bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mission Revision Is Critical Component Of Re-Accreditation Strategies In Schools Of Business
Authors: Smith Janice Witt , Khojasteh Mak
Published: March 2016

Many business schools in the United States and abroad market themselves as having quality programs, in part based on the level of external validation they have received through the attainment of accreditation.  The most recent AACSB-IME standards seem to indicate that schools will be evaluated based on the alignment of the policies, curricula, educational programs and practices with the business school’s mission.  This requires that the institutions have a clear understanding of who they are, want to be become, who/what they wish to produce and who they serve.  This study examines a single AACSB-IME accredited institution’s efforts to revise its mission statement in an environment undergoing a major cultural shift from a baccalaureate to Master’s I institution, as well as changes in key leadership.
Activity Based Learning In A Freshman Global Business Course: Analyses Of Preferences And Demographic Differences
Authors: Levine Mark F. , Guy Paul W.
Published: March 2016

The present study investigates pre-business students’ reaction to Activity Based Learning in a lower division core required course entitled Introduction to Global Business in the business curriculum at California State University Chico.  The study investigates students’ preference for Activity Based Learning in comparison to a more traditional lecture and exam format.  It also investigates whether or not students’ with perceived interests in different aspects of business have preferences for activities that focus on different types of processes.  It further analyzes whether or not gender and class standing play a significant role in these dynamics.
University Educational Service Delivery Strategy In A Changing World: Implications For Ethical Values And Leadership Integrity In Nigeria
Authors: Akintayo D. I.
Published: March 2016

This paper examined university educational service delivery strategy in a changing world as it affects ethical values and leadership integrity in Nigeria.  This was for the purpose of determining appropriate strategies for improving the quality of service delivery system in Nigerian universities.  The paper submits that the quality and quantity of educational services has considerably been improved in relation to internal efficiency of resources.  Moreso, the problem of access to education has become a significant phenomenon with its deleterious effect on labour market supply.  The university education has also become more relevant to manpower training and development.  However, the paper established that the high level of moral decadence among the students as well as the leaders has affected the quality of education in Nigeria.  The deplorable condition of Nigerian universities need be improved upon by all the stakeholders.  Also, resource allocation and utilization towards quality assurance in Nigerian education system need be properly considered for financial and moral supports by the government and private organizations in Nigeria.
To Investigate The Views Of Students Regarding Motivational Techniques Used By The Heads Of Secondary Schools In Punjab
Authors: Khaleeq Abdur Rehman
Published: March 2016

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the views of students regarding motivational techniques used by the heads of secondary schools in Punjab.  The main objective of this study was to identify the students’ opinions about the performance of the teachers.  The nature of this study was descriptive, and the population constituted 748,124 students at the secondary level in Punjab. Fifteen out of 34 districts in the province of Punjab were randomly selected and cluster sampling was used in order to choose 300 secondary schools for the sample. Ten students from each school were included in this sample, and it was further divided equally into male and female as well as urban and rural. The questionnaires were the research instruments for data collection. The data were tabulated, analyzed, and interpreted by using the most suitable statistical tools like mean, standard deviation, standard error of the difference between means, and two-tailed t-test. On the basis of analysis, it was concluded that a greater part of students fairly agreed that their teachers appreciated the students’ performances openly, criticized them in a constructive way, maintained discipline in the class, chided the students on their mistakes, gave feedback in academic matter, solved their problem, and trusted in the students.
The Impact Of Unethical Reasoning On Different Types Of Academic Dishonesty: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Eastman Jacqueline K. , Iyer Rajesh , Reisenwitz Timothy H.
Published: March 2016

This paper offers support that those students who felt they had stronger reasons for committing unethical academic behaviors are more likely to report committing academic dishonesty than those who felt they had weaker reasons for unethical academic behaviors.  This relationship held for all four categories of academic dishonesty:  cheating (on tests), seeking outside help, plagiarism (on papers), and E-cheating (electronic cheating on tests).  This suggests that students are rationalizing their academic dishonest behaviors and those students who feel they have stronger reasons for committing academic dishonesty are more likely to be academically dishonest.
Teacher Use Of Interactive Read Alouds Using Nonfiction In Early Childhood Classrooms
Authors: Bortnem Gayle M.
Published: March 2016

Children enter kindergarten in the United States with large differences in their background knowledge, vocabulary, and early literacy experiences. There is a strong relationship between language development during the early years and reading ability in the primary grade and teachers must understand the importance of developing vocabulary and its relationship to literacy.  It is essential that teachers provide time and effort to quality language experiences. One researched based strategy to accomplish this is the use of interactive read-alouds. Teachers have traditionally used fictional literature in the classroom, but there is growing research that nonfiction or informational literature are also needed to provide children with quality vocabulary building experiences in the early school years. This research study examined the results of a survey that was given to childcare providers and preschool through 2nd grade teachers about the amount of time they read aloud to children and the amount of time they spend reading fiction compared to nonfiction text. Results showed that teachers in classrooms (pre- through 2nd grade) reported reading to children almost every day, though the time devoted to this activity was a small percentage of the total time spent in class. Also, nonfiction literature was a small percentage of the literature that was being read to children. The findings in this paper have implications for practice in the field. Because vocabulary development is a key ingredient in the learning-to-read process and is a predictor of success in future reading skills, teachers in the early grades should be aware of the benefits of using interactive read alouds and the genre of nonfiction literature in vocabulary development.
Standard Of Measurement For Student Evaluation Instruments
Authors: Simione Kathleen , Cadden David , Mattie Angela
Published: March 2016

For colleges and universities, the expectation for excellence in teaching and learning has made development of a system for measuring teaching effectiveness critical. Teaching effectiveness is generally assessed with a comprehensive review of skills including instructional design, instructional delivery and course management. This requires student feedback usually in the form of Student Evaluation Instruments (SEIs). Since SEIs are an important part of measuring teaching effectiveness to assess excellence, and excellence in the classroom is expected when considering promotion and tenure, it follows that they play an integral role in the promotion and tenure process.  In fact, faculty promotions and the issuance of tenure may hinge on the results of these vital evaluations. Our study investigates the use of SEIs at our university’s School of Business.  Unlike many other prior studies, limited to a single course or department and a single semester, we examined data collected from the use during six semesters (three years) of our Student Evaluation Instrument for the entire School of Business.  The results yielded nearly 30,000 useable responses across all business majors. If SEIs are to be used effectively and fairly then one must have a clear understanding as to what should be the appropriate standard used to evaluate faculty teaching effectiveness. Should a global value – the mean for the entire school or university – be used or should it be based on the mean for each department?  We believe this to be a critical consideration given the potential for differences in mean ratings amongst departments.
Big Physics At Small Places: The Mongol Horde Model Of Undergraduate Research
Authors: Voss Philip J. , Finck Joseph E. , Howes Ruth H. , Brown James , Baumann Thomas , Schiller Andreas , Thoennessen Michael , DeYoung Paul A. , Peaslee Graham F. , Hinnefeld Jerry , Luther Bryan , Pancella Paul V. , Rogers Warren F.
Published: March 2016

A model for engaging undergraduates in cutting-edge experimental nuclear physics research at a national user facility is discussed.  Methods to involve students and examples of their success are presented.
The Folly Of Making EPS Comparisons Across Companies: Do Accounting Textbooks Send The Correct Message?
Authors: Kelley Timothy P. , Hora Judith A.
Published: March 2016

This paper demonstrates why EPS comparisons across companies are meaningless. An example is provided showing how a company with a higher ROE than another company may have a lower EPS simply from having a lower book value per share (and more shares outstanding) than the comparison company. While ROE comparisons across companies can be useful, cross-company EPS comparisons are meaningless due to the arbitrary number of shares outstanding across companies. The authors review the EPS discussion of 31 financial and intermediate accounting textbooks aimed at US students and find that six of these textbooks incorrectly assert or imply that cross-company EPS comparisons are meaningful. Over 50% of the textbooks reviewed provide no warning that cross-company EPS comparisons should be avoided.
Achieving Proficiencies In Economics Capstone Courses
Authors: Seeborg Michael C.
Published: March 2016

This paper argues that capstone courses in economics should be integrative experiences that require students to demonstrate six core proficiencies.  The capstone economics senior seminar at Illinois Wesleyan University is used as an example of how a capstone course that requires completion of an original research paper might achieve these proficiencies.  Also, carefully designed co-curricular activities, such as student-edited undergraduate journals, and participation in undergraduate research conferences are recommended as complements to capstone research courses.
Assignment Of Grades And Student Performance In A Hybrid Operations Management Course: What Works And Ideas For Improvements
Authors: Houts Lisa M. , Taylor James C.
Published: March 2016

The production and operations management class offered at California State University, Fresno underwent a transformation from being a four-unit, face-to-face course to a hybrid course.  This hybrid course, which is required for all students in the Craig School of Business, includes two units of face-to-face instruction each week, with some coverage of conceptual material as well as review and practice of the mathematical material presented online.   There are also two units of online streaming lecture instruction created and delivered by the course coordinator covering primarily quantitative material with some coverage of conceptual material for some chapters.  This second component translates into about ten hours of online related activities during the week for the students, requiring a large amount of self-discipline as they study and learn complex mathematical concepts applied to production management.  Students are expected to work through this material and complete corresponding quantitative worksheets prior to coming to class.  This paper compares the proportions of assigned grades of 116 students in four sections of the hybrid production and operations management class in the fall of 2006 to the proportions of assigned grades of 76 students in three sections of the course conducted in the spring of 2001, one of the last semesters that it was taught entirely in the classroom.  Changes that have taken place in the delivery of the course will be described, as well as suggestions for making the instructor’s delivery of the course more effective in the future.  Fisher’s exact test and chi-square analysis will be performed to determine if there was a significant change in the proportions of assigned grades between the face-to-face format and the hybrid course.  One item of particular interest is the proportion of assigned grades on the comprehensive, final exam, the content of which was virtually the same in 2001 as in 2006.  Thus, it provides a consistent measure of the students’ overall understanding of both conceptual and mathematical material at the end of the semester.
Linking Premise To Practice: An Instructional Theory-Strategy Model Approach
Authors: Bowden Randall
Published: March 2016

College and university teaching has come under intense scrutiny in recent years. Scholars agree that effective teaching is much more than the transmission of knowledge.  However, they may disagree as to what effective teaching entails.  This paper provides a perspective that effective teaching, and thus learning, is enhanced when appropriate instructional theories are clearly linked to correlated teaching strategies.  It discusses the purpose of theories and models in that they explain and predict behavior.  Furthermore, it presents the Instructional Theory-Strategy Model and demonstrates how theory and strategy are linked.  If theory does indeed explain and predict behavior, faculty can increase learning opportunities by linking the appropriate instructional theory to its corresponding teaching strategy.
Landscaping Habitat For Humanity Homes: A Community Outreach Project
Authors: Ramsay Jodie L.
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this project is to incorporate a community service component into a Biology course at Northern State University (NSU) in Aberdeen, SD.  Students in an upper-level botany course (Plant Structure and Function) provide landscaping services to homeowners who have purchased homes through Habitat for Humanity.  Homeowner satisfaction with the finished project and student learning are assessed through surveys.
Integrating The Wall Street Journal Into AIS Courses
Authors: Kohlmeyer, III James M.
Published: March 2016

While it is important for accounting information systems (AIS) students to understand computer technology, internal controls and business processes, such knowledge is of little use without reference to appropriate contexts.  Integrating Wall Street Journal (WSJ) readings and discussions into AIS classes can enrich learning by stimulating discussions based on real-life experiences. This article illustrates how the WSJ can be used in AIS courses to reinforce learning in key areas, such as information privacy, data security, identity theft, and business continuity.
Assessment Of Critical Business Skill Development By MBA Alumni
Authors: Glynn Joseph G. , Wood Gregory R.
Published: March 2016

Six years of survey data were analyzed to assess, among other things, the degree to which an AACSB accredited graduate business program successfully developed student skills in a variety of areas deemed important for career success.  The study illustrates a methodology institutions can use to respond to increasing demands for program evaluation and assessment of learning goals.  As well, data on program efficacy can impact a program’s marketing efforts in attracting students in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
Business Faculty Perceptions Of Positive And Negative Student Behaviors
Authors: Shepherd C. David , Shepherd Kathy , True Sheb
Published: March 2016

The behavior of students can enhance or degrade the classroom experience for students and faculty alike. While a stream of research has focused on student behaviors in primary and secondary education, little attention has been directed at student behaviors in the higher education setting.  The qualitative research presented in this manuscript identifies student behaviors that business faculty perceive to be examples of unusually positive or negative behaviors.  Research implications and suggestions for future research are also presented.
Going The Extra Step For Parental Involvement: Connecting Family And School With The Power Of Teacher Websites
Authors: Unal Zafer
Published: March 2016

Current literature supports the idea of teacher created websites for parental involvement; however, it does not provide adequate guidelines for determining formal content of a teacher website. While potential benefits are often suggested, specific guidelines appear infrequently. This study sought to address some of the shortcomings in the literature on teacher websites by conducting an online survey of both teachers and parents of elementary schools regarding their beliefs about what is essential and ideal content for teacher websites.
Fulfilling Dreams In Adult Education: Managing The Multi-Level Classroom
Authors: Haley Rebecca J.
Published: March 2016

Have you ever wondered how Laura Ingalls Wilder taught all of her students in the little one-room school house in The Little House on the Prairie series?  How did she teach students on so many different levels and all at the same time?  Well, that is exactly what it is like in most adult education classrooms today.  The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of adult education and how to successfully manage a multi-level classroom.  Moreover, many individuals are becoming aware of the wonderful opportunities that are available once they earn their High School Equivalency Diploma (GED). However, there is a variation in the number of hours that students spend in preparation for their GED.  Therefore, this paper will include one year of various data including statistics on attendance hours for various levels of adult education students as well as the amount of progress made depending on hours of attendance.  Some students do not require classroom time at all; however, other students require classroom study time, but at different time lengths because they enroll at different educational levels.  Numerous students study many hours in the adult education classroom in preparation for the GED test before actually taking the test.  Furthermore, having the proper classroom setting is essential in order for them to be successful.  Managing students at varying educational levels while in a single classroom can be very challenging and overwhelming, or even frightening at times.  However, teaching effectively in a multi-level classroom can be accomplished and many dreams can be fulfilled.  Walt Disney once said, “All our dreams can come true – if we have the courage to pursue them.”
Student Grade Motivation As A Determinant Of Performance On The Business Major Field ETS Exam
Authors: Terry Neil , Mills LaVelle , Sollosy Marc
Published: March 2016

This paper examines the determinants of performance on the business major field achievement ETS exam with a focus on the impact of applying ETS exam scores to part of the capstone course grade as a performance incentive.  The sample consists of 150 students at a midsized regional institution located in the Southwestern region of the United States.  The empirical model employed controls for grade point average, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), junior college transfer students, and gender.  The results indicate that students are motivated to put forth significantly more effort when capstone course grade is impacted by ETS performance.
A Comparison Of Student Outcomes And Student Satisfaction In Three MBA Human Resource Management Classes Based On Traditional Vs. Online Learning
Authors: Gibson Jane Whitney
Published: March 2016

The author taught three MBA Human Resource Management classes in the spring term of              2007 at a large private university in Florida. Two of the classes were taught in a 100% online format while the third was taught off campus in a university-owned building in Orlando where students met in a face-to-face, weekend setting. This traditional class was augmented by a WebCT classroom where students posted assignments, did exams, and communicated via email and discussion boards in the interims between classes. Comparisons were made regarding student performance and student satisfaction. In both areas, students in the face-to-face class scored just slightly better than their online counterparts.
The Importance Of Teacher/Parent Partnerships: Preparing Pre-Service And In-Service Teachers
Authors: Loughran Sandra B.
Published: March 2016

The importance of a good parent-teacher relationship has been well documented. The author presents a guide to getting parent-teacher relationships started in the right direction and then maximizing the benefits of their interactions.
Teacher-Students Verbal Interaction At The Secondary Level
Authors: Inamullah Hafiz Muhammad , Hussain Ishtiaq , Ud Din M. Naseer
Published: March 2016

The main purpose of this study was to explore teacher-student verbal interaction in the secondary level classes using the Flanders Interaction Analysis system (FIA).  Its findings and conclusions may stimulate teachers at the secondary level to improve their teaching behaviour in order to maximize students’ learning.
Student Perception And Challenges Facing Academic Advising
Authors: Afshar Tahmoures A.
Published: March 2016

This study examined the patterns of student perception regarding academic advising in an undergraduate program in a privately operated school.  Participants were 156 students enrolled in fall 2004 term and were asked to respond to both a 15 structured question questionnaire and an open-ended questionnaire.  In the former format students were asked to rate their current advisor on each question using a scale from 1 to 4, where I indicated that student was very dissatisfied and 4 indicated that student was very satisfied. Our findings revealed that student’s satisfaction varied from question to question.  Students were most satisfied with those questions that measured their social and personal needs and the advisor’s attitudinal skill.  The major source of student’s dissatisfaction came from advisor’s lack of knowledge and information related to both institutional and non-institutional issues.
Generating Student Interest In Physics: Using Relevant And Exciting Curriculum Additions
Authors: Abdul-Razzaq Wathiq , Bushey Ryan
Published: March 2016

As physics teachers at the collegiate level, we are faced with the difficulty of lack of interest in science among non-science majors.  An example of this occurred in a conceptual physics course at West Virginia University, where we taught mostly students attending the education college. A poll taken of the class found 62% of the students wrote they did not want to teach science.  A difficulty presented by this is that the students, who are mostly aspiring elementary level teachers, will go into the teaching field with a lack of enthusiasm toward teaching science.  It is our goal then to excite these students, and all students, towards science and therefore exhibit eagerness when applying their knowledge in the classroom and elsewhere.  One method for accomplishing this is to give these students hands-on, relevant, stimulating, and interesting curriculum in a laboratory environment.  We have created several alterations to the course that succeed in meeting these goals and have proven to truly excite the students toward physics and science in general.
The Organizational Strategies Of School Management In Japan: Focus On Primary School Principals
Authors: Cisse Makia , Okato Toshitaka
Published: March 2016

The study examines the organizational strategies of Japanese principals in school management. One hundred principals of primary schools in Hiroshima Prefecture were surveyed in 2007. The samples comprised of the differences between the two groups aged 51-55 and 56-60 in terms of how competency level should be exerted in school. The study was conducted to clarify how principals apply specific organizational tasks in schools. The study used a questionnaire developed to measure the school management skills. The questionnaire composed of a 3 points scale for principal competencies, indicating assessment with the following: low competency, moderate competency and high competency. The principals were considered to be high competent in the area of vision for the organization because of their knowledge of the tasks, the materials to be learned, and their strategies for learning to influence academic success. It recommends that skills must be acquired in order to manage the outcomes of instruction in accomplishment of school objectives. Application of professional responsibilities and leadership in addition to some other tasks can add to the teaching quality. The results provide important information about the relevance of organizational strategies to principals’ work, and issues to consider in implementing standard-based school organizational strategies. These strategies have been adopted in school system in the form of formal teacher training (konai kenshu) and effective leadership.
Using Translated Instruments In Research
Authors: Beauford Judith E. , Nagashima Yosuke , Wu Ming-Hsun
Published: March 2016

International and cross cultural research in the global community often requires translations of instruments. This paper reviews the development of a translation protocol for instruments written in English for a Western culture and used for a different language and culture.
A Study Of Path-Goal Relations Between Leaders Of College Principals And Their Subordinates In Pakistan
Authors: Awan Riffat-un-Nisa , Zaidi Nayyar Raza
Published: March 2016

This study was designed to investigate the relationship among leadership behavior of degree college principals, selected organizational and personal characteristics, and faculty job satisfaction, acceptance of leader and job expectancies. The moderators included task structure, role ambiguity, stress, need for autonomy, need for achievement, perception about ability and locus of control. Responses were received from 854 college faculty members. Correlation analysis indicated that leadership styles were positively related to job expectancies and negatively related to acceptance of leader and job satisfaction. There were no differences between male and female respondents on any dependent measure. Majority was satisfied with their work on the job, supervision, coworkers and job in general and were dissatisfied with their pay and the promotion policy. Regression analysis indicated that only experience and length of service under current principal had significant affect on acceptance and satisfaction.
Comparisons Of Proctored Versus Non-Proctored Testing Strategies In Graduate Distance Education Curriculum
Authors: Prince Diane J. , Fulton Richard A. , Garsombke Thomas W.
Published: March 2016

The authors studied the testing pattern grades in four e-campus courses at Troy University with 76 graduate students. In their research, the authors found significant differences in average test grade scores between tests taken electronically without a proctor as compared to those administered using a live or a remote proctor overall. To control for differences among courses, a statistical test was solely conducted on the courses which had the same instructor, same text, and similar tests with comparable results; students scored significantly lower on proctored exams versus non-proctored exams. To enhance the quality of courses in the online environment, the researchers recommend several “best practices” pedagogical strategies based on their findings and an extensive literature review.
Effective Comprehension Instruction At The Pre-Service Level
Authors: Mills Lynne , Hogan Jan
Published: March 2016

A higher education development team consisting of four professors of reading at two universities designed a set of lessons for possible use in helping teachers or preservice teachers develop strategies to produce effective comprehension skills of elementary students. These techniques were first used with undergraduate candidates and then revised to use with reading coaches in the literacy demonstration sites around the state of Alabama. The author describes a set of four interventions based upon this work that was used with graduate preservice teachers in a reading methods course. Three areas were emphasized in this investigation: changing preservice teachers’ misconceptions about the meaning of comprehension, helping them understand what readers do to comprehend text, and teaching them how comprehension can be explicitly taught to elementary students. Through these interventions, the preservice teachers gained a better understanding of how to teach comprehension more effectively to K – 6 students.
Re-Envisioning The Dissertation Stage Of Doctoral Study: Traditional Mistakes With Non-Traditional Learners
Authors: Holmes Barbara D. , Seay Angela D. , Wilson Kimberly N.
Published: March 2016

Doctoral students discuss the shift from learning in isolation to collaborative learning during doctoral study. Pros and cons of learning in isolation and collaborative learning will be detailed with various types of collaboration being discussed.
Actors In Academia - Roles Professors Play
Authors: Minter Mary Kennedy
Published: March 2016

This paper proposes that professors play several actors’ roles in the college classroom. Suggestions are made about how to improve and perfect those important roles and responsibilities.
Cohort Learning For Graduate Students At The Dissertation Stage
Authors: Holmes Barbara D. , Birds Kimberly , Seay Angela D. , Smith Debra B. , Wilson Kimberly N.
Published: March 2016

Doctoral students discuss the power of collaborative cohort learning in transforming the dissertation phase of doctoral study.  Innovative components of doctoral cohort learning and dissertation preparation are detailed.
The Robust Learning Model (RLM): A Comprehensive Approach To A New Online University
Authors: Neumann Yoram , Neumann Edith F.
Published: March 2016

This paper outlines the components of the Robust Learning Model (RLM) as a conceptual framework for creating a new online university offering numerous degree programs at all degree levels. The RLM is a multi-factorial model based on the basic belief that successful learning outcomes depend on multiple factors employed together in a holistic approach. This comprehensive approach was fully implemented and resulted in quality learning at all degree levels, affordable tuition, and accountability.
A Quasi-Linear Model Of Design Cognition
Authors: Phuthi Nduduzo , Kumar Krishan Lall , Molwane Olefile Bethuel
Published: March 2016

The continuum of human learning has been the subject of research by behaviourists, cognitivists, constructivists and lately by neural scientists among others.  The style and order of learning have also been identified, notably by Benjamin Bloom et al (1956) and Gagne and Briggs (1992).  Skills-learning has been the subject of attention in competency-based learning strategies. Yet another milestone in the continuum of learning is to be innovative and creative, which enables a learner to conceive and design new objects and concepts. Design cognition is an under-explored faculty of humankind.  Human capability to design appears to be a complex phenomenon influenced by several factors, implicitly or explicitly, such as socio-educational background, learning to think innovatively, interaction with innovators and creators, exercising initiative, experimenting with new ideas, creating designs with confidence and finally moving into seeking design patents and making commercial use of design. In this paper the authors develop first a linear model of acquiring design capability and then modify it to a quasi linear model after validation by interaction with a sample of design students and design professionals through analysis and reflection on questionnaire responses with both qualitative and quantitative data. The proposed model promises to be a useful tool for design educators in several overlapping areas of design.
The Impacts Of Cooperative Learning On Anxiety And Proficiency In An EFL Class
Authors: Suwantarathip Ornprapat , Wichadee Saovapa
Published: March 2016

The purposes of this study were to examine the effectiveness of cooperative learning approach in reducing foreign language anxiety and to investigate its impact on language proficiency of 40 sophomore students enrolled in EN 211 course in the second semester of 2009 academic year at Bangkok University.  Three instruments employed were the standardized Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS) (Horwitz, Horwitz, & Cope, 1986), two proficiency tests covering reading and writing skills, and a semi-structured interview. The pre- and post- scores from the questionnaire and the tests of the group were calculated for descriptive statistics and compared using a paired sample t-test measure. It was found that the students’ top five sources of language classroom anxiety and overall language anxiety were significantly decreased. In addition, they obtained higher language proficiency scores for the post-test than the pre-test at the significance level of .001 after learning through this approach.  The students also had a favorable attitude toward cooperative learning as a whole.
Using Wikis To Develop Summary Writing Abilities Of Students In An EFL Class
Authors: Wichadee Saovapa
Published: March 2016

The research studied and compared students’ English summary writing ability before and after they were taught through wiki, a powerful tool, promoting collaborative learning environments among students.  The research design is a kind of one group pre-test post-test.  The target group was 35 students who enrolled in EN 111 course (Fundamental English I) in the first semester of the academic year 2010 at Bangkok University. Students in groups of four or five designed a wikispace and worked together for eight weeks in order to produce five pieces of summary written work. The members in each group worked through editing and revision on web pages until the team got a final paper and submitted that to the teacher for evaluation. The instruments used in this study included (1) summary writing tests, (2) a questionnaire surveying their attitudes toward this instruction, and (3) a reflection on cooperative learning through wikis. The results revealed that after the students were taught through wikis pages, their English summary writing mean score of the posttest was higher than that of the pretest and they had positive attitudes towards this learning. Regarding cooperative learning experience, most students thought that this is a new experience to work with the members on-line. They worked very hard; it took many times to read and reread the members’ postings in order to add new information.
Study Attitude And Academic Achievement At Secondary Level In Pakistan
Authors: Sarwar Muhammad , Bashir Muhamamd , Alam Muhammad
Published: March 2016

The author compared study attitudes of low and high achievers by using a self-developed study attitude scale (SAS) consisting of 36 items. Academic performance was measured through marks obtained by the students in the 9th grade examination conducted by the external body.  The analysis revealed that the study attitude of secondary school students was related with their academic achievement.  A t-test for independent samples showed that there was a significant difference between the study attitude of male, female, rural and urban students.
Challenges Of Teaching Computer Science In Transition Countries: Albanian University Case
Authors: Sotirofski Kseanela , Kukeli Agim , Kalemi Edlira
Published: March 2016

The main objective of our study is to determine the challenges faced during the process of teaching Computer Science in a university of a country in transition and make suggestions to improve this teaching process by perfecting the necessary conditions. Our survey builds on the thesis that we live in an information age; information technology is an irresistible factor in our era and should be involved in the curriculum of all levels of education. A brief summary of related literature review and some empirical results are provided. Data collected from a survey of freshmen students has been analyzed using simple regression technique. Among all traditional factors that determine performance on computer applications, the authors find that gender, prior knowledge, peer pressure, market conditions, and the quality of delivering the course are statistically important.
Conceptual Roots And Synergistic Communalities In Economics And Marketing
Authors: Poczter Abram , Poczter Sharon L.
Published: March 2016

Marketing as a scientific discipline has a very long practice but relatively brief history, as opposed to Economics, crowned as the queen of social sciences in antiquity. Both disciplines share an interest in consumer behavior, on both micro and micro levels. However, taught at different schools and departments of universities, these disciplines developed own methodologies and research approaches, foregoing obvious synergies. This paper discusses several concepts and theories developed in one of the disciplines that ought to be taught in the other.
Approaches To The Assessment Of Science Process Skills: A Reconceptualist View And Option
Authors: Oloruntegbe K. O.
Published: March 2016

Assessment means many things to many people. There is a plethora of terms and definitions. To measure science-learning outcomes at skills level, assessment was modified and restructured not only in form and context, but in vocabularies and nomenclatures. Thu, there emerged different forms, like alternative, authentic and performance assessments, which are labeled the most suitable for assessing science process skills demonstrated and developed by students during science activities. The author of this paper took a critical look at these various forms and found them not being strong and precise enough for that purpose. What is demanded from the students and teachers in the various forms of assessments differs not much from those of the conventional paper-and-pencil types. Or, at best, it is the product of investigation written on paper and marked by conference examiners. The disadvantages of this conventional practice are much. The author is therefore advocating on-the-spot assessment of skills as complements and supplements to these others. The advantages are overwhelming and are stated in the body of the paper.
Faculty Satisfaction In Higher Education: A TQM Approach
Authors: Quraishi Uzma , Hussain Ishtiaq , Syed Makhdoom Ali , Rahman Farah
Published: March 2016

This paper was aimed to investigate the levels of satisfaction among faculty members in higher education in Pakistan. Five hundred faculty members were surveyed from leading public and private universities through an instrument developed by the authors and 450 were completed and returned. Percentage method was used to analyze and interpret data. The results highlighted the value of the survey as a strategy for management and human resource planning in universities.
Identification Of The Social Development In Early Childhood In Pakistan
Authors: Malik Asif , Sarwar Muhammad , Khan Naeemullah
Published: March 2016

This study was conducted to identify the social development in early childhood years. It was delimited to eight private schools of Lahore City from the area of Faisal Town and Shadman. Forty students (male and female) were randomly selected as the sample. Five students from Nursery, Prep and grade one were selected from each school.  A checklist was developed by reviewing the related literature which covered attributes of social developments under the sections of individual, social skills, peer relationships and communication skills. It was revealed that individual, social skills, peer relationships and communication skills were developed in the children but a positive mood was lacking in them at this stage.
A New Twist On An Old Tool: Joint Learning With An Innovative Cognitive Writing Tool
Authors: Mattisson Jane , Schamp-Bjerede Teri
Published: March 2016

Our paper introduces a new initiative on a common computer program used as a cognitive tool that facilitates learning with as opposed to learning through technology. The tool, which comprises a modification of a so-called boilerplate, is part of a joint learning system (Kim and Reeves, 2007) in which the tool, learner and activity are equal participators in the learning process. Our focus is on teachers with limited technical expertise. The boilerplate is used as a learning tool specifically aimed at supporting graduate and post-graduate essay writing classes. Teachers have limited time to learn new computer programs and may avoid these because of limited technology skills and inexperience in this area. The cognitive tool assists students with structuring, formatting and grammar. In our presentation, we clarify the special features of the tool, and reflect on the philosophy behind it as well as on its potential for teachers in higher education.
Mentoring Reflective Practice In Pre-Service Teachers: A Reconstruction Through The Voices Of Australian Science Teachers
Authors: De Ville Paul A.
Published: March 2016

This paper explores the formative basis of the professional reflective practice of in-service science teachers through their reconstruction of their pre-service interaction with lecturing staff.  It reports through the voice of graduates of the Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Teaching double degree program of Avondale College, NSW who are currently practising in the classroom setting. Through these narratives the study focuses on mechanisms for the development of professional reflective modalities; and the levels of coherence between lecturers’ actual practice of reflective, critical thinking and in-service teacher’s conceptualisation of professional reflection that informs the development of their present professional reflective aptitudes, understandings and practices.
Amelioration Of Educational Conditions Through School Management Committees
Authors: Yousuf Muhammad Imran , Alam Muhammad Tayab , Sajjad Muhammad Latif , Imran Muhammad
Published: March 2016

Community participation in planning and managing for increased educational opportunity is necessary. To ensure the involvement of local community, the government of Pakistan experimentally launched a scheme in 1994 by establishing School Management Committees (S.M.Cs).  The major purpose of the present study was to observe the functions and performance of  S.M.Cs in Promoting Education in Pakistan.              The government schools of Punjab Province were considered to be the target population. The study sample consisted of SMCs. of eight government higher secondary schools, 34 government high schools and 34 government elementary schools the Punjab. A survey-type study questionnaire was used to gather the data which were collected and interpreted by using simple statistical techniques of percentage, mean, standard deviation, and t-test.  Tentative conclusions are drawn with regard to observations of head teachers and memebrs of SMCs.
Adverse Changes In Faculty Behavior Resulting From Use Of Student Evaluations Of Teaching: A Case Study
Authors: Pritchard Robert E. , Potter Gregory C.
Published: March 2016

Based on a detailed literature review and longitudinal analysis, this paper explores the possible underlying causes of the decline in the number of hours per week graduating business seniors indicated they studied during their senior year. The study was conducted at an AACSB accredited college of business at a regional university.  The study indicates that the decline in hours studied was likely an unintended result of using a process designed to demonstrate continuous improvement in teaching. The process utilized the Educational Testing Service’s SIR II student evaluation instrument as the only measure of teaching quality/effectiveness. The study concludes that the process may have pressured some instructors to sacrifice teaching rigor in an attempt to obtain more favorable student evaluations, thereby precipitating the decline in hours studied.
Social Networking Phenomena In The First-Year Experience
Authors: Corwin Jay R. , Cintron Rosa
Published: March 2016

The transition from high school to college is never an easy process. New freedoms and new independence provides for an exciting first year. There is no debate as to the importance of starting college off well. However, juggling these new opportunities with increased academic rigor is not an easy process. Several authors have described the importance of peer relationships and participation in social networks as key to reducing some of the stress involved in the transition process. Employing a phenomenological method of analysis, this study investigated the composition of those social networks. Having an increased understanding of who comprises these groups provides higher education administrators with more opportunities to alleviate transition difficulty. This study combines interviews and observations, conducted in various campus locations, to identify potential phenomena within these student relationships. Unique occurrences are presented in text, as well as graphic representation when possible.
The Impact Of School Socioeconomic Status On Student-Generated Teacher Ratings
Authors: Agnew Steve
Published: March 2016

This paper uses ordinary least squares, logit and probit regressions, along with chi-square analysis applied to nationwide data from the New Zealand ratemyteacher website to establish if there is any correlation between student ratings of their teachers and the socioeconomic status of the school the students attend.  The results show that students from mid socioeconomic status schools score their teachers significantly higher than students from other socioeconomic status schools. This has implications for the national measurement of teacher performance, as well as implications for individual teachers working in different socioeconomic status schools.
Teaching Journalism Students About Confidential Whistleblower Sources: An Analysis Of Introductory News Writing Textbooks
Authors: Huxford John , Moore Maria A.
Published: March 2016

Whistleblowers are a key journalistic source for many current news stories. However, reporters pursuing these major stories must navigate the dilemma between transparent full disclosure and protecting their confidential source. Professional journalists begin their journey as students, and students begin their journey in the classroom with a teacher and a textbook. But are journalism students being trained to deal effectively, and sensitively, with a whistleblowing source who may bring complex needs and difficulties to the news gathering process? This study explores how contemporary introductory news writing textbooks tackle issues surrounding the use of unnamed whistleblower sources. Beginning with a quantitative analysis as its foundation, the study explores, qualitatively, the advice being offered to students on how to handle these sources. We suggest that there are a number of important gaps that characterize textbooks when it comes to whistleblowing and associated concepts, with scant attention being paid to, for example, differentiation among varying types of anonymous source, the contextualization of a whistleblowers unique circumstances, and the potential of positive source motivation. Suggestions are included for enhancing textbook content in this important area.