ethanporcaro/eric-fulltext-meta huggingface dataset:
Teacher Education in Northeast India--Status, Weaknesses and Alternatives
Author: Bhattacharjee, D. S.
Date: 2011-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Teacher Education,Teacher Education Programs,Elementary Education,Foreign Countries,Labor Force Development,Human Resources,Educational Legislation,Distance Education

Northeast India comprises of a cluster of eight states--Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura. The region is usually stereotyped as underdeveloped. Geographically, the region is surrounded by international border with part of Nepal, Bhutan, China, Myanmar and Bangladesh. Prevalence of insurgency and terrorism is often regarded as major deterrent for over all progress of the region. It is also felt that to accelerate the process of development, it is necessary to utilize the potential of human resources that are available in the region. For this, human resource development initiatives need to be strengthened. Education, being one of the important inputs for human resource development, assumes priority. Providing basic education of minimum quality to children has been an obligation of the state since long. The state governments have been making attempts to provide free, compulsory and universal primary education. Particularly after the SSA (Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan) (education for all) has been launched in the 2001-2002, a large number of children have been brought under ambit of school education. However, as far as quality is concerned, much needs to be done, particularly in the area of teacher education. The paper highlights the features of existing teacher education programs in the region and examines alternatives. (Contains 3 tables and 1 figure.)
Leveraging Market Competitiveness and Higher Education Challenges through CL (Cooperative Learning)
Author: Ghaith, Ghazi
Date: 2011-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Higher Education,Cooperative Learning,Knowledge Economy,Competition,Educational Change,Student Characteristics,College Students

Educational systems worldwide face a number of fundamental challenges relative to the preparedness of graduates for employability and success in the 21st century. Colleges and universities are now increasingly called upon to equip their graduates with a new set of skills and dispositions that are markedly different from those that have characterized formal education. Furthermore, the changing characteristics of the new generation of college-goers, coupled with closing/reversing the gender gap in higher education, provide a further catalyst for reforming higher education. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the implications of economic competitiveness in knowledge-based societies and the changing characteristics of students to the reform efforts in higher education. The paper suggests infusing a range of 21st century literacy and problem-solving skills via CL (cooperative learning) as leverage points in fostering reform.
A Machine Learning Approach to Measurement of Text Readability for EFL Learners Using Various Linguistic Features
Author: Kotani, Katsunori
Date: 2011-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Reading Comprehension,Readability,Computational Linguistics,English (Second Language),Second Language Learning,Measurement,Regression (Statistics),Syntax,Grammar

The present paper introduces and evaluates a readability measurement method designed for learners of EFL (English as a foreign language). The proposed readability measurement method (a regression model) estimates the text readability based on linguistic features, such as lexical, syntactic and discourse features. Text readability refers to the comprehension rate of a text (0.0-1.0). The experimental results showed that the proposed readability measurement method yielded higher accuracy than a baseline method, which provides the mode value of the distribution of the comprehension rate data as the estimated value for any input. (Contains 6 figures.)
Introduction: Conversation Analysis in Applied Linguistics
Author: Sert, Olcay
Date: 2011-00-00
Type: Information Analyses
Subjects: Language Research,Applied Linguistics,Discourse Analysis,Classroom Communication,Language Proficiency,Language Teachers,Second Language Instruction,Material Development,Teacher Education,Student Evaluation,Periodicals

This short, introductory paper presents an up-to-date account of works within the field of Applied Linguistics which have been influenced by a Conversation Analytic paradigm. The article reviews recent studies in classroom interaction, materials development, proficiency assessment and language teacher education. We believe that the publication of such a special journal issue is timely, since Conversation Analysis has been one of the most influential methodologies in recent Applied Linguistic research, as can be seen by the growing number of publications appearing in various journals. (Contains 1 footnote.)
Teaching Children to Value Solar Energy
Author: Hugerat, Muhamad
Date: 2011-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Energy,Program Effectiveness,Foreign Countries,Energy Conservation,Science Instruction,Elementary School Students,Environmental Education,Thinking Skills,Parent Attitudes,Teacher Attitudes,Interaction,Student Interests,Questionnaires

In this educational initiative, we suggest to build a real model of solar village inside the school, which uses only solar energy. These educational initiatives emphasize the importance of energy for a technological society and the advantage of alternative energy sources. In this scientific educational initiative, the pupils in three elementary schools in Israel were active participants in building systems that use solar energy to work. The study objective is to examine the educational, social and scientific impact of the initiative on students, parents and teachers and their readiness to support and participate in such educational initiative. The study results showed that the three groups highly appreciate the project educationally and socially. They feel that the execution of the initiative inside the school promotes creativity and thinking ability among students. Parents showed a great support for the project, because they see the positive impact of the project on their children's learning ability. Teachers considered this initiative quite important due to the students' interaction and interests, which leads to the success of the school. It also improves the learning skills of the students, such as reading plans, executing research and writing reports. (Contains 12 figures and 8 tables.)
An Exploration of African Students in Malaysia
Author: Lian, Irene Tan Ai
Date: 2011-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Foreign Students,Coping,Foreign Countries,Immigrants,Acculturation,Private Colleges,Questionnaires,Student Attitudes,College Choice,English,Language of Instruction,Barriers,Friendship,Cultural Differences,Family Relationship

The exploratory study is an attempt to understand the reasons that prompted African students to study in Malaysia, the challenges encountered and the coping strategies used. The research on such topics among international students is well documented, but studies on international students in Malaysia are scarce. The sample included 155 African students studying in two private higher education institutions in Malaysia. A questionnaire was administered. The results indicated that most of the students chose to study in Malaysia because English is used as the medium of instruction. The challenges they face include developing friendships with Malaysian students. Keeping in touch with family and friends back in their home country is the highest ranked coping strategy. (Contains 4 tables.)
Use of Podcasting as an Innovative Asynchronous E-Learning Tool for Students
Author: Jalali, Alireza
Date: 2011-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Foreign Countries,Electronic Learning,Medical Students,Short Term Memory,Lecture Method,Anatomy,Pilot Projects,Undergraduate Students,French,Distance Education,Instructional Design,Web Based Instruction,Educational Technology,Blended Learning,Use Studies,Asynchronous Communication,Multimedia Instruction,Audiovisual Aids,Questionnaires,Student Attitudes,Review (Reexamination),Automation

Podcasting is an innovative, asynchronous communication tool. A pilot study was conducted to assess the utility of podcasting as an educational tool for undergraduate medical students. A paper-and-pencil questionnaire was developed and distributed to the 40 first-year students enrolled in the francophone stream of the medical curriculum at the University of Ottawa, Canada. A majority of participants endorsed the utility of the podcasting of a key-feature focused review of anatomy lecture material. The short length of the podcast, clarity of the content, and guidance with self-paced learning were among the positive aspects noted. The combination of the auditory podcasts and visual PowerPoint slides permitted the students to process information simultaneously using two different modalities. This maximized their use of working memory and facilitated learning. The investigators plan to continue their evaluation of this project by conducting a focus group study in the future. [Funding for this work was provided by the Consortium National de Formation en Sante and University of  Ottawa's Bureau des Affaires Francophones and Centre for University Teaching.]
Attitudes of Trainers and Medical Students towards Using Modern Practices
Author: Hadzhiiliev, Vassil Stefanov
Date: 2011-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Medical Students,Student Attitudes,Educational Change,Trainers,Educational Practices,Questionnaires,Knowledge Level,Science Course Improvement Projects,Program Attitudes,Training Methods,Educational Needs,Change Strategies,Educational Strategies,Teacher Attitudes,Educational Innovation

The development of universities as independent scientific centers determines their mission to incorporate the most modern achievements of science into the students' practical training. This research on the attitudes of the participants in this process towards the use of modern practices encompasses both trainers and students, and it consists of two studies. The contemporary education process is very complex and places the educators in situations which require the application of new approaches. The result of the study on the attitudes of the educators towards using modern practices in students' training shows the upsides and downsides of this process, as well as the mastery of the didactic art to apply the above-mentioned components of the education process to the needed extent. On the other hand, as subjects of cognitive activity, students are extremely sensitive to the effect of the new, the scientific discoveries and their application in the students' practice. The students' motivations for learning about the modern practices and their use in their future professional activity are significantly higher than their motivation for acquiring the classical fundamental knowledge included in academic study programs. (Contains 10 figures.)
Aristotelian Elements in Nietzsche's Work Related to the Philosophy of Education
Author: Triantari, Sotiria A.
Date: 2011-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Educational Philosophy,Logical Thinking,Learning,Habituation,Experience,Intellectual Development

In the author's opinion Nietzsche has adopted the three Aristotelian factors, i.e., logic, learning and experience, showing the nihilistic element in the educational system of his days. By means of the term "formal education", Nietzsche implies the education comprises the development of the intellectual faculties of the learner. According to Nietzsche, logic is connected with learning, and this is connected with habituation through which the students internalize patterns of behaviour. Nietzsche connects learning and habituation with experience. The person acquires experience from everyday life and through the senses from the external world. Nietzsche adopts the Aristotelian concept of activation of the intellectual faculties of students as the main purpose of the educational process. This activation presupposes the sound guidance and activation of learners' experience. Based on the three Aristotelian factors, according to Nietzsche, the teacher is called to shape and activate all these elements, which are inherent in the genius.
Information Technology Integrated into Classroom Teaching and Its Effects
Author: Yeh, Chao-Chi
Date: 2011-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Foreign Countries,Secondary School Teachers,Elementary School Teachers,Teacher Characteristics,Teacher Effectiveness,Educational Policy,Educational Technology,Technology Integration,Computer Uses in Education,Predictor Variables,Teacher Surveys,Teacher Attitudes

IT (information technology) has grown in popularity from increased use in different areas in the world. However, school teaching has usually been found to be a little late in following this step. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of IT when integrated into classroom teaching at primary and secondary schools in Taiwan. The data were collected by the RDEC (Research, Development and Evaluation Commission) under the Executive Yuan. The survey was called &quot;The student digital learning and digital opportunity survey in Taiwan 2009&quot;. In this study, we selected primary and secondary school teachers as the target groups. The total samples are 1,724, comprising 906 primary and 818 secondary school teachers. The results reveal that personal factors related to using IT in teaching include the teacher's age, seniority and education. School factors related to using IT are school level and location. The most popular subjects using IT in primary schools are Chinese courses, social studies and integrated activities. The picture in secondary schools revealed a slight difference. Subjects using IT-integrated activities in secondary schools are nature, Chinese and social studies. For both primary and secondary school teachers, the primary place for implementing IT is in their general classrooms and the typical methods used involve playing movies or using course related CD-ROMs (compact disc read-only memory). The difficulties for teachers using IT include related facility shortage, the lack of time to prepare teaching materials and the incompatibility of subjects with IT-integrated teaching. In this study, we found that when teachers use IT in classrooms, they also report experiencing higher teaching effectiveness, including communicating course contents more effectively, assisting students engaged in learning and improving students achievement. (Contains 7 tables.)
Inter-Professional Primary Care Practices Addressing Diabetes Prevention and Management
Author: Beagrie, Lesley
Date: 2011-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Health Promotion,Prevention,Diabetes,Physical Fitness,Public Health,Primary Health Care,Interdisciplinary Approach,Teamwork,At Risk Persons,Poverty,Immigrants,School Community Relationship,Obesity,Incidence,Foreign Countries,Community Involvement,Counseling,Physical Activities

Imagine a partnership of university and community which addresses the needs of the community to keep its citizens healthy as long as possible. Through a planning exercise to address the community's needs in primary health care and health promotion, the university has developed key strategic directions to help support the needs of the community it serves. This inter-professional education and practice initiative serve to change health care delivery through the education of practitioners who, by working in teams with the community, will actively improve health and health outcomes. With specific interest in the explosion of diabetes within the surrounding community, teams of students and faculty are working to improve high risk groups for diabetes by involvement in health education, physical fitness and coaching activities. Through positioning of inter-professional teams in our community engagement center, the prevention and management of this key health issue is addressed. This center is located in a high poverty and immigrant area, with a high predisposition for diabetes. Academic and community partnerships for action are highlighted in this paper. (Contains 4 figures.) [This paper was presented at the International Conference on Health, Wellness &amp; Society, Berkeley, CA, Jan. 20, 2011.]
Developing Pre-Algebraic Thinking in Generalizing Repeating Pattern Using SOLO Model
Author: Lian, Lim Hooi
Date: 2011-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Generalization,Mathematical Concepts,Algebra,Elementary School Students,Cognitive Development,Models,Foreign Countries

In this paper, researchers discussed the application of the generalization perspective in helping the primary school pupils to develop their pre-algebraic thinking in generalizing repeating pattern. There are two main stages of the generalization perspective had been adapted, namely investigating and generalizing the pattern. Since the Biggs and Collis' (1982) cognitive development model, SOLO model (structure of the observing learning outcome model), is more thoroughly worked out for describing and analyzing students' conceptualizations and understandings in the algebra learning, researchers claimed that the proposed framework enables primary school pupils' pre-algebraic thinking to be described systematically. Researchers hypothesized that primary school pupils could exhibit three levels of pre-algebraic thinking in solving repeating pattern task based on SOLO model, namely, uni-structural, multi-structural and relational. This paper drew an adaptation of the SOLO model that provides teachers and their pupils with a pedagogically sound template which can be used to develop pre-algebraic thinking. (Contains 3 figures.) [This paper is made possible with funding from the Short Term Grant of Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia.]
Parents Guide to "Kindergarten" Instruction
Author: Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA)
Date: 2012-00-00
Type: Guides - Non-Classroom
Subjects: Kindergarten,Academic Achievement,Curriculum Guides,Parent Education,Behavioral Objectives,Educational Objectives,Academic Standards,National Standards,Alignment (Education),Instructional Improvement,Expectation,Science Education,Mathematics Education,Social Studies,Language Arts,Reading Instruction,Public Agencies,Educational Policy,Educational Technology,Educational Resources,Web Sites

The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) is committed to providing the highest quality of education to its students. One way to provide a quality education is with an effective curriculum that reflects high standards and expectations. Thus, DoDEA has developed rigorous content standards aligned with national guidelines and standards. But even the most rigorous standards cannot make schools and students successful without the support of parents. This booklet is designed to inform you, parents, of DoDEA's expectations for students in the four major curriculum areas-reading/language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies-at the kindergarten level. These expectations are aligned with the kindergarten curriculum that is used by the classroom teacher for daily instruction. The booklet also provides examples of what your child is learning in the classroom, and what he or she should know and be able to accomplish upon exiting kindergarten. In addition, it provides suggestions and tips on how you can help your child at home. Resources for children are appended.
Parents Guide to "Prekindergarten" Instruction
Author: Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA)
Date: 2012-00-00
Type: Guides - Non-Classroom
Subjects: Preschool Education,Academic Achievement,Educational Quality,Guides,Parent Education,Expectation,Reading Instruction,Reading Skills,Mathematics Instruction,Mathematics Skills,Language Arts,Science Instruction,Science Process Skills,Social Studies,Curriculum,Outcomes of Education,Parent Role,Parents as Teachers,Teaching Methods,Educational Resources,Web Sites

The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) is committed to providing the highest quality of education to its students. One way to provide a quality education is with an effective curriculum that reflects high standards and expectations. Thus, DoDEA has developed rigorous content standards aligned with national guidelines and standards. But even the most rigorous standards cannot make schools and students successful without the support of parents. This booklet is designed to inform you, parents, of DoDEA's expectations for students in the four major curriculum areas-reading/language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies-at the prekindergarten level. These expectations are aligned with the prekindergarten curriculum that is used by the classroom teacher for daily instruction. The booklet also provides examples of what your child is learning in the classroom, and what he or she should know and be able to accomplish upon exiting prekindergarten. In addition, it provides suggestions and tips on how you can help your child at home. Resources for children are appended.
Parents Guide to "Fourth Grade" Instruction
Author: Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA)
Date: 2012-00-00
Type: Guides - Non-Classroom
Subjects: Academic Achievement,Curriculum Guides,Parent Education,Behavioral Objectives,Educational Objectives,Academic Standards,National Standards,Alignment (Education),Instructional Improvement,Expectation,Science Education,Mathematics Education,Social Studies,Language Arts,Reading Instruction,Public Agencies,Grade 4,Educational Policy,Educational Technology,Educational Resources,Web Sites

The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) is committed to providing the highest quality of education to its students. One way to provide a quality education is with an effective curriculum that reflects high standards and expectations. Thus, DoDEA has developed rigorous content standards aligned with national guidelines and standards. But even the most rigorous standards cannot make schools and students successful without the support of parents. This booklet is designed to inform you, parents, of DoDEA's expectations for students in the four major curriculum areas-reading/language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies-at the fourth grade level. These expectations are aligned with the fourth grade curriculum that is used by the classroom teacher for daily instruction. The booklet also provides examples of what your child is learning in the classroom, and what he or she should know and be able to accomplish upon exiting fourth grade. In addition, it provides suggestions and tips on how you can help your child at home. Resources for children are appended.