Sample records for lesson learners explore

  1. The Three Little Wolves Go to College: A Picture Book Lesson for Young Adult EFL Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sun, Chia-Ho

    2015-01-01

    For at least three decades, scholars have discussed the rationale for using picture books with English learners of all ages. Research on how older ESL and EFL learners can benefit from picture books, however, remains scarce. This study explored 25 Taiwanese university EFL learners' engagement in a predicting-reading-confirming-integrating plus…

  2. Exploring Quadratic Functions with Logger "Pro"

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Pope, Derek

    2018-01-01

    The author shares the lesson that he used to introduce the quadratic unit to students in an extended second-year algebra class, demonstrate why it was appropriate for his struggling learners, and discuss possible future modifications to this lesson.

  3. Exploring science teachers' pedagogical content knowledge in the teaching of genetics in Swaziland

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mthethwa-Kunene, Khetsiwe Eunice Faith

    Recent trends show that learners' enrolment and performance in science at secondary school level is dwindling. Some science topics including genetics in biology are said to be difficult for learners to learn and thus they perform poorly in examinations. Teacher knowledge base, particularly topic-specific pedagogical content knowledge (PCK), has been identified by many researchers as an important factor that is linked with learner understanding and achievement in science. This qualitative study was an attempt to explore the PCK of four successful biology teachers and how they developed it in the context of teaching genetics. The purposive sampling technique was employed to select the participating teachers based on their schools' performance in biology public examinations and recommendations by science specialists and school principals. Pedagogical content knowledge was used as a theoretical framework for the study, which guided the inquiry in data collection, analysis and discussion of the research findings. The study adopted the case study method and various sources of evidence including concept maps, lesson plans, pre-lesson interviews, lesson observations, post-teaching teacher questionnaire, post-lesson interviews and document analysis were used to collect data on teachers' PCK as well as how PCK was assumed to have developed. The data were analysed in an attempt to determine the individual teachers' school genetics' content knowledge, related knowledge of instructional strategies and knowledge of learners' preconceptions and learning difficulties. The analysis involved an iterative process of coding data into PCK categories of content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge and knowledge of learners' preconceptions and learning difficulties. The findings of the study indicate that the four successful biology teachers generally have the necessary content knowledge of school genetics, used certain topic-specific instructional strategies, but lacked knowledge of genetics-related learners' preconceptions and learning difficulties despite having taught the topic for many years. There were some instructional deficits in their approaches and techniques in teaching genetics. The teachers failed to use physical models, teacher demonstration and/or learner experimentation in their lessons (or include them in their lesson plans) to assist learners in visualizing or internalizing the genetics concepts or processes located at the sub-microscopic level. The teachers' PCK in genetics teaching was assumed to have developed mainly through formal university education programmes, classroom teaching experiences, peer support and participation in in-service workshops. The implications for biology teacher education are also discussed.

  4. Creating New Opportunities for Lesson Study in an Online Reading Clinic

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sharma, Sue Ann; Pang, Sangho

    2015-01-01

    Multimedia expands the opportunity for graduate teachers to develop a community of learners in an online reading clinic as they reflect and collaborate on a variety of reading and writing experiences during an online lesson study of a comprehensive corrective reading lesson. This qualitative method study explores (a) the pedagogical shifts of…

  5. Collaborative Repair in EFL Classroom Talk.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Iles, Zara

    1996-01-01

    Drawing data from audiotaped lessons with 10 native-speaker English-as-a-Foreign-Language (EFL) teachers and 12 EFL learners of varied linguistic backgrounds, a study explored some of the ways in which classroom talk by learners is collaboratively built to repair errors, misunderstandings, and non-communication. Focus is on both explicit and…

  6. The NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer Education Materials Collection: Bringing Ocean Exploration Alive for Teachers and Students

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Haynes, S.

    2012-12-01

    The NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer, America's first Federal ship dedicated to ocean exploration, is envisioned as the ship upon which learners of all ages embark together on scientific voyages of exploration to poorly-known or unexplored areas of the global ocean. Through a combination of lessons, web pages, a ship tracker and dynamic imagery and video, learners participate as ocean explorers in breakthrough discoveries leading to increased scientific understanding and enhanced literacy about our ocean world. The Okeanos Explorer Education Materials Collection was developed to encourage educators and students to become personally involved with the ship's voyages and discoveries. This collection is presented in two volumes: Volume 1: Why Do We Explore? (modern reasons for ocean exploration - specifically, climate change, energy, human health and ocean health) and Volume 2: How Do We Explore? (21st Century strategies and tools for ocean exploration, including telepresence, sonar mapping, water column exploration and remotely operated vehicles). These volumes have been developed into full-day professional development opportunities provided at NOAA OER Alliance Partner sites nationwide and include lessons for grades 5-12 designed to support the evolving science education needs currently articulated in the K-12 Framework for Science Education. Together, the lessons, web pages, ship tracker and videos provide a dynamic education package for teachers to share modern ocean exploration in the classroom and inspire the next generation of explorers. This presentation will share these two Volumes, highlights from current explorations of the Okeanos Explorer and how they are used in ocean explorer lessons, and methods for accessing ocean explorer resources and following along with expeditions.;

  7. Chinese and Japanese Students' Conceptions of the "Ideal English Lesson"

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Littlewood, William

    2010-01-01

    In developing strategies for increasing learner involvement, a key factor is the extent to which these strategies are compatible with learners' own expectations and preferences. In order to explore this factor, tertiary students in four Asian countries were asked (in an online survey designed on the basis of exploratory interviews) to give their…

  8. Using the Internet To Investigate Algebra.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sherwood, Walter

    The lesson plans in this book engage students by using a tool they enjoy--the Internet--to explore key concepts in algebra. Working either individually or in groups, students learn to approach algebra from a problem solving perspective. Each lesson shows learners how to use the Internet as a resource for gathering facts, data, and other…

  9. Exploring the Synergy between Science Literacy and Language Literacy with English Language Learners: Lessons Learned within a Sustained Professional Development Program

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Carrejo, David J.; Reinhartz, Judy

    2012-01-01

    Thirty-five elementary teachers participated in a yearlong professional development (PD) program whose goal was to foster science content learning while promoting language literacy for English Language Learners (ELL). The researchers utilized an explanatory design methodology to determine the degree to which science and language literacy…

  10. Exploring Educational Interactions: A Lesson for the Development of Interdisciplinary Working?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    McGinley, Brian P.; Grieve, Ann M.

    2011-01-01

    This paper reports a small-scale study exploring the communicative interactions of secondary teachers and community educators with colleagues and learners in educational environments. This research is conducted in a changing educational landscape where there is a more holistic approach to education being adopted and where an extended Scottish…

  11. Lessons from psychiatry and psychiatric education for medical learners and teachers.

    PubMed

    Hilty, Donald M; Srinivasan, Malathi; Xiong, Glen L; Ferranti, Jessica; Li, Su-Ting T

    2013-06-01

    Medical learners, teachers, and institutions face significant challenges in health care delivery and in training the next generation of clinicians. We propose that psychiatry offers lessons which may help improve how we take care of patients and how we teach others to care for patients. Our objective is to discuss what learners and teachers can learn from psychiatry, organized around (1) how we make decisions, (2) how we learn, and (3) how we reflect on our practice. Information from clinical care, education, neuroscience and other aspects of life (e.g. business, creativity, and research) help us on these processes. We make 'good' decisions in concert with patients and learners, by listening to their experiences, asking questions and exploring subjective and objective information. Our learning has a neurobiological basis, and is effectively furthered by personalization, reinforcement, acquisition of critical thinking skills, and assessment of our limitations and errors. Our ability to reflect is determined by attitude, skill, tolerating ambiguity or dissonance, and planning for the unexpected. These processes - in addition to knowledge and other skills - will help physicians be successful in practice, learning and teaching, research and leadership.

  12. Exploring the story, science, and adventure of small worlds

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Swann, J. L.; Elkins-Tanton, L. T.; Anbar, A. D.; Klug Boonstra, S.; Tamer, A. J.; Mead, C.; Hunsley, D.

    2017-12-01

    Small worlds are a strategic focus at NASA, reflected by missions such as Osiris Rex and Psyche among others. The Infiniscope project, with funding from NASA SMD, is building on this scientific and public interest to teach formal and informal learners about asteroids and other small worlds. The digital learning experience, "Where are the small worlds?", and future Infiniscope experiences, incorporate a design theory that we describe as "education through exploration" (ETX) which is provided through an adaptive e-learning platform. This design ensures that learners actively engage in exploration and discovery, while receiving targeted feedback to push through challenges. To ensure that this and future experiences reach and meet the needs of as many educators as possible, Infiniscope includes a digital teaching network to host the experiences and support the reuse and adaptation of digital resources in new lessons. "Where are the small worlds?" puts learners in an interactive simulation of the solar system and provides a mission structure in which they hunt for "astrocaches" on near earth objects, main belt asteroids, and Kuiper-belt objects. These activities allow the learner to discover the locations of the small worlds in the solar system and develop an intuitive understanding for the relative motion of objects at various distances from the Sun. The experience is NGSS-aligned and accompanied by a lesson plan for integration into the classroom. In testing with more than 500 middle-school students, 83% of participants said they wanted to do more experiences like "Where are the small worlds?" They also found the experience both "fun" and "interesting" while being moderately difficult. "Where are the small worlds?" is one of many visualizations and lessons that is available within the Infiniscope teaching network. The network already has hundreds of members and is expected to grow in both numbers and engagement over time. Currently, educators can search and use pre-existing experiences, but as the visualization library expands and educators learn more about exploration-learning design, they may modify existing experiences and even build entirely new experiences to meet specific needs. In parallel, we are also developing a professional development program that builds understanding of the principles of ETX design.

  13. Teaching Word Stress to Turkish EFL (English as a Foreign Language) Learners through Internet-Based Video Lessons

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hismanoglu, Murat

    2012-01-01

    The purpose of this study is to elicit problem causing word stress patterns for Turkish EFL (English as a foreign language) learners and investigate whether Internet-based pronunciation lesson is superior to traditional pronunciation lesson in terms of enhancing Turkish EFL learners' accurate production of stressed syllables in English words. A…

  14. Exploring Learners' Sequential Behavioral Patterns, Flow Experience, and Learning Performance in an Anti-Phishing Educational Game

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sun, Jerry Chih-Yuan; Kuo, Cian-Yu; Hou, Huei-Tse; Lin, Yu-Yan

    2017-01-01

    The purposes of this study were to provide a game-based anti-phishing lesson to 110 elementary school students in Taiwan, explore their learning behavioral patterns, and investigate the effects of the flow states on their learning behavioral patterns and learning achievement. The study recorded behaviour logs, and applied a pre- and post-test on…

  15. From Welfare to Work: Dynamic Lesson Plans for ESL Learners. Final Report. Fiscal Year 1998-99 [and] From Welfare to Work: Lessons for ESL Learners.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Center for Literacy, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.

    This document combines a final project report and the resulting guidebook of 20 lesson plans for English as a second language (ESL) instructors to help learners work within the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) system and acquire effective job readiness strategies, choose a career path, and pursue employment. The report describes the…

  16. The Connection Between Forms of Guidance for Inquiry-Based Learning and the Communicative Approaches Applied—a Case Study in the Context of Pre-service Teachers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lehtinen, Antti; Lehesvuori, Sami; Viiri, Jouni

    2017-09-01

    Recent research has argued that inquiry-based science learning should be guided by providing the learners with support. The research on guidance for inquiry-based learning has concentrated on how providing guidance affects learning through inquiry. How guidance for inquiry-based learning could promote learning about inquiry (e.g. epistemic practices) is in need of exploration. A dialogic approach to classroom communication and pedagogical link-making offers possibilities for learners to acquire these practices. The focus of this paper is to analyse the role of different forms of guidance for inquiry-based learning on building the communicative approach applied in classrooms. The data for the study comes from an inquiry-based physics lesson implemented by a group of five pre-service primary science teachers to a class of sixth graders. The lesson was video recorded and the discussions were transcribed. The data was analysed by applying two existing frameworks—one for the forms of guidance provided and another for the communicative approaches applied. The findings illustrate that providing non-specific forms of guidance, such as prompts, caused the communicative approach to be dialogic. On the other hand, providing the learners with specific forms of guidance, such as explanations, shifted the communication to be more authoritative. These results imply that different forms of guidance provided by pre-service teachers can affect the communicative approach applied in inquiry-based science lessons, which affects the possibilities learners are given to connect their existing ideas to the scientific view. Future research should focus on validating these results by also analysing inservice teachers' lessons.

  17. The Art of the Videoconference Lesson: Practical Application and Implications

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Barniskis, Becca; Thompson, Lisa Maren

    2011-01-01

    In their work with various educators, artists, and learners around the world, the authors have been exploring what it takes to collaborate successfully across multiple technological platforms and cultural borders. In this article, the authors describe three international collaborations in arts learning that they facilitated and participated in via…

  18. Problem-Based Learning: Lessons for Administrators, Educators and Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Yeo, Roland

    2005-01-01

    Purpose: The paper aims to explore the challenges of problem-based learning (PBL) as an unconventional teaching methodology experienced by a higher learning institute in Singapore. Design/methodology/approach: The exploratory study was conducted using focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews. Four groups of people were invited to…

  19. Health and Fitness

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kharbeche, Ghaleb

    2007-01-01

    The theme of health offers a variety of language-learning possibilities. This three-part lesson plan for young learners can be adapted to other audiences. It includes a reading, a dialogue, and a listening script. The first lesson asks learners to analyze lifestyle choices and give advice. The second lesson takes students to a sporting goods…

  20. Supporting English Language Learners in Math Class, Grades 6-8

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Melanese, Kathy; Chung, Luz; Forbes, Cheryl

    2011-01-01

    This new addition to Math Solutions "Supporting English Language Learners in Math Class series" offers a wealth of lessons and strategies for modifying grades 6-8 instruction. Section I presents an overview of teaching math to English learners: the research, the challenges, the linguistic demands of a math lesson, and specific strategies and…

  1. English for Specific Purposes: Negotiating Needs, Possibilities, and Promises

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Salas, Spencer; Mercado, Leonardo A.; Ouedraogo, Lynn Hanson; Musetti, Bernadette

    2013-01-01

    The authors espouse the need for negotiation in designing and delivering English for Specific Purposes (ESP) programs. Such negotiations take into account learners' needs as well as structural limitations of the context and candid assessment of ESP providers. The article explores lessons from the field and the importance of needs analysis.

  2. Raising L2 Listeners' Metacognitive Awareness: A Sociocultural Theory Perspective

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cross, Jeremy

    2010-01-01

    Grounded in sociocultural theory, this article outlines a small-scale study exploring metacognitive awareness of second language (L2) listening. In each of five lessons, six pairs of advanced-level, adult, Japanese, EFL learners participated in a sequence of tasks involving the explicit verbalisation of strategies as part of a pedagogical cycle…

  3. Meeting the Needs of Middle Grade Science Learners through Pedagogical and Technological Intervention

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Yerrick, Randy; Johnson, Joseph

    2009-01-01

    This mixed methods study examined the effects of inserting laptops and science technology tools in middle school environments. Working together with a local university, middle school science teaching faculty members wrote and aligned curricula, explored relevant science education literature, tested lessons with summer school students, and prepared…

  4. Not Just Good Science Teaching: Supporting Academic Language Development

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Silva, Cecilia; Weinburgh, Molly; Smith, Kathy Horak

    2013-01-01

    In this article, the authors explore ways in which they have worked together in understanding the complexities of academic language within the science classroom and discuss strategies they have used to teach academic language to young adolescent English Language Learners (ELLs) within inquiry-based science lessons. They discuss strategies they use…

  5. Blending for Student Engagement: Lessons Learned for MOOCs and Beyond

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Montgomery, Amanda P.; Hayward, Denyse V.; Dunn, William; Carbonaro, Mike; Amrhein, Carl G.

    2015-01-01

    The purpose of this ongoing, three-year action research study is to explore the digital challenges of student engagement in higher education within the experimental platform of blended learning. Research questions examine the role of digital innovation in supporting diverse learners, as well as building meaningful connections with technology for…

  6. Geography and Creativity: Developing Joyful and Imaginative Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Scoffham, Stephen

    2013-01-01

    Creativity is a complex and contested notion but is now widely recognised as a feature of learning across the curriculum. This article explores how primary geography teaching can be enriched by creative practice. It goes beyond simply suggesting imaginative ways to devise geography lessons, to outline a pedagogy which places children at the heart…

  7. From Welfare to Work: Lessons for ESL Learners.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Green, Elaine

    This lesson plan guide is designed to be used by English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) teachers to help their learners deal with new welfare legislation--Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)--and to prepare them for the world of work. Learners at the high beginner to low intermediate level and above will benefit from this instruction. All…

  8. A Comparative Study between Iranian and Japanese Students' Conceptions of "Ideal English Lesson"

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jafari, Sakineh; Ketabi, Saeed

    2014-01-01

    With the shift in language teaching towards a more learner-centered approach, there is now an emphasis on considering learners' views on what goes on in the classroom. Involving learners in selecting and evaluating classroom activities as well as listening to their voices and preferences can be helpful for teachers in planning lesson and designing…

  9. Fabricating "Pacific Islander": Pedagogies of Expropriation, Return and Resistance and Other Lessons from a "Multicultural Day"

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Youdell, Deborah

    2012-01-01

    This paper is concerned with the potential for pedagogic practices that unsettle race hierarchies and open up possibilities for young people who are minoritised and excluded through these race hierarchies to be recognised as legitimate students and learners. It explores these possibilities through an analysis of an ethnographic account of the…

  10. Bridging Worlds: Measuring Learners' Discursive Practice in a Partsim Supported Biology Lesson

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fies, Carmen; Langman, Juliet

    2011-01-01

    We report on a case study that took place in a southwestern culturally and linguistically diverse urban high school science classroom during a grade recovery summer session. The introduction of a technology-infused unit on epidemiology engaged students in a multi-contextual exploration of the spread of diseases. The analysis of the resultant…

  11. Learning in LAMS: Lesson from a Student Teacher Exploring Gene Ethics

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Dennis, Carina

    2012-01-01

    Due to its complex and microscopic nature, genetics is a difficult subject for many learners to conceptually grasp. Graphics, animation and video material can be extremely helpful to their understanding. A wealth of educational online content about genetics has been created over the past decade in the wake of the human genome being sequenced.…

  12. Let's Think Creatively: Designing a High School Lesson on Metaphorical Creativity for English L2 Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wang, Hung-chun

    2018-01-01

    This article reports on a practitioner research study exploring how creative thinking activities can be designed and integrated into high school English classes. It delineates the process of developing a metaphorical creativity workshop for year 11 students in Taiwan and demonstrates the students' workshop experiences and learning outcomes.…

  13. Digital exploration via Skype: connecting your classroom with the experts

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hay, Rachel

    2014-05-01

    This presentation describes experiences of using Skype in the classroom to connect learners with scientists and explorers all over the world in order to deepen learners' knowledge and understanding of course material, develop their enquiry skills, and broaden their perspectives on life beyond the classroom walls. In a session organised by the Royal Scottish Geographical Society (RSGS) in partnership with Digital Explorer, twenty-five Perth High School students who were studying coral reefs took part in an exciting live Skype chat with researchers on Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Students spoke to a marine biologist and a geographer who were on-board their research vessel some 15,000km away. They learned about the Catlin Survey's cutting-edge research, which was set up to study conditions on the reef, take 50,000 images, and create a baseline for future comparisons. In addition, the scientists aimed to develop an underwater equivalent of Google Streetview, called Seaview, which will allow people everywhere to engage with this incredible ecosystem. We heard about the divers' encounter with Tiger sharks earlier that same day, and had a tour of the research vessel, as well as asking the experts questions about their research findings and career paths. Feedback from the students was extremely positive, and it was clear that the experience had greatly enhanced their studies. For myself and the other teachers involved, it was an exciting (and surreal!) experience, and helped to update our knowledge of our subjects. Between July and December 2013 I volunteered as Community Manager for Digital Explorer in their partnership with Skype in the classroom. Digital Explorer is an educational social enterprise dedicated to engaging young people in global issues, and preparing them to tackle environmental and technological changes in the 21st century. We offered seventeen lessons as part of Skype in the classroom's Exploring Oceans event in October and November, which aimed to educate and enthuse young people about the world's oceans. It was fascinating to connect with other teachers and with the guest speakers, and there is huge potential for future events on different themes. This presentation will outline what I think are the main benefits of, and challenges to, embedding the use of Skype in more classrooms, and offer some tips for successful Skype lessons. Value is added when Skype lessons are incorporated into a well-planned scheme of work that utilises high-quality, innovative resources, such as those produced by Digital Explorer. The use of this technology in schools increases student engagement in course material, as well as in local and global issues, thus facilitating the development of successful learners and informed global citizens. In addition, it provides opportunities for learners to take responsibility for, and direct, their own learning and skill development. I hope that more teachers will develop their confidence in using Skype with their students, as it offers exciting opportunities for creating interactive lessons and bringing the world into your classroom. Acknowledgements: Jamie Buchanan-Dunlop - Director, Digital Explorer http://digitalexplorer.com @de_updates Charlotte Moore - Made By Many/Skype in the Classroom https://education.skype.com/ @SkypeClassroom Dr Joyce Gilbert - Education Officer, Royal Scottish Geographical Society http://www.rsgs.org/ @RoyalScotGeoSoc

  14. Meeting the Informal Learning Challenges of the Free Agent Learner: Drawing Insights from Research-Based Lessons Learned. Innovative Session 1. [Concurrent Innovative Session at AHRD Annual Conference, 2000.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Marsick, Victoria J.; Volpe, F. Marie; Brooks, Ann; Cseh, Maria; Lovin, Barbara Keelor; Vernon, Sally; Watkins, Karen E.; Ziegler, Mary

    The concept of the free agent learner, which has roots in self-directed and informal learning theory, has recently emerged as a factor important to attracting, developing, and keeping knowledge workers. The literature on free agent learning holds important lessons for today's free agent learners, human resource developers, and work organizations.…

  15. The Nautilus Exploration Program: Utilizing Live Ocean Exploration as a Platform for STEM Education and Outreach

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fundis, A.; Cook, M.; Sutton, K.; Garson, S.; Poulton, S.; Munro, S.

    2016-02-01

    By sparking interest in scientific inquiry and engineering design at a young age through exposure to ocean exploration and innovative technologies, and building on that interest throughout students' educational careers, the Ocean Exploration Trust (OET) aims to motivate more students to be lifelong learners and pursue careers in STEM fields. Utilizing research conducted aboard Exploration Vessel Nautilus, the ship's associated technologies, and shore-based facilities at the University of Rhode Island — including the Graduate School of Oceanography and the Inner Space Center — we guide students to early career professionals through a series of educational programs focused on STEM disciplines and vocational skills. OET also raises public awareness of ocean exploration and research through a growing online presence, live streaming video, and interactions with the team aboard the ship 24 hours a day via the Nautilus Live website (www.nautiluslive.org). Annually, our outreach efforts bring research launched from Nautilus to tens of millions worldwide and allow the public, students, and scientists to participate in expeditions virtually from shore. We share the Nautilus Exploration Program's strategies, successes, and lessons learned for a variety of our education and outreach efforts including: 1) enabling global audiences access to live ocean exploration online and via social media; 2) engaging onshore audiences in live and interactive conversations with scientists and engineers on board; 3) engaging young K-12 learners in current oceanographic research via newly developed lessons and curricula; 4) onshore and offshore professional development opportunities for formal and informal educators; 5) programs and authentic research opportunities for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students onshore and aboard Nautilus; and 6) collaborative opportunities for early career and seasoned researchers to participate virtually in telepresence-enabled, interdisciplinary expeditions.

  16. Preparing Teacher Candidates for the Instruction of English Language Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gonzalez, Monica Marie

    2016-01-01

    This inquiry utilizes a sheltered instruction approach to lesson planning with the intention of improving teacher candidates' instruction to English Language Learners (ELLs). In this study a web-based questionnaire and a sheltered instruction lesson plan template were used to facilitate opportunities for teacher candidates to reflect on and…

  17. Lesson Plan--Online Games to Teach Vocabulary to Young Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Okaz, Abeer Ali

    2014-01-01

    This article describes how teachers can use online learning games to enhance young learners' language skill learning. Children love all sorts of games, therefore, implementing games (particularly online ones) are a useful aspect of lessons. Games are an indispensable tool while teaching, especially if employed effectively. The online activities…

  18. The Integration of English Language Development and Science Instruction in Elementary Classrooms

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zwiep, Susan Gomez; Straits, William J.; Stone, Kristin R.; Beltran, Dolores D.; Furtado, Leena

    2011-12-01

    This paper explores one district's attempt to implement a blended science and English Language Development (ELD) elementary program, designed to provide English language learners opportunities to develop proficiency in English through participation in inquiry-based science. This process resulted in blended program that utilized a combined science/ELD lesson plan format to structure and guide teachers' efforts to use science as the context for language development. Data, collected throughout the first 2 years of the program, include teacher-generated lesson plans, observation notes, and interviews with teachers and principals. The process by which the blended program was developed, the initial implementation of the program, the resulting science/ELD lesson plan format, and teachers' perceptions about the program and its impact on their students are described.

  19. Sweet Science for ALL! Supporting Inquiry-Based Learning through M&Ms Investigation for English Language Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Song, Youngjin; Higgins, Teresa; Harding-DeKam, Jenni

    2014-01-01

    This article describes a series of inquiry-based lessons that provide English language learners (ELLs) with opportunities to experience science and engineering practices with conceptual understanding as well as to develop their language proficiency in elementary classrooms. The four-lesson sequence models how various types of instructional…

  20. Equitable Instruction for Secondary Latino English Learners: Examining Critical Principles of Differentiation in Lesson Design

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Elsbree, Anne René; Hernández, Ana M.; Daoud, Annette

    2014-01-01

    The research emphasizes the need for educators to take more ownership of Latino English Learners (ELs) and identify effective lesson differentiation through subject area content (instruction), process (activities), and products (assessments). Based on the literature review, school achievement improves when practices address students' culture,…

  1. "I Learned to Believe in Me"

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Olson, Kirsten

    2012-01-01

    Learners who have struggled along the way can provide many lessons for everyone and for schools that are supposed to help all students learn. Based on interviews with hundreds of "great learners," the author identifies seven characteristics that describe what sets great learners apart from other learners. These are: (1) Great learners see learning…

  2. A CALL-Based Lesson Plan for Teaching Reading Comprehension to Iranian Intermediate EFL Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Khoshsima, Hooshang; Khosravani, Mahboobeh

    2014-01-01

    The main purpose of this descriptive research is to provide a CALL (Computer-Assisted Language Learning)-based lesson plan for teaching reading comprehension to Iranian intermediate EFL learners. CALL is a new way of learning and teaching language. It is proved that CALL mainly has positive effects on educational contexts. Although teachers…

  3. Identifying and Enhancing the Strengths of Gifted Learners, K-8: Easy-to-Use Activities and Lessons

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Maccagnano, Ann Marie

    2007-01-01

    Educators can identify children's strengths early on and gain insight into each student's unique abilities by using the numerous ideas and informal assessments in this exciting guide. Gifted and talented specialist Ann Maccagnano offers K-8 teachers challenging activities and engaging lessons to develop and nurture gifted learners' talents.…

  4. Experiences of facilitators or barriers in driving education from learner and novice drivers with ADHD or ASD and their driving instructors.

    PubMed

    Almberg, Maria; Selander, Helena; Falkmer, Marita; Vaz, Sharmila; Ciccarelli, Marina; Falkmer, Torbjörn

    2017-02-01

    Little is known about whether individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) experience any specific facilitators or barriers to driving education. To explore the facilitators or barriers to driving education experienced by individuals with ASD or ADHD who obtained a learner's permit, from the perspective of the learner drivers and their driving instructors. Data were collected from 33 participants with ASD or ADHD, and nine of their driving instructors. Participants with ASD required twice as many driving lessons and more on-road tests than those with ADHD. Participants with ADHD repeated the written tests more than those with ASD. Driving license theory was more challenging for individuals with ADHD, whilst individuals with ASD found translating theory into practice and adjusting to "unfamiliar" driving situations to be the greatest challenges. Obtaining a driving license was associated with stressful training experience.

  5. Guiding the Design of Lessons by Using the MAPLET Framework: Matching Aims, Processes, Learner Expertise and Technologies

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ifenthaler, Dirk; Gosper, Maree

    2014-01-01

    This paper introduces the MAPLET framework that was developed to map and link teaching aims, learning processes, learner expertise and technologies. An experimental study with 65 participants is reported to test the effectiveness of the framework as a guide to the design of lessons embedded within larger units of study. The findings indicate the…

  6. Professional Development at ERESE: Refining the inquiry process and moving towards a modularized templeate

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Helly, M.; Massell Symons, C.; Reining, J.; Staudigel, H.; Koppers, A.; Helly, J.; Miller, S.

    2005-12-01

    The Enduring Resources for Earth Science Education (ERESE) project has now held two professional development workshops to teach and apply the five stage inquiry lesson model for teaching plate tectonics. This development based on a collaborative effort between earth scientists, educators, librarians, and data archive managers, and works towards a classroom practice that focuses on transferring ownership of a classroom inquiry to the learner. The ERESE inquiry model features a modular, five stage approach: (1) a thoughtful orientation to create an environment of physical and intellectual safety for the learner, (2) a carefully chosen provocative phenomenon used to allow the learner to develop a wide range of scientific questions (3) a debriefing that reviews and honors the learners' questions along with the development of a testable hypothesis, (4) learners consult with ERESE resource matrices and the internet to obtain data and other information to test the hypothesis, and (5) the learners present their results in a presentation. The process of ERESE inquiry lessons is guided by a master template and involves a detailed teachers log for documentation of all activities. All products of the process are archived. The master template and teachers log are designed in a modular fashion that ultimately will accommodate a wide range of inquiry lesson styles and the variety of resources available to support the process. Key ERESE modules include: (1) a master template that provides a framework for lesson development, (2) provocative phenomenon for question generation and hypothesis development by the learner, (3) the ERESE resource matrix (which archives text, images and data by expert level for a wide range of scientific questions), and (4) a reflective essay that monitors the ownership transfer to the learner. Modular design of ERESE products allows for the archival of specific types of materials that can be independently accessed and applied to different inquiry styles. The broad appeal is an important step toward a more general product for inquiry based teaching.

  7. Buen Viaje: Mutually Beneficial Tourism. A Four-Lesson Unit about Traveling with Care in Mexico for Grades 8-12 and Adult Learners in English and Spanish.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mattson, Alexandra; Ruiz, Octavio; Sommers, Meredith

    Intended for secondary students, this curriculum unit (in both English and Spanish) provides a look into Mexico's second largest industry, tourism. The curriculum unit of four lessons includes general information about tourism, maps, stories, and a code of behavior for travelers. The unit enumerates learner objectives, defines vocabulary and…

  8. Amazing Animals

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Al-Kuwari, Najat Saad

    2007-01-01

    "Animals" is a three-part lesson plan for young learners with a zoo animal theme. The first lesson is full of activities to describe animals, with Simon Says, guessing games, and learning stations. The second lesson is about desert animals, but other types of animals could be chosen depending on student interest. This lesson teaches…

  9. Interrelations in the Development of Primary School Learners' Creative Imagination and Creative Activity When Depicting a Portrait in Visual Art Lessons

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Šlahova, Aleksandra; Volonte, Ilze; Cacka, Maris

    2017-01-01

    Creative imagination is a psychic process of creating a new original image, idea or art work based on the acquired knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as on the experience of creative activity. The best of all primary school learners' creative imagination develops at the lessons of visual art, aimed at teaching them to understand what is…

  10. Lesson Development for English Learners in Content Area Settings: Key Considerations. Q&A with Sarah Catherine K. Moore, Ph.D. 2016 Educator Effectiveness Webinar Series

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Moore, Sarah Catherine K.

    2016-01-01

    In this webinar, Dr. Sarah Catherine K. Moore, Program Director at the Center for Applied Linguistics, outlined factors for content area teachers to consider as they design and deliver lessons for mainstream classrooms that include English learner (EL) students. This Q&A addressed the questions participants had for Dr. Moore following the…

  11. Trees

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Al-Khaja, Nawal

    2007-01-01

    This is a thematic lesson plan for young learners about palm trees and the importance of taking care of them. The two part lesson teaches listening, reading and speaking skills. The lesson includes parts of a tree; the modal auxiliary, can; dialogues and a role play activity.

  12. Serious Use of a Serious Game for Language Learning

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Johnson, W. Lewis

    2010-01-01

    The Tactical Language and Culture Training System (TLCTS) helps learners acquire basic communicative skills in foreign languages and cultures. Learners acquire communication skills through a combination of interactive lessons and serious games. Artificial intelligence plays multiple roles in this learning environment: to process the learner's…

  13. Reading Mini-Lessons: An Instructional Practice for Meaning Centered Reading Programs.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Barrentine, Shelby; And Others

    1995-01-01

    Mini-lessons (brief, informative explanations that demonstrate what readers do) are a key instructional practice in meaning centered reading programs. The content of the mini-lessons is determined by the needs of learners. In procedural mini-lessons, teachers explain the steps for successfully completing a task or performing a reading-related…

  14. Suggestions for Vocabulary Focused Reading Lessons for Mainstream Classrooms Addressing Both L1 and L2 Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Seifert, Susanne; Kulmhofer, Andrea; Paleczek, Lisa; Schwab, Susanne; Gasteiger-Klicpera, Barbara

    2017-01-01

    The increasing number of second language learners in classrooms all around the world has required teachers to adapt their teaching methods and materials to the various learners' needs. Second language learners in particular need specific learning strategies, which not only aim at helping them understand the linguistic structure of the language of…

  15. Preparing English Learners for College and Career: Lessons from Successful High Schools. Language and Literacy Series

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Santos, Maria; Palacios, Martha Castellón; Cheuk, Tina; Greene, Rebecca; Mercado-Garcia, Diana; Zerkel, Lisa; Hakuta, Kenji; Skarin, Renae

    2018-01-01

    How do school communities create environments that fully prepare both English learners and dual-language learners for colleges and careers? This valuable book profiles six high-performing high schools that had a singular focus on improving the educational outcomes of English learners. The authors use these case studies to identify a comprehensive…

  16. Experiments in socially guided exploration: lessons learned in building robots that learn with and without human teachers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Thomaz, Andrea; Breazeal, Cynthia

    2008-06-01

    We present a learning system, socially guided exploration, in which a social robot learns new tasks through a combination of self-exploration and social interaction. The system's motivational drives, along with social scaffolding from a human partner, bias behaviour to create learning opportunities for a hierarchical reinforcement learning mechanism. The robot is able to learn on its own, but can flexibly take advantage of the guidance of a human teacher. We report the results of an experiment that analyses what the robot learns on its own as compared to being taught by human subjects. We also analyse the video of these interactions to understand human teaching behaviour and the social dynamics of the human-teacher/robot-learner system. With respect to learning performance, human guidance results in a task set that is significantly more focused and efficient at the tasks the human was trying to teach, whereas self-exploration results in a more diverse set. Analysis of human teaching behaviour reveals insights of social coupling between the human teacher and robot learner, different teaching styles, strong consistency in the kinds and frequency of scaffolding acts across teachers and nuances in the communicative intent behind positive and negative feedback.

  17. Bridging the language gap: Exploring science teachers' dual role as teachers of content and English literacy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Arnold, Suzanne C.

    Responsibility for educating English language learners is increasingly falling on the shoulders of content specialists at the secondary level, as students are mainstreamed into classes. Therefore, providing these students an opportunity to achieve academic success depends largely on the quality of mainstream instruction (Cornell, 1995). Most teachers receive little or no preparation in how to work with English language learners. In my study, I address the instructional issues confronting three white, monolingual English-speaking middle school science teachers who must meet the demands of an increasing English language learner population. Specifically, this study explores teacher beliefs and enactment of reform-oriented science and sheltered instructional approaches to develop English language learners scientific and English literacy skills. I also explore the relationships that exist between these two dynamics in an effort to determine the extent to which teachers take on a dual role as teachers promoting English language and science proficiency. Using a participant observation case study method and my adaptation of Schwab's commonplaces heuristic, I analyzed the relationship between teacher beliefs, milieu, subject matter, and enactment in bridging the language gap in the science classroom for English language learners. The most noteworthy finding of this study was the significant role of milieu in enacting lessons that bridge the language gap and foster the development of English language learners science and English literacy skills. The findings suggest that greater attention be given to helping teachers establish a relationship-driven classroom milieu. You can provide all kinds of courses or professional learning experiences to improve teachers' instructional practices, but they must also recognize the importance of establishing relationships with their students; the coursework they take will not supplant the need to foster a warm and safe environment for all students. Practicing teachers need professional development experiences where they explore their own cultural identity, investigate their misconceptions of "others," and embrace the role of empowering students who have been marginalized culturally, economically, and/or linguistically to achieve a status as fully participating members of the classroom community.

  18. Effective Lesson Planning: Field Trips in the Science Curriculum

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rieger, C. R.

    2010-10-01

    Science field trips can positively impact and motivate students. However, if a field trip is not executed properly, with appropriate preparation and follow-up reinforcement, it can result in a loss of valuable educational time and promote misconceptions in the students. This study was undertaken to determine if a classroom lesson before an out-of-the-classroom activity would affect learner gain more or less than a lesson after the activity. The study was based on the immersive theater movie ``Earth's Wild Ride'' coupled with a teacher-led Power Point lesson. The participants in the study were students in a sixth grade physical science class. The order of lessons showed no detectable effect on final learner outcomes. Based on pre- and post-testing, improvement in mean learning gain came from the teacher-led lesson independent of the movie. The visit to the immersive theater, however, had significant positive effects that did not show up in the quantitative results of the testing.

  19. Planning and Teaching To Remember.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Davies, Nigel R.

    2001-01-01

    Suggests simple planning and instructional strategies to improve student learning and understanding for present and long -term application. The first section discusses learner-related issues. The second section focuses on the lesson plan (the introduction, the lesson body, and the lesson closure). The third section examines other strategies for…

  20. Music lessons: revealing medicine's learning culture through a comparison with that of music.

    PubMed

    Watling, Christopher; Driessen, Erik; van der Vleuten, Cees P M; Vanstone, Meredith; Lingard, Lorelei

    2013-08-01

    Research on medical learning has tended to focus on the individual learner, but a sufficient understanding of the learning process requires that attention also be paid to the essential influence of the cultural context within which learning takes place. In this study, we undertook a comparative examination of two learning cultures - those of music and medicine - in order to unearth assumptions about learning that are taken for granted within the medical culture. We used a constructivist grounded theory approach to explore experiences of learning within the two cultures. We conducted nine focus groups (two with medical students, three with residents, four with music students) and four individual interviews (with one clinician-educator, one music educator and two doctor-musicians), for a total of 37 participants. Analysis occurred alongside and informed data collection. Themes were identified iteratively using constant comparisons. Cultural perspectives diverged in terms of where learning should occur, what learning outcomes are desired, and how learning is best facilitated. Whereas medicine valued learning by doing, music valued learning by lesson. Whereas medical learners aimed for competence, music students aimed instead for ever-better performance. Whereas medical learners valued their teachers for their clinical skills more than for their teaching abilities, the opposite was true in music, in which teachers' instructional skills were paramount. Self-assessment challenged learners in both cultures, but medical learners viewed self-assessment as a skill they could develop, whereas music students recognised that external feedback would always be required. This comparative analysis reveals that medicine and music make culturally distinct assumptions about teaching and learning. The contrasts between the two cultures illuminate potential vulnerabilities in the medical learning culture, including the risks inherent in its competence-focused approach and the constraints it places on its own teachers. By highlighting these vulnerabilities, we provide a stimulus for reimagining and renewing medicine's educational practices. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  1. Learner Autonomy Scale: A Scale Development Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Orakci, Senol; Gelisli, Yücel

    2017-01-01

    The goal of the study is to develop a scale named "Learner Autonomy Scale" (LAS) for determining the learner autonomy of the students toward English lesson. The proposal scale, composed of 29 items, was applied to two study groups in Turkey. The group of Exploratory Factor Analysis that aims to determine the psychometric properties…

  2. Reasons behind Young Learners' Learning of Foreign Languages

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Akçay, Aslihan; Ferzan Bütüner, Tuba; Arikan, Arda

    2015-01-01

    English has become a compulsory lesson starting at the second grade in Turkey while younger learners are growingly introduced to it at earlier ages through various pre-schools, day-care programs and private courses. This descriptive study focuses on young learners' self-reported reasons for learning English and other foreign languages. Twenty…

  3. Learning Styles in the Art Room

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rohrbach, Marla

    2011-01-01

    Art students have different learning styles. Some are visual learners who need to see the information. Some are auditory learners who need to hear the information. Others are tactile/kinesthetic learners who need to move, do, or touch in order to learn. Looking over her curriculum and lesson plans, the author realized almost every art lesson…

  4. WWC Review of the Report "A Written Language Intervention for At-Risk Second Grade Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Process Assessment of the Learner Lesson Plans in a Tier 2 Response-to-Intervention (RtI) Model." What Works Clearinghouse Single Study Review

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    What Works Clearinghouse, 2014

    2014-01-01

    The study examined the effects of "Process Assessment of the Learner" ("PAL"), a writing expression curriculum. The program was tested with second-grade students in a suburban-rural school district in the southeastern United States. Three sections of PAL lessons were implemented in the district as a small-group curriculum…

  5. Northampton Community College Adult Learner Competencies Implementation. Final Report, 1998-1999 [and] Adult Learner Competencies Implementation Manual for Workshops #1 and #2 and NCC Competencies-Based Lesson Plan "Mini-Bank".

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sullivan, Judy

    A project provided training and guidance to Northampton Community College (NCC) staff in implementing the "new" adult learner skill competencies. Two workshops were held to serve 29 staff in Monroe, Wayne, and Pike counties in Pennsylvania. Among the topics covered were defining and introducing portfolios to adult learners, individualizing…

  6. A Case Study of a Learner's Transition from Mainstream Schooling to a School for Learners with Special Educational Needs (LSEN): Lessons for Mainstream Education

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Pillay, Jace; Di Terlizzi, Marisa

    2009-01-01

    Currently there is an international shift towards inclusive education, a means of education according to which the learner is schooled in the least restrictive environment possible, to overcome his or her challenges to learning and development. Bearing this in mind we considered the experiences of a learner with learning difficulties who transited…

  7. Patterns of Change: Forces and Motion

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Phillips, Marianne; Jeffery, Tonya D.

    2016-01-01

    Patterns of Change: Forces and Motion is an integrated science lesson that uses the 5E lesson cycle to tie together science with language arts, mathematics, literature, technology, engineering and social studies in an engaging format applicable for young learners. This lesson has been uniquely designed for the purpose of providing elementary…

  8. Learner Control of Instructional Sequence in Computer-Based Instruction: A Comparison to Programmed Control.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lahey, George F.; Coady, James D.

    This study was conducted to determine whether learner control of lesson strategy is superior to programmed control in computer-based instruction (CBI), and, if so, whether learner control is more effective when guidance is provided. Subjects were 164 trainees assigned to the Basic Electricity/Electronics School in San Diego. They were randomly…

  9. Multiple Femininities in a "Single Sex" School: Re-Orienting Life Orientation to Learner Lifeworlds

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mthatyana, Andisiwe; Vincent, Louise

    2015-01-01

    Life Orientation sexuality education in South Africa faces many pedagogical challenges, not least among which is that it is sometimes perceived as irrelevant to learners' real interests and concerns. Learners report that the content is repetitive and that they learn more from peers than from the reiterated lessons of risk and disease avoidance…

  10. Video as a Professional Development Tool to Support Novice Teachers as They Learn to Teach English Language Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Estapa, Anne; Pinnow, Rachel J.; Chval, Kathryn B.

    2016-01-01

    This two-year study investigated how an innovative video tool enhanced novice-teacher noticing abilities and instructional practice in relation to teaching mathematics to English language learners in third grade classrooms. Specifically, teachers viewed videos of their mathematics lessons that were filmed by Latino English language learners who…

  11. A Learner Directed Approach to Mano. A Handbook on Communication and Culture with Dialogs, Texts, Cultural Notes, Exercises, Drills and Instructions.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    deZeeuw, Peter; Kruah, Rexanna

    This book for Peace Corps volunteers on learning Mano, one of the languages of Liberia, is divided into two sections. The first section consists of ten lessons and two review lessons, while the second section has eight lessons and a final review lesson. Each lesson is divided into four or five sections: (1) tests and dialogues, (2) grammatical and…

  12. What's the Technology For? Teacher Attention and Pedagogical Goals in a Modeling-Focused Professional Development Workshop

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wilkerson, Michelle Hoda; Andrews, Chelsea; Shaban, Yara; Laina, Vasiliki; Gravel, Brian E.

    2016-02-01

    This paper explores the role that technology can play in engaging pre-service teachers with the iterative, "messy" nature of model-based inquiry. Over the course of 5 weeks, 11 pre-service teachers worked in groups to construct models of diffusion using a computational animation and simulation toolkit, and designed lesson plans for the toolkit. Content analyses of group discussions and lesson plans document attention to content, representation, revision, and evaluation as interwoven aspects of modeling over the course of the workshop. When animating, only content and representation were heavily represented in group discussions. When simulating, all four aspects were represented to different extents across groups. Those differences corresponded with different planned uses for the technology during lessons: to teach modeling, to engage learners with one another's ideas, or to reveal student ideas. We identify specific ways in which technology served an important role in eliciting teachers' knowledge and goals related to scientific modeling in the classroom.

  13. Decreasing Cognitive Load for Novice EFL Learners: Effects of Question and Descriptive Advance Organizers in Facilitating EFL Learners' Comprehension of an Animation-Based Content Lesson

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lin, Huifen; Chen, Tsuiping

    2006-01-01

    Cognitive load can be defined as the amount of mental effort that performing a specific task imposes on a learner's cognitive system. It can be measured by the number of new concepts embedded in a learning task. English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners, with their limited English proficiency and minimal entry knowledge of a subject matter,…

  14. Las Heroinas en el Mundo Mio y Yo (Myself and Women Heroes in My World).

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    National Women's History Project, Windsor, CA.

    This book offers a series of lesson plans and resources for teaching young learners (K-3) about heroines in U.S. history. The book offers general guidelines for presentation of the materials as well as specific suggestions for individual lessons. Each lesson focuses on a particular historical figure and includes a biography, a lesson plan outline,…

  15. (Dis)Solving the Differences: A Physical Science Lesson Using Universal Design

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kurtts, Stephanie A.; Matthews, Catherine E.; Smallwood, Tammy

    2009-01-01

    Universal design for learning (UDL) holds promise for teachers who are struggling with creating lessons that allow all students access to and engagement with the general science curriculum. In this article, the authors demonstrate how a secondary physical science lesson about solubility and concentration can be designed for diverse learners' needs…

  16. Lessons from the Middle: High-End Learning for Middle School Students.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kaplan, Sandra

    This book provides 12 theme-based model lessons for gifted students in grades 6, 7, and 8. Introductory material addresses ways to integrate middle school curricula with established national standards and principles of differentiated curriculum. Each lesson follows a five-part outline: (1)motivation (stimulating the learner); (2) input (providing…

  17. Using Plot Twists to Engage Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ryan, Laura E.; Dietiker, Leslie

    2018-01-01

    One way to recognize how mathematical lessons can be stimulating for children is to interpret them as stories. If mathematical lessons follow a structure similar to that of a story, they can build anticipation, create surprise, and even generate intrigue (Egan 1988). To support the design of mathematical lessons with these types of aesthetic…

  18. Abraham Lincoln--His Words and His World: a Unit Plan.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Diamond, Ronald L.; Diamond, Linda W.

    Planned for an eighth-grade classroom, this unit plan, consisting of 19 lesson plans on the topic of Abraham Lincoln, is based upon the fulfillment of 17 unit objectives. Each daily lesson plan specifies the following: lesson theme, learner objective, needed prerequisites, new vocabulary or terms, learning set/motivation, presentation of new…

  19. Creative, Kinesthetic Activities to Motivate Young Learners to Communicate: A Conversation with Paula Garrett-Rucks

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Devall, Kelly Davidson

    2015-01-01

    This article presents a question and answer session in which Paula Garrett-Rucks discusses how creativity and kinesthetics motivate young language learners, the type of characteristics she might consider for different age groups in planning lessons, her views on the goals of world language teachers of young learners, and what a typical lesson…

  20. Learners' Field Dependence and the Effects of Personalized Narration on Learners' Computer Perceptions and Task-Related Attitudes in Multimedia Learning

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Liew, Tze Wei; Tan, Su-Mae; Seydali, Rouzbeh

    2014-01-01

    In this article, the effects of personalized narration in multimedia learning on learners' computer perceptions and task-related attitudes were examined. Twenty-six field independent and 22 field dependent participants studied the computer-based multimedia lessons on C-Programming, either with personalized narration or non-personalized narration.…

  1. Effects of Learner Cognitive Styles and Metacognitive Tools on Information Acquisition Paths and Learning in Hyperspace Environments.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hsu, T. Ella; And Others

    This study was designed to investigate the effects of the presence or absence of metacognitive skill tools available in hyperspace environments on field independent and field dependent learners. Learners were engaged in problem solving in an information-rich hyperspace based on a lesson on the attack on Pearl Harbor. Forty undergraduates were…

  2. Gesture helps learners learn, but not merely by guiding their visual attention.

    PubMed

    Wakefield, Elizabeth; Novack, Miriam A; Congdon, Eliza L; Franconeri, Steven; Goldin-Meadow, Susan

    2018-04-16

    Teaching a new concept through gestures-hand movements that accompany speech-facilitates learning above-and-beyond instruction through speech alone (e.g., Singer & Goldin-Meadow, ). However, the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are still under investigation. Here, we use eye tracking to explore one often proposed mechanism-gesture's ability to direct visual attention. Behaviorally, we replicate previous findings: Children perform significantly better on a posttest after learning through Speech+Gesture instruction than through Speech Alone instruction. Using eye tracking measures, we show that children who watch a math lesson with gesture do allocate their visual attention differently from children who watch a math lesson without gesture-they look more to the problem being explained, less to the instructor, and are more likely to synchronize their visual attention with information presented in the instructor's speech (i.e., follow along with speech) than children who watch the no-gesture lesson. The striking finding is that, even though these looking patterns positively predict learning outcomes, the patterns do not mediate the effects of training condition (Speech Alone vs. Speech+Gesture) on posttest success. We find instead a complex relation between gesture and visual attention in which gesture moderates the impact of visual looking patterns on learning-following along with speech predicts learning for children in the Speech+Gesture condition, but not for children in the Speech Alone condition. Gesture's beneficial effects on learning thus come not merely from its ability to guide visual attention, but also from its ability to synchronize with speech and affect what learners glean from that speech. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  3. Let Social Interaction Flourish

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Case, Anny Fritzen

    2016-01-01

    The author describes lessons learned--through a high school project that grouped English language learners with native speakers to create a video--about ways to foster respectful, productive interaction among English learners and peers who are native speakers. The potential benefits of students who are just learning English interacting socially…

  4. The Saturn Educator Guide

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Morrow, C. A.; Throop, H. B.

    1998-09-01

    NASA's Cassini Mission to Saturn is the most ambitious deep space mission ever. Its 4-year scientific tour of Saturn, its majestic rings, and its 18 presently known moons will reveal new beauty, richness and insights on behalf of all humankind. This presentation introduces the inquiry-based lessons from the innovative Saturn Educator Guide, appropriate for grades 5-8. The Guide is the product of a collaborative venture among teachers, scientists, engineers, and education researchers. The Guide offers opportunities to explore Saturn as a system, and the Cassini robotic spacecraft as an extension of human senses. There are also unique lessons on the history of science, science as a human endeavor, and science in social and personal perspectives. The Guide highlights the interconnections between Saturn and other areas of human endeavor (art, language, history and mythology). This distinctive blend will enable a grander diversity of learners to share and benefit from the excitement of Cassini mission discoveries.

  5. Studying Treatment Intensity: Lessons from Two Preliminary Studies

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Neil, Nicole; Jones, Emily A.

    2015-01-01

    Determining how best to meet the needs of learners with Down syndrome requires an approach to intervention delivered at some level of intensity. How treatment intensity affects learner acquisition, maintenance, and generalization of skills can help optimize the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of interventions. There is a growing body of research…

  6. Using Tiered Assignments to Engage Learners in Advanced Placement Physics

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Geddes, Kimberly A.

    2010-01-01

    This article presents lesson plans that incorporate tiered objectives and brainstorming techniques as means for differentiating instruction and ensuring that learners are challenged at levels commensurate with their abilities even though they are developing an understanding of the same physics concepts. A listing of materials and resources…

  7. Coursework to Classroom: Learning to Scaffold Instruction for Bilingual Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Schall-Leckrone, Laura

    2018-01-01

    This qualitative research study examined the extent to which novice and student teachers drew upon pre-service preparation to use scaffolding practices identified in the literature as supportive of bilingual learners' (EBs') acquisition of academic content. Data sources included videotaped class observations, lesson plans and teaching materials,…

  8. Can pluralistic approaches based upon unknown languages enhance learner engagement and lead to active social inclusion?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dahm, Rebecca

    2017-08-01

    One way to foster active social inclusion is to enable students to develop a positive attitude to "foreignness". Creating a situation where mainstream students are less wary of foreign languages and cultures, and where newcomers feel their linguistic background is being valued, provides favourable conditions for the inclusion of these newcomers in the classroom and in society. However, language classrooms in French schools rarely take any previously acquired linguistic knowledge into account, thus unconsciously contributing to the rift between multilingual learners (e.g. 1st- and 2nd-generation immigrant children, refugees, children of parents with different mother tongues) and French learners. Native French learners' first experience of learning another language is usually when English is added as a subject to their curriculum in primary school. In some schools in France, English lessons now include the simulation of multilingual situations, designed in particular for the French "quasi-monolingual" students to lose their fear of unknown languages and "foreignness" in general. But the overall aim is to help both groups of learners become aware of the positive impact of multilingualism on cognitive abilities. However, to achieve long-term effects, this awareness-raising needs to be accompanied by maximum engagement on the part of the students. This article explores an instructional strategy termed Pluralistic Approaches based upon Unknown Languages (PAUL), which was designed to develop learning strategies of quasi-monolingual students in particular and to increase learner engagement more generally. The results of a small-scale PAUL study discussed by the author seem to confirm an increase in learner engagement leading to an enhancement of learning outcomes. Moreover, PAUL seems indeed suitable for helping to prepare the ground for social inclusion.

  9. Fun with Weather

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Yildirim, Rana

    2007-01-01

    This three-part weather-themed lesson for young learners connects weather, clothing, and feelings vocabulary. The target structures covered are: asking about the weather; comparing weather; using the modal auxiliary, should; and the question word, when. The lessons utilize all four skills and include such activities as going outside, singing,…

  10. Lessons that Bear Repeating and Repeating that Bears Lessons: An Interdisciplinary Unit on Principles of Minimalism in Modern Music, Art, and Poetry (Grades 4-8)

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Smigel, Eric; McDonald, Nan L.

    2012-01-01

    This theory-to-practice article focuses on interdisciplinary classroom activities based on principles of minimalism in modern music, art, and poetry. A lesson sequence was designed for an inner-city Grades 4 and 5 general classroom of English language learners, where the unit was taught, assessed, and documented by the authors. Included in the…

  11. The Use of Lesson Study Combined with Content Representation in the Planning of Physics Lessons During Field Practice to Develop Pedagogical Content Knowledge

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Juhler, Martin Vogt

    2016-08-01

    Recent research, both internationally and in Norway, has clearly expressed concerns about missing connections between subject-matter knowledge, pedagogical competence and real-life practice in schools. This study addresses this problem within the domain of field practice in teacher education, studying pre-service teachers' planning of a Physics lesson. Two means of intervention were introduced. The first was lesson study, which is a method for planning, carrying out and reflecting on a research lesson in detail with a learner and content-centered focus. This was used in combination with a second means, content representations, which is a systematic tool that connects overall teaching aims with pedagogical prompts. Changes in teaching were assessed through the construct of pedagogical content knowledge (PCK). A deductive coding analysis was carried out for this purpose. Transcripts of pre-service teachers' planning of a Physics lesson were coded into four main PCK categories, which were thereafter divided into 16 PCK sub-categories. The results showed that the intervention affected the pre-service teachers' potential to start developing PCK. First, they focused much more on categories concerning the learners. Second, they focused far more uniformly in all of the four main categories comprising PCK. Consequently, these differences could affect their potential to start developing PCK.

  12. Conditions for Learning: Part 3

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Andrews, Paul; Sayers, Judy

    2006-01-01

    In this article, the authors compare texts, times, technologies, and trails in mathematics lessons in five European countries (Flanders, England, Finland, Hungary and Spain). They start by discussing the provision and use of textbooks. After this they discuss lesson lengths and their impact on learners. They consider the extent of technology…

  13. Movement Education Framework (MEF) Made EZ!

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Weiller-Abels, Karen; Bridges, Jennifer

    2011-01-01

    All physical educators want to provide lessons that foster success. Particularly essential to the movement education framework is not only providing lessons that foster motor success, but also to develop knowledge about movement to help the learner develop skill in executing all different types of movement. The framework and examples provided in…

  14. Language![R]. What Works Clearinghouse Intervention Report

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    What Works Clearinghouse, 2013

    2013-01-01

    "LANGUAGE!"[R] is a language arts intervention designed for struggling learners in grades 3-12 who score below the 40th percentile on standardized literacy tests. The curriculum integrates English literacy acquisition skills into a six-step lesson format. During a daily lesson, students work on six key literacy strands (which the…

  15. Your Country 1 & 2!

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kohnke, Lucas

    2011-01-01

    This article describes two lesson plans based on the theme: "Your Country," developed using Gilly Salmon's 5 step model in creating e-tivities. The lesson plan model contains five steps that include: (1) Access and motivation where learners will gain experience in using technology, relevant and authentic tasks which will provide explicit…

  16. Learner Response System: Evaluation Report and Executive Summary

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wiggins, Meg; Sawtell, Mary; Jerrim, John

    2017-01-01

    This Learner Response System (LRS) intervention involves the use of electronic handheld devices that allow teachers and pupils to provide immediate feedback during lessons. For example, pupils can respond to a question using the device and responses are immediately visible to the teacher, or they can work through problems on the device at their…

  17. Using Art to Teach History to Young Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Christensen, Lois McFadyen

    2006-01-01

    This article describes how using authentic artwork, such as that of Bernice Sims, as an instructional strategy can help young learners inquire about historical events. The accompanying lesson illustrates how to use Sims's works and life experiences to gain new perspectives and a greater understanding of the civil rights movement and social justice…

  18. Uptake in Incidental Focus on Form in Meaning-Focused ESL Lessons

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Loewen, Shawn

    2004-01-01

    Uptake is a term used to describe learners' responses to the provision of feedback after either an erroneous utterance or a query about a linguistic item within the context of meaning-focused language activities. Some researchers argue that uptake may contribute to second language acquisition by facilitating noticing and pushing learners to…

  19. Do "Current" Teaching Methodologies Really Work in Every Context?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Yürekli, Aynur

    2017-01-01

    This study examines the impact that learners have on the effective implementation of the Communicative Language Teaching Approach (CLT) in monolingual English for Academic Purposes (EAP) class in a country where English is taught as a foreign rather than second language. Based on recorded language lessons of four different learner groups, it…

  20. Accounting Clerk Guide, Learner Packet--Part I. A Spec Unit for the 10th, 11th, or 12th Grade. A Career Education Unit (An Edited Developmental Draft).

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Foster, Brian; And Others

    The learner packet is part of an eight volume unit for grades 10, 11, and 12, designed for individualized progression in preparing students for entry into the occupation of accounting clerk. Intended to be used on an individual basis at the student's own speed, the learner packet contains vocabulary, suggested lesson time, self-check keys, and…

  1. Kinesthetic Astronomy: Significant Upgrades to the Sky Time Lesson that Support Student Learning

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Morrow, C. A.; Zawaski, M.

    2004-12-01

    This paper will report on a significant upgrade to the first in a series of innovative, experiential lessons we call Kinesthetic Astronomy. The Sky Time lesson reconnects students with the astronomical meaning of the day, year, and seasons. Like all Kinesthetic Astronomy lessons, it teaches basic astronomical concepts through choreographed bodily movements and positions that provide educational sensory experiences. They are intended for sixth graders up through adult learners in both formal and informal educational settings. They emphasize astronomical concepts and phenomenon that people can readily encounter in their "everyday" lives such as time, seasons, and sky motions of the Sun, Moon, stars, and planets. Kinesthetic Astronomy lesson plans are fully aligned with national science education standards, both in content and instructional practice. Our lessons offer a complete learning cycle with written assessment opportunities now embedded throughout the lesson. We have substantially strengthened the written assessment options for the Sky Time lesson to help students translate their kinesthetic and visual learning into the verbal-linguistic and mathematical-logical realms of expression. Field testing with non-science undergraduates, middle school science teachers and students, Junior Girl Scouts, museum education staff, and outdoor educators has been providing evidence that Kinesthetic Astronomy techniques allow learners to achieve a good grasp of concepts that are much more difficult to learn in more conventional ways such as via textbooks or even computer animation. Field testing of the Sky Time lesson has also led us to significant changes from the previous version to support student learning. We will report on the nature of these changes.

  2. A Study of Teacher-Learner Interactions: A Continuum Between Monologic and Dialogic Interactions.

    PubMed

    Kathard, Harsha; Pillay, Daisy; Pillay, Mershen

    2015-07-01

    Teachers and learners must be able to shift flexibly along the continuum of monologic and dialogic interactional repertoires to advance learning. This article describes how teachers and learners interacted during whole-class instruction along the continuum between monologic and dialogic interaction in primary school classrooms in Western Cape, South Africa. A video-observation method was used to analyze teacher-learner interactions (TLIs) across 15 lessons in intermediate-phase classrooms. TLIs were analyzed in relation to indicators such as authority, questions, feedback, explanation, metalevel connection, and collaboration. The transcriptions of TLIs were described using quantitative and qualitative techniques. The study found that teachers sustained dominant monologic interactions by asserting their authority, asking mainly closed-ended questions, and providing confirming/correcting feedback that constrained the interaction. Learners had limited opportunities for explanations or collaboration. Across most lessons, there were episodic shifts from monologic TLIs to transitional TLIs. These transitions were achieved by using mainly open-ended questions and feedback to expand the interaction. Dialogic TLIs were not evident. Monologic TLIs were dominant, closing down opportunities for communication. Although transitional TLIs were evident, they were episodic and showed the potential for opening interaction opportunities. The absence of dialogic TLIs suggested that collaborative engagement opportunities were unavailable. The opportunity for intervention to increase dialogic TLIs is discussed.

  3. Inquiry-based Science Activities Using The Infrared Zoo and Infrared Yellowstone Resources at Cool Cosmos

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Daou, D.; Gauthier, A.

    2003-12-01

    Inquiry-based activities that utilize the Cool Cosmos image galleries have been designed and developed by K12 teachers enrolled in The Invisible Universe Online for Teachers course. The exploration activities integrate the Our Infrared World Gallery (http://coolcosmos.ipac.caltech.edu/image_galleries/our_ir_world_gallery.html) with either the Infrared Zoo gallery (http://coolcosmos.ipac.caltech.edu/image_galleries/ir_zoo/index.html) or the Infrared Yellowstone image http://coolcosmos.ipac.caltech.edu/image_galleries/ir_yellowstone/index.html) and video (http://coolcosmos.ipac.caltech.edu/videos/ir_yellowstone/index.html) galleries. Complete instructor guides have been developed for the activities and will be presented by the authors in poster and CD form. Although the activities are written for middle and highschool learners, they can easily be adapted for college audiences. The Our Infrared World Gallery exploration helps learners think critically about visible light and infrared light as they compare sets of images (IR and visible light) of known objects. For example: by taking a regular photograph of a running faucet, can you tell if it is running hot or cold water? What new information does the IR image give you? The Infrared Zoo activities encourage learners to investigate the differences between warm and cold blooded animals by comparing sets of IR and visible images. In one activity, learners take on the role of a pit viper seeking prey in various desert and woodland settings. The main activities are extended into the real world by discussing and researching industrial, medical, and societal applications of infrared technologies. The Infrared Yellowstone lessons give learners a unique perspective on Yellowstone National Park and it's spectacular geologic and geothermal features. Infrared video technology is highlighted as learners make detailed observations about the visible and infrared views of the natural phenomena. The "Cool Cosmos" EPO activities are coordinated and managed by the SIRTF Science Center, based at the Infrared Processing and Analysis Center on the campus of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. You can find Cool Cosmos at http://coolcosmos.ipac.caltech.edu/

  4. Who Do I Look Like? Diversity in Self, Family, and Others

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mensah, Felicia Moore

    2010-01-01

    In this introductory, hands-on, multicultural genetics lesson for elementary students, the author describes an activity used to engage learners in understanding diversity in self, family, and others. Students make connections between traits within their family and learn a few basic concepts about inheritance. At the end of the lesson, the author…

  5. Twain's "Hannibal." Learning Page Lesson Plan.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wood, Jan; Thiese, Norma

    Writers are influenced by their environment including family, community, lifestyle, or location. One such writer was Mark Twain. With this lesson plan the learner will become familiar with and analyze life around Mark Twain's hometown, Hannibal, Missouri, during the latter half of the 19th century by using various online and print resources to…

  6. English as a Second Language for Adults: A Curriculum Guide.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Selman, Mary; And Others

    To help improve English as a Second Language (ESL) programs for adult learners, this curriculum guide provides informative materials for the teacher and 30 sections of lessons suitable for adaptation by the teacher. Teacher information includes materials on language teaching and learning, use of the guide, needs assessment, adapting lesson plans,…

  7. Why Higher Education: Lessons Learned in a Learner-Centered College

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Shugart, Sanford C.

    2016-01-01

    Based on a decade of consistently improving student outcomes at Valencia College, first winner of the Aspen Prize for Excellence in Community Colleges, five lessons for connecting student and institutional purpose are described. These include: a focus on what students really experience, understanding the college as a bridge and not a destination,…

  8. Novice Teachers' Perspectives on Learning in Lesson Rehearsals in Second Language Teacher Preparation

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Troyan, Francis John; Peercy, Megan Madigan

    2016-01-01

    Although scholars working in core practices have put forth lesson rehearsals as central to novice teachers' learning and development, there is little work on how novice teachers experience rehearsals. This qualitative research investigated learning opportunities for novice teachers of language learners during rehearsals. The analysis examines two…

  9. Technology Teacher Trainees' Lesson Planning Approach in South Africa: Room for Improvement

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kola, Malose Isaac

    2017-01-01

    Technology education in South Africa provides learners with the opportunity to, inter alia, solve problems by applying creative skills using authentic contexts that are embedded in real-life situations. Effective lesson planning is rather imperative in exploiting this opportunity. The design process is considered to be the backbone of teaching…

  10. Writing Strategies for All Primary Students: Scaffolding Independent Writing with Differentiated Mini-Lessons, Grades K-3

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Richards, Janet C.; Lassonde, Cynthia A.

    2011-01-01

    The 25 mini-lessons provided in this book are designed to develop students' self-regulated writing behaviors and enhance their self-perceived writing abilities. These foundational writing strategies are applicable and adaptable to all primary students: emergent, advanced, English Language Learners, and struggling writers. Following the SCAMPER…

  11. Drawing upon Lessons Learned: Effective Curriculum and Instruction for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Gifted Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Swanson, Julie Dingle

    2016-01-01

    Javits Gifted and Talented Education Program has provided a wealth of knowledge on culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) gifted learners and how to support teachers in their work with CLD students. This study examined five impactful Javits projects through qualitative inquiry centered on how innovative practice takes root or not. Using…

  12. Captivating Lifelong Learners in the Third Age: Lessons Learned from a University-Based Institute

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Talmage, Craig A.; Lacher, R. Geoffrey; Pstross, Mikulas; Knopf, Richard C.; Burkhart, Karla A.

    2015-01-01

    The prevalence of learning providers for third agers continues to expand alongside the growth of the older adult population, yet there remains little empirical evidence on what types of learning experiences are most desired by lifelong learners. This article examines the effects that different learning topics have on attendance at classes hosted…

  13. Understanding Challenges Physics Teachers Come Across as They Implement Learner-Centred Approaches in Lesotho

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Qhobela, Makomosela; Moru, Eunice Kolitsoe

    2014-01-01

    Teacher-centred strategies have dominated most physics lessons in Lesotho. This study attempted to understand the contributing factors for the choice of teacher-centred teaching instead of learner-centred teaching with the goal of informing a professional development programme designed to address this problem. The paper responds to the research…

  14. Identifying Strategies that Facilitate EFL Learners' Oral Communication: A Classroom Study Using Multiple Data Collection Procedures

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Nakatani, Yasuo

    2010-01-01

    This article considers whether the use of specific communication strategies can improve learners' English proficiency in communicative tasks. Japanese college students (n= 62) participated in a 12-week course of English lessons using a communicative approach with strategy training. To investigate the influence of specific strategy use, their…

  15. Language, the Learner and the School. Penguin Papers in Education.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Barnes, Douglas

    This book is concerned with language as it is used by the teacher, as it affects the learner, and as it can function to integrate the curriculum. Douglas Barnes, in "Language in the Secondary Classroom," discusses the student-teacher language interaction in 12 sample lessons, and analyzes the importance upon student learning of the languages used…

  16. Linking Geography to Reading and English Language Learners' Achievement in US Elementary and Middle School Classrooms

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hinde, Elizabeth R.; Osborn Popp, Sharon E.; Jimenez-Silva, Margarita; Dorn, Ronald I.

    2011-01-01

    The "GeoLiteracy for English language learners" (ELLs) program is a curriculum that enhances reading and writing skills while teaching geography content for US students in kindergarten through eighth grades. The program includes 85 lesson plans that address all US national geography standards, a quarter of which address environmental…

  17. Reaching Out to All Students: The Integrated English Approach.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Peters, William H.

    Traditional teaching of English language arts is based on a receptive-accrual view of learning, which places the learner in a passive rather than an active role in the teaching-learning process. This approach conveys to the learner the view that the subject matter is fragmented and that teachers prepare discrete, disconnected lessons. L.M.…

  18. Locke's Children? Rousseau and the Beans (Beings?) of the Colonial Learner

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Papastephanou, Marianna; Gregoriou, Zelia

    2014-01-01

    Rousseau's story about Emile having his first moral lesson in property rights by planting beans in a garden plot has educationally been discussed from various perspectives. What remains unexplored in such readings, however, is the connection of the theory of the natural learner with the Lockean rationalization of appropriation of land through…

  19. Promoting Literacy in Grades 4-9: A Handbook for Teachers and Administrators.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wood, Karen D., Ed.; Dickinson, Thomas S., Ed.

    This comprehensive handbook focuses on literacy issues in grades 4-9. It is a reference guide that covers everything from the role of the principal and the characteristics of the learners to teaching the gifted and motivating the reluctant learner. Chapters offer an array of examples of student work, classroom vignettes, sample lessons, and…

  20. Integrating Culture into Language Teaching and Learning: Learner Outcomes

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Nguyen, Trang Thi Thuy

    2017-01-01

    This paper discusses the issue of learner outcomes in learning culture as part of their language learning. First, some brief discussion on the role of culture in language teaching and learning, as well as on culture contents in language lessons is presented. Based on a detailed review of previous literature related to culture in language teaching…

  1. Challenges in the Integration of Multimedia by History Teachers in the North West Province of South Africa

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bester, Susanna Jacoba

    2016-01-01

    Today's learners are born into a multimedia world and feel quite comfortable in an electronic learning environment. The high-quality sound, realistic colour images, graphics, narrations, real-time recordings and full motion videos from multimedia, which are integrated in History lessons, are what the learners of today want and need in their…

  2. The Impact of Listening Strategy Training on the Meta-Cognitive Listening Strategies Awareness of Different Learner Types

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Zarrabi, Fatemeh

    2016-01-01

    The present study investigated the effectiveness of listening strategy instruction on the metacognitive listening strategies awareness of different EFL learner types (LTs). To achieve this goal, 150 EFL students took part in the study and were taught based on a guided lesson plan regarding listening strategies and a pre-test/post-test design was…

  3. Generating Topic Headings during Reading of Screen-Based Text Facilitates Learning of Structural Knowledge and Impairs Learning of Lower-Level Knowledge

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Clariana, Roy B.; Marker, Anthony W.

    2007-01-01

    This investigation considers the effects of learner-generated headings on memory. Participants (N = 63) completed a computer-based lesson with or without learner-generated text topic headings. Posttests included a cued recall test of factual knowledge and a sorting task measure of structural knowledge. A significant disordinal interaction was…

  4. Meeting the New AASL Standards for the 21st-Century Learner via Big6 Problem Solving

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Needham, Joyce

    2010-01-01

    "AASL Standards for the 21st-Century Learner." New standards for library media programs! What does it mean to practicing library media specialists? Does this mean they must abandon all the strategies, activities, and lessons they have developed based upon "Information Power's Information Literacy Standards for Student Learning" and create all new…

  5. Reading without Words: Using the Arrival to Teach Visual Literacy with English Language Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mathews, Sarah A.

    2014-01-01

    This article highlights the use of Shaun Tan's "The Arrival" to teach literacy to English Language Learners in social studies classrooms. The featured text is a book that displays the complexity of migration within a text that does not feature a single written word. The author describes a variety of mini-lessons geared towards…

  6. Analogy as a Tool for the Acquisition of English Verb Tenses among Low Proficiency L2 Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Yoke, Soo Kum; Hasan, Nor Haniza

    2014-01-01

    The teaching of English grammar to second language learners is usually a tedious, stressful and time consuming activity and even after all the effort, students have generally found these lessons boring and confusing. As such, innovative language instructors have been trying different approaches to the teaching of grammar in their classrooms. Using…

  7. Developing and Implementing an Interactive End-of-Life Education Module Using Raptivity and iSpring: Lessons Learned

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lewis-Pierre, LaToya; Aziza, Khitam

    2017-01-01

    The 21st century nurse is a forward-thinking individual who is expected to deliver holistic nursing care. Multigenerational learners are seeking degrees and the new Net generation learner will reflect the majority of the workforce. Thus, the integration of a multilevel interactive classroom is instrumental in facilitating the student's knowledge…

  8. Student Teachers' Team Teaching: How Do Learners in the Classroom Experience Team-Taught Lessons by Student Teachers?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Baeten, Marlies; Simons, Mathea

    2016-01-01

    This study focuses on student teachers' team teaching. Two team teaching models (sequential and parallel teaching) were applied by 14 student teachers in a quasi-experimental design. When implementing new teaching models, it is important to take into account the perspectives of all actors involved. Although learners are key actors in the teaching…

  9. A Story-Based Framework for a Primary School Classroom

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Griva, Eleni

    2007-01-01

    These two story-based lesson plans were designed to address the lack of motivation and interest by students in a sixth grade English class in Greece. The lessons appeal to young learners who want to be creative and imaginative by making learning entertaining. The animal stories are authentic texts, not graded readers, with helpful visuals. They…

  10. The Influence of Classroom Drama on English Learners' Academic Language Use during English Language Arts Lessons

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Anderson, Alida; Loughlin, Sandra M.

    2014-01-01

    Teacher and student academic discourse was examined in an urban arts-integrated school to better understand facilitation of students' English language learning. Participants' discourse was compared across English language arts (ELA) lessons with and without classroom drama in a third-grade classroom of English learning (EL) students (N = 18) with…

  11. Buying a Car: Using On-Line Tools. Technology Update.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    McCoy, Kimberly

    This lesson plan was created to assist learners in adult basic and literacy education programs with the car-buying process. The goal for the lesson is to "effectively use the Internet to research necessary items before purchasing a car." These nine learning objectives are set: (1) determine what kind of car is needed; (2) determine how…

  12. Methodology and Baseline Results From the Evaluation of a Sexuality Education Activity in Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

    PubMed

    Speizer, Ilene S; Mandal, Mahua; Xiong, Khou; Hattori, Aiko; Makina-Zimalirana, Ndinda; Kumalo, Faith; Taylor, Stephen; Ndlovu, Muzi S; Madibane, Mathata; Beke, Andy

    2018-04-01

    In South Africa, adolescents and young adults (ages 15-24) are at risk of HIV, sexually transmitted infections, and unintended pregnancies. Recently, the Department of Basic Education has revised its sexuality education content and teaching strategies (using scripted lessons plans) as part of its life orientation curriculum. This paper presents the methodology and baseline results from the evaluation of the scripted lesson plans and supporting activities. A rigorous cluster-level randomized design with random assignment of schools as clusters is used for the evaluation. Baseline results from grade 8 female and male learners and grade 10 female learners demonstrate that learners are at risk of HIV and early and unintended pregnancies. Multivariable analyses demonstrate that household-level food insecurity and living with an HIV-positive person are associated with sexual experience and pregnancy experience. Implications are discussed for strengthening the current life orientation program for future scale-up by the government of South Africa.

  13. 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

  14. Teaching Listening Skills to Young Learners through "Listen and Do" Songs

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sevik, Mustafa

    2012-01-01

    In this article, the author examines the use of songs to improve the listening skills of young learners. He first provides a theoretical discussion about listening skills and YLs, and about songs and YLs in general; second, he provides a sample lesson for what can be called "Listen and Do" songs for YLs at the beginning level. These are the songs…

  15. Lessons Learnt from Employing van Hiele Theory Based Instruction in Senior Secondary School Geometry Classrooms

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Alex, Jogymol Kalariparambil; Mammen, Kuttickattu John

    2016-01-01

    This paper reports on a part of a study which was conducted to determine the effect of van Hiele theory based instruction in the teaching of geometry to Grade 10 learners. The sample consisted of 359 participants from five conveniently selected schools from Mthatha District in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. There were 195 learners in…

  16. All Aboard! The Polar Express Is Traveling to Science--Understanding the States of Matter While Differentiating Instruction for Young Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Vowell, Julie; Phillips, Marianne

    2015-01-01

    This standards-based science lesson introduces young learners to scientific inquiry and critical thinking by using activities to demonstrate three phases of matter (solid, liquid, and gas). By learning about the states of matter through a 5E instructional approach, students are encouraged to observe changes in the states of matter and to discuss…

  17. Incorporating the Use of Writing-to-Learn Strategy in Grade 10 Mathematics Lessons: The Students' Perspectives

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Suhaimi, Zuhairina; Shahrill, Masitah; Tengah, Khairul Amilin; Abbas, Nor'Arifahwati Haji

    2016-01-01

    This study incorporated the use of writing-to-learn strategy, particularly journal writing, in Grade 10 mathematics lessons. Although part of a study conducted to investigate the effects of journal writing on academically lower-achieving learners with English as their second language, this paper will focus only on the students' perceptions of…

  18. Academies: It's Time to Learn the Lessons. NFER Thinks: What the Evidence Tells Us

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Worth, Jack

    2015-01-01

    Academies are now a part of the English school landscape. Future policy should focus on learning the lessons from the growth of academy schools. In this "NFER Thinks," the author presents the case that any future expansion in the number of academies should be motivated by a clear vision of the long-term outcomes for learners that…

  19. Hangul Ro Boja! Authentic Korean Video. Lessons for Intermediate to Advanced Self-Study. [CD-ROM].

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Joo, H.; Choo, M.; Yeun, Soo-ah Kim; Hiple, David

    This compact disc offers 10 Korean lessons from a variety of authentic sources, including the following: television commercials and scenes from a soap opera, news reports on politics, sports, the environment, and a book fair; and scenes from a Korean film, "Our Twisted Hero." The learner is lead through a series of activities aiding…

  20. Comparing Multiple Solutions in the Structured Problem Solving: Deconstructing Japanese Lessons from Learner's Perspective

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hino, Keiko

    2015-01-01

    The purpose of this study is to enhance our understanding of how students listen and attend to multiple solutions proposed by their classmates during the activity of comparison. This study examines ten consecutive lessons in each of the two eighth-grade classrooms in Tokyo that are organized in the style of "structured problem solving".…

  1. Simulation for System Change: Holland Bloorview's Experience Using Simulation to Enhance the Use of Technology at the Point-Of-Care.

    PubMed

    Hubley, Darlene; Peacocke, Sean; Maxwell, Joanne; Parker, Kathryn

    2015-01-01

    Simulation has the potential to invigorate teaching practices, facilitate professional development and impact client care. However, there is little literature on using simulation at the level of organizational change in healthcare. In this paper, the authors explore Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital's experience using simulation to enhance the use of technology at the point-of-care. The simulation event demonstrated documentation using technology in two typical practice environments and allowed learners to discuss the challenges and opportunities. Participant feedback was positive overall, and this article reveals important lessons to support the future use of simulation as an educational tool for organizational change.

  2. Creating Schools That Support Success for English Language Learners. Lessons Learned. Volume 1, Issue 2

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Stepanek, Jennifer; Raphael, Jacqueline

    2010-01-01

    The past two decades have brought the second largest wave of immigration in U.S. history. This has led to a rapid and unprecedented influx of immigrants to the Pacific Northwest as well as a rise in the number of English language learners (ELLs) in schools. Between 2002-2003 and 2007-2008, the Northwest's annual growth in ELL enrollment was nearly…

  3. A Follow-Up Study of the Facebook Project for Japanese University Students: Has It Been Enhancing Student Interaction, Learner Autonomy, and English Learning?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hamada, Mayumi

    2014-01-01

    This is a follow-up study of the Facebook (FB) project conducted from October 2011 to January 2013. The purpose of the project was to investigate how FB can help Japanese university students improve their English, and determine whether FB can facilitate student interaction and learner autonomy by integrating FB activities into English lessons. In…

  4. Learning Diaries in the English as a Foreign Language Classroom: A Tool for Accessing Learners' Perceptions of Lessons and Developing Learner Autonomy and Reflection

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Porto, Melina

    2007-01-01

    The aim of this study was to learn from students' frame of reference how they experience foreign language classes. Data include learning diaries written during 2005 for more than 35 weeks (March to November). Subjects were 95 Argentine, Caucasian, mostly female, middle-class, Spanish-speaking College students between 19 and 21 years of age who…

  5. Developing a Framework for Classroom Lesson Delivery to Improve English Teachers' Performance in the Foundation Year Programme at a Saudi University

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Aburizaizah, Saeed J.

    2014-01-01

    The current English programme provided to foundation year students at King Abdulaziz University is failing to equip learners with the desired level of English language. This paper assesses the teaching materials and proposes a teaching framework to improve teachers' lesson delivery. The framework was designed to overcome some of the shortfalls in…

  6. Thinking Science Australia: A Short History of How Thirty Science Lessons Transform Learning and Teaching

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Smith, Tim

    2016-01-01

    Originally called Cognitive Acceleration through Science Education, Thinking Science is a program of 30 lessons, usually delivered in Years 7 and 8, that has been shown to improve learner outcomes in science, maths and English. Over recent years, it has grown in popularity in Australia and was the subject of an ARC-funded research project at the…

  7. Fragile Identities: Exploring Learner Identity, Learner Autonomy and Motivation through Young Learners' Voices

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lamb, Terry Eric

    2011-01-01

    Recent research in the fields of motivation and learner autonomy in language learning has begun to explore their relationships to the construct of identity. This article builds on this through the voices of a group of six learners of French or German in a secondary school in England, over a two-year period. These young learners initially reveal a…

  8. NASA's Coordinated Efforts to Enhance STEM Education: Bringing NASA Science into the Library

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Meinke, B. K.; Thomas, C.; Eyermann, S.; Mitchell, S.; LaConte, K.; Hauck, K.

    2015-11-01

    Libraries are community-centered, free-access venues serving learners of all ages and backgrounds. Libraries also recognize the importance of science literacy and strive to include science in their programming portfolio. Scientists and educators can partner with local libraries to advance mutual goals of connecting the public to Earth and Space Science. In this interactive Special Interest Group (SIG) discussion, representatives from the NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD) Education and Public Outreach (EPO) community's library collaborations discussed the opportunities for partnership with public and school libraries; explored the resources, events, and programs available through libraries; explored NASA science programming and professional development opportunities available for librarians; and strategized about the types of support that librarians require to plan and implement programs that use NASA data and resources. We also shared successes, lessons learned, and future opportunities for incorporating NASA science programming into library settings.

  9. Influence of culture and language sensitive physics on science attitude enhancement

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Morales, Marie Paz E.

    2015-12-01

    The study critically explored how culture and language sensitive curriculum materials in physics improve Pangasinan learners' attitude towards science. Their cultural dimensions, epistemological beliefs, and views on integration of culture and language in the teaching and learning process determined their cultural preference or profile. Design and development of culture and language sensitive curriculum materials in physics were heavily influenced by these learners' cultural preference or profile. Pilot-study using interviews and focus group discussions with natives of Pangasinan and document analysis were conducted to identify the culture, practices, and traditions integrated in the lesson development. Comparison of experimental participants' pretest and posttest results on science attitude measure showed significant statistical difference. Appraisal of science attitude enhancement favored the experimental group over the control group. Qualitative data deduced from post implementation interviews, focus group discussions, and journal log entries showed the same trend in favor of the experimental participants. The study revealed that culture and language integration in the teaching and learning process of physics concepts enabled students to develop positive attitude to science, their culture, and native language.

  10. Medical Ethics and the Learner-Centred Approach: Developing Materials on Organ Transplant and Euthanasia in an English as a Foreign Language Classroom in Higher Education

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jamrichová, Valéria; Zamborová, Katarína

    2016-01-01

    A learner-centred approach puts students amidst the learning process and helps them become involved in that process. It provides an opportunity for students to choose and direct the course of the lesson. This approach is especially appropriate when dealing with ethical concerns that might be sensitive issues. When it comes to the sources for the…

  11. Adapting an Effective Counseling Model from Patient-centered Care to Improve Motivation in Clinical Training Programs.

    PubMed

    Hamada, Hisayuki; Martin, Dawn; Batty, Helen P

    2006-12-01

    The value of establishing a patient-centered relationship within the context of the clinical encounter is well documented. The learner-centered method of medical education parallels the patient-centered clinical method; therefore, it should be explored as a method for teaching in the context of the learning encounter. In Japan and other Asian countries, rotations through services not related to the learner's chosen medical specialty are mandatory parts of the medical internship. Participation and effort in these rotations are often met with resistance from learners and are a common problem for medical educators. We adapted the counseling method for patients based on patient-centered methods such as motivational interviewing and solution-focused therapy to address this common problem. We show one case of a medical resident who lost his motivation to learn during his training. A resident has many kinds of mental and physical stress. One such problem arises from the gap between what they want to do and what they have to do. Strategies from motivational interviewing and solution-focused therapy were adapted to successfully resolve a common teaching problem in Japan. A physician teacher (preceptor) helped this resident solve the issue for himself instead of arguing in favor of change. The positive aspects of the counseling method were based on patient-centered medicine and proved useful and effective in counseling for medical residents. We may take the lessons learned from using patient-centered counseling methods to further develop a clear and systematic process of counseling methods for residents to conduct learner-centered medical education.

  12. Science and Exploration in the Classroom & Beyond: An Interdisciplinary STEAM Curriculum Developed by SSERVI Educators & Scientists

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Becker, Tracy M.; Runyon, Cassandra; Cynthia, Hall; Britt, Daniel; Tracy Becker

    2017-10-01

    Through NASA’s Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI), the Center for Lunar and Asteroid Surface Science (CLASS) and the SSERVI Evolution and Environment of Exploration Destinations (SEEED) nodes have developed an interdisciplinary formal and informal hands-on curriculum to bring the excitement of space exploration directly to the students.With a focus on exploring asteroids, this 5-year effort has infused art with traditional STEM practices (creating STEAM) and provides teachers with learning materials to incorporate art, social studies, English language arts, and other courses into the lesson plans. The formal curricula being developed follows Next Generation Standards and incorporates effective and engaging pedagogical strategies, such as problem-based learning (PBL), design thinking, and document based questions, using authentic data and articles, some of which are produced by the SSERVI scientists. From the materials developed for the formal education component, we have built up a collection of informal activities of varying lengths (minutes to weeks-long programs) to be used by museums, girl and boy scouts, science camps, etc.The curricula are being developed by formal and informal educators, artists, storytellers, and scientists. The continual feedback between the educators, artists, and scientists enables the program to evolve and mature such that the material will be accessible to the students without losing scientific merit. Online components will allow students to interact with SSERVI scientists and will ultimately infuse ongoing, exciting research into the student’s lessons.Our Education & Public Engagement (EPE) program makes a strong effort to make educational material accessible to all learners, including those with visual or hearing impairments. Specific activities have been included or independently developed to give all students an opportunity to experience the excitement of the universe.

  13. Exploring Goals and Motivations of Maori Heritage Language Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Te Huia, Awanui

    2015-01-01

    Motivations of Maori heritage language learners are explored within this qualitative study. "Te reo" Maori (the Maori language) is currently classed as endangered (Reedy et al., 2011), which calls for the exploration of the motivational experiences of Maori heritage language learners. A total of 19 interviews with beginner, intermediate…

  14. A Teacher’s Guide for Using Learning Strategies in English-as-a-Second- Language Instruction

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1984-11-01

    learner strategies used in the acquisition of English as a second language (ESL). The Teacher’s Guide demonstrates for ESL...strategies to apply to a wide range of language learning tasks are far more likely to be effective language learners . The language lessons in this section...skills in the acquisition of English as a second language (ESL). This study completed a review of the literature on learning strategies in

  15. Are One-to-One Computers Necessary? An Analysis of Collaborative Web Exploration Activities Supported by Shared Displays

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Chang, Chia-Jung; Liu, Chen-Chung; Shen, Yan-Jhih

    2012-01-01

    Collaborative web exploration, in which learners work together to explore the World Wide Web, has become a key learning activity in education contexts. Learners can use a shared computer with a shared display to explore the web together. However, such a shared-computer approach may limit active participation among learners. To address this issue,…

  16. Expanded Perspectives on Autonomous Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Oxford, Rebecca L.

    2015-01-01

    This paper explores two general perspectives on autonomous learners: psychological and sociocultural. These perspectives introduce a range of theoretically grounded facets of autonomous learners, facets such as the self-regulated learner, the emotionally intelligent learner, the self-determined learner, the mediated learner, the socioculturally…

  17. Exploring the Use of Multidimensional Analysis of Learner Language to Promote Register Awareness

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Aguado-Jimenez, Pilar; Perez-Paredes, Pascual; Sanchez, Purificacion

    2012-01-01

    This paper discusses the use of multidimensional analysis (MA) of learner language to promote the awareness of linguistic concepts such as register and variation. Our research explores the introduction of learner register awareness by using MA of learner language in the field of university Foreign Language Teaching (FLT). In this context, a group…

  18. EFFICIENTLY ESTABLISHING CONCEPTS OF INFERENTIAL STATISTICS AND HYPOTHESIS DECISION MAKING THROUGH CONTEXTUALLY CONTROLLED EQUIVALENCE CLASSES

    PubMed Central

    Fienup, Daniel M; Critchfield, Thomas S

    2010-01-01

    Computerized lessons that reflect stimulus equivalence principles were used to teach college students concepts related to inferential statistics and hypothesis decision making. Lesson 1 taught participants concepts related to inferential statistics, and Lesson 2 taught them to base hypothesis decisions on a scientific hypothesis and the direction of an effect. Lesson 3 taught the conditional influence of inferential statistics over decisions regarding the scientific and null hypotheses. Participants entered the study with low scores on the targeted skills and left the study demonstrating a high level of accuracy on these skills, which involved mastering more relations than were taught formally. This study illustrates the efficiency of equivalence-based instruction in establishing academic skills in sophisticated learners. PMID:21358904

  19. Individual characteristics of language learners in lesson planning for specific purposes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ivleva, N. V.

    2016-04-01

    This paper provides a summary of internationally recognized methods and approaches in teaching foreign languages with the focus on teaching foreign languages for specific purposes. It also covers the idea of mastering a foreign language through knowing speech units which are necessary for individual language learners in the professional area with due regard to criteria provided by the author. The criteria were developed on the basis of the theory on adaptation of complex systems and also observation in the teaching process.

  20. Storytelling: a leadership and educational tool.

    PubMed

    Kowalski, Karren

    2015-06-01

    A powerful tool that leaders and educators can use to engage the listeners-both staff and learners-is storytelling. Stories demonstrate important points, valuable lessons, and the behaviors that are preferred by the leader. Copyright 2015, SLACK Incorporated.

  1. The Supermarket. Student Lesson #12. English for Living.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    New York State Education Dept., Albany. Bureau of Bilingual Education.

    To assist the youthful learner of English as a second language in dealing with the purchase of food, a series of dialogs, comprehension questions, readings, and points of discussion are presented. The text is illustrated. (JB)

  2. The Restaurant. Student Lesson #14. English for Living.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    New York State Education Dept., Albany. Bureau of Bilingual Education.

    To assist the learner of English as a second language in dealing with the purchase of ready-cooked food, a series of dialogs, comprehension questions, readings, and points of discussion are presented. The text is illustrated. (JB)

  3. Inequality in Experiences of Physics Education: Secondary School Girls' and Boys' Perceptions of their Physics Education and Intentions to Continue with Physics After the Age of 16

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mujtaba, Tamjid; Reiss, Michael J.

    2013-07-01

    This paper explores the factors that are associated in England with 15-year-old students' intentions to study physics after the age of 16, when it is no longer compulsory. Survey responses were collated from 5,034 year 10 students as learners of physics during the academic year 2008-2009 from 137 England secondary schools. Our analysis uses individual items from the survey rather than constructs (aggregates of items) to explore what it is about physics teachers, physics lessons and physics itself that is most correlated with intended participation in physics after the age of 16. Our findings indicate that extrinsic material gain motivation in physics was the most important factor associated with intended participation. In addition, an item-level analysis helped to uncover issues around gender inequality in physics educational experiences which were masked by the use of construct-based analyses. Girls' perceptions of their physics teachers were similar to those of boys on many fronts. However, despite the encouragement individual students receive from their teachers being a key factor associated with aspirations to continue with physics, girls were statistically significantly less likely to receive such encouragement. We also found that girls had less positive experiences of their physics lessons and physics education than did boys.

  4. Exploring the Use of a Cartoon as a Learner Scaffold in the Planning of Scientific Investigations

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ramnarain, Umesh

    2012-01-01

    Despite curriculum imperatives, in South Africa and worldwide, for learners to have more autonomy in investigations, they remain largely teacher controlled with learners having only limited opportunities in planning. This design-based study explored how a cartoon can be employed in a Grade 9 Natural Sciences class in prompting learners to plan…

  5. Cognitive state monitoring and the design of adaptive instruction in digital environments: lessons learned from cognitive workload assessment using a passive brain-computer interface approach

    PubMed Central

    Gerjets, Peter; Walter, Carina; Rosenstiel, Wolfgang; Bogdan, Martin; Zander, Thorsten O.

    2014-01-01

    According to Cognitive Load Theory (CLT), one of the crucial factors for successful learning is the type and amount of working-memory load (WML) learners experience while studying instructional materials. Optimal learning conditions are characterized by providing challenges for learners without inducing cognitive over- or underload. Thus, presenting instruction in a way that WML is constantly held within an optimal range with regard to learners' working-memory capacity might be a good method to provide these optimal conditions. The current paper elaborates how digital learning environments, which achieve this goal can be developed by combining approaches from Cognitive Psychology, Neuroscience, and Computer Science. One of the biggest obstacles that needs to be overcome is the lack of an unobtrusive method of continuously assessing learners' WML in real-time. We propose to solve this problem by applying passive Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) approaches to realistic learning scenarios in digital environments. In this paper we discuss the methodological and theoretical prospects and pitfalls of this approach based on results from the literature and from our own research. We present a strategy on how several inherent challenges of applying BCIs to WML and learning can be met by refining the psychological constructs behind WML, by exploring their neural signatures, by using these insights for sophisticated task designs, and by optimizing algorithms for analyzing electroencephalography (EEG) data. Based on this strategy we applied machine-learning algorithms for cross-task classifications of different levels of WML to tasks that involve studying realistic instructional materials. We obtained very promising results that yield several recommendations for future work. PMID:25538544

  6. Travel without Leaving the Classroom.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Zertuche, Albert A.

    2002-01-01

    Describes a lesson on different world ecosystems in which activities are based on the constructivist approach to teaching that encourages learners to control their own learning. Includes a sample grading rubric and national science education standards related to these activities. (KHR)

  7. Current Research in Southeast Asia.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Beh, Yolanda

    1992-01-01

    Summaries of eight language-related research projects are presented from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Topics include a sociolinguistic profile, teacher and learner views of language lessons, Malay-accented English and employability, reading difficulties, language culture disjunction, placement interviews, and…

  8. Getting Around. Unit I: Public Transportation. Student Lesson #4. English for Living.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    New York State Education Dept., Albany. Bureau of Bilingual Education.

    To assist the youthful learner of English as a second language in dealing with handling urban public transportation, a series of dialogs, comprehension questions, readings, and points of discussion are presented. The text is illustrated. (JB)

  9. Best Practices. Premiere PD

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Brown, Ryan; Ernst, Jeremy; Clark, Aaron; DeLuca, Bill; Kelly, Daniel

    2017-01-01

    Educators who engage in best practices utilize a variety of instructional delivery methods to assist all learners in achieving success in concept mastery. Best practices help educators set expectations for completing activities/lessons/projects/units, differentiate instruction, integrate curricula, and provide active learning opportunities for…

  10. The Comprehension Toolkit

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Harvey, Stephanie; Goudvis, Anne

    2005-01-01

    "The Comprehension Toolkit" focuses on reading, writing, talking, listening, and investigating, to deepen understanding of nonfiction texts. With a focus on strategic thinking, this toolkit's lessons provide a foundation for developing independent readers and learners. It also provides an alternative to the traditional assign and correct…

  11. The Department Store. Student Lesson #11. English for Living.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    New York State Education Dept., Albany. Bureau of Bilingual Education.

    To assist the youthful learner of English as a second language in dealing with the purchase of clothing and personal items, a series of dialogs, comprehension questions, readings, and points of discussion are presented. The text is illustrated. (JB)

  12. What Do We Put in the Place of Ability Grouping? (When the Principal Asks).

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Harp, Bill

    1989-01-01

    Presents two alternatives to ability grouping--flexible grouping (based on students' level of independence as learners), and cooperative learning groups. Discusses the benefits of cooperative learning, and provides a sample cooperative learning lesson. (MM)

  13. Who Says Organic Chemistry Is Difficult? Exploring Perspectives and Perceptions

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    O'Dwyer, Anne; Childs, Peter E.

    2017-01-01

    Much research has identified organic chemistry as an area of difficulty for learners. There is also much literature pertaining to the factors that contribute to learners' difficulties. This paper explores the intersections of teachers' and learners' perceptions of teaching and learning organic chemistry respectively. Understanding these nuances…

  14. Exploring Regularities and Dynamic Systems in L2 Development

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lenzing, Anke

    2015-01-01

    This article focuses on a theoretical and empirical exploration of developmental trajectories and individual learner variation in second language (L2) acquisition. Taking a processability perspective, I view learner language as a dynamic system that includes predictable universal developmental trajectories as well as individual learner variation,…

  15. Learners with Dyslexia: Exploring Their Experiences with Different Online Reading Affordances

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Chen, Chwen Jen; Keong, Melissa Wei Yin; Teh, Chee Siong; Chuah, Kee Man

    2015-01-01

    To date, empirically derived guidelines for designing accessible online learning environments for learners with dyslexia are still scarce. This study aims to explore the learning experience of learners with dyslexia when reading passages using different online reading affordances to derive some guidelines for dyslexia-friendly online text. The…

  16. Exploring the Role of Identity in Maori Heritage Language Learner Motivations

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Te Huia, Awanui

    2017-01-01

    Substantially less is known about the motivations of indigenous heritage language learners than the motivations of learners of colonial languages. This study explores the motivations of Maori indigenous New Zealanders and the identity-related motivations they have for learning their heritage language. Interviews with 19 Maori language learners…

  17. The Nature and Level of Learner-Learner Interaction in a Chemistry Massive Open Online Course (MOOC)

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tawfik, Andrew A.; Reeves, Todd D.; Stich, Amy E.; Gill, Anila; Hong, Chenda; McDade, Joseph; Pillutla, Venkata Sai; Zhou, Xiaoshu; Giabbanelli, Philippe J.

    2017-01-01

    Similar to other online courses, massive open online courses (MOOCs) often rely on learner-learner interaction as a mechanism to promote learning. However, little is known at present about learner-learner interaction in these nascent informal learning environments. While some studies have explored MOOC participant perceptions of learner-learner…

  18. How to Set Up Simulations for Designing Light-Weight Personalised Recommender Systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nadolski, Rob; van den Berg, Bert; Berlanga, Adriana; Hummel, Hans; Drachsler, Hendrik; Koper, Rob; Sloep, Peter

    For effective competence acquisition, professionals should have a clear overview of what learning actions (LAs) are relevant to them. LAs can use any type of learning resource or events (like a course, assignment, discussion, lesson, website, blog) that intends to help learners to acquire a certain competence when participating in a LN. Such learners need advice in choosing from a large and dynamic collection of LAs those that best fit their current needs and accomplishments. In short, they need support to find their way in a LN.

  19. Spoken Language and Mathematics.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Raiker, Andrea

    2002-01-01

    States teachers/learners use spoken language in a three part mathematics lesson advocated by the British National Numeracy Strategy. Recognizes language's importance by emphasizing correct use of mathematical vocabulary in raising standards. Finds pupils and teachers appear to ascribe different meanings to scientific words because of their…

  20. Exploring English Language Learners (ELL) Experiences with Scientific Language and Inquiry within a Real Life Context

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Algee, Lisa M.

    2012-01-01

    English Language Learners (ELL) are often at a distinct disadvantage from receiving authentic science learning opportunites. This study explored English Language Learners (ELL) learning experiences with scientific language and inquiry within a real life context. This research was theoretically informed by sociocultural theory and literature on…

  1. Teaching and Learning Vocabulary: What English Language Learners Perceive to Be Effective and Ineffective Strategies

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sa'd, Seyyed Hatam Tamimi; Rajabi, Fereshte

    2018-01-01

    Vocabulary constitutes an essential part of every language-learning endeavour and deserves scholarly attention. The objective of the present study was three-fold: 1) exploring Iranian English language learners' Vocabulary Learning Strategies (VLSs), 2) examining language learners' perceptions of vocabulary learning, and 3) exploring Iranian…

  2. Exploring Rural High School Learners' Experience of Mathematics Anxiety in Academic Settings

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hlalele, Dipane

    2012-01-01

    The purpose of the study was to explore rural high school learners' experience of mathematics anxiety in academic settings. Mathematics anxiety has been found to have an adverse effect on confidence, motivation and achievement. This quantitative study is exploratory and descriptive in nature. The participants were 403 learners doing mathematics in…

  3. Exploring EFL Learners' Lexical Application in AWE-Based Writing

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lu, Zhihong; Li, Zhenxiao

    2016-01-01

    With massive utilization of Automated Writing Evaluation (AWE) tools, it is feasible to detect English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners' lexical application so as to improve their writing quality. This study aims to explore Chinese EFL learners' lexical application to see if AWE-based writing can bring about positive effects of lexicon on…

  4. Journey through Transformation: A Case Study of Two Literacy Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Duckworth, Vicky; Ade-Ojo, Gordon O.

    2016-01-01

    The study draws on life history, literacy studies, and ethnographic approaches to exploring social practices as a frame to explore the narratives of two UK adult literacy learners who provide a description of their engagement with a transformative curriculum and pedagogical approach. One of the learners reveals his frustration at the lack of…

  5. Linking Immersive Virtual Field Trips with an Adaptive Learning Platform

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bruce, G.; Taylor, W.; Anbar, A. D.; Semken, S. C.; Buxner, S.; Mead, C.; El-Moujaber, E.; Summons, R. E.; Oliver, C.

    2016-12-01

    The use of virtual environments in science education has been constrained by the difficulty of guiding a learner's actions within the those environments. In this work, we demonstrate how advances in education software technology allow educators to create interactive learning experiences that respond and adapt intelligently to learner input within the virtual environment. This innovative technology provides a far greater capacity for delivering authentic inquiry-driven educational experiences in unique settings from around the world. Our immersive virtual field trips (iVFT) bring students virtually to geologically significant but inaccessible environments, where they learn through authentic practices of scientific inquiry. In one recent example, students explore the fossil beds in Nilpena, South Australia to learn about the Ediacaran fauna. Students interactively engage in 360° recreations of the environment, uncover the nature of the historical ecosystem by identifying fossils with a dichotomous key, explore actual fossil beds in high resolution imagery, and reconstruct what an ecosystem might have looked like millions of years ago in an interactive simulation. With the new capacity to connect actions within the iVFT to an intelligent tutoring system, these learning experiences can be tracked, guided, and tailored individually to the immediate actions of the student. This new capacity also has great potential for learning designers to take a data-driven approach to lesson improvement and for education researchers to study learning in virtual environments. Thus, we expect iVFT will be fertile ground for novel research. Such iVFT are currently in use in several introductory classes offered online at Arizona State University in anthropology, introductory biology, and astrobiology, reaching thousands of students to date. Drawing from these experiences, we are designing a curriculum for historical geology that will be built around iVFT-based exploration of Earth history.

  6. Social Justice in the Mathematics Classroom

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wright, Pete

    2016-01-01

    Despite increases in educational attainment in London, too many mathematics lessons remain focused on factual recall and procedural understanding,resulting in disaffection among learners. This study reports on the establishment of a research group, comprising five teacher researchers and myself, which aimed to challenge this situation through…

  7. Methods and Strategies: Talk Strategies

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Shea, Lauren M.; Shanahan, Therese B.

    2011-01-01

    This article discusses how to promote oral language development through science. The authors describe how they incorporate academic "talk strategies" into science lessons in a nonintrusive and meaningful manner. These talk strategies are adapted from the "Avenues" (2007) curriculum for English learners (ELs), which gives examples of cooperative…

  8. Problem-Solving Support for English Language Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wiest, Lynda R.

    2008-01-01

    Although word problems pose greater language demands, they also encourage more meaningful problem solving and mathematics understanding. With proper instructional support, a student-centered, investigative approach to contextualized problem solving benefits all students. This article presents a lesson built on an author-adapted version of the…

  9. Fragments and Coherence

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Watson, Anne

    2008-01-01

    Can teachers contact the inner coherence of mathematics while working in a context fragmented by always-new objectives, criteria, and initiatives? How, more importantly, can learners experience the inner coherence of mathematics while working in a context fragmented by testing, modular curricular, short-term learning objectives, and lessons that…

  10. Impact of Adapted Hypermedia on Undergraduate Students' Learning of Astronomy in an Elearning Environment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zuel, Brian

    The purpose of this dissertation was to examine the effectiveness of matching learners' optimal learning styles to their overall knowledge retention. The study attempted to determine if learners who are placed in an online learning environment that matches their optimal learning styles will retain the information at a higher rate than those learners who are not in an adapted learning environment. There were 56 participants that took one of two lessons; the first lesson was textual based, had no hypertext, and was not influenced heavily by the coherence principle, while the second lesson was multimedia based utilizing hypermedia guided by the coherence principle. Each participant took Felder and Soloman's (1991, 2000) Index of Learning Styles (ILS) questionnaire and was classified using the Felder-Silverman Learning Style Model (FSLSM; 1998) into four individual categories. Groups were separated using the Visual/Verbal section of the FSLSM with 55% (n = 31) of participants going to the adapted group, and 45% (n =25) of participants going to the non-adapted group. Each participant completed an immediate posttest directly after the lesson and a retention posttest a week later. Several repeated measures MANOVA tests were conducted to measure the significance of differences in the tests between groups and within groups. Repeated measures MANOVA tests were conducted to determine if significance existed between the immediate posttest results and the retention posttest results. Also, participants were asked their perspectives if the lesson type they received was beneficial to their perceived learning of the material. Of the 56 students who took part in this study, 31 students were placed in the adapted group and 25 in the non-adapted group based on outcomes of the ILS and the FLSSM. No significant differences were found between groups taking the multimedia lesson and the textual lesson in the immediate posttest. No significant differences were found between the adapted and the non-adapted groups on the immediate posttest. No significant difference was found between the adapted and the non-adapted groups on the retention posttest. However, results also revealed that the adapted group scored significantly higher on the retention posttest when compared with the immediate posttest. Interestingly, the non-adapted group scored significantly higher on the immediate posttest when compared with the retention posttest. When queried about the perception of benefit of the lesson style, 42% of the adapted group replied in the affirmative following the immediate posttest, yet that percentage grew to 81% following the retention posttest. The non-adapted group had 28% reply in the affirmative following the immediate posttest, and that percentage grew to 48% following the retention posttest. Both groups found benefit, yet the numbers associated with the adapted group were higher. Overall perceptions of benefit corresponded to higher test scores as opposed to those who did not find benefit, who had a lower score.

  11. A written language intervention for at-risk second grade students: a randomized controlled trial of the process assessment of the learner lesson plans in a tier 2 response-to-intervention (RtI) model.

    PubMed

    Hooper, Stephen R; Costa, Lara-Jeane C; McBee, Matthew; Anderson, Kathleen L; Yerby, Donna Carlson; Childress, Amy; Knuth, Sean B

    2013-04-01

    In a randomized controlled trial, 205 students were followed from grades 1 to 3 with a focus on changes in their writing trajectories following an evidence-based intervention during the spring of second grade. Students were identified as being at-risk (n=138), and then randomized into treatment (n=68) versus business-as-usual conditions (n=70). A typical group also was included (n=67). The writing intervention comprised Lesson Sets 4 and 7 from the Process Assessment of the Learner (PAL), and was conducted via small groups (three to six students) twice a week for 12 weeks in accordance with a response-to-intervention Tier 2 model. The primary outcome was the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test-II Written Expression Scale. Results indicated modest support for the PAL lesson plans, with an accelerated rate of growth in writing skills following treatment. There were no significant moderator effects, although there was evidence that the most globally impaired students demonstrated a more rapid rate of growth following treatment. These findings suggest the need for ongoing examination of evidence-based treatments in writing for young elementary students.

  12. The Development of Second Language Writing Complexity in Groups and Individuals: A Longitudinal Learner Corpus Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Vyatkina, Nina

    2012-01-01

    This study explores the development of multiple dimensions of linguistic complexity in the writing of beginning learners of German both as a group and as individuals. The data come from an annotated, longitudinal learner corpus. The development of lexicogrammatical complexity is explored at 2 intersections: (a) between cross-sectional trendlines…

  13. Learner-centered nutrition education improves folate intake and food-related behaviors in nonpregnant, low-income women of childbearing age.

    PubMed

    Cena, Emily R; Joy, Amy Block; Heneman, Karrie; Espinosa-Hall, Gloria; Garcia, Linda; Schneider, Connie; Wooten Swanson, Patti C; Hudes, Mark; Zidenberg-Cherr, Sheri

    2008-10-01

    Recent studies suggest low-income women of childbearing age may be at risk of suboptimal folate intake. To evaluate the effect of learner-centered nutrition education on folate intake and food-related behaviors among nonpregnant, low-income women of childbearing age, compared to education unrelated to nutrition. Participants were randomly assigned by recruitment site to receive either the nutrition lesson or a control lesson about resource management. Nonpregnant, low-income (< or =185% federal poverty level) women of childbearing age (18 to 45 years, n=155) from five California counties. Changes in folate intake and other food-related behaviors. Analysis of covariance, adjusting for baseline responses and potential confounders. Adjusting for baseline, participants who received the nutrition education had greater increases in folate intake and use of the Nutrition Facts label than the control group. Change in intake of specific folate-rich foods differed by ethnicity. Participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children who received the nutrition education increased folate intake but had no significant changes in other food-related behaviors. Food stamp recipients who received the nutrition education had no significant changes in folate intake but did increase the frequency of eating more than one kind of vegetable each day, compared to controls. This study supports the use of learner-centered approaches to nutrition education for low-income audiences, compared to education unrelated to nutrition. Future work is needed to compare learner-centered techniques to traditional pedagogical nutrition education, and to determine whether observed changes from this study persist over the long term.

  14. Exploring the roles of interaction and flow in explaining nurses' e-learning acceptance.

    PubMed

    Cheng, Yung-Ming

    2013-01-01

    To provide safe and competent patient care, it is very important that medical institutions should provide nurses with continuing education by using appropriate learning methods. As compared to traditional learning, electronic learning (e-learning) is a more flexible method for nurses' in-service learning. Hence, e-learning is expected to play a pivotal role in providing continuing education for nurses. This study's purpose was to explore the role and relevance of interaction factors, intrinsic motivator (i.e., flow), and extrinsic motivators (i.e., perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEOU)) in explaining nurses' intention to use the e-learning system. Based on the technology acceptance model (TAM) with the flow theory, this study's research model presents three types of interaction factors, learner-system interaction, instructor-learner interaction, and learner-learner interaction to construct an extended TAM to explore nurses' intention to use the e-learning system. Sample data were gathered from nurses at two regional hospitals in Taiwan. A total of 320 questionnaires were distributed, 254 (79.375%) questionnaires were returned. Consequently, 218 usable questionnaires were analyzed in this study, with a usable response rate of 68.125%. First, confirmatory factor analysis was used to develop the measurement model. Second, to explore the causal relationships among all constructs, the structural model for the research model was tested by using structural equation modeling. First, learner-system interaction, instructor-learner interaction, and learner-learner interaction respectively had significant effects on PU, PEOU, and flow. Next, flow had significant effects on PU and PEOU, and PEOU had a significant effect on PU. Finally, the effects of flow, PU, and PEOU on intention to use were significant. Synthetically speaking, learner-system interaction, instructor-learner interaction, and learner-learner interaction can indirectly make significant impacts on nurses' usage intention of the e-learning system via their extrinsic motivators (i.e., PU and PEOU) and intrinsic motivator (i.e., flow). Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. Profiling Learners' Achievement Goals when Completing Academic Essays

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ng, Chi-Hung Clarence

    2009-01-01

    This study explored adult learners' goal profiles in relation to the completion of a compulsory academic essay. Based on learners' scores on items assessing mastery, performance-approach, and work-avoidance goals, cluster analyses produced three distinct categories of learners: performance-focused, work-avoidant, and multiple-goal learners. These…

  16. Constructing Interpretative Views of Learners' Interaction Behavior in an Open Learner Model

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Papanikolaou, Kyparisia A.

    2015-01-01

    In this paper, we discuss how externalizing learners' interaction behavior may support learners' explorations in an adaptive educational hypermedia environment that provides activity-oriented content. In particular, we propose a model for producing interpretative views of learners' interaction behavior and we further apply this model to…

  17. Creating Cartoons: A Learner-Centered Approach to Comprehending Texts

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Malu, Kathleen F.; McNeal, Kelly

    2017-01-01

    In this article the authors describe how a specific technique--having learners create cartoons based on a reading passage--helped learners explore their understanding of reading passages and helped the teachers reflect on what the learners had comprehended.

  18. A New Recipe: No More Cookbook Lessons

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Harper, Suzanne R.; Edwards, Michael Todd

    2011-01-01

    Mathematics educators frequently extol the virtues of inquiry-based instruction to classroom teachers. Although research suggests that inquiry benefits learners by allowing them to make sense of the mathematics they encounter, particularly through discourse with peers, to assume that all (or even most) teachers successfully create and implement…

  19. One Lesson, Many Facets

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gomez, Conrado L.

    2010-01-01

    Recent research indicates that the methodology for teaching English language learners (ELLs) is unique. One approach most commonly used to teach this group in the United States is referred to as sheltered instruction. With Sheltered English Immersion (SEI), middle school teachers simultaneously teach content and language skills. The author will…

  20. Early Lessons in Restructuring Schools.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lieberman, Ann; And Others

    Restructuring schools has become a rallying cry among educators. It aims to create schools that are more centered on learner's needs for active, experiential, cooperative, and culturally connected learning opportunities supportive of individual talents and learning styles. This report is based on an early evaluation of the process of restructuring…

  1. Teaching the Photoelectric Effect Inductively

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sokolowski, Andrzej

    2013-01-01

    Research has shown that students have difficulty understanding the underlying process of the photoelectric effect. Thus, this study sought to utilize an inductively situated lesson for teaching the photoelectric effect, hypothesizing that this type of enquiry would help learners delve deeper into the principles of the phenomenon and provide a…

  2. Assessment of Continuing Interprofessional Education: Lessons Learned

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Simmons, Brian; Wagner, Susan

    2009-01-01

    Although interprofessional education (IPE) and continuing interprofessional education (CIPE) are becoming established activities within the education of health professions, assessment of learners continues to be limited. Arguably, this in part is due to a lack of IPE and CIPE within in the clinical workplace. The accountability of…

  3. Exploring Design Features to Enhance Computer-Based Assessment: Learners' Views on Using a Confidence-Indicator Tool and Computer-Based Feedback

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Nix, Ingrid; Wyllie, Ali

    2011-01-01

    Many institutions encourage formative computer-based assessment (CBA), yet competing priorities mean that learners are necessarily selective about what they engage in. So how can we motivate them to engage? Can we facilitate learners to take more control of shaping their learning experience? To explore this, the Learning with Interactive…

  4. Constructivist Pedagogy in Strategic Reading Instruction: Exploring Pathways to Learner Development in the English as a Second Language (ESL) Classroom

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Zhang, Lawrence Jun

    2008-01-01

    The study explored English as a Second Language (ESL) learner development. In particular, it focused on investigating learners' understanding of reading and their willingness to be engaged in strategic reading in participatory classroom activities. It also examined possible effects of such pedagogy on reading performance. The context was a…

  5. Exploring Factors Affecting Learner's Perception of Learning Information and Communication Technology: A HLM Analysis of a National Farmers' Training Program in Taiwan

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Yueh, Hsiu-Ping; Chen, Tzy-Ling; Chiu, Li-An; Lin, Wei-Chien

    2013-01-01

    The present study, pertaining to a national information literacy training program for both farmers and rural communities in Taiwan, explores factors that affect learners' perception of learning information and communication technology (ICT). It further analyzes effects of individual characteristics and varied training designs on learners'…

  6. Exploring the Transformative Potential of Recognition of Prior Informal Learning for Learners: A Case Study in Scotland

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Brown, Julie

    2017-01-01

    This article presents an overview of the findings of a recently completed study exploring the potentially transformative impact upon learners of recognition of prior informal learning (RPL). The specific transformative dimension being reported is learner identity. In addition to providing a starting point for an evidence base within Scotland, the…

  7. The Attitudes of Field Dependence Learners for Learner Interface Design (LID) in e-Learning Instruction

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sözcü, Ömer Faruk; Ipek, Ismail; Kinay, Hüseyin

    2016-01-01

    The purpose of the study is to explore relationships between learners' cognitive styles of field dependence and learner variables in the preference of learner Interface design, attitudes in e-Learning instruction and experience with e-Learning in distance education. Cognitive style has historically referred to a psychological dimension…

  8. Recasts, Metalinguistic Feedback, and Learners' Perceptions: A Case of Persian EFL Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rassaei, Ehsan; Moinzadeh, Ahmad

    2014-01-01

    In the current study, we present the results of an experiment with 30 Persian EFL learners in which we explored the learners' perceptions of recasts and metalinguistic corrective feedback. The participant learners received either recasts or metalinguistic feedback for their errors during task-based interactions with their interlocutors and then…

  9. Exploring teams of learners becoming "WE" in the Intensive Care Unit--a focused ethnographic study.

    PubMed

    Conte, Helen; Scheja, Max; Hjelmqvist, Hans; Jirwe, Maria

    2015-08-16

    Research about collaboration within teams of learners in intensive care is sparse, as is research on how the learners in a group develop into a team. The aim of this study was to explore the collaboration in teams of learners during a rotation in an interprofessional education unit in intensive care from a sociocultural learning perspective. Focused Ethnographic methods were used to collect data following eight teams of learners in 2009 and 2010. Each team consisted of one resident, one specialist nurse student and their supervisors (n = 28). The material consisted of 100 hours of observations, interviews, and four hours of sound recordings. A qualitative analysis explored changing patterns of interplay through a constant comparative approach. The learners' collaboration progressed along a pattern of participation common to all eight groups with a chronological starting point and an end point. The progress consisted of three main steps where the learners' groups developed into teams during a week's training. The supervisors' guided the progress by gradually stepping back to provide latitude for critical reflection and action. Our main conclusion in training teams of learners how to collaborate in the intensive care is the crucial understanding of how to guide them to act like a team, feel like a team and having the authority to act as a team.

  10. Management Challenges in an Information Communication Technology (ICT) Network in Rural Schools

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mihai, Maryke; Nieuwenhuis, Jan

    2015-01-01

    This study concerns the management of an interactive whiteboard (IWB) network started in April 2008 in Mpumalanga, with a leading school partnered with several disadvantaged schools, transmitting lessons in Mathematics and Science. Many educational institutions try to provide learners with better learning opportunities by equipping schools with…

  11. Doing Your Thing: Fourth Grade.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Potter, Beverly

    The fourth grade instructional unit, part of a grade school level career education series, is designed to assist learners in relating present experiences to past and future ones. Before the main body of the lessons is described, field testing results are reported, and key items are presented: the concepts, the estimated instructional time, the…

  12. Theory-Led Confirmation Bias and Experimental Persona

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Allen, Michael

    2011-01-01

    Questionnaire and interview findings from a survey of three Year 8 (ages 12-13 years) science practical lessons (n = 52) demonstrate how pupils' data collection and inference making were sometimes biased by desires to confirm a personal theory. A variety of behaviours are described where learners knowingly rejected anomalies, manipulated…

  13. A LEARNER'S SYNOPSIS OF SWAHILI STRUCTURE.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Foreign Service (Dept. of State), Washington, DC. Foreign Service Inst.

    WRITTEN SPECIFICALLY TO HELP STUDENTS LEARN TO READ SWAHILI NEWSPAPERS, THIS BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THAT LANGUAGE EMPHASIZES VOCABULARY AND GRAMMAR PATTERNS MOST COMMONLY FOUND IN EAST AFRICAN NEWSWRITING. IT ASSUMES NO PRIOR KNOWLEDGE OF SWAHILI AND IS DESIGNED TO BE USED WITH LESSONS 1-25 OF "AN ACTIVE INTRODUCTION TO NEWSPAPER…

  14. Challenge of Effective Technology Integration into Teaching and Learning

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ramorola, M. Z.

    2013-01-01

    South African teachers are faced with challenges in integrating technology effectively into a coherent framework at school level. There seems to be little evidence of technology integration into classroom activities such as systematic planning and implementation of lessons that require learners to think critically, work collaboratively, and use…

  15. Collaborating with the Community: Lessons from a Rural School District

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Walker, Anne

    2012-01-01

    This article, based on case study research, highlights how a rural school district in the midwestern United States collaborated with local community organizations to meet the needs of English language learners after the district and community experienced rapid ethnic diversification. In particular, the district EL coordinator spearheaded the…

  16. Lessons from Abroad: Whatever Happened to Pedagogy?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Elliott, Julian G.

    2014-01-01

    This paper considers attempts to import pedagogic practices from other educational systems. In so doing, it focuses upon policymakers' attempts to: (a) import interactive whole class teaching approaches to the UK (and, to a lesser extent, the US); and (b) export learner-centred pedagogies, largely derived from Anglo-American theorising and…

  17. Mathematics for ESL Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Arrowood, Janet C.

    2004-01-01

    Practical examples from everyday life, spanning personal financial matters to traveling and even cooking conversions are the lessons offered in this useful guide. The vast majority of older students and adults who come to America come from countries that use the metric system. Learning a new system for measuring, telling time, and so forth is…

  18. Classroom Management Strategies for Difficult Students: Promoting Change through Relationships

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Beaty-O'Ferrall, Mary Ellen; Green, Alan; Hanna, Fred

    2010-01-01

    Teachers in middle level schools face overwhelming demands and challenges in their classrooms. They are expected to know content and pedagogy, develop engaging lessons that meet the needs of diverse learners, and use a variety of instructional strategies that will boost student achievement while they simultaneously develop positive relationships…

  19. Teaching Reading with Puppets.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bennett, Ruth

    The use of traditional stories in American Indian language programs connects students' reading to their lives and familiarizes learners with the rhythms of the oral language. Puppet performances are one way of connecting reading programs to the Native oral tradition. A high school reading lesson in a first-year Hupa language class uses many…

  20. GUIDE FOR OPPORTUNITY CLASSES.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    JENNINGS, H. MARVIN; AND OTHERS

    TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE SLOW LEARNER AT THE SECONDARY LEVELS, CAREFULLY PLANNED AND TESTED GUIDELINES ARE SET FORTH FOR SELECTION OF PUPILS, STANDARDS FOR GRADING, AND GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS. LESSON PLANS AND SUGGESTIONS, MATERIALS, AND TEXTBOOKS ARE INCLUDED. COURSES COVERED ARE LANGUAGE ARTS, JUNIOR HIGH ARITHMETIC, MATHEMATICS IN HIGH SCHOOL,…

  1. Training Spaces

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Weinstein, Margery

    2010-01-01

    Creating a balanced learning space for employees is about more than trying different types of seating. It is a challenge that an affect how well employees absorb the lessons and whether they will be able to product better results for the company. The possible solutions are as diverse as the learners. This article describes how three companies…

  2. Incidental Focus on Form and Second Language Learning

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Loewen, Shawn

    2005-01-01

    Incidental focus on form overtly draws learners' attention to linguistic items as they arise spontaneously--without prior planning--in meaning-focused interaction. This study examined the effectiveness of incidental focus on form in promoting second language (L2) learning. Seventeen hours of naturally occurring, meaning-focused L2 lessons were…

  3. Connections: A Journal of Adult Literacy. Volume IV.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Connections: A Journal of Adult Literacy, 1991

    1991-01-01

    This journal provides a forum for adult educators to express their ideas on adult literacy. The following articles are included: "Teaching Moments: Teaching People, Not Lessons" (Patricia Wild); "Whole Language: Implications for the Adult Learner" (Jeri Gillin); "Gatekeepers or Advocates?" (Rosie Wickert); "Writing with Teen Mothers: I Have…

  4. Science: A Second Language for ELL Students

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Nabors, Martha L.; Edwards, Linda Carol

    2011-01-01

    In today's inclusive classrooms, teachers are challenged to incorporate a variety of instructional activities designed to support learning for all--including children who are English Language Learners (ELLs). In science lessons at the early childhood level, ELLs not only must learn science concepts, but also the vocabulary essential for mastering…

  5. Friction in Different Languages

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hurley, Sarah Jessica; Murray, Alexa Lee; Cormas, Peter

    2014-01-01

    This article describes a lesson taught in a designated English Language Learner (ELL) classroom in an elementary school in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, using a sheltered instruction approach. Eighty one percent of the students at this school are from diverse ethnic backgrounds where 25 per cent of them receive ELL services. A variety of languages are…

  6. The Plate Tectonics Project

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hein, Annamae J.

    2011-01-01

    The Plate Tectonics Project is a multiday, inquiry-based unit that facilitates students as self-motivated learners. Reliable Web sites are offered to assist with lessons, and a summative rubric is used to facilitate the holistic nature of the project. After each topic (parts of the Earth, continental drift, etc.) is covered, the students will…

  7. Community Learning Is Community Development.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Plested, Julian; Dale, Lesley

    2001-01-01

    A British project to develop a learning community had to overcome challenges of trust, lack of participation by young men, and the tendency to be led by funding. Project lessons include the following: community learning is community development; providers are co-learners; and information technology is an inspirer and an equalizer. (SK)

  8. Fostering English Learners' Confidence

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bondie, Rhonda; Gaughran, Laurie; Zusho, Akane

    2014-01-01

    A teacher is doing something right when his high school students--kids with limited English, no less--form groups and begin discussing a lesson on quadratic equations at the start of class, without any teacher direction. Bondie, Gaughran, and Zusho describe "discussion routines" that teachers at International Community High School in the…

  9. Tailoring Lessons for English-Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Zehr, Mary Ann

    2010-01-01

    Educators in the Chula Vista Elementary School District determined what kind of instruction students needed through a "response to intervention" (RTI) process, which provides extra help to struggling students with an aim of reducing the number of referrals to special education. As RTI catches on throughout the country, the district is on…

  10. Security Code Red or Ready? Leaders Sharing--For Tech Leaders

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hall, Don; Kelly, Pat

    2005-01-01

    Increasingly, teachers rely on computer software and networks to both enhance curriculum management and provide engaging learning opportunities in instruction. New software is enabling more frequent formative assessments to better focus day-to-day lessons on the unique needs of individual learners. Administrators use increasingly complex data…

  11. Skill Schemes: Sixth Grade.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kempf, Jerry

    The sixth grade instructional unit, part of a field-tested grade school level career education series, is designed to assist learners in understanding how present experiences relate to past and future ones. Before the main body of the lessons is described, field testing results are reported and key items are presented: the concepts, the estimated…

  12. La Gramatica Ingles: Libro de Trabajo (English Grammar: Workbook).

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rogers, Paul

    This student workbook is designed for native Spanish-speaking learners of English as a second language, and presents instruction in basic English grammatical constructions and usage, as well as some vocabulary development. Lessons include basic descriptions of the constructions and rules in applying them, and a brief exercise reinforcing the…

  13. Environmental Peace Education in Foreign Language Learners' English Grammar Lessons

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Arikan, Arda

    2009-01-01

    English language teachers create contexts to teach grammar so that meaningful learning occurs. In this study, English grammar is contextualized through environmental peace education activities to raise students' awareness of global issues. Two sources provided data to evaluate the success of this instructional process. Fourth-year pre-service…

  14. A Design Model of Distributed Scaffolding for Inquiry-Based Learning

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hsu, Ying-Shao; Lai, Ting-Ling; Hsu, Wei-Hsiu

    2015-01-01

    This study presents a series of three experiments that focus on how distributed scaffolding influences learners' conceptual understanding and reasoning from combined levels of triangulation, at the interactive level (discourses within a focus group) and the collective level (class). Three inquiry lessons on plate tectonics (LPT) were designed,…

  15. Methods & Strategies: 5E for ELL

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gomez-Zwiep, Susan; Straits, William; Topps, Jo

    2015-01-01

    Science provides a rich context for English learners (ELs) to develop language skills in meaningful ways. This article outlines steps to create a lesson that blends both inquiry science and formal English language development (ELD) strategies. The process, developed through a four-year research project in a large urban school district (Gomez-Zwiep…

  16. Scaffolding Content and Language Demands for "Reclassified" Students

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rubinstein-Avila, Eliane

    2013-01-01

    Students who are reclassified from English Language Learners (ELLs) to Fluent English Proficient (FEPs) do not necessarily developed the complex linguistic competencies to succeed across content areas. Through vivid snapshots of two middle school lessons (Science and Reading), the author points out that content area teachers can (and should)…

  17. An Exploration of the Experiences of Undergraduate Adult Learners in an Adult Degree Program from the Theoretical Framework of Self-Authorship

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hernandez, Rocio Duran

    2013-01-01

    This study applies Baxter Magolda's theory of self-authorship (2001) from the literature of student development theory to examine the experiences of undergraduate adult learners. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of undergraduate adult learners enrolled in an adult degree program and whether their experiences were influenced…

  18. The effects of a technology-enhanced, flexible choice science program on achievement, self-efficacy and the scale learner progression mechanism in science

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Grace, Lori

    A mixed methods comparative case study of two DRG I urban high schools was used to determine the effectiveness of the Flexible Choice Science Program (FCSP) at producing equitable learning outcomes in students. FCSP recognized both 'among and within learner' differences, while allowing the teacher the semblance of a single lesson. Program sequencing, a differentiated technology platform and allowances for student control and creativity, allowed learners to progress from novice to master at their own pace. Results showed that holistic participation in FCSP by School A students led to significant positive learning effects, particularly for low ability learners. Results of this study challenge current educational grouping techniques that have resulted in inequity, by demonstrating that when students group themselves, their success increases by more than 100%. Results of this research also challenge common notion that cognition most defines student potential by demonstrating that student affect most influences learning.

  19. Between the Social and the Selfish: Learner Autonomy in Online Environments

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lewis, Tim

    2013-01-01

    This paper explores what it means to be an autonomous learner in an online social context. Using distinctions originally drawn by Jürgen Habermas, it argues that classic accounts of learner autonomy as teleological action are inadequate to explain learner activity in group settings. It points out that learners in such settings display attitudes…

  20. Task Complexity and Modality: Exploring Learners' Experience from the Perspective of Flow

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cho, Minyoung

    2018-01-01

    Despite an increased awareness of language learner performance in task-based instruction, little is known about how learners perceive and respond to different task factors. This study investigates the effects of task complexity and modality on (a) learners' perception of task difficulty, skill, and its balance, and on (b) learners' task…

  1. A Corpus-Based Study of Chinese EFL Learners' Employment of "Although"

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Chen, Jingwen

    2017-01-01

    "Although" is a frequently used subordinating conjunction in English. However, non-nativeness is often observed in Chinese EFL learners' "although" output during pedagogical practice. This paper aims at exploring the characteristics of Chinese EFL learners' "although" employment in Chinese EFL learners' writing. The…

  2. Elementary teachers' ideas about, planning for and implementation of learner-directed and teacher-directed inquiry: A mixed methods study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Biggers, Mandy Sue

    Using a framework for variations of classroom inquiry (National Research Council [NRC], 2000, p. 29), this study explored 40 inservice elementary teachers' planning, modification, and enactment of kit-based science curriculum materials. As part of the study, a new observation protocol was modified from an existing protocol (Practices of Science Observation Protocol [P-SOP]) to measure the amount of teacher direction in science inquiry lessons (Practices of Science Observation Protocol + Directedness [P-SOPd]). An embedded mixed methods design was employed to investigate four questions: 1. How valid and reliable is the P-SOPd? 2. In what ways do inservice elementary teachers adapt existing elementary science curriculum materials across the inquiry continuum? 3. What is the relationship between the overall quality of inquiry and variations of inquiry in elementary teachers' enacted science instruction? 4. How do inservice elementary teachers' ideas about the inquiry continuum influence their adaptation of elementary science curriculum materials? Each teacher chose three lessons from a science unit for video-recorded observation, and submitted lesson plans for the three lessons. Lesson plans and videos were scored using the P-SOPd. The scores were also compared between the two protocols to determine if a correlation existed between the level of inquiry (measured on the P-SOP) and the amount of teacher direction (measured on the P-SOPd). Findings indicated no significant differences between planned and enacted lessons for the amount of teacher direction, but a correlation existed between the level of inquiry and the amount of teacher direction. In effect, the elementary teachers taught their science curriculum materials with a high level of fidelity for both the features of inquiry and the amount of teacher direction. A smaller group of three case study teachers were followed for the school year to give a more in-depth explanation of the quantitative findings. Case study findings revealed that the teachers' science instruction was teacher-directed while their conceptions of inquiry were student-directed. This study contributes to existing research on preservice teachers' learning about the continuum (Biggers & Forbes, 2012) and inservice teachers' ideas about the five features of inquiry (Biggers & Forbes, in press).

  3. Exploring the Impact of Online Peer-Editing Using Google Docs on EFL Learners' Academic Writing Skills: A Mixed Methods Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ebadi, Saman; Rahimi, Masoud

    2017-01-01

    This article reports the results of a sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach to explore the impact of online peer-editing using Google Docs and peer-editing in a face-to-face classroom on EFL learners' academic writing skills. As the study adopted a quasi-experimental design, two intact classes, each with ten EFL learners, attending an…

  4. Creating comics in physics lessons: an educational practice

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Albrecht, Evonir; Voelzke, Marcos Rincon

    2012-06-01

    This article presents the results from an intervention program with 119 students during physics and astronomy lessons. This program has taken place in the public school "Colônia dos Pescadores" in the City of Caraguatatuba, State of São Paulo. The goal is to show the importance and possibility of learning with support materials, either in the classroom or at home,created by the learners themselves. The results show that students can demonstrate their creativity while building up their own knowledge related to Astronomy as they are able to produce comic strips about the theme afterwards.

  5. Language Learners' and Teachers' Perceptions of Task Repetition

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ahmadian, Mohammad Javad; Mansouri, Seyyed Abbas; Ghominejad, Shiva

    2017-01-01

    This study examined how English language learners and teachers perceive and interpret task repetition (TR), and whether teachers' and learners' views about this pedagogic practice correspond. In addition, the study explored learners' cognitive and affective engagement with TR. We asked eight experienced language teachers to use a structured…

  6. Learners' Experiences of Learning Support in Selected Western Cape Schools

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bojuwoye, Olaniyi; Moletsane, Mokgadi; Stofile, Sindiswa; Moolla, Nadeen; Sylvester, Fredrick

    2014-01-01

    The study explored Western Cape primary and secondary school learners' experiences regarding the provision and utilization of support services for improving learning. A qualitative interpretive approach was adopted and data gathered through focus group interviews involving 90 learners. Results revealed that learners received and utilized various…

  7. The Effect of Reading on Second-Language Learners' Production in Tasks

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Collentine, Karina

    2016-01-01

    Tasks provide engaging ways to involve learners in meaningful, real-world activities with the foreign language (FL). Yet selecting classroom tasks suitable to learners' linguistic readiness is challenging, and task-based research is exploring the relationship between learners' overall abilities (e.g., reading, grammatical) and the complexity and…

  8. Listening to Learners.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ravenhall, Mark

    This booklet looks at the role of learner feedback in the quality improvement process. It suggests how adult and community learning (ACL) providers can adapt and improve their practice to meet the needs of learners in the changed policy context. Chapter 1 explores why providers should listen to learners and finds that listening to learners…

  9. The Spiritual Journey: Black Female Adult Learners in Higher Education

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jones Tinner, LaShanta Y.

    2013-01-01

    This study explored the experience of Black female adult learners and how spirituality influenced their academic journeys. Research concerning Black female adult learners in higher education is ostensibly partial. These data offered an extended understanding of Black female adult learners' academic experiences, while also investigating common…

  10. Constructivist Instructional Practices and Teacher Beliefs Related to Secondary Science Teaching and Learning

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nelson, Adrienne Fleurette

    The purpose of this mixed method research study was to examine the constructivist beliefs and instructional practices of secondary science teachers. The research also explored situations that impacted whether or not student centered instruction occurred. The study revealed science teachers held constructive beliefs pertaining to student questioning of the learning process and student autonomy in interacting with other learners. Teachers held the least constructivist beliefs pertaining to student teacher collaboration on lesson design. Additionally, teacher beliefs and practice were not congruent due to instructional practices being deemed less constructivist than reported. The study found that curricular demands, teacher perceptions about students, inadequate laboratory resources, and the lack of teacher understanding about the components of constructivist instruction inhibited student centered instruction. The results of this study led to six recommendations that can be implemented by school districts in collaboration with science teachers to promote constructivist instruction.

  11. Students' perceptions of Roundhouse diagramming: a middle-school viewpoint

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ward, Robin E.; Wandersee, James H.

    2002-02-01

    This multiple case study explored the effects of Roundhouse diagram construction and use on meaningful learning of science concepts in a sixth-grade classroom. The investigation examined three issues: (1) the transformation of students' science conceptions as they become more proficient in constructing Roundhouse diagrams; (2) problems students encountered using this technique; and (3) the effect of choices of iconic images on their progress toward meaningfully learning science concepts. A Roundhouse diagram is a graphic representation of a learner's conceptual understanding regarding a predetermined science topic. This method involves recognizing the main ideas within a science lesson, breaking down the information into interrelated segments, and then linking each portion to an iconic image. These students typically gained a greater understanding of science explanations by constructing the diagrams. Student's science scores improved over the 10-week diagramming period and a positive relationship existed between students' choices and drawings of iconic images and the meaningful learning of science topics.

  12. A Design Model of Distributed Scaffolding for Inquiry-Based Learning

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hsu, Ying-Shao; Lai, Ting-Ling; Hsu, Wei-Hsiu

    2015-04-01

    This study presents a series of three experiments that focus on how distributed scaffolding influences learners' conceptual understanding and reasoning from combined levels of triangulation, at the interactive level (discourses within a focus group) and the collective level (class). Three inquiry lessons on plate tectonics (LPT) were designed, implemented and redesigned to explore how students responded to the scaffoldings provided. The results show that the goal-oriented version (LPT3) was significantly more effective at helping students develop an understanding of plate tectonics and evidence-based reasoning than the teacher-led (LPT1) and deconstructed (LPT2) versions ( χ 2 = 11.56, p < 0.003). In LPT3, we can identify three key features of the scaffolding: an advanced organizer, deconstruction of complex tasks, and reflection on the whole inquiry cycle at the end of class time. In addition, LPT3 took much less teaching time. In other words, it appears to be effective and efficient, most likely due to synergies between teacher facilitation and lesson scaffolds. The empirical results clarify the functions of the design model proposed for distributed scaffolding: navigating inquiry, structuring tasks, supporting communication, and fostering reflection. Future studies should more closely evaluate the scaffolding system as a whole and synergies between different types of scaffolds for advancing learning.

  13. Playing Games with Formative Assessment

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cassie, Jonathan

    2018-01-01

    Games can be great tools to engage reluctant learners and provide ongoing feedback to educators about how their lessons are "sticking." Cassie discusses how to use gamified formative assessments to measure different kinds of skills and looks at the different ways teachers can use games in the classroom--from out-of-the-box board games to…

  14. A Lesson in Taking Flight

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Robertson, Kristina

    2016-01-01

    Teachers often tend to discuss their English language learners (ELLs) in terms of "level." Writes the author, "But if I were to say to a teacher, 'You have four level 2s in your class,' how does that help us have a common understanding of the students' needs?" One approach that has great potential to increase students' language…

  15. Having an Operation: An ESL Workbook. English as a Second Language Community Survival Skills.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rabinowitz, Myrna

    This workbook, written in simple English with pictographs, helps adult learners of English in British Columbia (Canada) deal with biological and medical needs and hospital patient visits. Lessons include parts of the body, nurses' and doctors' examination and instructions, general health problems, hospital items, hospital admissions, and pre- and…

  16. Teaching Project Management On-Line: Lessons Learned from MOOCs

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Falcao, Rita; Fernandes, Luis

    2016-01-01

    Creating a course for teaching project management online in a full online distance-learning environment was a challenge. Working with adult learners from different continents that want to complete a Master degree was an additional challenge. This paper describes how different MOOCs were used to learn about teaching -(meta) e-learning. MOOCs…

  17. Teaching L2 Pragmatics: Opportunities for Continuing Professional Development

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Vellenga, Heidi

    2011-01-01

    Teaching L2 pragmatics is often not covered in teacher education programs, and is an excellent area for continuing professional development. As part of a larger project on instructed interlanguage pragmatics, volunteer instructor participants were asked to teach a series of lessons on pragmatics to university-aged (19-23) ESL learners in ESL and…

  18. Examining the Advantage of a Live Instructor vs. Video in a Laboratory Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Caldwell-Harris, Catherine; Goodwin, Kimberly S.; Chu, Emma; Dahlen, Kristina

    2014-01-01

    Learners often anecdotally report preferring live instructors to videotaped lectures, but few controlled comparisons exist, and none have been conducted for foreign language learning. College students experienced a single foreign language lesson in an unknown foreign language, Samoan, either from a live instructor or from a videotape of the same…

  19. Empathy Is the Gateway

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Saavedra, David R. M.

    2016-01-01

    Landing in a totally new culture and learning to speak a new language is overwhelming--as the author found out when he was a Peace Corps volunteer in Africa. Now he tries to remember these lessons while teaching immigrant students in the Cambridge, Massachusetts. Empathizing with language learners in their struggle to learn English while coping…

  20. Structured Dialogues among Communities of First Grade Learners.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Palincsar, Annemarie Sullivan; And Others

    In an effort to implement a program of reciprocal teaching dialogues, 6 first-grade teachers orally presented third-grade biology lessons to a group of 6 students, most of whom were identified as at risk for academic difficulty. Teachers aimed to teach students ways to approach learning from text and increase students' understanding of biological…

  1. A Field Study of a Video Supported Seamless-Learning-Setting with Elementary Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fößl, Thomas; Ebner, Martin; Schön, Sandra; Holzinger, Andreas

    2016-01-01

    Seamless Learning shall initiate human learning processes that exceeds lesson and classroom limits. At the same time this approach fosters a self-regulated learning, by means of inspirational, open education settings. Advanced learning materials are easily accessible via mobile digital devices connected to the Internet. In this study it was…

  2. Strategies for Overcoming Barriers to Training and Education for Canadians with Disabilities. Lessons in Learning

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Canadian Council on Learning, 2009

    2009-01-01

    If stronger skills and more education are key to greater labour force participation, then it is important to identify critical barriers to education and training for Canadians with disabilities. In 2008, the Canadian Council on Learning's Adult Learning Knowledge Centre funded a "Community Outreach Initiative for Learner's with…

  3. Using Inquiry to Break the Language Barrier in Chemistry Classrooms

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Adams, Andrew; Jessup, Weston; Criswell, Brett A.; Weaver-High, Consuelo; Rushton, Gregory T.

    2015-01-01

    A guided inquiry lesson intended to support the linguistic and conceptual development of English language learners (ELLs) in a small, cotaught, high-needs secondary setting is presented. Collaborative groupings based on language and content ability coupled with an emphasis on student-student discourse and a hands-on investigation appeared to…

  4. Incorporating Popular Literature into the Curriculum for Diverse Learners.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jairrels, Veda; Brazil, Nettye; Patton, James R.

    1999-01-01

    Discusses how teachers can use magazines written for culturally and linguistically diverse groups to increase their own knowledge base and to use as a resource for multicultural-education lesson planning in order to provide students with an opportunity to learn about high achieving individuals who come from backgrounds similar to their own.…

  5. Problem-Oriented Learning in Geography Education: Construction of Motivating Problems

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Weiss, Günther

    2017-01-01

    This article reports on the possibilities and challenges of starting problem-oriented learning in geography lessons. The article focuses on the features of motivating problems, because one of the essential functions of the problem to start with is to animate learners to solve it. The analysis of various introductions to problem-oriented learning…

  6. Learn to Earn: Sixth Grade.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Smith, Vella Rose B.

    The sixth grade learn-to-earn field tested unit was designed to develop career awareness and employability skills. The purpose is to help the learner understand the tasks performed in the home setting as related to the interest, aptitude, and training of the individuals performing these tasks. The lesson topics are: ways to earn money; personal…

  7. The Power of Social Skills in Character Development: Helping Diverse Learners Succeed.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Scully, Jennifer L.

    Students must demonstrate not only academic ability but also social competence as they develop to become involved members of society. This guide for teachers, parents, and other professionals addresses the necessity for teaching students social competence as they also learn their core academic material. The program starts with solid lessons in…

  8. The Intersection of Language and Mathematics

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Swanson, Patricia E.

    2010-01-01

    Story problems either bring students to a screeching halt or send them into a frenzied search for numbers and operations. They cause greater anxiety, still, in English language learners. These problems are often the nemesis of many a math teacher. This author grappled with this challenge in the context of teaching a series of lessons on integers…

  9. Development and Evaluation of a Thai Learning System on the Web Using Natural Language Processing.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Dansuwan, Suyada; Nishina, Kikuko; Akahori, Kanji; Shimizu, Yasutaka

    2001-01-01

    Describes the Thai Learning System, which is designed to help learners acquire the Thai word order system. The system facilitates the lessons on the Web using HyperText Markup Language and Perl programming, which interfaces with natural language processing by means of Prolog. (Author/VWL)

  10. Designing a Programmatic Digital Learning Environment: Lessons from Prototyping

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gal, Diane; Lewis, Mark

    2018-01-01

    Promoted as a way to enhance learning and improve efficiencies, the steady rise of technology adoption across higher education has created both new opportunities and new challenges. Borrowing principles of design thinking and related user- or learner-centered design practices, this descriptive case study offers an example of how institutions of…

  11. Teaching Character Strengths: Persee the Perseverant Puppy

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Baruch-Feldman, Caren

    2017-01-01

    Developing character strengths such as kindness and perseverance are just as crucial as academics for today's learners. This article describes how the author and the classroom teacher worked one-on-one with a third grade class to teach such attributes. Approximately once a month the classroom teacher and the author taught lessons on kindness,…

  12. The Brazilian EFL Learner: A Profile Influencing Curriculum.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Couto, Vera; Towersey, Louise

    A study surveyed 207 students of English as a Second Language, aged 11-57 and at all levels, in a Brazilian English institute to derive a student profile for curriculum development. Subjects were questioned concerning: motivation for starting and continuing English language study; perceptions of the language lessons in terms of activity types,…

  13. When and Where You Want It: Continuing Education from a Distance

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Shade, Stacy Deck; Barber, Gerard M.

    2004-01-01

    Online technology is increasingly being used as a tool for delivery of continuing education to health care professionals. This paper discusses key lessons learned in developing a distance-learning program. It provides practical information on ways to enhance interactivity and overcome obstacles. Preliminary outcomes for learners in a four-state…

  14. The Utility of Interaction Analysis for Generalizing Characteristics of Science Classrooms

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Crippen, Kent J.; Sangueza, Cheryl R.

    2013-01-01

    Validating and generalizing from holistic observation protocols of classroom practice have proven difficult. These tools miss crucial classroom characteristics, like the type of instruction, the organization of learners, and the level of cognitive engagement that occur differentially in the time span of a lesson. As a result, this study examined…

  15. Digital Peers to Help Children's Text Comprehension and Perceptions

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kim, Yanghee

    2013-01-01

    Affable Reading Tutor (ART) is an online reading lesson designed for children who are starting to comprehend reading. A digital, human-like character (virtual peer) in ART serves as a peer model that demonstrates the use of the reading comprehension strategy called "questioning" to help improve the learners' comprehension of expository…

  16. Checklist for Excellence in Science Teaching and Learning

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ediger, Marlow

    2016-01-01

    Science teachers need to evaluate their lessons and units of study, frequently, to stay abreast of recommended trends in the curriculum. Self evaluation is involved here. A quality science program must be implemented in order to assist learners to achieve as optimally as possible. Which guidelines should then serve in self evaluation?

  17. Formal Method of Description Supporting Portfolio Assessment

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Morimoto, Yasuhiko; Ueno, Maomi; Kikukawa, Isao; Yokoyama, Setsuo; Miyadera, Youzou

    2006-01-01

    Teachers need to assess learner portfolios in the field of education. However, they need support in the process of designing and practicing what kind of portfolios are to be assessed. To solve the problem, a formal method of describing the relations between the lesson forms and portfolios that need to be collected and the relations between…

  18. Engineering Encounters: From STEM to STEAM

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cook, Kristin; Bush, Sarah; Cox, Richard

    2017-01-01

    Teaching STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) in elementary school could be even more promising than teaching STEM. This is due to its ability to cross multiple subject areas and its appeal to multiple types of learners. Intentional integration of the arts in science and engineering lessons has the potential to more deeply…

  19. Instant Feedback for Learner Training: Using Individual Assessment Cards.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lovelock, Clive

    2002-01-01

    Describes individual assessment cards devised by an English-as-a-Foreign-Language teacher in Japan. This system consists of giving each student her own individual assessment card at the beginning of each lesson. The focus of the information recorded on the card relates to the process of learning English. (Author/VWL)

  20. Position Paper: English Language Curriculum Guidelines for Elementary School English Language Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Miele, Anthony

    2007-01-01

    English Language Development (ELD) and Academic English Development (AED) curricula in most public schools lack a communicative method and consist mostly of dry, meaningless grammar lessons devoid of relevance and authentic context. The purpose of this project is to develop guidelines to teach English language to elementary school children…

  1. Lessons on Plagiarism: Issues for Teachers and Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Anyanwu, Regina

    2004-01-01

    While student difficulty with academic referencing is not new, it is apparent that many tertiary students are not skilled in following referencing conventions, are confused about what does and does not constitute plagiarism in the eyes of academics, and are fearful of the consequences. This paper begins by examining the cases of a number of…

  2. Differentiating Science Instruction and Assessment for Learners with Special Needs, K-8

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Finson, Kevin D.; Ormsbee, Christine K.; Jensen, Mary M.

    2011-01-01

    Teachers are required to provide appropriate science instruction to all students, including children with special needs. However, educators are often left on their own to figure out how to effectively differentiate lessons and activities. This timely, practical guidebook shows general and special educators how to retool science activities and…

  3. Following and Giving Directions: Fifth Grade.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Davis, Nancy

    The fifth grade instructional unit, part of a grade school level career education series, is designed to assist learners in understanding how present experiences relate to past and future ones. Before the main body of the lessons is described field test results are reported and key items are presented: the concepts, the estimated time for…

  4. Using Sentence Frames to Develop Academic Vocabulary for English Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Donnelly, Whitney Bray; Roe, Christopher J.

    2010-01-01

    Often, English-language development (ELD) is taught during a dedicated time of the school day. There is often a mismatch between the content of ELD and the lessons taught during core instruction provided during the remainder of the day. During core instruction, teachers use specially designed academic instruction in English strategies to ensure…

  5. Leveraging Technology in Adult Education

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Inverso, Diane C.; Kobrin, Jennifer; Hashmi, Shazia

    2017-01-01

    At the Office of Adult Education in Philadelphia, they are excited about technology and its potential to advance the field. In this article, the authors, drawing from lessons learned from programs they have developed and supported and their own experiences as lifelong learners, consider the roles of access to the internet, one-to-one device…

  6. Students Taking Charge: Inside the Learner-Active, Technology-Infused Classroom

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sulla, Nancy

    2011-01-01

    Teachers and administrators who recognize the needs of today's society and students, and their impact on teaching and learning, can use this book to create student-centered classrooms that make technology a vital part of their lessons. Filled with practical examples and step-by-step guidelines, "Students Taking Charge" will help educators design…

  7. Differentiated Instruction: Are Hong Kong In-Service Teachers Ready?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wan, Sally Wai-Yan

    2017-01-01

    Differentiated instruction (DI) is nothing new and is believed to be an effective research-based strategy to cater for learner diversity. Differentiation involves finding multiple ways to structure a lesson so that each student is provided with an opportunity to work at a moderately challenging level. Previous studies, however, found that teachers…

  8. Lessons from Research: The Quality of Professional Learning Will Influence Its Results

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Killion, Joellen

    2014-01-01

    Joellen Killion reports on the results of a five-year professional development intervention consisting of workshops and curriculum units conducted in six elementary schools in an urban district to gauge teacher knowledge and practices in science instruction for English language learners. The study looked at predictors of teacher change that…

  9. Cross-Cultural Communication: A Program Addressing the Effect of Migration on South African Education.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Potgieter, Christo; Bredenkamp, Esther

    2002-01-01

    Presents general background information on migration in South Africa and its effect on education. Described a cross-cultural communication program that addresses creatively the outcomes of migration, including its theoretical model, an application, program operation for learners and educators, and challenges. Reviews lessons learned by migrant…

  10. Online Learning Tools for Middle School Science: Lessons Learned from a Design-Based Research Project

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Terrazas-Arellanes, Fatima E.; Knox, Carolyn; Strycker, Lisa A.; Walden, Emily D.

    2017-01-01

    This article reports on how design-based research methodology was used to guide a line of intervention research that developed, implemented, revised, and evaluated online learning science curricula for middle school students, including general education students and English language learners (primarily of Hispanic origin). The iterative,…

  11. The Effect of Teaching Memory Strategies on Iranian EFL Learner's Vocabulary Retention in Terms of Learners' Multiple Intelligences

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Abbassi, Adele; Hassaskhah, Jaleh; Tahriri, Abdorreza

    2018-01-01

    This study targeted to explore the effect of memory strategy on EFL learners' vocabulary retention with a consideration of learners' multiple intelligences. In this study, the memory strategy consisted of three parts of grouping, acronym and images. The participants of this study were 80 male and female EFL learners of intermediate level who…

  12. An Autoethnographic Exchange: Exploring the Dynamics of Selves as Adult Learners and Adult Educators

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Plakhotnik, Maria S.; Delgado, Antonio; Seepersad, Rehana

    2015-01-01

    This article explores four former doctoral students' perceptions about their selves as adult learners and adult educators through the use of autoethnography and reflective dialogue. The dynamics between the two selves were explored to identify emerging themes and implications for practice in adult education. The duality of their roles as learners…

  13. Misconceptions as necessary stepping stones

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Blanton, Patricia

    2010-04-01

    I've been reading an online book called Ready, Set, Science! Putting Research to Work in K-8 Science Classrooms (www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11882) and have found the discussion very enlightening. I think that any beginning science teacher might want to look at this book for guidance in designing lessons and managing student discussions to help students become more thoughtful, productive, and independent learners. While the book gives examples of K-8 classrooms, the examples of classroom discourse could serve as a road map for teachers at any level who want to make their classrooms more student centered and a place where all learners are actively engaged.

  14. Exploring high school learners' perceptions of bullying.

    PubMed

    Blake, Patricia; Louw, Johann

    2010-12-01

    Learners' perceptions of aspects of school life that are sufficiently serious to interfere with their schoolwork were investigated. Bullying was a form of behaviour that was singled out for inclusion and further exploration in the study. Learners from three coeducational Western Cape Education Department schools were surveyed: 414 Grade 8 and 474 Grade 9 learners completed an anonymous, voluntary self-report questionnaire. Factors identified as most frequently interfering with their schoolwork included classmates not listening in class, feeling overwhelmed by schoolwork, teacher absenteeism, and verbal fighting. When asked specifically about bullying, 40% of learners indicated that they frequently experienced bullying at school-although they ranked it as much lower when compared to other potentially problematic school experiences. Furthermore, although the majority of learners indicated they thought teachers considered bullying a problem, few felt there was anything that school staff could do to counteract bullying effectively. These findings suggest that learners perceive bullying as an unavoidable part of school experience and have normalised this aggressive behaviour.

  15. Efficacy of Using Career and Self-Construction to Help Learners Manage Career-Related Transitions

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cook, A.; Maree, J. G.

    2016-01-01

    This article explores the extent to which an intervention programme helped learners from two contrasting educational settings manage career-related transitions. Forty-two learners from two schools were selected, using convenience and purposive sampling, to take part in an intervention programme. Two comparison groups comprised of 45 learners from…

  16. Insight into Learners' Identity in the Korean English as a Lingua Franca Context

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Park, Haesoon

    2012-01-01

    The purpose of this article is to explore Korean English learners' identity and pedagogical implications of the findings. After a brief explanation about why the manners of examining English learners' identity can be diverse according to their sociocultural context, as an agency of Korean English learners' identity representation, their…

  17. Preferences for Interactional Feedback: Differences between Learners and Teachers

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kaivanpanah, Shiva; Alavi, Sayyed Mohammad; Sepehrinia, Sajjad

    2015-01-01

    The present study examines Iranian language learners' views on different types of oral corrective feedback and explores the relationship with learners' language proficiency. It then compares the learners' views with those of their teachers. The study is based on a 36-item questionnaire completed by 154 English as a foreign language (EFL) learners…

  18. Shopping [for] Power: How Adult Literacy Learners Negotiate the Marketplace

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ozanne, Julie L.; Adkins, Natalie Ross; Sandlin, Jennifer A.

    2005-01-01

    Little empirical evidence exists on how adult literacy learners act as consumers. Yet, adult literacy programs often employ a "functional" approach to consumer education and assume that adult learners are deficient in consumer skills. Data from a qualitative study of the consumer behaviors of adult literacy learners are used to explore how adult…

  19. Exploring the Factors Influencing E-Learning of Turkish EFL Learners through TAM

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cakir, Recep; Solak, Ekrem

    2014-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to understand the attitude of Turkish EFL learners towards technology and to determine the factors influencing the academic achievement of the learners while using technology. Survey method was used to collect data about technology acceptance of the Turkish Foreign Language Learners. This research was conducted at a…

  20. Developing Computational Methods to Measure and Track Learners' Spatial Reasoning in an Open-Ended Simulation

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mallavarapu, Aditi; Lyons, Leilah; Shelley, Tia; Minor, Emily; Slattery, Brian; Zellner, Moria

    2015-01-01

    Interactive learning environments can provide learners with opportunities to explore rich, real-world problem spaces, but the nature of these problem spaces can make assessing learner progress difficult. Such assessment can be useful for providing formative and summative feedback to the learners, to educators, and to the designers of the…

  1. Learners' Interpersonal Beliefs and Generated Feedback in an Online Role-Playing Peer-Feedback Activity: An Exploratory Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ching, Yu-Hui; Hsu, Yu-Chang

    2016-01-01

    Peer feedback affords interaction and critical thinking opportunities for learners in online courses. However, various factors prevent learners from taking advantage of these promising benefits. This study explored learners' perceptions of the interpersonal factors in a role-playing peer-feedback activity, and examined the types of peer feedback…

  2. Learner Beliefs about Sociolinguistic Competence: A Qualitative Case Study of Four University Second Language Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Yang, Jinsuk; Rehner, Katherine

    2015-01-01

    This article explores the beliefs about second language (L2) sociolinguistic competence of four university-level advanced L2 learners. It places particular emphasis on 1) how these university learners conceptualized L2 sociolinguistic competence; 2) how they thought about two different language learning contexts (viz., the L2 classroom versus…

  3. Non-Native Chinese Language Learners' Attitudes towards Online Vision-Based Motion Games

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hao, Yungwei; Hong, Jon-Chao; Jong, Jyh-Tsorng; Hwang, Ming-Yueh; Su, Chao-Ya; Yang, Jin-Shin

    2010-01-01

    Learning to write Chinese characters is often thought to be a very challenging and laborious task. However, new learning tools are being designed that might reduce learners' tedium. This study explores one such tool, an online program in which learners can learn Chinese characters through vision-based motion games. The learner's gestures are…

  4. Reciprocal Teaching and Emotional Intelligence: A Study of Iranian EFL Learners' Reading Comprehension

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Izadi, Mehri; Nowrouzi, Hossein

    2016-01-01

    The present study aimed at exploring the effect of reciprocal reading strategies instruction on reading comprehension of EFL learners. Emotional intelligence, another variable of interest, was assessed to indicate whether it plays a role in learners' comprehension. In a pre- and post-test study, forty-two learners went through a reciprocal reading…

  5. A Dynamic Analysis of Why Learners Develop a Preference for Autonomous Learners in Computer-Mediated Communication

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rienties, Bart; Tempelaar, Dirk; Giesbers, Bas; Segers, Mien; Gijselaers, Wim

    2014-01-01

    A large number of studies in CMC have assessed how social interaction, processes and learning outcomes are intertwined. The present research explores how the degree of self-determination of learners, that is the motivational orientation of a learner, influences the communication and interaction patterns in an online Problem Based Learning…

  6. Exploring the Role of M-Learning in Elementary Education

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Chen, Hsiu-Ju

    2017-01-01

    Aim/Purpose: This study explores the associations between elementary school learners' m-learning and learner satisfactions based on the technology-mediated learning model. Background: M-learning (mobile learning) is emerging, but its role in elementary education still needs clarification. Methodology: Questionnaires were mailed to several…

  7. ESL for Parents of School-Age Children. Special Project, 1980-1981.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Watson, Elizabeth A.

    This packet contains both teacher's guides and learners' materials for a course on English as a Second Language (ESL) for parents of schoolaged children. Developed for use in the DuPage High School District (Villa Park, Illinois), the materials can be used with adaptations by other continuing education programs. The packet contains 14 lessons. For…

  8. Teacher Questioning Strategies in Mathematical Classroom Discourse: A Case Study of Two Grade Eight Teachers in Tennessee, USA

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    McCarthy, Peter; Sithole, Alec; McCarthy, Paul; Cho, Jea-pil; Gyan, Emmanuel

    2016-01-01

    Teacher questioning in mathematics is an important diagnostic tool for teaching as well as measuring the academic progression and comprehension of the learner. While teacher questioning enhances student learning and self-assessment of the teacher's lesson delivery effectiveness, if not presented properly can have negative impacts on the student…

  9. WWW Motivation Mining: Finding Treasures for Teaching Evaluation Skills, Grades 1-6. Professional Growth Series.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Arnone, Marilyn P.; Small, Ruth V.

    Designed for elementary or middle school teachers and library media specialists, this book provides educators with practical, easy-to-use ways of applying motivation assessment techniques when selecting World Wide Web sites for inclusion in their lessons and offers concrete examples of how to use Web evaluation with young learners. WebMAC…

  10. Hard Lessons for Lifelong Learners? Age and Experience in the Graduate Labour Market

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Purcell, Kate; Wilton, Nick; Elias, Peter

    2007-01-01

    The expansion of the higher education system and widening access to undergraduate study has led to growing diversity within the graduate labour supply, including increasing numbers who studied for their degrees as mature students. Analysis of graduates entering the labour market prior to the major expansion in the early 1990s indicated that those…

  11. Learning Science in a Virtual Reality Application: The Impacts of Animated-Virtual Actors' Visual Complexity

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kartiko, Iwan; Kavakli, Manolya; Cheng, Ken

    2010-01-01

    As the technology in computer graphics advances, Animated-Virtual Actors (AVAs) in Virtual Reality (VR) applications become increasingly rich and complex. Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning (CTML) suggests that complex visual materials could hinder novice learners from attending to the lesson properly. On the other hand, previous studies have…

  12. Discursive Practices of Private Online Tutoring Websites in Russia

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kozar, Olga

    2015-01-01

    A recent development in English teaching in Russia is the emergence of private online language-tutoring schools, which offer one-on-one lessons by means of audio/videoconferencing. It remains unclear: (1) how these new providers of educational services are presenting themselves to the potential learners; (2) what ideology they tend to drawn on and…

  13. Enriching Formal Language Learning with an Informal Social Component

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Dettori, Giuliana; Torsani, Simone

    2013-01-01

    This paper describes an informal component that we added to an online formal language learning environment in order to help the learners reach relevant Internet pages they can freely use to complement their learning activity. Thanks to this facility, each lesson is enriched, at run time, with a number of links automatically retrieved from social…

  14. Using Culturally Relevant Teaching in a Co-Educational Mathematics Class of a Patriarchal Community

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mogari, David

    2017-01-01

    The paper reports on the use of culturally relevant teaching in a class located in a patriarchal community. The paper is conceptualised around the notion that learners' familiar context provided by the socio-cultural activities can facilitate mathematics learning and make it fun to learn. Data were derived from a lesson activity using…

  15. The Role of Metacognitive Strategies in Learning Music: A Multiple Case Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Colombo, Barbara; Antonietti, Alessandro

    2017-01-01

    The positive role of metacognition in music learning and practice is well assessed, but the role of musicians' metacognitive skills in such a context is not yet clear. Teachers often state that they apply a metacognitive approach during their lessons, but students fail to acknowledge it and report that they become metacognitive learners thanks to…

  16. Variability in Reading Ability Gains as a Function of Computer-Assisted Instruction Method of Presentation

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Johnson, Erin Phinney; Perry, Justin; Shamir, Haya

    2010-01-01

    This study examines the effects on early reading skills of three different methods of presenting material with computer-assisted instruction (CAI): (1) learner-controlled picture menu, which allows the student to choose activities, (2) linear sequencer, which progresses the students through lessons at a pre-specified pace, and (3) mastery-based…

  17. Encountering the Foreign: Teaching and Learning with Difficult Artworks

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hanson, Kristan M.

    2014-01-01

    In this article the author addresses one of the essential questions that face teachers today: How can we welcome the foreign into our lessons in an authentic way that makes education relevant to the ongoing social, cultural, and political dialogues through which diverse learners understand themselves and their worlds? In response to this question,…

  18. Read and Move: A New Approach to Read-Aloud Time in Primary Grades

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kreider, Carri S.

    2018-01-01

    Literacy is the foundation of education, and so modern education devotes significant school time to promoting and developing literacy. Yet we also need to ensure that young bodies and minds are ready to absorb their literacy lessons. Integrating physical exercise with reading activities in unique ways can be a great benefit to young learners.

  19. Lessons from Learner Experiences in a Field-Based Inquiry in Geography Using Mobile Devices

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Chang, Chew-Hung; Chatterjea, Kalyani; Goh, Dion Hoe-Lian; Theng, Yin Leng; Lim, Ee-Peng; Sun, Aixin; Razikin, Khasfariyati; Kim, Thi Nhu Quynh; Nguyen, Quang Minh

    2012-01-01

    Geographical inquiry involves collecting, using and making sense of the data to investigate some geographical phenomena. With the increasing number of mobile devices equipped with Internet access capabilities, there is a wide scope for using it in field inquiry where learning can take place in the form of social interactions between team members…

  20. Lessons from the Other Side of the Teacher's Desk: Discovering Insights to Help Language Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Westbrook, Frances

    2011-01-01

    Most language teachers become teachers because they are fascinated by language. They like the way languages work, they are intrigued by differences between their native tongues and other languages, and they enjoy the process of helping their students learn. Most language teachers have had positive experiences as language students themselves…

  1. Creative Drama in the General Music Classroom: An Integrated Approach for Intermediate Students

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Stephens, April

    2013-01-01

    The following article provides strategies and suggestions for integrating creative drama into the general music classroom. Various learning theories and basic theatre concepts will be discussed. Integrating music and drama can be an engaging tool for various types of learners. The author provides a sample process drama lesson on Civil Rights…

  2. Ewe (for Togo): Communication and Culture Handbook. Peace Corps Language Handbook Series.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kozelka, Paul R.

    This handbook, concerning the Ewe language and culture of Togo, presents classroom activities that require the learner to exchange messages in a way that is appropriate to the cultural context. These activities are presented in 30 lessons containing both basic and supplementary material that deal with situations and topics which will be useful to…

  3. Interdisciplinary Curriculum Empowers Cognitive Advancement to Solve Real Life Problems

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Al Husni, Noha M.; El Rouadi, Naim

    2016-01-01

    Interdisciplinary curriculum supports cognitive development through well planned lessons at early age. This article focuses on a specific experimental study done in 2010 on Grade 7 learners in a Lebanese private school to aid them in empowering their skills and competencies to solve a real life problem. The objective of this experimental study is…

  4. Embedding Diagnostic Mechanisms in a Digital Game for Learning Mathematics

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Huang, Yueh-Min; Huang, Shu-Hsien; Wu, Ting-Ting

    2014-01-01

    Mathematics is closely related to daily life, but it is also one of the lessons which often cause anxiety to primary school students. Digital game-based learning (DGBL) has been regarded as a sound learning strategy in raising learner willingness and interest in many disciplines. Thus, ways of designing a DGBL system to mitigate anxiety are well…

  5. The Effects of Visual Cues and Learners' Field Dependence in Multiple External Representations Environment for Novice Program Comprehension

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wei, Liew Tze; Sazilah, Salam

    2012-01-01

    This study investigated the effects of visual cues in multiple external representations (MER) environment on the learning performance of novices' program comprehension. Program codes and flowchart diagrams were used as dual representations in multimedia environment to deliver lessons on C-Programming. 17 field independent participants and 16 field…

  6. Diving into Data: Developing the Capacity for Data Literacy in Teacher Education

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Dunlap, Karen; Piro, Jody S.

    2016-01-01

    Educators by definition are now required to utilize a variety of student data to shape the decisions they make and design the lessons they teach. As accountability standards become more stringent and as teachers face increasingly diverse student populations within their classrooms, they often struggle to adequately meet the needs of all learners.…

  7. Testing an Online English Course: Lessons Learned from an Analysis of Postcourse Proficiency Change Scores

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jee, Rebecca Y.

    2015-01-01

    Voxy, an English-language-learning company, has developed a custom, in-house proficiency exam, the Voxy Proficiency Assessment (VPA), which is given to all learners at the beginning and end of their courses. Using Multinomial Logistic Regression (MLR), the impact of covariates, such as total learning activities completed and total number of…

  8. Global Trends and Local Realities: Lessons about Economic Benefits, Selves and Identity from a Swiss Context

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Csillagh, Virág

    2015-01-01

    Inspired by the unexpected results of a standardized questionnaire survey of Swiss university students' motivation and attitudes toward English, the paper discusses the influence of global and local contexts on language learners' motivation and identity. As a result of the unprecedented spread of English as a foreign language (Crystal, 2003;…

  9. Assessing Teaching and Assessment Competences of Biology Teacher Trainees: Lessons from Item Development

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hasse, Sascha; Joachim, Cora; Bögeholz, Susanne; Hammann, Marcus

    2014-01-01

    In Germany, science education standards for students at the end of grade nine have been in existance since 2005. Some of these standards are dedicated to scientific inquiry (e.g. experimentation). They describe which abilities learners are expected to possess at the end of grade nine. In the USA, several documents describe standards for…

  10. Methods and Strategies: Using Acorns to Generate an Entire Alphabet. Nature Walks Empower Young Bilingual Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Arreguin-Anderson, Maria Guadalupe; Alanis, Iliana; Gonzalez, Irasema Salinas

    2016-01-01

    The increasing presence of linguistically diverse young children in U.S. public schools has prompted science educators to recognize the need for approaches that are inclusive and sensitive to students' academic needs. The challenge is to design lessons that provide language support while actively engaging children in authentic scientific inquiry.…

  11. Accounting Clerk Guide, Exercise and Worksheet Packet--Part I.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Foster, Brian; And Others

    The exercise and worksheet packet is part of an eight volume unit for grades 10, 11, and 12, designed for individualized progression in preparing students for entry into the occupation of accounting clerk. The exercise and worksheet packet contains a copy of every worksheet in the learner packet for lessons 1 through 11 so that the instructor can…

  12. Learning from Differences: A Strategy for Teacher Development in Respect to Student Diversity

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Messiou, Kyriaki; Ainscow, Mel; Echeita, Gerardo; Goldrick, Sue; Hope, Max; Paes, Isabel; Sandoval, Marta; Simon, Cecilia; Vitorino, Teresa

    2016-01-01

    Drawing on evidence gathered as a result of collaborative action research carried out in 8 secondary schools in 3 European countries, this paper proposes an innovative strategy for helping teachers respond positively to learner diversity. The strategy merges the idea of lesson study with an emphasis on listening to the views of students. The…

  13. We Are All Talking: A Whole-School Approach to Professional Development for Teachers of English Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Shea, Lauren M.; Sandholtz, Judith Haymore; Shanahan, Therese B.

    2018-01-01

    This study investigates the impact of a professional development program that included two distinct components: strategies for infusing student-talk into grade-level lessons in science and mathematics; and school-level learning communities focused on readings and discussions of student-talk research. This article reports the program's impact on…

  14. Perceptions of Webcam Use by Experienced Online Teachers and Learners: A Seeming Disconnect between Research and Practice

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kozar, Olga

    2016-01-01

    Videoconferencing tools, like Skype, etc., are being increasingly used in language education worldwide. Despite assumed socio-affective and pedagogical benefits of using webcams in synchronous online language lessons, such as the feeling of co-presence or the possibilities of non-verbal communication, little is known about attitudes held by…

  15. Embracing Learners' Ideas about Diffusion and Osmosis: A Coupled-Inquiry Approach

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sweeney, Ryan M.; Martin-Hansen, Lisa; Verma, Geeta; Dunkhase, John

    2009-01-01

    Learning about osmosis and diffusion is often a challenging task for middle school students. Here the authors present a lesson that was converted from a "cookbook" lab (McLaughlin and Thompson 2007) into a more inquiry-oriented lab that uses inquiry teaching strategies and hands-on investigations to teach middle-grade students about osmosis and…

  16. Good Thinking! Activity Cards to Reinforce Language and Reasoning Skills

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Barlow Thurman, Kathy

    2006-01-01

    This full-color, kid-pleasing collection of language-arts activities is ideal for K-2 children of all ability levels--and for English language learners too. The practical and easy-to-implement lessons also are convenient for substitute teachers, classroom assistants, and volunteers. Flexible and versatile, these unique cards can be used for guided…

  17. Social-Cultural-Historical Contradictions in an L2 Listening Lesson: A Joint Activity System Analysis

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cross, Jeremy

    2011-01-01

    Informed and inspired by neo-Vygotskian theory, this article outlines a study exploiting a contemporary conceptualization of Wells's (2002) joint activity system model as an exploratory framework for examining and depicting the social-cultural-historical contradictions in second-language (L2) learners' joint activity. The participants were a pair…

  18. Lessons Learned the Hard Way but Learned Well

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Dirksen, Debra J.

    2014-01-01

    The author spins a tale of how she learned classroom management largely by trial and error and by making a commitment to never give up on her students. Classroom management done well provides the signposts that give students direction and enables them to reach their destination as learners and human beings. Classroom management is one of the most…

  19. Assessing Teaching and Assessment Competences of Biology Teacher Trainees: Lessons from Item Development

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hasse, Sascha; Joachim, Cora; Bögeholz, Susanne; Hammann, Marcus

    2014-01-01

    In Germany, science education standards for students at the end of grade nine have been in existence since 2005. Some of these standards are dedicated to scientific inquiry (e.g. experimentation). They describe which abilities learners are expected to possess at the end of grade nine. In the USA, several documents describe standards for…

  20. A Team of Pedagogical Agents in Multimedia Environment for Children

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Morozov, Mikhail; Tanakov, Andrey; Bystrov, Dmitriy

    2004-01-01

    This paper presents the multimedia product for teaching Natural Sciences to 10-12 years old children. In this product three pedagogical agents, Teacher and two pupils guide the learner through the virtual environment. The inclusion of a team of pedagogical agents permits us to create a micro-model of lesson activity and gives a reliable support of…

  1. A Longitudinal, Experiential Quality Improvement Curriculum Meeting ACGME Competencies for Geriatrics Fellows: Lessons Learned

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Callahan, Kathryn E.; Rogers, Matthew T.; Lovato, James F.; Fernandez, Helen M.

    2013-01-01

    Quality improvement (QI) initiatives are critical in the care of older adults who are more vulnerable to substandard care. QI education meets aspects of core Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education competencies and prepares learners for the rising focus on performance measurement in health care. The authors developed, implemented, and…

  2. E-Learning, Engineering, and Learners of African Descent: A Needs Analysis

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Eugene, Wanda; Clark, Kevin

    2012-01-01

    The rapid growth and short history of e-Learning technologies and the desire to see these technologies integrated into the learning process have caused a lack of specific guidance and firm foundation of principles on which to base instructional choices. Lessons cultivated in the Learning Sciences about the cultural influences of learning provide a…

  3. Weaving through Words: Using the Arts To Teach Reading Comprehension Strategies.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mantione, Roberta D.; Smead, Sabine

    This book shows teachers how to help their learners take an active role in becoming strategic thinkers and readers and how to develop meaningful lessons to aid students in their comprehension of text. The book delineates an arts-integrated curriculum that helps teachers teach reading comprehension strategies. It is an in-depth look at the effects…

  4. The Adult Learner and the Applied Baccalaureate: Emerging Lessons for State and Local Implementation. In Brief

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bragg, Debra D.; Townsend, Barbara K.; Ruud, Collin M.

    2009-01-01

    In the nation's changing economy, there is an increasing necessity for baccalaureate level education for jobs that have never before required that level of education. One potential solution to issues related to baccalaureate attainment and workforce development is the applied baccalaureate degree. Applied baccalaureate degrees have arisen from a…

  5. Bringing the Universe to the World: Lessons Learned from a Massive Open Online Class on Astronomy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Impey, C.; Wenger, M.; Formanek, M.; Buxner, S.

    2016-12-01

    This paper presents the results of a massive open online class (MOOC) on astronomy called Astronomy: Exploring Time and Space. The class was hosted by the web platform Coursera and ran for six weeks from February to May 2015. Coverage was designed to emphasise topics in astronomy where there has been rapid research progress, including large telescopes, exploration of the Solar System, the discovery of exoplanets, exotic end states of stars, and the frontiers of cosmology. The core content was nearly eighteen hours of video lectures, assessed by thirteen video lecture quizzes, three peer review writing assignments, and two online activities. Information on demographics and on the goals and motivations of the learners was gathered using standard Coursera entry and exit surveys and an external Science Literacy survey. A total of 25 379 people registered for the course, and most of them did not complete any assignments. About two-thirds of the 14 900 learners who opened the course lived outside the United States, distributed across 151 different countries. Out of 4275 participants who completed one or more assignments, 1607 passed the course, and a majority did so with a grade of 80% or higher. Those who completed the course were generally very satisfied with their experience and felt it met their learning goals. The people with the highest chance of completing the course tended to be in the range 40 to 60 years old, had a college education, and were either retired or working in professional fields. The strongest predictors of passing the course were to have completed the first written assignment or the first online activity.

  6. Does responsibility drive learning? Lessons from intern rotations in general practice.

    PubMed

    Cantillon, Peter; Macdermott, Maeve

    2008-01-01

    The intern (or pre-registration) year has been criticised in the past for its emphasis on service delivery at the expense of educational achievement. It is hoped that new approaches to early postgraduate training such as the foundation programmes in the UK, will make clinical education more structured and effective. Intern placements in non-traditional settings such as general practice have been shown in the past to improve the quality of learning. Little is known however about which features of the general practice learning environment contribute most to the perception of improved learning. This aim of this study was to examine the learning environment in general practice from the perspective of interns, (the learners), to determine the factors that contribute most to motivating effective learning in a general practice setting. This study used a qualitative case study approach to explore the effects of two different learning environments, (general practice and hospital) on learner motivation amongst a small group of interns. We found that the biggest difference between the hospital and general practice learning environments was the increased individual responsibility for patient care experienced by interns in general practice. Greater responsibility was associated with greater motivation for learning. Increased intern responsibility for patient care does appear to motivate learning. More work needs to be done on providing interns in hospital posts with greater patient responsibility within an effective supervisory structure.

  7. [Applying Game-Based Learning in Nursing Education: Empathy Board Game Learning].

    PubMed

    Lu, Chueh-Fen; Wu, Shu-Mei; Shu, Ying-Mei; Yeh, Mei-Yu

    2018-02-01

    Attending lectures and reading are two common approaches to acquiring knowledge, while repetitive practice is a common approach to acquiring skills. Nurturing proper attitudes in students is one of the greatest challenges for educators. Health professionals must incorporate empathy into their practice. Creative teaching strategies may offer a feasible approach to enhancing empathy-related competence. The present article focuses on analyzing current, empathy-related curriculums in nursing education in Taiwan, exploring the concepts of empathy and game-based learning, presenting the development of an empathy board game as a teaching aid, and, finally, evaluating the developed education application. Based on the learner-centered principle, this aid was designed with peer learning, allowing learners to influence the learning process, to simulate the various roles of clients, and to develop diverse interpersonal dialogues. The continuous learning loops were formed using the gamification mechanism and transformation, enabling students to connect and practice the three elements of empathy ability: emotion, cognition and expression. Via the game elements of competition, interaction, storytelling, real-time responses, concretizing feedback, integrated peer learning, and equality between teachers and students, students who play patient roles are able to perceive different levels of comfort, which encourages the development of insight into the meaning of empathy. Thereby, the goals of the empathy lesson is achievable within a creative game-based learning environment.

  8. Lessons Learned Study Final Report for the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Van Laak, Jim; Brumfield, M. Larry; Moore, Arlene A.; Anderson, Brooke; Dempsey, Jim; Gifford, Bob; Holloway, Chip; Johnson, Keith

    2004-01-01

    This report is the final product of a 90-day study performed for the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate. The study was to assemble lessons NASA has learned from previous programs that could help the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate pursue the Exploration vision. It focuses on those lessons that should have the greatest significance to the Directorate during the formulation of program and mission plans. The study team reviewed a large number of lessons learned reports and data bases, including the Columbia Accident Investigation Board and Rogers Commission reports on the Shuttle accidents, accident reports from robotic space flight systems, and a number of management reviews by the Defense Sciences Board, Government Accountability Office, and others. The consistency of the lessons, findings, and recommendations validate the adequacy of the data set. In addition to reviewing existing databases, a series of workshops was held at each of the NASA centers and headquarters that included senior managers from the current workforce as well as retirees. The full text of the workshop reports is included in Appendix A. A lessons learned website was opened up to permit current and retired NASA personnel and on-site contractors to input additional lessons as they arise. These new lessons, when of appropriate quality and relevance, will be brought to the attention of managers. The report consists of four parts: Part 1 provides a small set of lessons, called the Executive Lessons Learned, that represent critical lessons that the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate should act on immediately. This set of Executive Lessons and their supporting rationale have been reviewed at length and fully endorsed by a team of distinguished NASA alumni; Part 2 contains a larger set of lessons, called the Selected Lessons Learned, which have been chosen from the lessons database and center workshop reports on the basis of their specific significance and relevance to the near-term work of the Exploration Directorate. These lessons frequently support the Executive lessons but are more general in nature; Part 3 consists of the reports of the center workshops that were conducted as part of this activity. These reports are included in their entirety (approximately 200 pages) in Appendix G and have significance for specific managers; Part 4 consists of the remainder of the lessons that have been selected by this effort and assembled into a database for the use of the Explorations Directorate. The database is archived and hosted in the Lessons Learned Knowledge Network, which provides a flexible search capability using a wide variety of search terms. Finally, a spreadsheet lists databases searched and a bibliography identifies reports that have been reviewed as sources of lessons for this task. NASA has been presented with many learning opportunities. We have conducted numerous programs, some extremely successful and others total failures. Most have been documented with a formal lessons learned activity, but we have not always incorporated these learning opportunities into our normal modes of business. For example, the Robbins Report of 2001 clearly indicates that many project failures of the past two decades were the result of violating well documented best practices, often in direct violation of management instructions and directives. An overarching lesson emerges: that disciplined execution in accordance with proven best practices is the greatest single contributor to a successful program. The Lessons Learned task team offers a sincere hope that the lessons presented herein will be helpful to the Exploration Systems Directorate in charting and executing their course. The success of the Directorate and of NASA in general depends on our collective ability to move forward without having to relearn the lessons of those who have gone before.

  9. Exploring Young Learners' Foreign Language Learning Awareness

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Muñoz, Carmen

    2014-01-01

    The present study explores young learners' awareness of foreign language learning and of their learning conditions. The participants were 76 Catalan-Spanish children who were learning English at primary school. Both cross-sectional and longitudinal data were collected by means of two different interviews that contained questions related to pupils'…

  10. Exploring Linguistic Identity in Young Multilingual Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Dressler, Roswita

    2014-01-01

    This article explores the linguistic identity of young multilingual learners through the use of a Language Portrait Silhouette. Examples from a research study of children aged 6-8 years in a German bilingual program in Canada provide teachers with an understanding that linguistic identity comprises expertise, affiliation, and inheritance. This…

  11. Developing Self-Regulated Learners in Secondary Schools

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Salter, Prue

    2012-01-01

    This paper draws on emerging data from a doctoral study exploring how schools approach the development of self-regulated learners in Years 7-12. The research is exploring stakeholders' attitudes, beliefs, experiences and perceptions around the development of self-regulated learning (SRL) in contemporary secondary schools and how new and emerging…

  12. Understanding the Connection between Epistemic Beliefs and Internet Searching

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ulyshen, Tianyi Zhang; Koehler, Matthew J.; Gao, Fei

    2015-01-01

    Within the context of exploring an ill-structured task using the Google search engine, this study examined (a) the connections between general epistemic beliefs and the complexity of learners' knowledge exploration processes (i.e., learning complexity) and (b) the role of activating learners' task-oriented epistemic beliefs (i.e., epistemic…

  13. Teachers' Knowledge and Views on the Use of Learners' Socio-Cultural Background in Teaching Natural Sciences in Grade 9 Township Classes

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mavuru, Lydia; Ramnarain, Umesh

    2017-01-01

    This article explores teachers' knowledge and views on the role of learners' socio-cultural background when teaching Natural Sciences to Grade 9 learners at three South African township schools. Within a socio-cultural framework, the research investigated how teachers accommodate learners' cultural norms and values, religion and beliefs,…

  14. Learner Resistance in Metacognition Training? An Exploration of Mismatches between Learner and Teacher Agendas

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jing, Huang

    2006-01-01

    This paper examines how and why learner resistance (to the teacher's goals and expectations) occurred in a metacognition-training (MT) project, which aimed to enhance reflection and autonomy in EFL learning. MT was integrated into a regular EFL reading course for second-year BA TEFL undergraduates at a Chinese university. Learner resistance in the…

  15. Exploring the Potential of Rehearsal via Automatized Structured Tasks versus Face-to-Face Pair Work to Facilitate Pragmatic and Oral Development

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sydorenko, Tetyana V.

    2011-01-01

    Past research has uncovered ways to improve communicative competence, including task-based learner-learner interaction (e.g., R. Ellis, 2003) and task planning (e.g., Mochizuki and Ortega, 2008). Teacher-guided planning particularly increases the benefits of learner-learner interaction (Foster and Skehan, 1999). One component of communicative…

  16. Spacing Effects in Vocabulary Learning: Young EFL Learners in Focus

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lotfolahi, Amir Reza; Salehi, Hadi

    2017-01-01

    This study used a novel method to explore different schedules of spacing in young EFL learners. In doing so, we taught young EFL learners English-Farsi word pairs using different spacing schedules (massed vs. spaced). In the massed condition, learners studied five-word pairs in session one and five-other word pairs one week later. In the spaced…

  17. Motivation, Gender, and Learner Performance of English as an L3 in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ahåt, Rayhangül

    2013-01-01

    Gender is considered as one of the important variables that effects learner motivation in second or foreign language acquisition. It is also believed that learner motivation has an impact on learner performance as well. Using the expectancy-value theory model of achievement motivation, this study aimed at exploring (1) the impact of gender…

  18. Problematizing a general physics class: Understanding student engagement

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Spaid, Mark Randall

    This research paper describes the problems in democratizing a high school physics course and the disparate engagement students during class activities that promote scientific inquiry. Results from the Learning Orientation Questionnaire (Martinez, 2000) guide the participant observations and semi-formal interviews. Approximately 60% of the participants self-report a "resistant" or "conforming" approach to learning science; they expect to receive science knowledge from the teacher, and their engagement is influenced by affective and conative factors. These surface learners exhibit second order thinking (Kegan, 1994), do not understand abstract science concepts, and learn best from structured inquiry. To sustain engagement, conforming learners require motivational and instructional discourse from their teacher and peers. Resisting learners do not value learning and do not engage in most science class activities. The "performing" learners are able to deal with abstractions and can see relationships between lessons and activities, but they do not usually self-reflect or think critically (they are between Kegan's second order and third order thinking). They may select a deeper learning strategy if they value the knowledge for a future goal; however, they are oriented toward assessment and rely on the science teacher as an authority. They are influenced by affective and conative factors during structured and guided inquiry-based teaching, and benefit from motivational discourse and sustain engagement if they are interested in the topic. The transforming learners are more independent, self-assessing and self-directed. These students are third order thinkers (Kegan, 1994) who hold a sophisticated epistemology that includes critical thinking and reflection. These students select deep learning strategies without regard to affective and conative factors. They value instructional discourse from the teacher, but prefer less structured inquiry activities. Although specific teacher interventions during inquiry lessons which promote scientific inquiry are sometimes successful in moving students from a conforming learning approach to performing, those students usually regress to a previous orientation due to affective and conative factors, especially if they believe the instructional discourse is inadequate. When working in cooperative groups, the disparate epistemologies of students from each learning orientation category becomes problematic.

  19. Within-Year Changes of Lesson Structure: An Exploration of Pedagogical Functions of Lessons by Means of Multilevel Growth Curve Modelling in Indonesia

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Maulana, Ridwan; Opdenakker, Marie-Christine; den Brok, Perry

    2015-01-01

    Teaching is undoubtedly complex and the complexity of classroom practice implies that the structure of lessons making up teaching may differ and subject to change over time. The aims of this study were to investigate changes in observed lesson structure, and explore the effects of several teacher and contextual characteristics on differences in…

  20. The WebQuest: constructing creative learning.

    PubMed

    Sanford, Julie; Townsend-Rocchiccioli, Judith; Trimm, Donna; Jacobs, Mike

    2010-10-01

    An exciting expansion of online educational opportunities is occurring in nursing. The use of a WebQuest as an inquiry-based learning activity can offer considerable opportunity for nurses to learn how to analyze and synthesize critical information. A WebQuest, as a constructivist, inquiry-oriented strategy, requires learners to use higher levels of thinking as a means to analyze and apply complex information, providing an exciting online teaching and learning strategy. A WebQuest is an inquiry-oriented lesson format in which most or all of the information learners work with comes from the web. This article provides an overview of the WebQuest as a teaching strategy and provides examples of its use. Copyright 2010, SLACK Incorporated.

  1. Designing Interaction Tasks in Second Life for Chinese as a Foreign Language Learners: A Preliminary Exploration

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lan, Yu-Ju; Kan, Yu-Hsuan; Hsiao, Indy Y. T.; Yang, Stephen J. H.; Chang, Kuo-En

    2013-01-01

    The aims of this research were to develop guidelines for designing interaction tasks for learners of Chinese as a foreign language (CFL) and to investigate the attitudes of CFL learners toward a full CFL class in Second Life (SL). Three research questions were addressed in this research: (1) what are the attitudes of CFL learners toward the…

  2. Exploring the Link among Entry Characteristics, Participation Behaviors and Course Outcomes of Online Learners: An Examination of Learner Profile Using Cluster Analysis

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Yukselturk, Erman; Top, Ercan

    2013-01-01

    Online learner profiles have diversified such that now, they include all types of participants from a variety of backgrounds. This study analyzed online learner profiles in regard to their entry characteristics, participation behaviors and achievement of course outcomes. The sample consisted of 186 participants from an online course that required…

  3. "Time Is the Bottleneck": A Qualitative Study Exploring Why Learners Drop out of MOOCs

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Eriksson, Thommy; Adawi, Tom; Stöhr, Christian

    2017-01-01

    Why do over 90% of the learners in Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) never finish the course? There is a need for further studies focusing on the learners' experiences of participating in MOOCs and factors that influence the decision to complete or drop out of the course. To deepen our understanding of why learners complete or drop out of MOOCs,…

  4. Investigating the Role of Multiple Intelligences in Determining Vocabulary Learning Strategies for L2 Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sistani, Mahsa; Hashemian, Mahmood

    2016-01-01

    This study, first, examined whether there was any relationship between Iranian L2 learners' vocabulary learning strategies (VLSs), on the one hand, and their multiple intelligences (MI) types, on the other hand. In so doing, it explored the extent to which MI would predict L2 learners' VLSs. To these ends, 40 L2 learners from Isfahan University of…

  5. L1 Use and Morphosyntactic Development in the Oral Production of EFL Learners in a CLIL Context

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lazaro, Amparo; Garcia Mayo, Maria del Pilar

    2012-01-01

    This paper explores the effects of Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) instruction on the oral production of 15 high-school learners of English. The learners' use of the L1s (Basque and Spanish) in discourse markers and repair sequences as well as the learners' overall morphosyntactic development were analysed at two testing times (age…

  6. Exploring Education Major Focused Adult Learners' Perspectives and Practices of Web-Based Distance Education in Sixteen Universities

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Zhang, Jing

    2009-01-01

    Distance education is not a new concept for all kinds of learners in the modern societies. Many researchers have studied traditional distance education programs for adult learners in the past, but little research has been done on Web-based distance education (WBDE) for adult learners. There are also many popular online universities in the U.S. or…

  7. Identifying Successful Learners from Interaction Behaviour

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    McCuaig, Judi; Baldwin, Julia

    2012-01-01

    The interaction behaviours of successful, high-achieving learners when using a Learning Management System (LMS) are different than the behaviours of learners who are having more difficulty mastering the course material. This paper explores the idea that conventional Learning Management Systems can exploit data mining techniques to predict the…

  8. Exploring EFL Learners' Perceptions of Integrated Skills Approach: A Grounded Theory

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tajzad, Maryam; Ostovar-Namaghi, Seyyed Ali

    2014-01-01

    This qualitative study aims at exploring EFL learners' perceptions of the integrated skills approach to language teaching. To this end, the researchers presented the integrated skills approach to a group of 30 participants and interviewed those who were willing to share their views and experience with the researchers. The researchers used grounded…

  9. Learning about Language and Learners from Computer Programs

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cobb, Tom

    2010-01-01

    Making Nation's text analysis software accessible via the World Wide Web has opened up an exploration of how his learning principles can best be realized in practice. This paper discusses 3 representative episodes in the ongoing exploration. The first concerns an examination of the assumptions behind modeling what texts look like to learners with…

  10. Exploring Optimal Pronunciation Teaching: Integrating Instructional Software into Intermediate-Level EFL Classes in China

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gao, Yang; Hanna, Barbara E.

    2016-01-01

    This study investigates the effectiveness of teaching pronunciation with instructional software to a cohort of Chinese learners of English aged 13 to 16 at lower-intermediate level. It also explores the relationship between learners' attitudes towards pronunciation and their pronunciation learning. Participants were 60 students at a language…

  11. Exploring Emotional Intelligence, Learner Autonomy, and Retention in an Accelerated Undergraduate Degree Completion Program

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Buvoltz, Katie A.; Powell, Freda J.; Solan, Ann M.; Longbotham, Gail J.

    2008-01-01

    This article presents the results of research that explored the relationship between emotional intelligence and learner autonomy in the context of nontraditional higher education and their impact on student retention. This was predicated on previous research that suggested emotional intelligence might lead to student success and that autonomous…

  12. Exploring the Motivation Orientation and Learning Strategies of First Year University Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Watson, Mark; McSorley, Michelle; Foxcroft, Cheryl; Watson, Andrea

    2004-01-01

    Both internationally and within South Africa the failure rates at universities are presently high and throughput and graduation rates are low. It is thus imperative that the cognitive and non-cognitive predictors related to identifying learners who will succeed academically are explored. This paper focuses on two potentially important…

  13. Adult Learners' Satisfaction and Its Relation to Characteristics of the Individual and the Educational Institution

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Boeren, Ellen; Nicaise, Ides; Baert, Herman

    2012-01-01

    This article explores satisfactory learning experiences of adult learners in Flemish formal adult education. Satisfaction is an important issue in motivational psychology. We used the Comprehensive Lifelong Learning Participation Model of Boeren, Nicaise and Baert and explored whether satisfactory experiences relate to characteristics of the…

  14. An Exploration of Hispanic Mothers' Culturally Sustaining Experiences at an Informal Science Center

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Weiland, Ingrid

    2015-01-01

    Science education reform focuses on learner-centered instruction within contexts that support learners' sociocultural experiences. The purpose of this study was to explore Hispanic mothers' experiences as accompanying adults at an informal science center within the context of culturally sustaining experiences, which include the fluidity…

  15. Teacher-Directed and Learner-Engaged: Exploring a Confucian Conception of Education

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tan, Charlene

    2015-01-01

    Against a backdrop of an international trend to shift from a teacher-centred to a learner-centred education, this article explores a Confucian conception of education. Focusing on an ancient Chinese text "Xueji" (Record of Learning), the essay examines its educational ideals and practices based on the principles of "choice",…

  16. A Comparative Study of Foreign Language Anxiety and Motivation of Academic- and Vocational-Track High School Students

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Liu, Hui-ju; Chen, Chien-wei

    2015-01-01

    This study aimed to investigate EFL learner language anxiety and learning motivation of high school students. Subjects included 155 students from the same private senior high school in central Taiwan, 60 in academic track and 95 in vocational track. The majority of the participants started taking English lessons either before entering elementary…

  17. Newcomers to the U.S.: Developing Historical Thinking among Latino Immigrant Students in a Central Texas High School

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Franquiz, Maria E.; Salinas, Cinthia S.

    2011-01-01

    Newcomers are a special subgroup of the student population designated as English Language Learners (ELLs). The research project described in this article investigates how a teacher integrated language and content in a single subject area, social studies, in a high school newcomer classroom. Three extended lessons were presented to newcomer…

  18. Lessons from High-Performing Hispanic Schools: Creating Learning Communities. Critical Issues in Educational Leadership Series.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Reyes, Pedro, Ed.; Scribner, Jay D., Ed.; Scribner, Alicia Paredes, Ed.

    The current poor condition of education for Hispanic students need not exist. This book reports on high-performing schools along the Texas-Mexico border that have achieved schoolwide success by creating communities of learners. Three elementary, three middle, and two high schools in the border region were selected for study based on the following…

  19. Conglomeration or Chameleon? Teachers' Representations of Language in the Assessment of Learners with English as an Additional Language.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gardner, Sheena; Rea-Dickins, Pauline

    2001-01-01

    Investigates teacher representations of language in relation to assessment contexts. Analyzes not only what is represented in teachers' use of metalanguage, but also how it is presented--in terms of expression, voice, and source. The analysis is based on interviews with teachers, transcripts of lessons, and classroom-based assessments, formal…

  20. Reading in the Hyperconnected Information Era: Lessons from the Beijing Ticket Scam

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ruth, Alison

    2009-01-01

    In this paper I argue that the kinds of literacy needed for making sense of information on websites is more nuanced and embedded in our everyday context that we are currently providing for learners. The kinds of analysis of websites which allow the processing of information in context are presented. This is demonstrated by an analysis of a scam…

  1. Language Ideology Change over Time: Lessons for Language Policy in the U.S. State of Arizona and Beyond

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fitzsimmons-Doolan, Shannon

    2018-01-01

    In the U.S. state of Arizona, language minority students who are English learners attend schools governed by a restrictive medium of instruction (MOI) language policy (LP). Educators and educational researchers widely agree that effective reforms of this policy are urgently needed (e.g., Arias & Faltis, 2012; Lawton, 2012; Lillie, 2016).…

  2. India's Myths and Symbols through the Oral Tradition. Fulbright-Hays Summer Seminars Abroad, 1998 (India).

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fancher, Kathleen M.

    The design of this curriculum project allows teachers to introduce the rich Indian culture in a non-threatening way to learners who struggle with writing material. It was initially developed for special education students who read and write significantly below grade level. Some of the project's lessons include showing the students artwork and…

  3. Effects of Static Visuals and Computer-Generated Animations in Facilitating Immediate and Delayed Achievement in the EFL Classroom

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lin, Huifen; Chen, Tsuiping; Dwyer, Francis M.

    2006-01-01

    The purpose of this experimental study was to compare the effects of using static visuals versus computer-generated animation to enhance learners' comprehension and retention of a content-based lesson in a computer-based learning environment for learning English as a foreign language (EFL). Fifty-eight students from two EFL reading sections were…

  4. Speaking Spontaneously in the Modern Foreign Languages Classroom: Tools for Supporting Successful Target Language Conversation

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Christie, Colin

    2016-01-01

    This article reports on the findings of a study into the conditions which promote spontaneous learner talk in the target language in the modern foreign languages (MFL) classroom. A qualitative case study approach was adopted. French lessons, with school students aged 11-16 years old, were observed and analysed with the aim of identifying tools and…

  5. "Now I See How My Students Feel": Expansive Learning in a Language Awareness Workshop

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fajardo, Guadalupe Ruiz; Torres-Guzmán, María E.

    2016-01-01

    This study looks at a case study research on a language awareness workshop in a New York public school with a dual language (Spanish/English) program. A learner-centred lesson, taught in Spanish, focused on basic personal information exchanges for in-service teachers who taught only in English and who had some limited knowledge of Spanish. The…

  6. Lessons Learnt from and Sustainability of Adopting a Personal Learning Environment & Network (Ple&N)

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tsui, Eric; Sabetzadeh, Farzad

    2014-01-01

    This paper describes the feedback from the configuration and deployment of a Personal Learning Environment & Network (PLE&N) tool to support peer-based social learning for university students and graduates. An extension of an earlier project in which a generic and PLE&N was deployed for all learners, the current PLE&N is a…

  7. Gaming as an English Language Learning Resource among Young Children in Denmark

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jensen, Signe Hannibal

    2017-01-01

    This article presents a study of Danish young English language learners' (YELLs') contact with and use of Extramural English (EE) (N = 107, aged 8 [n = 49] and 10 [n = 58]). They have received little formal English instruction: two lessons per week for one year. Data on EE-habits were collected with a one-week language diary (self-report with…

  8. Addressing the Digital Divide in Contemporary Biology: Lessons from Teaching UNIX.

    PubMed

    Mangul, Serghei; Martin, Lana S; Hoffmann, Alexander; Pellegrini, Matteo; Eskin, Eleazar

    2017-10-01

    Life and medical science researchers increasingly rely on applications that lack a graphical interface. Scientists who are not trained in computer science face an enormous challenge analyzing high-throughput data. We present a training model for use of command-line tools when the learner has little to no prior knowledge of UNIX. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  9. Diagnosing Learners' Problem-Solving Strategies Using Learning Environments with Algorithmic Problems in Secondary Education

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kiesmuller, Ulrich

    2009-01-01

    At schools special learning and programming environments are often used in the field of algorithms. Particularly with regard to computer science lessons in secondary education, they are supposed to help novices to learn the basics of programming. In several parts of Germany (e.g., Bavaria) these fundamentals are taught as early as in the seventh…

  10. The Benefits of Intergenerational Learning in Higher Education: Lessons Learned from Two Age Friendly University Programs

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Pstross, Mikulas; Corrigan, Trudy; Knopf, Richard C.; Sung, HeeKyung; Talmage, Craig A.; Conroy, Carmel; Fowley, Cathy

    2017-01-01

    This article focuses on the role of universities in the promotion of intergenerational learning and the facilitation of reciprocal sharing of expertise among learners of all ages. The principles of the Age Friendly University are used as a particular lens for interpreting two university programs, one in the United States and one in Ireland. Though…

  11. How to Plan Rigorous Instruction. Mastering the Principles of Great Teaching Series

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jackson, Robyn R.

    2010-01-01

    What if you could go beyond planning and delivering tightly scripted lessons mapped to a standardized test to facilitating rich, robust learning experiences that prepare students to be critical thinkers and lifelong learners? The good news is that you can do it all when you have the steps and strategies from this guide. Drawing from the principles…

  12. English-Spanish Cognates in the Charlotte Zolotow Award Picture Books: Vocabulary, Morphology, and Orthography Lessons for Latino ELLs

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Montelongo, Jose A.; Hernandez, Anita C.; Herter, Roberta J.

    2016-01-01

    English-Spanish cognates are words that are orthographically and semantically identical or nearly identical in English and Spanish as a result of a common etymology. Because of the similarities in the two languages, Spanish-dominant Latino English Language Learners (ELLs) can be taught to recognize English cognates thereby increasing their…

  13. Active Lessons for Active Brains: Teaching Boys and Other Experiential Learners, Grades 3-10

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    James, Abigail Norfleet; Allison, Sandra Boyd; McKenzie, Caitlin Zimmerman

    2011-01-01

    If you're tired of repeating yourself to students who aren't listening, try a little less talk and a lot more action. The authors follow the best-selling "Teaching the Male Brain and Teaching the Female Brain" with this ready-to-use collection of mathematics, language arts, science, and classroom management strategies. Designed for active,…

  14. Starting Early with English Language Learners: First Lessons from Illinois

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Severns, Maggie

    2012-01-01

    In recent years, a boom in immigration and high birth rates among the foreign-born population has led to significant growth in the number of children in the United States who speak a language other than English at home. This demographic change presents a challenge to the public school system, where English proficiency is central to a child's…

  15. "Flipping" Lessons in a Multi-Section Spanish Course: Implications for Assigning Explicit Grammar Instruction Outside of the Classroom

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Moranski, Kara; Kim, Frederic

    2016-01-01

    Flipped or inverted classroom (IC) models are promising for foreign language instruction in that they appear to promote well-regarded practices that bridge both sociocultural and cognitive theoretical frameworks, such as allowing for higher degrees of learner agency and facilitating deeper levels of processing. To date, the majority of work on IC…

  16. Reconstructing High School Chemical Reaction Lessons to Motivate and Support Conceptual Learning

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ndiforamang, Nathan Moma

    The primary focus of this education leadership portfolio is to reconstruct lessons on chemical reaction concepts for teachers to use and reach all learners of chemistry in Cecil County Public Schools. As a high school chemistry teacher, I have observed that student enrollment in chemistry is relatively low, and students show little enthusiasm about being successful in chemistry compared to other science subjects. To understand these issues, I researched conceptual learning, misconceptions, and best practices; prepared open-ended questions in a survey for chemistry teachers in my district; distributed the survey; received their responses; and processed the information received. I analyzed the data using qualitative techniques, and the results revealed that many of the tools provided in the district's curriculum guide for chemistry were not effective in class. I used the data to search for learning tools and classroom resources that could improve students understanding of chemistry concepts. I then reconstructed eight lessons on chemical reaction concepts utilizing those tools and resources. I redistributed the reconstructed lessons to teachers who had volunteered to review the lessons and provide professional feedback. The teachers' feedback revealed that the tools and resources incorporated in the reconstructed lessons included interactive activities that would excite students. The teachers indicated that the lessons were technology rich and included a variety of learning strategies. They also noted that the lessons included too many activities to cover within a day's lesson, and some of the recommended weblinks had technical issues. Most of the suggestions received were used to improve the quality of the reconstructed lessons and will serve as a resource for future fine-tuning of the lessons.

  17. Pairing the Adult Learner and Boutique Wineries

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Holyoke, Laura; Heath-Simpson, Delta

    2013-01-01

    This study explored connections between adult learners and their experiences in the context of small boutique wineries operating in the start-up phase of the organizational life cycle. The research objective was to gain insight regarding the pairing of adult learners with the entering of a specialty industry. Fourteen individuals from four…

  18. Learner-Centered Environments: Creating Effective Strategies Based on Student Attitudes and Faculty Reflection

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bishop, Catharine F.; Caston, Michael I.; King, Cheryl A.

    2014-01-01

    Learner-centered environments effectively implement multiple teaching techniques to enhance students' higher education experience and provide them with greater control over their academic learning. This qualitative study involves an exploration of the eight reasons for learner-centered teaching found in Terry Doyle's 2008 book, "Helping…

  19. Relational Aggression: The Voices of Primary School Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Botha, Johan

    2014-01-01

    The aim of this research was to explore and describe primary school learners' experiences of relational aggression at school. This was done within a qualitative research design with a phenomenological approach. In order to give a voice to primary school learners' lived experiences of relational aggression, 25 individual interviews were conducted…

  20. Ambiguity Tolerance and Perceptual Learning Styles of Chinese EFL Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Li, Haishan; He, Qingshun

    2016-01-01

    Ambiguity tolerance and perceptual learning styles are the two influential elements showing individual differences in EFL learning. This research is intended to explore the relationship between Chinese EFL learners' ambiguity tolerance and their preferred perceptual learning styles. The findings include (1) the learners are sensitive to English…

  1. Helping Metaphors Take Root in the EFL Classroom

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lowery, Denise

    2013-01-01

    Learners of English as a foreign language often find it difficult to understand figurative speech, which relies heavily on metaphor. This article explores why metaphors challenge learners and presents ways to incorporate metaphors into EFL instruction to help learners understand figurative speech. Topics discussed include cognitive metaphor,…

  2. Supporting Academic Persistence in Low-Skilled Adult Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    O'Neill, Susan; Thomson, Margareta Maria

    2013-01-01

    The current literature review explores the factors that contribute to academic persistence for adult learners. The aim of the study is to identify current research-based strategies aimed at supporting learner persistence, particularly for low-skilled adults. Elements of three theoretical frameworks, namely, expectancy-value theory (EVT), goal…

  3. (De)Motivation in Preparatory EFL Classrooms

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Vefali, Gülsen Musayeva; Ayan, Hatice Ç.

    2015-01-01

    This survey study aimed to explore EFL learners' (de)motivation in the preparatory classes at a tertiary institution in Northern Cyprus. It administered questionnaires to 105 preparatory learners and 30 language teachers. The statistical analysis revealed the Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient of 0.88 for the Learners' version, and 0.89 for…

  4. Researching Learner Self-Efficacy and Online Participation through Speech Functions: An Exploratory Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sánchez-Castro, Olga; Strambi, Antonella

    2017-01-01

    This study explores the potential contribution of Eggins and Slade's (2004) Speech Functions as tools for describing learners' participation patterns in Synchronous Computer-Mediated Communication (SCMC). Our analysis focuses on the relationship between learners' self-efficacy (i.e. personal judgments of second language performance capabilities)…

  5. Exploring Flipped Classroom Effects on Second Language Learners' Cognitive Processing

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kim, Jeong-eun; Park, Hyunjin; Jang, Mijung; Nam, Hosung

    2017-01-01

    This study investigated the cognitive effects of the flipped classroom approach in a content-based instructional context by comparing second language learners' discourse in flipped vs. traditional classrooms in terms of (1) participation rate, (2) content of comments, (3) reasoning skills, and (4) interactional patterns. Learners in two intact…

  6. Individual Differences in L2 Acquisition of Japanese Particles "WA" and "GA"

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mori, Sachiho

    2008-01-01

    Although the L2 acquisition studies of Japanese particles "WA" and "GA" were investigated by many researchers (Sakamoto, 2000), they completely ignored learners' individual differences. Indeed, learners' individualities are important factors for the L2 learning (Lightbrown & Spada, 1999). Thus, this research explored whether learners' individual…

  7. Preparing Dual Language Teachers to Educate English Language Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Craft-Coleman, Sylvia L.

    2013-01-01

    The purpose of this qualitative embedded multiple case study was to explore the teaching strategies, skills, and knowledge received from English language learner professional development (ELLPD) trainings and seminars and how the application of ELLPD content affected communication with English language learners in the mainstream classroom. The…

  8. EFL Learners' Perceptions of Blog Assignments and Instructors' E-Feedbacks

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Aliakbari, Mohammad; Mohammadi, Saeedeh

    2016-01-01

    The use of blogs in EFL settings considerably supports learner-centered interactive learning and constructivist environments. Moreover, using blogs to provide instructor's feedback has a crucial role in the language learning process. The present study aimed to explore Iranian EFL learners' perceptions of blog assignments and instructor's…

  9. Beginning Learners' Development of Interactional Competence: Alignment Activity

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tecedor, Marta

    2016-01-01

    This study examined the development of interactional competence (Hall, 1993; He & Young, 1998) by beginning learners of Spanish as indexed by their use of alignment moves. Discourse analysis techniques and quantitative data analysis were used to explore how 52 learners expressed alignment and changes in participation patterns in two sets of…

  10. Online Support for VET Clients: Expectations and Experiences.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Choy, Sarojni; McNickle, Cathy; Clayton, Berwyn

    Since little research existed about services for online learners in Australia, a national study was conducted to explore the expectations and experiences of online learners in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector. Online learners enrolled with various Registered Training Organizations (RTOs) from the VET sector were contacted for…

  11. Task Complexity, Learning Opportunities, and Korean EFL Learners' Question Development

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kim, YouJin

    2012-01-01

    Building on the cognitive and interactive perspectives of task research, the cognition hypothesis states that increasing task complexity promotes greater interaction and feedback and thus facilitates second language (L2) development (Robinson, 2001b, 2007a). To date, very little research has explored this claim during learner-learner interactions…

  12. Using Learner Generated Examples to Introduce New Concepts

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Watson, Anne; Shipman, Steve

    2008-01-01

    In this paper we describe learners being asked to generate examples of new mathematical concepts, thus developing and exploring example spaces. First we elaborate the theoretical background for learner generated examples (LGEs) in learning new concepts. The data we then present provides evidence of the possibility of learning new concepts through…

  13. Improving the EFL Learners' Speaking Ability through Interactive Storytelling

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Marzuki; Prayogo, Johannes Ananto; Wahyudi, Arwijati

    2016-01-01

    This present research was aimed to improve the EFL learners' speaking ability and their classroom activities through the implementation of Interactive Storytelling Strategy. Therefore, this study was directed to explore the beneficial of Interactive Storytelling that closely related to the EFL learners' everyday activities at their home and…

  14. Facilitating and Dealing with Learner Differences in the Online Classroom

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    McFarlane, Donovan A.

    2012-01-01

    This paper explores the challenges faced by teachers and educators in the online classroom, especially in light of existing learner differences among students stemming from intelligence, socioeconomic status (SES), culture, gender, among other factors. The author examines the characteristics of the online classroom and looks at learner differences…

  15. Effects of Dicto-Comp and Dictation on the Writing Skill of Female Adult Iranian EFL Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Adel, Rahil; Hashemian, Mahmood

    2015-01-01

    This study was an attempt to clarify and remind L2 learners/teachers of 2 kinds of writing: dicto-comp and dictation. We explored the effect of controlled writing on the accuracy of the writing of adult Iranian EFL learners. Prior to the study, the homogeneity of 30 adult EFL learners was checked through an OPT test. Thirty participants were…

  16. The Meaning behind the Mask. [Lesson Plan].

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    National Endowment for the Humanities (NFAH), Washington, DC.

    In this lesson plan, students explore the cultural significance of masks. After exploring the world of African masks and storytelling, they create masks that tell stories of their own. In these six lessons, students first recall contexts in which masks are worn in the United States, and then discuss their use in stories. Students then investigate…

  17. Task-Based Oral Computer-Mediated Communication and L2 Vocabulary Acquisition

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Yanguas, Inigo

    2012-01-01

    The present study adds to the computer-mediated communication (CMC) literature by exploring oral learner-to-learner interaction using Skype, a free and widely used Internet software program. In particular, this task-based study has a two-fold goal. Firstly, it explores possible differences between two modes of oral CMC (audio and video) and…

  18. Exploring How School Counselors Position Low-Income African American Girls as Mathematics and Science Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    West-Olatunji, Cirecie; Shure, Lauren; Pringle, Rose; Adams, Thomasenia; Lewis, Dadria; Cholewa, Blaire

    2010-01-01

    The underrepresentation of low-income African American girls in science-related careers is of concern. Applying the concept of positionality, the authors explored how three school counselors at low-resourced schools view this population of learners to either support or discourage mathematics and science careers. The results of this study suggest…

  19. Adults' Perceptions of Knowledge Construction as Participants in Nonformal World Affairs Programs: An Interpretive Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Yelich Biniecki, Susan M.

    2015-01-01

    The purpose of this interpretive research study was to explore how adult learners perceive they construct knowledge in connection to their participation in nonformal world affairs programs. The study context involved the exploration of 12 adult learners' perceptions of their knowledge construction as participants in world affairs programs held in…

  20. Exploring Podcasting in English as a Foreign Language Learners' Writing Performance

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bamanger, Ebrahim Mohammed; Alhassan, Riyadh Abdulrahman

    2015-01-01

    The purpose of the present study was to determine whether giving English as a foreign language learners podcast lectures in addition to the traditional lectures help them to enhance their English language writing, and to explore and discover useful information regarding the adoption of podcasting as a learning or training tool in order to better…

  1. Exploring an Invisible Medium: Teacher Language Awareness among Preservice K12 Educators of English Language Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lindahl, Kristen Marie

    2013-01-01

    This study investigates the construct of Teacher Language Awareness (TLA) in a group of preservice mainstream K-12 teachers who are developing skills to work with English Language Learners (ELLs) in United States (US) public school contexts. Specifically, the study seeks to explore how preservice teachers' participation in directed university…

  2. Exploring and Contrasting EFL Learners' Perceptions of Textbook-Assigned and Self-Selected Discussion Topics

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wolf, James P.

    2013-01-01

    In an attempt to explore the significance of a "willingness to communicate" (WTC) variable in second language (L2) acquisition, this article reports on a survey study that investigated 101 Japanese university English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners' perceptions of textbook-assigned and self-selected discussion topics. Additionally,…

  3. Interaction Equivalency in Self-Paced Online Learning Environments: An Exploration of Learner Preferences

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rhode, Jason F.

    2009-01-01

    This mixed methods study explored the dynamics of interaction within a self-paced online learning environment. It used rich media and a mix of traditional and emerging asynchronous computer-mediated communication tools to determine what forms of interaction learners in a self-paced online course value most and what impact they perceive interaction…

  4. An Exploration of Turkish Teachers' Attributions to Barriers Faced within Learner-Centred Teaching

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Soysal, Y.; Radmard, S.

    2017-01-01

    This study explored Turkish teachers' attributional reasoning regarding the barriers they face when they attempted to undertake learner-centred teaching, which is a core requirement of educational reform-based initiations in Turkey. To achieve this aim, a naturalistic inquiry was conducted in order to capture the clarifications of the barriers and…

  5. Exploring the Learning of Mathematics Word Problems by African Immigrant Early Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mahofa, Ernest; Adendorff, Stanley; Kwenda, Chiwimbiso

    2018-01-01

    The aim of this study was to explore the learning of mathematics word problems by African immigrant early learners in the Western Cape Province of South Africa (SA). Phenomenology was used as the philosophical underpinning for this study and also informed the research method. Purposive sampling methods were used to select 10 African immigrant…

  6. Exploring the Relationship between Tolerance of Ambiguity of EFL Learners and Their Vocabulary Knowledge

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Basöz, Tutku

    2015-01-01

    Learning a new language is akin to exploring an unknown land as ambiguous situations are prevalent in language learning. Ambiguity tolerance, which can hinder or facilitate language learning, is considered as an important learning style. The purpose of the present study was to understand how tolerant/intolerant EFL learners are of foreign language…

  7. Building a Learning Experience: What Do Learners' Online Interaction Data Imply?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kokoç, Mehmet; Altun, Arif

    2016-01-01

    It is still under debate whether learners' interaction data within e-learning and/or open learning environments could be considered as reflections of their learning experiences to be effective or not. Therefore, it is meaningful to explore the nature of these interactions and to make meaningful conclusions. This study aims to explore what the…

  8. Anticipating students' reasoning and planning prompts in structured problem-solving lessons

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vale, Colleen; Widjaja, Wanty; Doig, Brian; Groves, Susie

    2018-02-01

    Structured problem-solving lessons are used to explore mathematical concepts such as pattern and relationships in early algebra, and regularly used in Japanese Lesson Study research lessons. However, enactment of structured problem-solving lessons which involves detailed planning, anticipation of student solutions and orchestration of whole-class discussion of solutions is an ongoing challenge for many teachers. Moreover, primary teachers have limited experience in teaching early algebra or mathematical reasoning actions such as generalising. In this study, the critical factors of enacting the structured problem-solving lessons used in Japanese Lesson Study to elicit and develop primary students' capacity to generalise are explored. Teachers from three primary schools participated in two Japanese Lesson Study teams for this study. The lesson plans and video recordings of teaching and post-lesson discussion of the two research lessons along with students' responses and learning are compared to identify critical factors. The anticipation of students' reasoning together with preparation of supporting and challenging prompts was critical for scaffolding students' capacity to grasp and communicate generality.

  9. Attitudes toward Task-Based Language Learning: A Study of College Korean Language Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Pyun, Danielle Ooyoung

    2013-01-01

    This study explores second/foreign language (L2) learners' attitudes toward task-based language learning (TBLL) and how these attitudes relate to selected learner variables, namely anxiety, integrated motivation, instrumental motivation, and self-efficacy. Ninety-one college students of Korean as a foreign language, who received task-based…

  10. Adult English Language Learners' Perceptions of Audience Response Systems (Clickers) as Communication Aides: A Q-Methodology Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rodriguez, Lisa Ann; Shepard, MaryFriend

    2013-01-01

    This study explored the perceptions of adult English language learners about audience response systems (clickers) as tools to facilitate communication. According to second language acquisition theory, learners' receptive capabilities in the early stages of second language acquisition surpass expressive capabilities, often rendering them silent in…

  11. EFL Learners' Self-Perceived Strategy Use across Various Intelligence Types: A Case Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tahriri, Abdorreza; Divsar, Hoda

    2011-01-01

    Increasing attention paid to learner-centered pedagogy in recent years has highlighted the examination of intelligence and language learning strategies (LLSs) among others. This study explores EFL learners' perceived use of language learning strategies across various intelligence types as reflected in Gardner's 1983 Multiple Intelligences Theory.…

  12. Cultivating Effective Corpus Use by Language Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kennedy, Claire; Miceli, Tiziana

    2017-01-01

    While there is widespread agreement on the expected benefits of hands-on access to corpora for language learners, reports abound of the difficulties involved in realising those benefits in practice. A particular focus of discussion is the challenge of transferring the skills of the corpus linguist to learners, so that they can explore this type of…

  13. The Effects of Advance Organizers and Subtitles on EFL Learners' Listening Comprehension Skills

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Yang, Hui-Yu

    2014-01-01

    The present research reports the findings of three experiments which explore how subtitles and advance organizers affect EFL learners' listening comprehension of authentic videos. EFL learners are randomly assigned to one of two groups. The control group receives no treatment and the experimental group receives the experimental conditions of one…

  14. Exploring the Unknown: The Autonomy of Saudi EFL Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Alrabai, Fakieh

    2017-01-01

    This study addresses a new area of research in Saudi Arabia. Using a sample of 630 Saudi students, it investigates learners' level of autonomy and its relationship to academic achievement in English as a foreign language (EFL). Learners' level of autonomy was measured by a survey, whereas their achievement was evaluated using standardized…

  15. An Investigation of Learner Autonomy in Turkish EFL Context

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cakici, Dilek

    2017-01-01

    This study investigated the teachers' perceptions as to what extent learners should be involved in decision making processes concerning the general aspects of learner autonomy. The primary aim of the research was to find out learning autonomy perceptions of Turkish prospective teachers of English. It is also aimed to explore the effect of gender…

  16. Creating a Community of Learners in a Middle School Methods Course

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    D'Souza, Lisa Andries

    2017-01-01

    This examination of practice aims to share pedagogical practices, grounded in the research of teaching and learning, for building a community of learners in teacher education coursework. The pedagogical exploration supports explicit modeling of strategies to support teacher candidates in their mission to develop a community of learners in their…

  17. Exploring the Relationship between Modified Output and Working Memory Capacity

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mackey, Alison; Adams, Rebecca; Stafford, Catherine; Winke, Paula

    2010-01-01

    This study examines the relationship between learners' production of modified output and their working memory (WM) capacity. The task-based interactions of 42 college-level, native English-speaking learners of Spanish as a foreign language were examined. A relationship was found between learners' WM test scores and their tendency to modify output.…

  18. Making a Difference in Learners' Lives: Results of a Study Based on Adult Literacy Programs

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Terry, Marion

    2006-01-01

    Using qualitative methods, the author explores how adult learners' lives are affected by participating in adult literacy programs in Manitoba, Canada. After a description of research methods, changes in six major areas of learners' lives are discussed: general attitudes toward life, levels of interpersonal awareness, self-esteem, academic…

  19. Using a Learner-Centered Approach to Develop an Educational Technology Course

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Abdelmalak, Mariam; Trespalacios, Jesús

    2013-01-01

    The article explores the structure of a graduate educational technology course that used a learner-centered approach to prepare students to be independent responsible learners. Key features of this approach were the balance of power between the instructor and students, involving students in decision-making about their learning, sharing the…

  20. The Effects of Need Satisfaction on EFL Online Learner Satisfaction

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Chen, Po-Hsuan; Adesope, Olusola

    2016-01-01

    This study explored the effects of need satisfaction (autonomy, competence, and relatedness) on English as a foreign language (EFL) online learner satisfaction and validated the Chinese versions of the need satisfaction scale (NSS) and online learner satisfaction scale (OLSS). We collected data from a questionnaire administered to 199 EFL students…

  1. Effectiveness of Adaptive Assessment versus Learner Control in a Multimedia Learning System

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Chen, Ching-Huei; Chang, Shu-Wei

    2015-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to explore the effectiveness of adaptive assessment versus learner control in a multimedia learning system designed to help secondary students learn science. Unlike other systems, this paper presents a workflow of adaptive assessment following instructional materials that better align with learners' cognitive…

  2. Exploring Self-Regulated Learning Choices in a Customisable Learning Pathway MOOC

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Crosslin, Matt

    2018-01-01

    Open online courses provide a unique opportunity to examine learner preferences in an environment that removes several pressures associated with traditional learning. This mixed methods study sought to examine the pathways that learners will create for themselves when given the choice between an instructor-directed modality and learner-directed…

  3. Using a False Biofeedback Methodology to Explore Relationships between Learners' Affect, Metacognition, and Performance

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Strain, Amber Chauncey; Azevedo, Roger; D'Mello, Sidney K.

    2013-01-01

    We used a false-biofeedback methodology to manipulate physiological arousal in order to induce affective states that would influence learners' metacognitive judgments and learning performance. False-biofeedback is a method used to induce physiological arousal (and resultant affective states) by presenting learners with audio stimuli of false heart…

  4. Which Aspects of the English Language Do Distance Learners Find Difficult?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Teoh, George Boon Sai; Lin, Agnes Liau Wei; Belaja, Kathy

    2016-01-01

    This study reports the findings of a research carried out on distance learners at the School of Distance Education (SDE), University Sains Malaysia (USM). The study was explorative in nature with the purpose identifying the aspects of the English language which distance learners found difficult to learn. A quantitative survey questionnaire design…

  5. Developing Oral Proficiency with VoiceThread: Learners' Strategic Uses and Views

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Dugartsyrenova, Vera A.; Sardegna, Veronica G.

    2017-01-01

    This study explored Russian as a foreign language (RFL) learners' self-reported strategic uses of "VoiceThread" (VT)--a multimodal asynchronous computer-mediated communication tool--in order to gain insights into learner perceived effectiveness of VT for second language (L2) oral skills development and to determine the factors that…

  6. Motivating High School Latina/o English Learners to Engage in Reading: An Exploratory Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Griffin, Robert Andrew

    2016-01-01

    This qualitative dominant mixed-methods study explored reading motivation among high school English learners whose first language was Spanish. Latina/o English learners (N = 87) from four southeastern, suburban high schools took part. The study utilized survey data to test for significant differences across demographic sectors and to group…

  7. A Visualisation-Based Semiotic Analysis of Learners' Conceptual Understanding of Graphical Functional Relationships

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mudaly, Vimolan

    2014-01-01

    Within the South African school curriculum, the section on graphical functional relationships consists of signs which include symbols, notation and imagery. In a previous article we explored the role visualisation played in the way learners understood mathematical concepts. That paper reported on the learners' fixation with the physical features…

  8. Learners' Motivation and Identity in the Vietnamese EFL Writing Classroom

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tran, Ly Thi

    2007-01-01

    The study reported in this paper explores issues of motivation and learners' identity in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) writing classroom in Vietnam from the perspectives of the learners. It was conducted with thirty English-major students at a university in central Vietnam. While relevant literature appears to place much emphasis on…

  9. The Impact of Social Presence on Learners' Satisfaction in Mobile Learning

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Alsadoon, Elham

    2018-01-01

    Distributing learning completely through mobile courses is a new trend. Social presence has been identified as a significant predictor of learner satisfaction with online learning. It is a key element that improves learner satisfaction with online learning (Cobb, 2009; Reio & Crim, 2013). This study explores whether social presence is inherent…

  10. South African Learners' Conceptual Understanding about Image Formation by Lenses

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    John, Merlin; Molepo, Jacob Maisha; Chirwa, Max

    2017-01-01

    The purpose of this research was to explore South African Grade 11 learners' conceptual understanding of "image formation by lenses". The participants for this study were 70 Grade 11 learners from a selected senior secondary school in Mthatha, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The qualitative approach employed in the study made use of…

  11. Oral Computer-Mediated Interaction between L2 Learners: It's about Time!

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Yanguas, Inigo

    2010-01-01

    This study explores task-based, synchronous oral computer-mediated communication (CMC) among intermediate-level learners of Spanish. In particular, this paper examines (a) how learners in video and audio CMC groups negotiate for meaning during task-based interaction, (b) possible differences between both oral CMC modes and traditional face-to-face…

  12. Autonomy as an Element in Chinese Educational Reform: A Case Study of English Lessons in a Senior High School in Beijing

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Halstead, J. Mark; Zhu, Chuanyan

    2009-01-01

    Recent educational reforms in China have emphasized "learner autonomy", but this differs in crucial respects from the concept of "personal autonomy", which is a central goal of western liberal education. The many changes that have resulted from the opening up policy in China in the last 30 years include what has been called…

  13. LewiSpace: An Exploratory Study with a Machine Learning Model in an Educational Game

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ghali, Ramla; Ouellet, Sébastien; Frasson, Claude

    2016-01-01

    The use of educational games as a tool for providing learners with a playful and educational aspect is widespread. In this paper, we present an educational game that we developed to teach a chemistry lesson, namely drawing a Lewis diagram. Our game is a 3D environment known as LewiSpace and aims at balancing between playful and educational…

  14. Lessons from Life's First Teacher: The Role of the Family in Adolescent and Adult Readiness for School-to-Work Transition.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Way, Wendy L.; Rossman, Marilyn Martin

    A study examined the nature of family contributions to adolescent and adult learners' readiness for transition from school to work and any variations between the two groups. It used data from national samples of 1,266 high school seniors and 879 adults in one- and two-year postsecondary occupational education programs. Findings, based on an…

  15. Implementing History and Philosophy in Science Teaching: Strategies, Methods, Results and Experiences from the European HIPST Project

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hottecke, Dietmar; Henke, Andreas; Riess, Falk

    2012-01-01

    This paper presents a rationale for utilizing HPS to teach physics and the NoS developed in the course of a project funded by the European Union. A core feature of this approach is formed by the development of historical case studies for the use in lessons. Furthermore, the learners' perspectives are explicitly taken into account. Teaching methods…

  16. Connecting the Hands-On to the Minds-On: A Video Case Analysis of South African Physical Sciences Lessons for Student Thinking

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ramnarain, Umesh

    2015-01-01

    In South Africa, there is a strong curriculum imperative for South African school science teachers to not only involve learners in practical inquiry activities but also to support students in making a connection between the construction of substantive scientific knowledge to these activities. The research reported in this article investigated the…

  17. Collaborative Learning across Physical and Virtual Worlds: Factors Supporting and Constraining Learners in a Blended Reality Environment

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bower, Matt; Lee, Mark J. W.; Dalgarno, Barney

    2017-01-01

    This article presents the outcomes of a pilot study investigating factors that supported and constrained collaborative learning in a blended reality environment. Pre-service teachers at an Australian university took part in a hybrid tutorial lesson involving a mixture of students who were co-located in the same face-to-face (F2F) classroom along…

  18. "We Are Not as They Think about Us": Exploring Omani EFL Learners' "Selves" in Digital Social Spaces

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Little, Sabine; Al Wahaibi, Suad

    2017-01-01

    This paper reports a research study of Omani EFL learners' motivation to engage in social technologies through the medium of English, adopting Dörnyei's L2 Motivational Self System as the main theoretical framework, whilst exploring other emergent context-sensitive motivational driving forces. The purpose of the research study was to explore…

  19. Exploring Learners' Beliefs about Science Reading and Scientific Epistemic Beliefs, and Their Relations with Science Text Understanding

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Yang, Fang-Ying; Chang, Cheng-Chieh; Chen, Li-Ling; Chen, Yi-Chun

    2016-01-01

    The main purpose of this study was to explore learners' beliefs about science reading and scientific epistemic beliefs, and how these beliefs were associating with their understanding of science texts. About 400 10th graders were involved in the development and validation of the Beliefs about Science Reading Inventory (BSRI). To find the effects…

  20. Components and Context: Exploring Sources of Reading Difficulties for Language Minority Learners and Native English Speakers in Urban Schools

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kieffer, Michael J.; Vukovic, Rose K.

    2012-01-01

    Drawing on the cognitive and ecological domains within the componential model of reading, this longitudinal study explores heterogeneity in the sources of reading difficulties for language minority learners and native English speakers in urban schools. Students (N = 150) were followed from first through third grade and assessed annually on…

  1. Exploring the Impact of Role-Playing on Peer Feedback in an Online Case-Based Learning Activity

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ching, Yu-Hui

    2014-01-01

    This study explored the impact of role-playing on the quality of peer feedback and learners' perception of this strategy in a case-based learning activity with VoiceThread in an online course. The findings revealed potential positive impact of role-playing on learners' generation of constructive feedback as role-playing was associated with higher…

  2. Exploring Adult Digital Literacy Using Learners' and Educators' Perceptions and Experiences: The Case of the Second Chance Schools in Greece

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jimoyiannis, Athanassios; Gravani, Maria

    2011-01-01

    The research reported in this paper aspires to shed light into adult digital literacy using learners' and educators' experiences and perceptions at Second Chance Schools, a project in Greece aiming at combating social exclusion through education. In exploring the above, this investigation uses a case-study approach within a qualitative paradigm…

  3. Initial Evidence for the Reliability and Validity of the Student Risk Screening Scale with Elementary Age English Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lane, Kathleen Lynne; Richards-Tutor, Catherine; Oakes, Wendy Peia; Connor, Kristin

    2014-01-01

    We report findings of a validation study exploring the Student Risk Screening Scale (SRSS; Drummond, 1994) for use with English learners (ELs) attending a large suburban elementary school. First, we explored the reliability of the SRSS by examining internal consistency, with results indicating adequate internal consistency (0.83). Second, we…

  4. Exploring Self-Directed Learning in the Online Learning Environment: Comparing Traditional versus Nontraditional Learner Populations a Qualitative Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Plews, Rachel Christine

    2016-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to explore self-directed learning in the online learning context. A sample of traditional and nontraditional learners, who were considered above average in their level of self-direction, participated in qualitative interviews to discuss their learning while engaged in an online course. The findings suggested no major…

  5. Exploring Culture-Related Content in the COCA with Task-Based Activities in the EFL Classroom

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lopes, António

    2013-01-01

    The Corpus of Contemporary American English (COCA) at the Brigham Young University website has been used in the English as a Foreign language (EFL) classroom to help learners better understand how language works at different levels of analysis and also to develop their writing skills. However, it also allows learners to explore culture-related…

  6. Exploring the Causes of Listening Comprehension Anxiety from EFL Saudi Learners' Perspectives: A Pilot Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Otair, Ibrahim; Aziz, Noor Hashima Abd

    2017-01-01

    Anxiety is an important factor in foreign language learning. Very few studies have been done on English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Saudi students in listening classes. Therefore, this pilot study was aimed at exploring the causes of listening comprehension anxiety from EFL Saudi learners' perspectives at Majmaah University, Saudi Arabia. The…

  7. Power Distance in Online Learning: Experience of Chinese Learners in U.S. Higher Education

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Zhang, Yi (Leaf)

    2013-01-01

    The purpose of this research study was to explore the influence of Confucian-heritage culture on Chinese learners' online learning and engagement in online discussion in U.S. higher education. More specifically, this research studied Chinese learners' perceptions of power distance and its impact on their interactions with instructors and peers in…

  8. Washback to the Learner: Learner and Teacher Perspectives on IELTS Preparation Course Expectations and Outcomes

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Green, Anthony

    2006-01-01

    The washback effect of tests on teaching has attracted considerable attention over recent years, but the critical question of how this translates into washback on learning remains under-explored. To address this issue, questionnaires relating to academic writing instruction were distributed to 108 learners from mainland China preparing for…

  9. Effect of Different Teaching Techniques on the Acquisition of Grammatical Gender by Beginning German Second Language Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Arzt, Jessica; Kost, Claudia

    2016-01-01

    The grammatical gender of German nouns continues to pose a challenge to second language learners. Following from a connectionist framework, this study explores the effect of two input enhancement techniques, color-coding and gendered actors, on the learning of grammatical gender by beginning learners of German during a vocabulary acquisition…

  10. We're All Adults Here: Clarifying and Maintaining Boundaries with Adult Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Booth, Melanie; Schwartz, Harriet L.

    2012-01-01

    Working with adult learners presents a unique set of interpersonal boundary questions. In this chapter, the authors discuss the characteristics of working with adult learners that have led them to explore questions about boundaries between them and their students. They then identify how they might define, set, maintain, adjust, and work close to…

  11. Effects of Matching Teaching Strategy to Thinking Style on Learner's Quality of Reflection in an Online Learning Environment

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Chen, Nian-Shing; Kinshuk; Wei, Chun-Wang; Liu, Chia-Chi

    2011-01-01

    Reflection plays an important role in improving learning performance. This study, therefore, attempted to explore whether learners' reflection levels can be improved if teaching strategies are adapted to fit with learners' thinking styles in an online learning environment. Three teaching strategies, namely constructive, guiding, and inductive,…

  12. Elderly Korean Learners' Participation in English Learning through Lifelong Education: Focusing on Motivation and Demotivation

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kim, Tae-Young; Kim, Yoon-Kyoung

    2015-01-01

    This study explores motivational and demotivational factors in English learning among elderly learners attending a lifelong education institute located in Seoul, South Korea. A total of 420 elderly learners with limited English learning experience responded to a questionnaire with 47 five-point Likert-type items. In order to investigate what…

  13. Predicting the Proficiency Level of Language Learners Using Lexical Indices

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Crossley, Scott A.; Salsbury, Tom; McNamara, Danielle S.

    2012-01-01

    This study explores how second language (L2) texts written by learners at various proficiency levels can be classified using computational indices that characterize lexical competence. For this study, 100 writing samples taken from 100 L2 learners were analyzed using lexical indices reported by the computational tool Coh-Metrix. The L2 writing…

  14. Developing L2 Pragmatic Competence in Mandarin Chinese: Sequential Realization of Requests

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Su, Yunwen; Ren, Wei

    2017-01-01

    The present study explored the development of second language (L2) Chinese learners' ability to negotiate requests in interactions. It investigated the effect of proficiency on learners' use of request strategies and internal modifications and on their sequential realization of requests in L2 Chinese. Twenty-four American English learners of L2…

  15. Creating an Interactive Virtual Community of Linguistically and Culturally Responsive Content Teacher-Learners to Serve English Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kim, Sujin; Song, Kim; Coppersmith, Sarah

    2018-01-01

    This qualitative case study was framed by an experiential learning approach organized around video resources and linguistically and culturally responsive content teaching. The study explored an overarching research question: How did teacher-learners in a grant project interact with a multimedia learning platform that combined teaching video and…

  16. Creativity and Mobile Language Learning Using LingoBee

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Petersen, Sobah Abbas; Procter-Legg, Emma; Cacchione, Annamaria

    2013-01-01

    In this paper, the authors explore the ideas of mobility and creativity through the use of LingoBee, a mobile app for situated language learning. LingoBee is based on ideas from crowd-sourcing and social networking to support language learners. Learners are able to create their own content and share it with other learners through a repository. The…

  17. Effects of Locus of Control and Learner-Control on Web-Based Language Learning

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Chang, Mei-Mei; Ho, Chiung-Mei

    2009-01-01

    The study explored the effects of students' locus of control and types of control over instruction on their self-efficacy and performance in a web-based language learning environment. A web-based interactive instructional program focusing on the comprehension of news articles for English language learners was developed in two versions: learner-…

  18. Using the Think-Aloud Technique for Determining Different Reading Strategies Used by Iranian EFL Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bakhshalinezhad, Ladan; Nikou, Farahnaz Reymani; Bonyadi, Alireza

    2015-01-01

    This study explored the reading strategies used by advanced and intermediate Persian EFL learners in both English and Persian reading comprehension texts. Based on the aims of the study reading comprehension texts were administered to the learners and their reading strategies in both English and Persian reading comprehension texts were examined…

  19. The M-Factor, a Bilingual Asset for Plurilinguals? Learners' Representations, Discourse Strategies and Third Language Acquisition in Institutional Contexts

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bono, Mariana; Stratilaki, Sofia

    2009-01-01

    Within the framework of our research on learners' language practices and representations, this contribution explores how their representations about language uses and language learning shape the processes of learning and communication in school settings. More precisely, we will study learners' representations regarding the existence of a…

  20. Exploring the Effects of Teachers' and Learners' Conflicting Beliefs on the Provision of Corrective Feedback during Undisturbed Classroom Interactions

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Garcia-Ponce, Edgar Emmanuell; Mora-Pablo, Irasema

    2017-01-01

    Extensive research literature suggests that corrective feedback (CF), when effective, has a beneficial impact on the development of learners' interlanguage. This is because CF provides learners with language data concerning the correctness of their utterances and thus pushes their oral production towards greater clarity, accuracy and…

  1. The Challenges of Chinese: A Preliminary Study of UK Learners' Perceptions of Difficulty

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hu, Bo

    2010-01-01

    This study aims to highlight aspects of difficulty encountered by Chinese as a Foreign Language (CFL) learners and to explore the factors underlying these aspects. Data were gathered through a Chinese Language Learning Difficulty Survey from 164 CFL learners, mostly in British higher education. The survey data provided useful exploratory findings.…

  2. Understanding Learner Agency as a Complex Dynamic System

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mercer, Sarah

    2011-01-01

    This paper attempts to contribute to a fuller understanding of the nature of language learner agency by considering it as a complex dynamic system. The purpose of the study was to explore detailed situated data to examine to what extent it is feasible to view learner agency through the lens of complexity theory. Data were generated through a…

  3. High School Learners' Mental Construction during Solving Optimisation Problems in Calculus: A South African Case Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Brijlall, Deonarain; Ndlovu, Zanele

    2013-01-01

    This qualitative case study in a rural school in Umgungundlovu District in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, explored Grade 12 learners' mental constructions of mathematical knowledge during engagement with optimisation problems. Ten Grade 12 learners who do pure Mathemat-ics participated, and data were collected through structured activity sheets and…

  4. Factors Influencing the Use of Captions by Foreign Language Learners: An Eye-Tracking Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Winke, Paula; Gass, Susan; Sydorenko, Tetyana

    2013-01-01

    This study investigates caption-reading behavior by foreign language (L2) learners and, through eye-tracking methodology, explores the extent to which the relationship between the native and target language affects that behavior. Second-year (4th semester) English-speaking learners of Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and Spanish watched 2 videos…

  5. Discourse Functions and Vocabulary Use in English Language Learners' Synchronous Computer-Mediated Communication

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rabab'ah, Ghaleb

    2013-01-01

    This study explores the discourse generated by English as a foreign language (EFL) learners using synchronous computer-mediated communication (CMC) as an approach to help English language learners to create social interaction in the classroom. It investigates the impact of synchronous CMC mode on the quantity of total words, lexical range and…

  6. A Program Complexity Metric Based on Variable Usage for Algorithmic Thinking Education of Novice Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fuwa, Minori; Kayama, Mizue; Kunimune, Hisayoshi; Hashimoto, Masami; Asano, David K.

    2015-01-01

    We have explored educational methods for algorithmic thinking for novices and implemented a block programming editor and a simple learning management system. In this paper, we propose a program/algorithm complexity metric specified for novice learners. This metric is based on the variable usage in arithmetic and relational formulas in learner's…

  7. Learner-Centeredness and EFL Instruction in Vietnam: A Case Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Van Dang, Hung

    2006-01-01

    Although learner-centeredness has been widely applied in instruction in the world, this approach has only been cautiously adopted in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teaching at some institutions in Vietnam. Taking a social constructivist view, this case study explores how a learner-centred perspective is employed in EFL teaching at a teacher…

  8. Goal-Setting and Self-Reflection to Enhance Learners' Interaction in an ESP Context

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lozano Velandia, Sergio Andrés

    2015-01-01

    This qualitative action research study explored the interactions of young-adult learners carrying out self-reflection on their learning processes in an ESP (English for special purposes) course at an airline training-center in Bogotá, Colombia. Needs analysis revealed that learners had poor knowledge of technical English, and lacked strong…

  9. Learners' Perceptions of the Use of Mobile Technology in a Task-Based Language Teaching Experience

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Calabrich, Simone L.

    2016-01-01

    This research explored perceptions of learners studying English in private language schools regarding the use of mobile technology to support language learning. Learners were first exposed to both a mobile assisted and a mobile unassisted language learning experience, and then asked to express their thoughts on the incorporation of mobile devices…

  10. The Continuum of Learner Disengagement: Ethnographic Insights into Experiential Learning in Marketing Education

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hunter-Jones, Philippa

    2012-01-01

    This article explores the changing worldview of a new generation of learners and the threat that this poses to the future of experiential learning (EL). Initially the differing characteristics of three generations of learners, X, Y, and Z, are outlined, along with key educational reforms they have been subject to, particularly in the United…

  11. What Do Learners Make of Teachers' Gestures in the Language Classroom?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sime, Daniela

    2006-01-01

    This study explores the meanings that learners of English as a foreign language give to teachers' gestures. It is a qualitative, descriptive study of the perceived functions that gestures perform in the EFL classroom, viewed mainly from the language learners' perspective. The data for the study was collected through interviews with twenty-two…

  12. Exploring the use of tablet PCs in veterinary medical education: opportunity or obstacle?

    PubMed

    Wang, Hong; Rush, Bonnie R; Wilkerson, Melinda; van der Merwe, Deon

    2014-01-01

    A tablet PC is a laptop computer with a touch screen and a digital pen or stylus that can be used for handwritten notes and drawings. The use of tablet PCs has been investigated in many disciplines such as engineering, mathematics, science, and education. The purpose of this article is to explore student and faculty attitudes toward and experiences with tablet PCs 6 years after the implementation of a tablet PC program in the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) at Kansas State University (K-State). This study reports that the use of tablet PCs has enhanced students' learning experiences through learner-interface interaction, learner-content interaction, learner-instructor interaction, and learner-learner interaction. This study also identifies digital distraction as the major negative experience with tablet PCs during class time. The tablet PC program provides CVM faculty the potential to pursue technology integration strategies that support expected learning outcomes and provides students the potential to develop self-monitoring and self-discipline skills that support learning with digital technologies.

  13. Teleconsultation and Training of VHA Providers on Transgender Care: Implementation of a Multisite Hub System.

    PubMed

    Kauth, Michael R; Shipherd, Jillian C; Lindsay, Jan A; Kirsh, Susan; Knapp, Herschel; Matza, Lexi

    2015-12-01

    The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is piloting a national program providing teleconsultation and training to clinicians to increase knowledge and comfort with treating transgender veterans and to expand clinical capacity. This program is based on Project ECHO and uses specialist expertise to train and educate front-line clinicians. Over time, the front-line clinicians increase knowledge and skills, enabling them to provide care locally and obviate need for patient travel. This program is innovative in its national scope, interdisciplinary team model, and multihub structure. This article describes development of the program and initial results for the first cohort of learners. Five interdisciplinary clinical teams participated in the 14-session, 7-month program. Most teams had some experience treating transgender veterans prior to participation. The teams completed at least 12 of 14 sessions. Thirteen of 33 participants completed an evaluation. In general, respondents found the teleconsultation program very helpful and credited the experience with improving their team functioning. Furthermore, respondents reported a significant increase in confidence to treat transgender veterans by the end of the program (59% versus 83%). We explored whether it is possible to recruit VHA clinical teams to participate in lengthy training on a low prevalence but complex condition. Early results support the feasibility and effectiveness of this national VHA teleconsultation and training program for transgender care. Lessons learned from the first group of learners have been applied to two concurrent groups with positive results.

  14. Engagement with the TeenDrivingPlan and diversity of teens' supervised practice driving: lessons for internet-based learner driver interventions.

    PubMed

    Winston, Flaura K; Mirman, Jessica H; Curry, Allison E; Pfeiffer, Melissa R; Elliott, Michael R; Durbin, Dennis R

    2015-02-01

    Inexperienced, less-skilled driving characterises many newly licensed drivers and contributes to high crash rates. A randomised trial of TeenDrivingPlan (TDP), a new learner driver phase internet-based intervention, demonstrated effectiveness in improving safety relevant, on-road driving behaviour, primarily through greater driving practice diversity. To inform future learner driver interventions, this analysis examined TDP use and its association with practice diversity. Posthoc analysis of data from teen/parent dyads (n=107), enrolled early in learner phase and assigned to treatment arm in randomised trial. Inserted software beacons captured TDP use data. Electronic surveys completed by parents and teens assessed diversity of practice driving and TDP usability ratings at 24 weeks (end of study period). Most families (84%) used TDP early in the learner period; however, the number of TDP sessions in the first week was three times higher among dyads who achieved greater practice diversity than those with less. By week five many families still engaged with TDP, but differences in TDP use could not be detected between families with high versus low practice diversity. Usability was not a major issue for this sample based on largely positive user ratings. An engaging internet-based intervention, such as TDP, can support families in achieving high practice diversity. Future learner driver interventions should provide important information early in the learner period when engagement is greatest, encourage continued learning as part of logging practice drives, and incorporate monitoring software for further personalisation to meet family needs. NCT01498575. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

  15. Teaching science in museums

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tran, Lynn Uyen

    Museums are free-choice, non-threatening, non-evaluative learning and teaching environments. They enable learners to revisit contents, authentic objects, and experiences at their own leisure as they continually build an understanding and appreciation of the concepts. Schools in America have used museums as resources to supplement their curriculum since the 19 th century. Field trip research is predominantly from the teachers' and students' perspectives, and draws attention to the importance for classroom teachers and students to prepare prior to field trips, have tasks, goals, and objectives during their time at the museum, and follow up afterwards. Meanwhile, museum educators' contributions to field trip experiences have been scantily addressed. These educators develop and implement programs intended to help students' explore science concepts and make sense of their experiences, and despite their limited time with students, studies show they can be memorable. First, field trips are a break in the usual routine, and thus have curiosity and attention attracting power. Second, classroom science teaching literature suggests teachers' teaching knowledge and goals can affect their behaviors, and in turn influence student learning. Third, classroom teachers are novices at planning and implementing field trip planners, and museum educators can share this responsibility. But little is reported on how the educators teach, what guides their instruction, how classroom teachers use these lessons, and what is gained from these lessons. This study investigates two of these inquiries. The following research questions guided this investigation. (1) How do educators teaching one-hour, one-time lessons in museums adapt their instruction to the students that they teach? (2) How do time limitations affect instruction? (3) How does perceived variability in entering student knowledge affect instruction? Four educators from two museums took part in this participant observation study to examine one aspect of the teaching culture in museums, that is instruction during one-time science lessons. The researcher remained a passive participant in all 23 lessons observed. Data included observations, interviews, and researcher field notes. An inductive analysis model incorporating constant comparison and domain analysis methods was adopted to analyze the data. Five major findings emerged from this analysis. (1) Repeating lessons develop comfort and insight to compensate one-time nature of lessons. (2) Details within science lessons can vary according to the students. (3) A lifelong learning perspective forms the foundation for educators' choices. (4) Refine teaching to use time efficiently. (5) Educators designate roles to teachers and chaperones to maximize time. These findings had implications for museum educators, classroom teachers, and all those involved in school field trips. Recommendations for action and future research emerging from this study were listed and discussed.

  16. Texture Fish

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Stone, Julie

    2007-01-01

    In an effort to provide an opportunity for her first graders to explore texture through an engaging subject, the author developed a three-part lesson that features fish in a mixed-media artwork: (1) Exploring Textured Paint; (2) Creating the Fish; and (3) Role Playing. In this lesson, students effectively explore texture through painting, drawing,…

  17. Exploring Cultural Rituals. Learning Page Lesson Plan.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Douglas, Nanci; Ruddy, Mary

    This two-week lesson plan exploring cultural rituals guides students to: improve their oral and written communication skills; write correct bibliographic citations for primary sources; and gain tolerance and acceptance of all cultures through the exploration and analysis of holiday and stages of life rituals. Aimed at students in grades 6 through…

  18. Negotiation, Embeddedness, and Non-Threatening Learning Environments as Themes of Science and Language Convergence for English Language Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ardasheva, Yuliya; Norton-Meier, Lori; Hand, Brian

    2015-01-01

    In this review, we explore the notion of teaching science to English language learners (ELLs) as a balancing act between simultaneously focusing on language and content development, on the one hand, and between structuring instruction and focusing on student learning processes, on the other hand. This exploration is conducted through the lens of a…

  19. Do Different Modalities of Reflection Matter? An Exploration of Adult Second-Language Learners' Reported Strategy Use and Oral Language Production

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Huang, Li-Shih

    2010-01-01

    This paper reports on a small-scale study that was the first to explore raising second-language (L2) learners' awareness of speaking strategies as mediated by three modalities of task-specific reflection--individual written reflection, individual spoken reflection, and group spoken reflection. Though research in such areas as L2 writing, teacher's…

  20. Teachers' Influence on Goal Orientation: Exploring the Relationship between Eighth Graders' Goal Orientation, Their Emotional Development, Their Perceptions of Learning, and Their Teachers' Instructional Strategies.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Nichols, William Dee; Jones, Jeanneine P.; Hancock, Dawson R.

    2003-01-01

    Explores how students' perceived learning relates to emotions, motivation, and goal orientation. Finds that students significantly reported more negative emotions than positive emotions, thus indicating that the emotions of the learner were more negative, the motivation was more extrinsic and the goal orientation of the learners could be…

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