Investigating Pre-Service Candidates’ Images of Mathematical Reasoning: An In–Depth Online Analysis of Common Core Mathematics Standards

Vol.9  No.2

Year: 2013

Issue: Sep-Nov

Title : Investigating Pre-Service Candidates’ Images of Mathematical Reasoning: An In–Depth Online Analysis of Common Core Mathematics Standards

Author Name : C. E. Davis, James E. Osler II

Synopsis :

This paper details the outcomes of a qualitative in–depth investigation into teacher education mathematics preparation. This research is grounded in the notion that mathematics teacher education students (as “degree seeking candidates”) need to develop strong foundations of mathematical practice as defined by the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics’ (CCSSM). In this investigation mathematics Pre-Service Candidates (“PSCs”) participated in an online 15-week methods course that infused writing prompts. This research activity probed the PSCs images of mathematical reasoning. It is based on the idea that in mathematical teacher education, teacher preparation requires teaching mathematical standards. In teaching the standards activities are required that infuse mathematical reasoning. This will aid PSCs in further infusing mathematical reasoning in their teaching both now and in the future.

For more details:

imanagerpublications.com

Co-Relates Between Anxiety and Academic Achievement in Teacher Trainees

Vol.9  No.2

Year: 2013

Issue: Sep-Nov

Title : Co-Relates Between Anxiety and Academic Achievement in Teacher Trainees

Author Name : Shivani Yadav, Dr. Savita Sharma

Synopsis :

Anxiety is one of the major predictors of academic performance. Teacher trainees with anxiety disorder display a passive attitude in their studies such as lack of interest in learning, poor performance in exams, and on lesson plans & assignments. This research observes the relationship between level of anxiety and academic achievement of teacher trainees. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select 130 teacher trainees from colleges of Education. Hypotheses were tested using Pearson’s correlation, chi-square and independent t-test statistics. The results show that there is a low but significant relationship between anxiety and academic achievement of teacher trainees. So, research on anxiety is one of the most active areas in psychology.

For more details:

imanagerpublications.com

Restructuring the Future Classroom - A Global Perspective

Vol.9  No.2

Year: 2013

Issue: Sep-Nov

Title : Restructuring the Future Classroom - A Global Perspective

Author Name : Shivakumar, Manichander

Synopsis :

The students are the consumers as well as co-creators of knowledge. Information does not flow top-down any more. Networks, peers and students inquisitiveness teach students. Teachers act as filters. Collaboration is the key. In today's world for the netgen, knowingly or unknowingly technology and the free flow of information via internet has made young mind wanting. Over the last few decades, everything has changed in our lives with the all pervasive intervention of technology. However classrooms have remained untouched by technology. The classrooms that our grandparents went to are exactly the kind of classrooms our children study in. Chalk and blackboard, a packed classroom, text books, regimented curriculum, a teacher painstakingly explaining abstract concepts with the limited tools at her disposal. Imagine a Science teacher explaining how a DNA replicates, a History teacher teaching a class about the Harappan Civilization, or a Geography teacher teaching how Block mountains are formed.

For more details:

imanagerpublications.com

Experiences of Students with Visual Impairments in Adoption Of Digital Talking Textbooks: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Vol.9  No.2

Year: 2013

Issue: Sep-Nov

Title : Experiences of Students with Visual Impairments in Adoption Of Digital Talking Textbooks: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Author Name : Ahamad Hussin, James E. Folkestad , Carole Makela

Synopsis :

This study was conducted to explore the experiences of Malaysian secondary students with visual impairments in using digital talking textbooks (DTTs) to assist their learning. Data were obtained from individual in-depth interviews. An interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used to understand the findings and confirm the emergent themes. Six super-ordinate themes emerged from the interview transcripts: (a) functionality, (b) user support, (c) knowledge/familiarity, (d) challenges of access, (e) alternative, and (f) adaptation of DTTs are discussed. In conclusion, four high-level recommendations are made for future DTT design: 1) design based on current and projected work habits of students, 2) develop proactive user support, 3) teacher training, and 4) design based on adaptation and flexibility.

For more details:

imanagerpublications.com

Infusing BSCS 5E Instructional Model with Multimedia : A Promising Approach to Develop 21st Century Skills

Vol.9  No.2

Year: 2013

Issue: Sep-Nov

Title : Infusing BSCS 5E Instructional Model with Multimedia : A Promising Approach to Develop 21st Century Skills.

Author Name : Divya C.Senan

Synopsis :

The full promise of class room learning is dependent on its ability to incorporate 21st century skills in its instructional design, delivery and implementation. In this increasingly competitive global economy, it is not enough for students to acquire subject-level mastery alone. Skills like creative thinking, problem-solving, communication and analytical thinking are necessary for all levels of success. To cope with the demands of the 21st century, students need to know how to use their knowledge and skills-by thinking critically, applying knowledge to new situations, analyzing information, comprehending new ideas, communicating, collaborating, solving problems, and making decisions. If our students are going to compete successfully in the global economy, more must be done to support their acquisition of 21st century skills. This article attempts to articulate a vision for 21st century learning in schools, and identify a way in which a teaching strategy can improve outcomes for all students. The author here tries to infuse the 5E model and technology for the development of 21st century skills in science education curriculum programs and instructional practices.

For more details:

imanagerpublications.com

Learner – Oriented Virtual Learning: A Booster To Primary School Learners

Vol.9  No.1

Year: 2013

Issue: Jun-Aug

Title : Learner – Oriented Virtual Learning: A Booster To Primary School Learners

Author Name : Singaravelu G

Synopsis :

The present study enlightens the impact of Learner- Oriented-Virtual Learning in enriching knowledge in Environmental Education at primary level.To achieve the expected competency in Biodiversity, various approaches were adopted in the class room transaction which were not fruitful. Hence the researcher practiced the Learner –Oriented-Virtual Learning in the classroom transaction. Experimental method was adopted in the study. Qualitative and quantitative approaches were adopted in the study. Sixty students studying at standard v in Pomanampalayam Panchayat union school were considered as sample for the study.Achievement test was considered as tool for the study.Resarcher’s self-made tool was used for pretest and post test. After administering pre test, treatment was given through Learner-Oriented-Virtual Learning to find out the effectiveness of it. Descriptive and inferential statistics was applied for the study. Learner-oriented-Virtual Learning is more effective than traditional method in Learning Biodiversity in Environmental Education.The fruitful method can be implemented in some other classes.

For more details:

imanagerpublications.com

Exploring the Impact of Critical Reflection Through the Use of Service-Learning and Digital Storytelling.

Vol.9  No.1

Year: 2013

Issue: Jun-Aug

Title : Exploring the Impact of Critical Reflection Through the Use of Service-Learning and Digital Storytelling.

Author Name : Kisha Daniels

Synopsis :

In an ongoing effort to address the needs of 21st century teachers, a service-learning project was designed which coupled structured reflection and technology. The reflective practitioner model through the use of traditional methods coursework has long been viewed as the most appropriate model for the development of teachers (Hall, 2012). However, deep reflection is difficult for most pre-service teachers, and is often viewed as assignments that need to be completed in order to successfully complete a course, instead of being viewed as a powerful learning tool that can be used to empower and engage in their own development (Stenberg, 2010). One way of evidencing this reflection and deep learning is through the creation of digital stories (Barrett, 2006). This case study presents the application and outcomes of a service-learning project between an urban university and an elementary school in which pre-service teachers utilized digital storytelling as a method for critical reflection and application of content methodology. The focus on the pre-service teacher’s understanding of content skills, reflective inquiry and enhanced technology skills also supports the National Educational Technology Standards.

For more details:

imanagerpublications.com

Cognitive Load Theory – Sometimes Less Is More

Vol.9  No.1

Year: 2013

Issue: Jun-Aug

Title : Cognitive Load Theory – Sometimes Less Is More

Author Name : Cody Taylor

Synopsis :

The following paper represents review of the literature examining the current research related to cognitive load theory and more specifically the negative aspects of the redundant on-screen text. The authors describe working and long-term memory and how both factor into human learning through the facilitation of knowledge transfer. Limited working memory and cognitive load as defined in the cognitive load theory are explored thoroughly. Briefly, the author describes the benefits of including visual and audio components in the design of technology-based instruction based on the split-attention and modality effects of the cognitive load theory. Several studies related to the redundancy effect are presented, all supporting the exclusion of redundant on-screen text in technology-based instruction. Justifications for case by case inclusion of redundant on-screen text are discussed. Recommendations for technology-based instructional design are included in the recommendations section of the summary.

For more details:

imanagerpublications.com

Flexible Learning As New Learning Design In Classroom Process To Promote Quality Education

Vol.9  No.1

Year: 2013

Issue: Jun-Aug

Title : Flexible Learning As New Learning Design In Classroom Process To Promote Quality Education

Author Name : D. R. Robert Joan

Synopsis :

Educators in the 21st century realize that students entering the classroom today are much different from those who have come before. Today’s students are demanding a change in the classroom because of their ability to gather information faster than any other generation. It gives users on-demand access to the content, tools, training, information, and support they need to create and enhance learning relevance and efficacy through both school-provided and personal technology. Learning is acquiring new, or modifying and reinforcing existing, knowledge, behaviours, skills, values, or preferences and may involve synthesizing different types of information. Flexible Learning is a set of educational philosophies and systems, concerned with providing learners with increased choice, convenience, and personalisation to suit the learner. In particular, flexible learning provides learners with choices about where, when, and how learning occurs. Sometimes it also referred to as personalized learning. Quality determines how much and how well children learn and the extent to which their education translates into a range of personal, social and developmental benefits. The objective of this paper is to study that flexible learning in classroom is help to promote quality education. Here the investigator used interview method to fulfil the study. The investigator prepared a flexible learning schedule to find the new learning design in classroom process. The investigator collects the information from the student about the flexible learning design in classroom environment. The flexible learning moulds the learner to plan their activities according to their interest and enthusiastic. It also keeps the mind of learner in a pleasant situation that is out of external fear. Finally the study concludes that flexible learning in classroom is help to promote quality education.

For more details:

imanagerpublications.com

Acquired And Required Competencies In Interactive Computer In Labour Market Sector From The Employers'

Vol.9  No.1

Year: 2013

Issue: Jun-Aug

Title : Acquired And Required Competencies In Interactive Computer In Labour Market Sector From The Employers'

Author Name : Adodo. S.O, Adewole Timothy

Synopsis :

This study investigated acquired and required competencies in interactive computer technology (ICT) in labour data were collected from employers’ and employees’. The study is a descriptive research of the survey type. The population of the study consisted of unemployed graduates, employed graduates and various parastatal where graduates seek for employment in Ondo state. The study sample consisted of fifty employed graduates randomly selected from different parts in Ondo state, one hundred unemployed graduates randomly selected from different parts of Ondo state and fifty employers of 6 six respondents each from the Banking Sector, Radio Station, Power Holding Company Sector, Local Government Sector, Hospital, Teaching Service Commission Sector, Construction Companies Sector, Police Force and Road Safety were randomly selected for the study. A self developed questionnaire was used to gather information for this study. Six research questions were raised for the study and analyzed using frequency percentage count and simple percentage. Based on the findings, some recommendations were made.

For more details:

imanagerpublications.com

Online Course Effectiveness: A Model for Innovative Research in Counselor Education

Vol.9  No.1

Year: 2013

Issue: Jun-Aug

Title : Online Course Effectiveness: A Model for Innovative Research in Counselor Education

Author Name : Gina Cicco

Synopsis :

This article will discuss the need for experimental research to document the effectiveness of online counseling skills courses. There are relatively few published studies that have investigated faculty and student performance outcomes when counseling skills and techniques courses are taught through a completely online modality. Various studies have examined the interactions of faculty members and students in online courses and the performance of students in online education courses, but these studies have not considered fully online counseling skills courses, which are unique because they involve the instruction of interpersonal skills without traditional face-to-face communication in a classroom setting (Cicco, 2009; Cicco, 2012; Haberstroh, 2010; Trepal, Haberstroh, Duffey, & Evans, 2007). This article will present a model for innovative research that aims to fill this gap in the existing scientific literature on online counseling courses. The goal of completing such an investigation is primarily to determine whether or not counselors-in-training experience comparable levels of skill development in completely online skills courses as they do in traditional face-to-face courses. It is also expected that this type of research may identify areas for improvement in fully online counseling skills courses. The proposed research sample, design, methodology, measures, analyses, and expected outcomes will be addressed.

For more details:

imanagerpublications.com

Transformational Research Engineering: Research Design Metrics for In–Depth And Empowering K–12 Teacher Professional Development

Vol.9  No.1

Year: 2013

Issue: Jun-Aug

Title : Transformational Research Engineering: Research Design Metrics for In–Depth And Empowering K–12 Teacher Professional Development

Author Name : James E. Osler II

Synopsis :

This paper discusses the implementation of the Tri–Squared Test as an advanced statistical measure used to verify and validate the research outcomes. This type of statistical measure is ideal for teachers professional development as educators can create and validate instruments for educational settings. The initial research investigation published in i-manager's Journal on School Educational Technology determined that these types of research on academic programs provide an active solution that validates in–depth educational researches by teachers to positively impact the educational settings. The research methodology used in this paper further validates the outcomes of an initial study that used Meta–Cognitive Analysis followed up by an in–depth Tri–Squared Test on that same area to determine the reliability of educator–based investigative inquiry. This advanced approach to data analysis is a transformative mixed methods research design that involves the in–depth comparison and transformation of qualitative outcomes into quantitative data.

For more details:

imanagerpublications.com