic physical skills. Physical Education course should deal not only with sports and physical activities, but also with broader aspects of life-skills and physical functionality. It should offer a solution to the modern technology-based society. Keeping this in perspective, Ergonomics content was introduced in Physical Education Teacher's Guide in Rwandan schools with an aim in preventing musculoskeletal disorder in children.

  17. Women match men when learning a spatial skill.

    PubMed

    Spence, Ian; Yu, Jingjie Jessica; Feng, Jing; Marshman, Jeff

    2009-07-01

    Meta-analytic studies have concluded that although training improves spatial cognition in both sexes, the male advantage generally persists. However, because some studies run counter to this pattern, a closer examination of the anomaly is warranted. The authors investigated the acquisition of a basic skill (spatial selective attention) using a matched-pair two-wave longitudinal design. Participants were screened with the use of an attentional visual field task, with the objective of selecting and matching 10 male-female pairs, over a wide range (30% to 57% correct). Subsequently, 20 participants 17-23 years of age (selected from 43 screened) were trained for 10 hr (distributed over several sessions) by playing a first-person shooter video game. This genre is known to be highly effective in enhancing spatial skills. All 20 participants improved, with matched members of the male-female pairs achieving very similar gains, independent of starting level. This is consistent with the hypothesis that the learning trajectory of women is not inferior to that of men when acquiring a basic spatial skill. Training methods that develop basic spatial skills may be essential to achieve gender parity in both basic and complex spatial tasks.

  18. Functional basic reading skills in Williams syndrome.

    PubMed

    Brawn, Gabrielle; Kohnen, Saskia; Tassabehji, May; Porter, Melanie

    2018-03-30

    This study investigated whether individuals with Williams syndrome (WS) can attain a functional level of basic reading skills. The Study also investigated broader cognitive factors associated with reading ability in individuals with WS. Thirty individuals with WS participated in this study (mean chronological age 21 years and mean mental age 7 years 7 months). The results supported our hypotheses that: firstly, reading abilities would be heterogeneous in WS; secondly, at least some WS individuals are capable of achieving a functional basic reading level; and thirdly, on average, WS individuals would find reading of nonwords more difficult than reading of regular and irregular words. Moreover, higher reading ability was found to be associated with increased outcomes in adaptive functioning, in particular, Written and Expressive Communication skills and Community Living skills, highlighting the potential benefits of developing reading abilities in WS. Although Intelligence Quotient (IQ) was related to overall basic reading ability generally, it was not found to be a determining factor in reading subtypes. Several cognitive skills known to be related to reading ability in typically developing individuals were found to be associated with reading performance and reading subtypes. Implications for appropriate reading instruction are discussed.

  19. CAN WE COMPETE?--The Implications of the Proposed Revised New Jersey Statewide Testing Program for Vocational Students.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Merkel-Keller, Claudia

    The State of New Jersey has proposed moving its competency test of basic skills from the 9th to the 11th grade, in order to allow for more content learning, more maturity, and more test-taking skills on the part of students. Since vocational students are more likely than other students to score low on the basic skills competency test, having the…

  20. Effects of Increased Physical Activity on Motor Skills and Marks in Physical Education: An Intervention Study in School Years 1 through 9 in Sweden

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ericsson, Ingegerd

    2011-01-01

    Background: Studies have shown that some children do not participate in sport or exercise because they did not establish early coordination and basic motor skills while at school. Basic motor skills form significant parts of the goals for students to achieve in the Swedish school subject Physical Education and Health (PEH). Aims: The aim was to…

  1. Validation of a novel basic virtual reality simulator, the LAP-X, for training basic laparoscopic skills.

    PubMed

    Kawaguchi, Koji; Egi, Hiroyuki; Hattori, Minoru; Sawada, Hiroyuki; Suzuki, Takahisa; Ohdan, Hideki

    2014-10-01

    Virtual reality surgical simulators are becoming popular as a means of providing trainees with an opportunity to practice laparoscopic skills. The Lap-X (Epona Medical, Rotterdam, the Netherlands) is a novel VR simulator for training basic skills in laparoscopic surgery. The objective of this study was to validate the LAP-X laparoscopic virtual reality simulator by assessing the face and construct validity in order to determine whether the simulator is adequate for basic skills training. The face and content validity were evaluated using a structured questionnaire. To assess the construct validity, the participants, nine expert surgeons (median age: 40 (32-45)) (>100 laparoscopic procedures) and 11 novices performed three basic laparoscopic tasks using the Lap-X. The participants reported a high level of content validity. No significant differences were found between the expert surgeons and the novices (Ps > 0.246). The performance of the expert surgeons on the three tasks was significantly better than that of the novices in all parameters (Ps < 0.05). This study demonstrated the face, content and construct validity of the Lap-X. The Lap-X holds real potential as a home and hospital training device.

  2. Effectiveness of Active Learning Strategy in Improving the Acoustic Awareness Skills and Understanding What Is Heard by the Basic Stage Students in Jordan

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Al-Odwan, Yaser

    2016-01-01

    This research aims to get acquainted with the effectiveness of the active learning strategy in improving the acoustic awareness skills and understanding what is heard by the basic stage students in Jordan by answering the two following questions: This research has been applied to a sample of 60 students from the basic third grade in Al-Ahnaf Ben…

  3. Improving basic surgical skills for final year medical students: the value of a rural weekend.

    PubMed

    House, A K; House, J

    2000-05-01

    Hospitals employing medical graduates often express concern at the inexperience of new interns in basic surgical skills. In self assessment questionnaires, our senior medical students reported little clinical procedural experience. A practical skills workshop was staged in order to set learning goals for the final study year. This gave the students an opportunity to learn, revise and practice basic surgical techniques. The Bruce Rock rural community sponsored a surgical camp at the beginning of the academic year. Ninety-five (80%) of the class registered at the workshop, which rotated them through teaching modules, with private study opportunities and the capacity to cater for varied skill levels. Eight teaching stations with multiple access points were provided, and ten mock trauma scenarios were staged to augment the learning process. The teaching weekend was rated by students on an evaluative entrance and exit questionnaire. Sixty-five (73%) students returned questionnaires. They recorded significant improvement (P < 0.05) in their ability to handle the teaching stations. All students had inserted intravenous lines in practice prior to the camp, so the rating change in intravenous line insertion ability was not statistically significant. The weekend retreat offers students a chance to focus on surgical skills, free from the pressures of a clinical setting or the classroom. The emphasis was on the value of practice and primary skills learning. Students endorsed the camp as relevant, practical and an enjoyable learning experience for basic surgical skills.

  4. The Relationship between Expertise in Sports, Visuospatial, and Basic Cognitive Skills

    PubMed Central

    Heppe, Holger; Kohler, Axel; Fleddermann, Marie-Therese; Zentgraf, Karen

    2016-01-01

    Team sports place high demands on visuospatial and other cognitive skills. However, there is a lack of research on visuospatial skills of elite athletes and there are heterogeneous results on basic cognitive skills of this population. Therefore, this series of studies tested different cognitive skills in elite team sports athletes. In Experiment 1, elite athletes were compared to recreational athletes, but no differences were observed between the groups in choice response time (CRT) and mental rotation (MR). To see if differences could be observed when the tested groups had a greater difference in expertise and more representative stimuli, in Experiment 2, we tested CRT and MR of elite athletes who had higher level of expertise, and we also used three-dimensional human stimuli. Overall, we still found no differences in MR; however, elite athletes did have shorter CRTs. In Experiment 3, instead of testing MR, we compared elite athletes’ and recreational athletes’ basic cognitive skills, such as processing speed, letter readout speed, memory span, and sustained attention. We found that elite athletes only performed better in sustained attention. Building on this data, in a supplementary analysis (Experiment 4) we tested whether MR and CRTs are correlated with basic cognitive skills. Results show that processing speed is the best predictor for MR, whereas letter readout speed explains most of the variance in CRTs. Finally, we discuss these findings against the backdrop of expertise and offer implications for future studies on mental rotation. PMID:27378994

  5. Applying "Climate" system to teaching basic climatology and raising public awareness of climate change issues

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gordova, Yulia; Okladnikov, Igor; Titov, Alexander; Gordov, Evgeny

    2016-04-01

    While there is a strong demand for innovation in digital learning, available training programs in the environmental sciences have no time to adapt to rapid changes in the domain content. A joint group of scientists and university teachers develops and implements an educational environment for new learning experiences in basics of climatic science and its applications. This so-called virtual learning laboratory "Climate" contains educational materials and interactive training courses developed to provide undergraduate and graduate students with profound understanding of changes in regional climate and environment. The main feature of this Laboratory is that students perform their computational tasks on climate modeling and evaluation and assessment of climate change using the typical tools of the "Climate" information-computational system, which are usually used by real-life practitioners performing such kind of research. Students have an opportunity to perform computational laboratory works using information-computational tools of the system and improve skills of their usage simultaneously with mastering the subject. We did not create an artificial learning environment to pass the trainings. On the contrary, the main purpose of association of the educational block and computational information system was to familiarize students with the real existing technologies for monitoring and analysis of data on the state of the climate. Trainings are based on technologies and procedures which are typical for Earth system sciences. Educational courses are designed to permit students to conduct their own investigations of ongoing and future climate changes in a manner that is essentially identical to the techniques used by national and international climate research organizations. All trainings are supported by lectures, devoted to the basic aspects of modern climatology, including analysis of current climate change and its possible impacts ensuring effective links between theory and practice. Along with its usage in graduate and postgraduate education, "Climate" is used as a framework for a developed basic information course on climate change for common public. In this course basic concepts and problems of modern climate change and its possible consequences are described for non-specialists. The course will also include links to relevant information resources on topical issues of Earth Sciences and a number of case studies, which are carried out for a selected region to consolidate the received knowledge.

  6. Discussing religion and spirituality is an advanced communication skill: an exploratory structural equation model of physician trainee self-ratings.

    PubMed

    Ford, Dee W; Downey, Lois; Engelberg, Ruth; Back, Anthony L; Curtis, J Randall

    2012-01-01

    Communication about religious and spiritual issues is fundamental to palliative care, yet little empirical data exist to guide curricula in this area. The goal of this study was to develop an improved understanding of physicians' perspectives on their communication competence about religious and spiritual issues. We examined surveys of physician trainees (n=297) enrolled in an ongoing communication skills study at two medical centers in the northwestern and southeastern United States. Our primary outcome was self-assessed competence in discussing religion and spirituality. We used exploratory structural equation modeling (SEM) to develop measurement and full models for acquisition of self-assessed communication competencies. Our measurement SEM identified two latent constructs that we label Basic and Intermediate Competence, composed of five self-assessed communication skills. The Basic Competence construct included overall satisfaction with palliative care skills and with discussing do not resuscitate (DNR) status. The Intermediate Competence construct included responding to inappropriate treatment requests, maintaining hope, and addressing fears about the end-of-life. Our full SEM model found that Basic Competence predicted Intermediate Competence and that Intermediate Competence predicted competence in religious and spiritual discussions. Years of clinical training directly influenced Basic Competence. Increased end-of-life discussions positively influenced Basic Competence and had a complex association with Intermediate Competence. Southeastern trainees perceived more competence in religious and spiritual discussions than northwestern trainees. This study suggests that discussion of religious and spiritual issues is a communication skill that trainees consider more advanced than other commonly taught communication skills, such as discussing DNR orders.

  7. [Effects of Self-directed Feedback Practice using Smartphone Videos on Basic Nursing Skills, Confidence in Performance and Learning Satisfaction].

    PubMed

    Lee, Seul Gi; Shin, Yun Hee

    2016-04-01

    This study was done to verify effects of a self-directed feedback practice using smartphone videos on nursing students' basic nursing skills, confidence in performance and learning satisfaction. In this study an experimental study with a post-test only control group design was used. Twenty-nine students were assigned to the experimental group and 29 to the control group. Experimental treatment was exchanging feedback on deficiencies through smartphone recorded videos of nursing practice process taken by peers during self-directed practice. Basic nursing skills scores were higher for all items in the experimental group compared to the control group, and differences were statistically significant ["Measuring vital signs" (t=-2.10, p=.039); "Wearing protective equipment when entering and exiting the quarantine room and the management of waste materials" (t=-4.74, p<.001) "Gavage tube feeding" (t=-2.70, p=.009)]. Confidence in performance was higher in the experimental group compared to the control group, but the differences were not statistically significant. However, after the complete practice, there was a statistically significant difference in overall performance confidence (t=-3.07. p=.003). Learning satisfaction was higher in the experimental group compared to the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant (t=-1.67, p=.100). Results of this study indicate that self-directed feedback practice using smartphone videos can improve basic nursing skills. The significance is that it can help nursing students gain confidence in their nursing skills for the future through improvement of basic nursing skills and performance of quality care, thus providing patients with safer care.

  8. The Nature of Employability Skills: Empirical Evidence from Singapore

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sung, Johnny; Ng, Michael Chi Man; Loke, Fiona; Ramos, Catherine

    2013-01-01

    This paper concerns the changing nature of employability skills, moving from the original life skills or basic skills concepts to the increasingly work-oriented interpretation. The early concept of employability skills linked employability skills to job readiness and holding down employment. However, the work-oriented focus is increasingly linking…

  9. Evidence from a cohort of able bodied adults to support the need for driver training for motorized scooters before community participation.

    PubMed

    Nitz, Jennifer C

    2008-02-01

    This study sought to utilize the implementation of a new competency test in order to define skills required to safely drive a motorized scooter. This test endeavours to reduce the number of driving and pedestrian related accidents, by determining an acceptable level of driver skill and awareness. Healthy subjects, who might at some time use a motorized scooter for mobility, were recruited from the local community. Each undertook a driver competency test including basic driving skills, traffic and multiple tasks. Ten subjects repeated the test three times to determine practice effect on proficiency. Thirty-three of the 50 participating subjects (mean age 34 years) failed at least one test item. Basic skills of reversing, weave and zigzag, and all traffic and performing multiple simultaneous tasks produced failures. Driving skills for motorized scooters need to be taught and learned with assessment for competency recommended before unrestricted community driving is allowed. Basic driving skills including weaving, steering in reverse and traffic and multiple tasking need to be taught and tested for all new users of this equipment.

  10. Structural Indicators on Achievement in Basic Skills in Europe--2016. Eurydice Report

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Parveva, Teodora

    2017-01-01

    This publication reviews key structures, policies and reforms in the area of achievement in the basic skills (literacy, mathematics and science). It contains fi ve indicators on policies for organising nationally standardised tests, producing national reports on achievement, using student performance data in school evaluation, addressing…

  11. Contextualized Literacy in Green Jobs Training

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Waugh, Alexandra

    2013-01-01

    Millions of adult Americans lack the basic literacy skills necessary to perform everyday tasks requiring basic reading and math. This stifles our economy, given that employers are increasingly likely to require education or training beyond high school. Organizations that provide job training to lower-skilled adults through Jobs for the Future's…

  12. Alpena Community College Commercial Driver's License Program. Evaluation Summary.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Alpena Community Coll., MI.

    The Alpena Community College (ACC) Drivers Education Program was developed to deliver a basic skills program providing specific job-related basic skills instruction to approximately 300 workers throughout Michigan who desired to pass the Commercial Drivers License (CDL) examination. Other program goals were to establish greater partnerships…

  13. Teaching Moderately Mentally Retarded Children Basic Reading Skills.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hoogeveen, Frans R.; And Others

    1989-01-01

    Four moderately mentally retarded students, aged 8-13, were instructed in a basic skills reading program which emphasized a phonemic alphabet, pictorial cueing, and stimulus manipulation techniques. The training improved the Dutch students' ability to read one- and two-syllable words, and was generalizable to untrained words of the same…

  14. Reinforcing Basic Skills Through Social Studies. Grades 4-7.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lewis, Teresa Marie

    Arranged into seven parts, this document provides a variety of games and activities, bulletin board ideas, overhead transparencies, student handouts, and learning station ideas to help reinforce basic social studies skills in the intermediate grades. In part 1, students learn about timelines, first constructing their own life timeline, then a…

  15. California Basic Skills Initiative (BSI) Regional Networks as Self-Sustaining Communities of Practice

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mullen, Adrienne Ann

    2011-01-01

    The Basic Skills Report for California Community Colleges (2007) stresses the importance of comprehensive training and development opportunities for all faculty (tenured and part-time), administrators and staff members who work with underprepared students. With such a large number of academically underprepared students entering the community…

  16. Auto-Mechanics Course. Bilingual Vocational Instructional Materials.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lopez-Cox, Guadalupe

    This auto-mechanics course, one of a series of bilingual English-Spanish vocational education courses, is designed to introduce the basic skills that an automotive mechanics student should know. It is geared to teach the student basic manipulative skills, safety judgments, proper work habits, desirable attitudes, and proper behavior for initial…

  17. 38 CFR 21.9505 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    .... (Authority: 38 U.S.C. 3034(a), 3323(a), 3680(g)) Entry level and skill training means— (1) Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training for members of the Army; (2) Recruit Training (Boot Camp) and Skill Training (“A” School) for members of the Navy; (3) Basic Military Training and Technical Training...

  18. An Evaluation of the NAMI Basics Program

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Brister, Teri; Cavaleri, Mary A.; Olin, S. Serene; Shen, Sa; Burns, Barbara J.; Hoagwood, Kimberly E.

    2012-01-01

    This brief report describes results from an evaluation of NAMI Basics, a peer-delivered family education program for family caregivers of children and adolescents with mental illness. Over six classes, family members are given information (e.g. education about mental illness and treatments), skills training (e.g. family communication skills) and…

  19. The Development of Basic Reading Skills in Children: A Cross-Language Perspective.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Geva, Esther; Wang, Min

    2001-01-01

    Reviews recent research evidence for universal and orthography- or language-specific processes in the development of basic reading skills in school-age children. The review focuses on three different aspects of reading--phonological processing, rapid naming, and morphosyntactic complexity--targeted in recent research on development of word…

  20. Basic Skills Achievement, 1981-82.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Austin Independent School District, TX. Office of Research and Evaluation.

    The Austin Independent School District (AISD) office of Research and Evaluation presents Basic Skills Achievement, 1981-82 (BSA). The BSA answers the following questions: (1) How does AISD student achievement compare to student achievement nationwide? (2) How does AISD's 1981-82 student achievement compare to the achievement of students in past…

  1. Teaching Self-Determination to Students with Disabilities: Basic Skills for Successful Transition.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wehmeyer, Michael L.; Agran, Martin; Hughes, Carolyn

    This book describes instructional methods for teaching basic self-determination skills to students with disabilities. The first section provides an introduction to self-determination as an educational and transition outcome, discusses the impetus for an educational focus on self determination, and describes the relationships between transition…

  2. Technology Literacy: A Key to the New Basic Skills.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Brown, Richard

    The United States needs a vocational educational system that delivers, in an applied technological setting, the new basic skills that industry needs, as well as a general education system that provides creative instruction in applied math, physics, and science. To be effective, technological training should encompass, along with machine-specific…

  3. Basic Laboratory Skills for Water and Wastewater Analysis. Report No. 125.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Clark, Douglas W.

    Designed for individuals wanting to acquire an introductory knowledge of basic skills necessary to function in a water or wastewater laboratory, this handbook emphasizes current use of routine equipment and proper procedures. Explanations and illustrations focus on underlying techniques and principles rather than processes for conducting specific…

  4. Wisconsin Workplace Partnership Literacy Program (WPL). Evaluation. 2nd Edition.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Paris, Kathleen A.

    The Wisconsin Workplace Partnership Literacy (WPL) Program provided job-specific basic skills education to employees at 11 worksites. A total of 1,441 employees were recruited to participate in on-site competency-based educational activities to upgrade their basic skills sufficiently for job retention or advancement. Participants were encouraged…

  5. Basic Library Skills: A Self-Paced Workbook.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tierney, Judith

    This self-paced workbook is designed to introduce college students to the resources and facilities of the library and to providing the knowledge and skills necessary to do basic library research. Two introductory chapters include a library-specific tour with floor plans (the D. Leonard Corgan Library, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania) and information…

  6. Application of Number. Teaching and Learning.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bove, Francis

    This basic math skills teaching and learning guide contains practical advice and resources for British vocational teachers who have little formal mathematics education training and for beginning teachers. The document has five sections on these topics dealing with numeracy instruction: (1) overview of the basic skill and its application to other…

  7. When Investment in Basic Skills Gives Negative Returns

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Billington, Mary Genevieve; Nissinen, Kari; Gabrielsen, Egil

    2017-01-01

    In recent years, the Norwegian government has invested heavily in improving basic skills in the adult population. Initiatives have included legislation, the introduction of work-based adult education programs, and reforms in schooling. In light of this investment, we explore trends in adult literacy and numeracy, by comparing data from two…

  8. Junior High Student Responsibilities for Basic Skills.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Parker, Charles C.

    This paper advances the thesis that students should be trained to recognize acceptable and unacceptable performances in basic skill areas and should assume responsibility for attaining proficiency in these areas. Among the topics discussed are the value of having junior high school students check their own assignments, discover their errors, and…

  9. Basic Skills Programming at California Success Centers

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Levin, John S.; Cox, Elizabeth M.; Haberler, Zachary; Cerven, Christine

    2011-01-01

    While students at both four-year institutions and community colleges enroll in remedial coursework, policymakers look to community colleges to be the main, if not sole, providers of basic skills education. Policy makers argue that community colleges are the most cost-efficient and appropriate places to provide this instruction (Bettinger &…

  10. Learning to Verbally & Visually Communicate the Metalworking Way.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    California State Dept. of Education, Sacramento. Div. of Vocational Education.

    This curriculum guide, one of 15 volumes written for field test use with educationally disadvantaged industrial education students needing additional instruction in the basic skill areas, deals with helping students develop basic verbal and visual communication skills while studying metalworking. Addressed in the individual units of the guide are…

  11. Vocational Curriculum Resources for Handicapped Students. A Guide to Print and Non-Print Instructional Materials.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mangano, R. Michael; And Others

    This guide to vocational curriculum resources for handicapped students consists of instructional checklists for resources identified in the following areas: agriculture, auto body repair, automobile mechanics, basic math skills, basic reading skills, business education, career education, carpentry, cosmetology, custodial and maintenance, data…

  12. Colorado Employability Skills Survey. Report of Results.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hulsart, Richard; Bauman, Paul

    Interviews were conducted with employers and military personnel to obtain information regarding basic skills needed in entry-level jobs available to young people with a high school education. Information was also obtained from young entry-level employees and military recruits on the quality of their high school preparation in basic employment…

  13. Learning to Read and Write the Woodworking Way.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    California State Dept. of Education, Sacramento. Div. of Vocational Education.

    This curriculum guide, one of 15 volumes written for field test use with educationally disadvantaged industrial education students needing additional instruction in the basic skill areas, deals with helping students to develop basic reading and writing skills while studying woodworking. Addressed in the individual units of the guide are the…

  14. A Model for Teaching Basic Skills in a Community College Setting.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Brantley, Jerry; And Others

    The Basic Skills Program described in this report was developed by Macomb County Community College (MCCC) as a semester-long pre-vocational program for Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) students. Following introductory material, Part I presents a general review of postsecondary developmental education programs for…

  15. Establishing Derived Equivalence Relations of Basic Geography Skills in Children with Autism

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Dixon, Mark R.; Stanley, Caleb; Belisle, Jordan; Galliford, Megan E.; Alholail, Amani; Schmick, Ayla M.

    2017-01-01

    The present study evaluated the efficacy of a stimulus-equivalence training procedure in teaching basic geography skills to two children with autism. The procedures were taken directly from a standardized training curriculum based in stimulus equivalence theory called "Promoting the Emergence of Advanced Knowledge Equivalence Module"…

  16. Unions: Bread, Butter & Basic Skills.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    BCEL Newsletter for the Business Community, 1987

    1987-01-01

    Unions are natural providers of basic skills instruction. They are in daily workplace contact with their membership, are trusted to work on members' behalf, and speak the language of the worker. Unions are trying to address the needs of illiterate workers through collective bargaining arrangements in which employers contribute a percentage of…

  17. Development of the cardiovascular system: an interactive video computer program.

    PubMed Central

    Smolen, A. J.; Zeiset, G. E.; Beaston-Wimmer, P.

    1992-01-01

    The major aim of this project is to provide interactive video computer based courseware that can be used by the medical student and others to supplement his or her learning of this very important aspect of basic biomedical education. Embryology is a science that depends on the ability of the student to visualize dynamic changes in structure which occur in four dimensions--X, Y, Z, and time. Traditional didactic methods, including lectures employing photographic slides and laboratories employing histological sections, are limited to two dimensions--X and Y. The third spatial dimension and the dimension of time cannot be readily illustrated using these methods. Computer based learning, particularly when used in conjunction with interactive video, can be used effectively to illustrate developmental processes in all four dimensions. This methodology can also be used to foster the critical skills of independent learning and problem solving. PMID:1483013

  18. Evaluation of Medical Students' Attitudes and Performance of Basic Surgery Skills in a Training Program Using Fresh Human skin, Excised During Body Contouring Surgeries.

    PubMed

    Rothenberger, Jens; Seyed Jafari, Seyed Morteza; Schnabel, Kai P; Tschumi, Christian; Angermeier, Sarina; Shafighi, Maziar

    2015-01-01

    Learning surgical skills in the operating room may be a challenge for medical students. Therefore, more approaches using simulation to enable students to develop their practical skills are required. We hypothesized that (1) there would be a need for additional surgical training for medical students in the pre-final year, and (2) our basic surgery skills training program using fresh human skin would improve medical students' surgical skills. We conducted a preliminary survey of medical students to clarify the need for further training in basic surgery procedures. A new approach using simulation to teach surgical skills on human skin was set up. The procedural skills of 15 randomly selected students were assessed in the operating room before and after participation in the simulation, using Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills. Furthermore, subjective assessment was performed based on students' self-evaluation. The data were analyzed using SPSS, version 21 (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL). The study took place at the Inselspital, Bern University Hospital. A total of 186 pre-final-year medical students were enrolled into the preliminary survey; 15 randomly selected medical students participated in the basic surgical skills training course on the fresh human skin operating room. The preliminary survey revealed the need for a surgical skills curriculum. The simulation approach we developed showed significant (p < 0.001) improvement for all 12 surgical skills, with mean cumulative precourse and postcourse values of 31.25 ± 5.013 and 45.38 ± 3.557, respectively. The self-evaluation contained positive feedback as well. Simulation of surgery using human tissue samples could help medical students become more proficient in handling surgical instruments before stepping into a real surgical situation. We suggest further studies evaluating our proposed teaching method and the possibility of integrating this simulation approach into the medical school curriculum. Copyright © 2015 Association of Program Directors in Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. Varying levels of difficulty index of skills-test items randomly selected by examinees on the Korean emergency medical technician licensing examination.

    PubMed

    Koh, Bongyeun; Hong, Sunggi; Kim, Soon-Sim; Hyun, Jin-Sook; Baek, Milye; Moon, Jundong; Kwon, Hayran; Kim, Gyoungyong; Min, Seonggi; Kang, Gu-Hyun

    2016-01-01

    The goal of this study was to characterize the difficulty index of the items in the skills test components of the class I and II Korean emergency medical technician licensing examination (KEMTLE), which requires examinees to select items randomly. The results of 1,309 class I KEMTLE examinations and 1,801 class II KEMTLE examinations in 2013 were subjected to analysis. Items from the basic and advanced skills test sections of the KEMTLE were compared to determine whether some were significantly more difficult than others. In the class I KEMTLE, all 4 of the items on the basic skills test showed significant variation in difficulty index (P<0.01), as well as 4 of the 5 items on the advanced skills test (P<0.05). In the class II KEMTLE, 4 of the 5 items on the basic skills test showed significantly different difficulty index (P<0.01), as well as all 3 of the advanced skills test items (P<0.01). In the skills test components of the class I and II KEMTLE, the procedure in which examinees randomly select questions should be revised to require examinees to respond to a set of fixed items in order to improve the reliability of the national licensing examination.

  20. Problem-based learning on quantitative analytical chemistry course

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fitri, Noor

    2017-12-01

    This research applies problem-based learning method on chemical quantitative analytical chemistry, so called as "Analytical Chemistry II" course, especially related to essential oil analysis. The learning outcomes of this course include aspects of understanding of lectures, the skills of applying course materials, and the ability to identify, formulate and solve chemical analysis problems. The role of study groups is quite important in improving students' learning ability and in completing independent tasks and group tasks. Thus, students are not only aware of the basic concepts of Analytical Chemistry II, but also able to understand and apply analytical concepts that have been studied to solve given analytical chemistry problems, and have the attitude and ability to work together to solve the problems. Based on the learning outcome, it can be concluded that the problem-based learning method in Analytical Chemistry II course has been proven to improve students' knowledge, skill, ability and attitude. Students are not only skilled at solving problems in analytical chemistry especially in essential oil analysis in accordance with local genius of Chemistry Department, Universitas Islam Indonesia, but also have skilled work with computer program and able to understand material and problem in English.

  1. Role of linguistic skills in fifth-grade mathematics.

    PubMed

    Kleemans, Tijs; Segers, Eliane; Verhoeven, Ludo

    2018-03-01

    The current study investigated the direct and indirect relations between basic linguistic skills (i.e., phonological skills and grammatical ability) and advanced linguistic skills (i.e., academic vocabulary and verbal reasoning), on the one hand, and fifth-grade mathematics (i.e., arithmetic, geometry, and fractions), on the other, taking working memory and general intelligence into account and controlling for socioeconomic status, age, and gender. The results showed the basic linguistic representations of 167 fifth graders to be indirectly related to their geometric and fraction skills via arithmetic. Furthermore, advanced linguistic skills were found to be directly related to geometry and fractions after controlling for arithmetic. It can be concluded that linguistic skills directly and indirectly relate to mathematical ability in the upper grades of primary education, which highlights the importance of paying attention to such skills in the school curriculum. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. Brief exposure to a self-paced computer-based reading programme and how it impacts reading ability and behaviour problems.

    PubMed

    Hughes, J Antony; Phillips, Gordon; Reed, Phil

    2013-01-01

    Basic literacy skills underlie much future adult functioning, and are targeted in children through a variety of means. Children with reading problems were exposed either to a self-paced computer programme that focused on improving phonetic ability, or underwent a classroom-based reading intervention. Exposure was limited to 3 40-min sessions a week, for six weeks. The children were assessed in terms of their reading, spelling, and mathematics abilities, as well as for their externalising and internalising behaviour problems, before the programme commenced, and immediately after the programme terminated. Relative to the control group, the computer-programme improved reading by about seven months in boys (but not in girls), but had no impact on either spelling or mathematics. Children on the programme also demonstrated fewer externalising and internalising behaviour problems than the control group. The results suggest that brief exposure to a self-paced phonetic computer-teaching programme had some benefits for the sample.

  3. Enhancing computer literacy and information retrieval skills: A rural and remote nursing and midwifery workforce study.

    PubMed

    Mills, Jane; Francis, Karen; McLeod, Margaret; Al-Motlaq, Mohammad

    2015-01-01

    Nurses and midwives collectively, represent the largest workforce category in rural and remote areas of Australia. Maintaining currency of practice and attaining annual licensure with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulatory Authority (AHPRA) present challenges for individual nurses and midwives and for their health service managers. Engagement with information and communication technologies, in order for geographically isolated clinicians to access ongoing education and training, is considered a useful strategy to address such challenges. This paper presents a pre- and post-test study design. It examines the impact of an online continuing professional development (CPD) program on Australian rural nurses and midwives. The aims of the program were to increase basic skill acquisition in the utilisation of common computer software, the use of the Internet and the enhancement of email communication. Findings from the study demonstrate that participants who complete a relevant CPD program gain confidence in the use of information and communication technologies. Further, increased confidence leads to increased access to contemporary, reliable and important health care information on the Internet, in addition to clinicians adopting email as a regular method of communication. Health care employers commonly assume employees are skilled users of information and communication technologies. However, findings from this study contradict such assumptions. It is argued in the recommendations that health care employees should be given regular access to CPD programs designed to introduce them to information and communication technologies. Developing knowledge and skills in this area has the potential to improve staff productivity, raise health care standards and improve patient outcomes.

  4. Training Aids for Basic Combat Skills: A Video Feedback System

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-05-01

    U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences Research Report 1945 Training Aids for Basic Combat...Training Aids for Basic Combat Skills: A Video Feedback System 5a. CONTRACT OR GRANT NUMBER W74V8H-04-D-0045 (DO #0034) 5b. PROGRAM ELEMENT...Subject Matter POC: Martin L. Bink 14. ABSTRACT (Maximum 200 words): The overarching goal was to develop a training aid that could be used by

  5. Basic Skills, Basic Writing, Basic Research.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Trimmer, Joseph F.

    1987-01-01

    Overviews basic writing instruction and research by briefly discussing the history of remediation, results of a survey of basic writing programs in U.S. colleges and universities, and interviews with developmental textbook editors at major publishing houses. Finds that basic writing instruction continues to focus on sentence grammar. (MM)

  6. 29 CFR 525.6 - Compensable time.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... job (e.g., self-help skills training, recreation, job seeking skills training, independent living skills, or adult basic education). The burden of establishing that such hours are not compensable rests...

  7. Improving the Basic Skills and Job Awareness of Handicapped Students. Final Report.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ohio State Univ., Columbus. National Center for Research in Vocational Education.

    Because many handicapped students leave high school without a reasonable knowledge of the world of work, a clear understanding of self in relationship to potential occupational pursuits, or a mastery of the basic skills required to function in different occupational roles, the National Center for Research in Vocational Education developed and…

  8. Basic Skills Assessment Program. Technical Report.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools, CA.

    This is the second technical report on the Basic Skills Assessment Program for the Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS). The report includes a summary of 1979-80 testing activities organized into five chapters. The first chapter provides an overview of report contents and a brief history of the testing program. The second chapter…

  9. Linkage: A Manitoba Survey of Basic Skills Awareness in the Workplace.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Manitoba Dept. of Education and Training, Winnipeg. Literacy and Continuing Education Branch.

    Manitoba, Canada, workplace stakeholder groups were interviewed to determine the issues they faced and their awareness of, and ability to deal with, workplace basic skills issues. Interviews collected the opinions of 78 employer representatives, 121 employees, and 5 union representatives in the 6 emerging economic sectors of health care products,…

  10. Basic Skills: Quality Education Program Study. Booklet 3 (Description) and Booklet 3A (Needs Assessment).

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bucks County Public Schools, Doylestown, PA.

    Categories of effective and ineffective behavior in regard to Goal Three of the Quality Education Program (regarding basic skills) are listed. Both the rationales for areas of effective student behavior and the categories of teacher strategies are also included. (See TM 001 375 for project description.) (MS)

  11. Reclaiming Basic Skills: In Defence of Long-Life Learning

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Pirrie, Anne

    2005-01-01

    The author draws upon recent experience of providing consultancy services to a working group established by the European Commission in 2001 to facilitate the implementation of the Lisbon Strategy for economic, social, and environmental renewal in the European Union. The article begins with a critique of the "new basic skills" identified…

  12. The Connection between Employee Basic Skills & Productivity. Workforce & Workplace Literacy Series.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    BCEL Brief, 1993

    1993-01-01

    The experience of a number of specific local workplace programs indicates a definite connection between the provision of employee basic skills programs and increased worker productivity. One Tennessee company, for example, reports a 95 percent drop in costs resulting from worker mistakes and a doubling of worker productivity since the company…

  13. Integrating Motivational Interviewing into a Basic Counseling Skills Course to Enhance Counseling Self-Efficacy

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Iarussi, Melanie H.; Tyler, Jessica M.; Littlebear, Sarah; Hinkle, Michelle S.

    2013-01-01

    Motivational interviewing (MI), a humanistic counseling style used to help activate clients' motivation to change, was integrated into a basic counseling skills course. Nineteen graduate-level counseling students completed the Counselor Estimate of Self-Efficacy at the start and conclusion of the course. Significant differences were found between…

  14. Proxy Measurement of Adult Basic Skills: Lessons from Canada.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Murray, T. Scott

    "Proxy" measures have been developed and applied that extend the usefulness of direct assessments of adult basic skills. Three categories of users of data on adult literacy are as follows: (1) government authorities who need objective data to inform the decision-making process; (2) program delivery institutions who require an assessment…

  15. Numeracy Abilities of Children in Grades 4 to 6 with Mild Intellectual Disability in Singapore

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cheong, Janice M. Y.; Walker, Zachary M.; Rosenblatt, Kara

    2017-01-01

    Mathematics is an important aspect of daily life. Basic numeracy skills are needed to accomplish everyday tasks. However, research regarding the relationship between cognitive ability, mental age, and basic numeracy skills for children with intellectual disability (ID) is scarce. This research study investigated the correlation between…

  16. Job-Oriented Basic Skills (JOBS) Program for the Acoustic Sensor Operations Strand.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    U'Ren, Paula Kabance; Baker, Meryl S.

    An effort was undertaken to develop a job-oriented basic skills curriculum appropriate for the acoustic sensor operations area, which includes members of four ratings: ocean systems technician, aviation antisubmarine warfare operator, sonar technician (surface), and sonar technician (submarine). Analysis of the job duties of the four ratings…

  17. Occupational Safety: Orientation to the World of Work.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Evans, Clarence; Wills, Richard

    The guide is one of a series of 10 units composing an orientation to the world of work course designed especially for disadvantaged and handicapped students in the ninth and tenth grades. It is designed to provide basic and remedial instruction in personal development, math, and language skills while providing information and skills basic or…

  18. Introduction to Insulation. Introduction to Construction Series. Instructor Edition.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Associated General Contractors of America, Washington, DC.

    This module on introductory insulation is one of a series of modules designed to teach basic skills necessary for entry-level employment in this field. The instructor's guide contains three instructional units that cover the following topics: (1) insulation materials; (2) insulation tools; and (3) insulation layout and basic skills. Each…

  19. Beyond Job Search or Basic Education: Rethinking the Role of Skills in Welfare Reform.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Strawn, Julie

    Most welfare-to-work programs may be classified as quick employment programs emphasizing individual or group job searches or skill-building programs emphasizing basic education. Although both types of programs offer benefits, they also suffer from significant limitations. To be more effective than their predecessors, current-generation…

  20. Basic Welding Skills. Welding Module 1. Instructor's Guide.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Missouri Univ., Columbia. Instructional Materials Lab.

    This guide is intended to assist vocational educators in teaching a six-unit module in basic welding skills. The module is part of a welding curriculum that has been designed to be totally integrated with Missouri's Vocational Instruction Management System. The following topics are covered in the module: the welding profession, personal safety,…

  1. Sexual History-Taking: Using Educational Interventions to Overcome Barriers to Learning

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jayasuriya, Ashini N.; Dennick, Reg

    2011-01-01

    Sexual history-taking is a basic medical skill that is traditionally taught poorly in medical school. Practising medical professionals have frequently reported feeling inadequately trained at taking these histories or discussing sexual risk. In order to promote and enhance the learning of this basic skill, those who teach sexual history-taking…

  2. Project BEST-PAL (Basic Education Skills Through-Parenting Affective Learning): Level I Modules.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Brevard Community Coll., Cocoa, FL.

    These eight learning modules were prepared for parents participating in Brevard Community College's Project BEST-PAL (Basic Education Skills Through-Parenting Affective Learning), which was designed for low socioeconomic parents who are in need of an opportunity to explore effective parenting. First, materials for the BEST-PAL volunteer sponsors…

  3. Project BEST-PAL (Basic Education Skills Through-Parenting Affective Learning): Process Manual for Program Implementation.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Brevard Community Coll., Cocoa, FL.

    This manual describes and evaluates the implementation of Project BEST-PAL (Basic Education Skills Through-Parent Affective Learning), Brevard Community College's special demonstration training project intended to return adults who have dropped out of the educational system back into the learning environment by bringing them to parenting classes…

  4. Project BEST-PAL (Basic Education Skills Through-Parenting Affective Learning): Level II Modules.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Brevard Community Coll., Cocoa, FL.

    These eight learning modules were prepared for parents participating in Brevard Community College's Project BEST-PAL (Basic Education Skills Through-Parenting Affective Learning), which was designed for low socioeconomic parents who are in need of an opportunity to explore effective parenting. First, materials for the BEST-PAL volunteer sponsors…

  5. Project BEST-PAL (Basic Education Skills Through-Parenting Affective Learning): Volunteer Sponsor's Leader's Guide.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Brevard Community Coll., Cocoa, FL.

    This handbook was developed for volunteer group leaders participating in Brevard Community College's Project BEST-PAL (Basic Education Skills Through-Parenting Affective Learning). Project BEST-PAL was developed especially for low socioeconomic parents who are in need of an opportunity to explore effective parenting, with a primary objective being…

  6. Basic Skills in Asian Studies: Japan.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hantula, James

    This publication contains 20 learning activities for developing basic skills while teaching about Japan at the secondary level. The activities are self-contained and each consists of a short description, followed by a five-item true or false test and five open-ended questions for student practice. The learning activities are followed by a…

  7. Grades 1-3: Arkansas Public School Course Content Guide.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Arkansas State Dept. of Education, Little Rock.

    Provided as a framework for use in curriculum development are Arkansas' course content guides for the primary grades one, two, and three. At each grade level, language arts, mathematics, and reading skills have been identified at three instructional levels: basic, developmental, and extensional. Basic skills are those which all students must…

  8. Vocational Curriculum Resources for Disadvantaged Students. A Guide to Print and Non-Print Instructional Materials. Volume I.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mangano, R. Michael; And Others

    Volume 1 of a three-volume guide to vocational curriculum resources for disadvantaged students consists of instructional checklists for resources identified in the following areas: agriculture, auto body repair, automobile mechanics, basic math skills, basic reading skills, business education, carpentry, cosmetology, custodial and maintenance,…

  9. Improving Learning in Science and Basic Skills among Diverse Student Populations.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sutman, Francis X.; Guzman, Ana

    This monograph is a rich resource of information designed to strengthen science and basic skills teaching, and improve learning for limited English proficient (LEP) minority student populations. It proposes the use of hands-on science investigations as the driving force for mathematics and English language development. The materials included in…

  10. Personal Development: Orientation to the World of Work.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Nordloh, Mary J.

    The guide is one of a series of 10 units composing an orientation to the world of work course designed especially for disadvantaged and handicapped students in the ninth and tenth grades. It is designed to provide basic and remedial instruction in personal development, math, and language skills while providing information and skills basic or…

  11. Construction Trade Course. Bilingual Vocational Instructional Materials.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lopez-Cox, Guadalupe

    This building trades course, one of a series of bilingual English-Spanish vocational education courses, is designed to introduce the basic skills that a student must know in the construction field. It is geared to teach the student basic manipulative skills, safety judgments, proper work habits, desirable attitudes, and proper behavior for initial…

  12. Basic Automotive Responsibilities. Life Skills. Teacher Edition.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Oklahoma State Dept. of Vocational and Technical Education, Stillwater. Curriculum and Instructional Materials Center.

    This teacher's guide is designed for use in presenting a four-unit course in basic automotive responsibilities that is part of a life skills series intended to help students become more self-sufficient in their personal and professional lives. The course's four instructional units cover these topics: purchasing a motor vehicle, maintaining a motor…

  13. Introduction to Concrete Reinforcing. Instructor Edition. Introduction to Construction Series.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Oklahoma State Dept. of Vocational and Technical Education, Stillwater. Curriculum and Instructional Materials Center.

    This module on concrete reinforcing is one of a series of modules designed to teach basic skills necessary for entry-level employment in this field. This module contains three instructional units that cover the following topics: (1) concrete reinforcing materials; (2) concrete reinforcing tools; and (3) concrete reinforcing basic skills. Each…

  14. An Examination of the Basic Reading Skills of Incarcerated Males

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Shippen, Margaret E.; Houchins, David E.; Crites, Steven A.; Derzis, Nicholas C.; Patterson, Dashaunda

    2010-01-01

    One of the most common characteristics prison inmates typically share is unsuccessful educational experiences including dropping out of school, repeating grades, and not gaining basic literacy skills. The most recent National Assessment of Adult Prison Literacy Survey (NAAPLS) by the U.S. Department of Education indicates that large disparities in…

  15. The ABC's of Adult Ed

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Roehrig, Lucy

    2010-01-01

    According to the 2003 National Assessment of Adult Literacy, it is estimated that 93 million adults in the United States have basic or below basic literacy skills. Those individuals found most lacking in literacy skills were adults living in poverty, adults lacking a high school diploma, seniors and the elderly aged 65 and older, the more than one…

  16. New and Effective Approaches to Adult Basic Skills Advocacy

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rosen, David J.

    2016-01-01

    US public adult basic skills education, as adult education researcher Thomas Sticht has often pointed out, is on the margins of public education. By many measures, in the past decade it has experienced significant further decline. In the last decade and a half, according to Sticht's (2015) analysis, "enrollments in the Adult Education and…

  17. Reading Component Skills of Learners in Adult Basic Education

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    MacArthur, Charles A.; Konold, Timothy R.; Glutting, Joseph J.; Alamprese, Judith A.

    2010-01-01

    The purposes of this study were to investigate the reliability and construct validity of measures of reading component skills with a sample of adult basic education (ABE) learners, including both native and nonnative English speakers, and to describe the performance of those learners on the measures. Investigation of measures of reading components…

  18. Faculty Perceptions of Basic Skills Faculty Development

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Duffy, Michelle Moreau

    2012-01-01

    This study investigated the perceptions of faculty regarding why they choose to attend basic skills faculty development; what they choose to implement in their classrooms; and how they determine the effectiveness of the strategies selected. A survey was completed by 173 full and part-time faculty from a large, suburban single-campus community…

  19. Multisensory Teaching of Basic Language Skills Activity Book. Revised Edition

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Carreker, Suzanne; Birsh, Judith R.

    2011-01-01

    With the new edition of this activity book--the companion to Judith Birsh's bestselling text, "Multisensory Teaching of Basic Language Skills"--students and practitioners will get the practice they need to use multisensory teaching effectively with students who have dyslexia and other learning disabilities. Ideal for both pre-service teacher…

  20. The Cognitive Predictors of Computational Skill with Whole versus Rational Numbers: An Exploratory Study.

    PubMed

    Seethaler, Pamela M; Fuchs, Lynn S; Star, Jon R; Bryant, Joan

    2011-10-01

    The purpose of the present study was to explore the 3(rd)-grade cognitive predictors of 5th-grade computational skill with rational numbers and how those are similar to and different from the cognitive predictors of whole-number computational skill. Students (n = 688) were assessed on incoming whole-number calculation skill, language, nonverbal reasoning, concept formation, processing speed, and working memory in the fall of 3(rd) grade. Students were followed longitudinally and assessed on calculation skill with whole numbers and with rational numbers in the spring of 5(th) grade. The unique predictors of skill with whole-number computation were incoming whole-number calculation skill, nonverbal reasoning, concept formation, and working memory (numerical executive control). In addition to these cognitive abilities, language emerged as a unique predictor of rational-number computational skill.

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