title: Teaching novice conceptual data modellers to become experts

authors: Venable, John R.

subjects: computer science

abstract: This paper describes teaching practices designed to help novice data modellers become expert data modellers. We base these practices on extant empirical research which highlights the strengths of expert data modellers and reveals the weaknesses of novices. After reviewing this research and analysing the causes of the novices' difficulties, we describe the strategy and specific techniques for helping novices to overcome their weaknesses and acquire the strengths and skills of expert data modellers. Techniques recommended include explicit comparison and teaching of novice and expert characteristics and behaviours, providing students with a realistic plan for how to acquire expert data modellers' capabilities, exposure to and comparison of a wide variety of data modelling approaches and topics, extensive amounts of practice on a wide variety of application domains, and critique of practical work in light of the understanding of novice errors and expert behaviours. Our intent is not just to make significant progress during a course, but to provide students with a means to continue to learn and improve in the long term.

text: Teaching novice conceptual data modellers to become experts This paper describes teaching practices designed to help novice data modellers become expert data modellers. We base these practices on extant empirical research which highlights the strengths of expert data modellers and reveals the weaknesses of novices. After reviewing this research and analysing the causes of the novices' difficulties, we describe the strategy and specific techniques for helping novices to overcome their weaknesses and acquire the strengths and skills of expert data modellers. Techniques recommended include explicit comparison and teaching of novice and expert characteristics and behaviours, providing students with a realistic plan for how to acquire expert data modellers' capabilities, exposure to and comparison of a wide variety of data modelling approaches and topics, extensive amounts of practice on a wide variety of application domains, and critique of practical work in light of the understanding of novice errors and expert behaviours. Our intent is not just to make significant progress during a course, but to provide students with a means to continue to learn and improve in the long term.

year: 1995-09

title: Laying the tracks: Investigating the potential benefits for autistic children of a model railway initiative

authors: Gedye, Jacob

abstract: This study described a model railway programme in terms of its benefits for autistic children and their families/communities. A non-experimental mixed-method design was conducted, in which an observation schedule was designed to determine whether behaviours which are associated with language development were facilitated by the programme. Interviews with parents/caregivers were conducted to collect qualitative data about the programme, to better understand how it is perceived by visitors and what draws them to attend. Individual case studies with children and their parents/caregivers were done to build a clearer picture of what can be seen at an individual level. Finally, a focus group was arranged with members of the railway modeller’s club to find out their point of view and broaden the qualitative scope of the data. Findings suggest potential utility in this programme for autistic children and future research implications are discussed.

text: Laying the tracks: Investigating the potential benefits for autistic children of a model railway initiative This study described a model railway programme in terms of its benefits for autistic children and their families/communities. A non-experimental mixed-method design was conducted, in which an observation schedule was designed to determine whether behaviours which are associated with language development were facilitated by the programme. Interviews with parents/caregivers were conducted to collect qualitative data about the programme, to better understand how it is perceived by visitors and what draws them to attend. Individual case studies with children and their parents/caregivers were done to build a clearer picture of what can be seen at an individual level. Finally, a focus group was arranged with members of the railway modeller’s club to find out their point of view and broaden the qualitative scope of the data. Findings suggest potential utility in this programme for autistic children and future research implications are discussed.

year: 2025

title: Language Preference in a Bi-language Digital Library

authors: Keegan, Te Taka Adrian Gregory

subjects: log analysis

abstract: This paper examines user choice of interface language in a bi-language digital library(English and Maori, the language of the indigenous people of New Zealand)/ the majority of collection documents are in Maori, and the interface is available in both Maori and English. Log analysis shows three categories of preference for interface language: primarily English, primarily Maori and bilingual(switching back and forth between the two).

text: Language Preference in a Bi-language Digital Library This paper examines user choice of interface language in a bi-language digital library(English and Maori, the language of the indigenous people of New Zealand)/ the majority of collection documents are in Maori, and the interface is available in both Maori and English. Log analysis shows three categories of preference for interface language: primarily English, primarily Maori and bilingual(switching back and forth between the two).

year: 2005