ethanporcaro/eric-fulltext-meta huggingface dataset:
Reflections of Environmental Determinism in the Questions Prepared by Geography Teacher Candidates
Author: Önal, Hakan
Date: 2018-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Preservice Teachers,Geography Instruction,Environmental Education,Rural Areas,Land Settlement,Student Attitudes,Foreign Countries,Questionnaires,Qualitative Research,High School Students,Environment,Land Use,Scientific Research,Textbooks,Pedagogical Content Knowledge,Teacher Education Programs

This study investigated whether the environmental determinist approach, which was effective in geographical research especially at the beginning of 20th century and generally believed to be abandoned in the 1920's, still had impact on geography teacher candidates. With this aim in mind, teacher candidates were asked to prepare a single question by selecting only one of the four given themes and providing a written text consisting of expected answers to their questions in order to contribute to a questionnaire prepared at high school level. The study utilized document analysis method which is a qualitative research method. The study, composed of 224 geography teacher candidates during four separate academic periods, focused on the theme of rural habitats/settlements in Turkey which was selected by 123 of the participants to prepare questions while the other topics were also evaluated to support the study. As a result, it was determined that 96 of the questions prepared about the theme of rural habitats/settlements in Turkey which was selected by 123 teacher candidates were related to environmental determinist approach. It was found that teacher candidates were directly influenced by the dominant power of nature without taking into consideration the impact of man on environment or the mutual interaction between man and environment. Also, it was observed that teacher candidates did not follow academic level articles or other scientific studies and only used textbooks and they did not have any skills in regards to using documents while they prepared the questions.
Can an Interactive Learning Path on a Tablet PC Counter Misconceptions on the Formation of Clouds and Wind?
Author: Steegen, An
Date: 2018-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Educational Technology,Technology Uses in Education,Handheld Devices,Telecommunications,Misconceptions,Scientific Concepts,Teaching Methods,Geography,Concept Formation,Foreign Countries,Conventional Instruction,Lecture Method,Interaction,Films,Experiments,Pretests Posttests,Quasiexperimental Design,Program Effectiveness,Secondary School Students,Weather,Climate,Questionnaires,Teacher Surveys,Multiple Choice Tests,Scores,Comparative Analysis,Statistical Analysis

It is well-known that misconceptions exist on a range of topics. The origin of these misconceptions can be very different, but some of them can be understood by students struggling with the application of physics concepts in real life situations or in the context of another school subject, e.g. geography. In this paper, different strategies to tackle misconceptions concerning the formation of clouds and wind were studied. In Flanders, this topic is studied in geography at the end of secondary education, but underlying physics principles are taught in the preceding physics courses in the middle of secondary school. Three different strategies to teach the topic in geography were designed and compared: a traditional, teacher centered lecture, a lecture including an experiment showing the process of cloud and wind formation and a lecture in which the students worked through the material themselves by means of an interactive learning path on a tablet pc and in which the experiment was included in a movie. In all lectures, explicit reference was made to the underlying physical concepts. In a pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design, the impact of the three formats on the students' conceptual understanding was studied. Results show that the learning outcomes of students in the tablet pc class are not as good as those in the other two conditions. Teaching method, but also learning material and attitude of students, can explain these differences.
Use of Data Quality Index in Student Feedback for Quality Assurance of Engineering Programmes at the Military Technological College, Muscat, Oman
Author: Khan, Wasi Uz Zaman
Date: 2018-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Case Studies,Educational Quality,Quality Assurance,Engineering Education,Questionnaires,Student Attitudes,Feedback (Response),Program Effectiveness,Foreign Countries,Armed Forces,Military Schools,Role,Online Surveys,Departments,College Faculty,Rating Scales,Teaching Methods,Workshops

This case study was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of the modifications into the engineering programmes adopted by the Military Technological College (MTC) to satisfy the needs of Omani armed forces. It discusses the role of Quality Assurance (QA) in engineering education and accreditation process in the context of four engineering programmes offered by the MTC. The study outlines the steps undertaken by the QA department at the MTC which are practiced by western institutes and universities. This study also included the student feedback as the most important parameter in measuring the effectiveness of modified engineering programmes. Due to low participation rate, the data quality index (DQI) approach was used for assessing the quality of the programme in a military learning environment. The MTC applied its anonymous over sighting the engineering programmes offered by the four engineering departments (Aeronautical, Civil, Marine, and Systems). The Student Evaluation Questionnaire (SEQ) used in the academic years 2014-15 and 2015-16 was modified and the improved version was used in academic year 2016-17. In year 2016-17 a total of 561 students participated online in the SEQ survey. The student's satisfaction about the module and lecturer with low participation rate was above 50% in most modules which could be misleading. However, after transformation of the data to DQI the student feedback became more representative. On a scale of 0-100, a lower DQI value indicated higher student satisfaction. The DQI can be used as an institutional approach for maximum information and assessment of module performance. Out of 43 modules, the students were more satisfied in module MTCA5030 owned and managed by Aeronautical Engineering Dept.; in module MTCC3009 (section 2) owned and managed by Civil Engineering Dept.; in module MTCM5004 owned and managed by Marine Engineering Dept.; and in module MTCS5011 owned and managed by Systems Engineering Dept.
A Study on Reducing the Sleeping in Class Phenomenon in Japanese Universities through Student Motivation
Author: Mihara, Kei
Date: 2018-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Sleep,Student Motivation,Focus Groups,College Students,Vocabulary Skills,English (Second Language),Second Language Learning,Second Language Instruction,Foreign Countries,Questionnaires,Student Attitudes,Semi Structured Interviews,Fatigue (Biology),Attention Control,Language Tests,Qualitative Research,Statistical Analysis

Falling asleep in class is a common phenomenon among students in Japanese universities. There are several possible reasons for this: tiredness from daily routine such as commuting, difficulty concentrating in 90-minute classes, or simply a lack of motivation to study. In the English as a foreign language (EFL) classes, university students are usually not as motivated as high school students, considering that English education in Japan is generally aimed at preparing students for university entrance examinations. This study, therefore, aimed mainly to examine ways to prevent students from falling asleep in class by improving their motivation levels. Based on the results of questionnaire surveys and focus group interviews, it sought to identify ways in which student attention and alertness in class can be improved. The participants in this study were asked to take a vocabulary test in class before completing exercises in their textbook. After four weeks, follow-up research was conducted using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The study results showed that taking a vocabulary test at the beginning of class was an effective method of motivating students; however, this alone did not prevent university students from falling asleep in class.
Turkish Adaptation of Children&apos;s Perceived Use of Self-Regulated Learning Inventory
Author: Dogan, Muhammet Fatih
Date: 2018-05-23
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Metacognition,Learning Strategies,Translation,Turkish,Factor Analysis,Factor Structure,Foreign Countries,Elementary School Students,Statistical Analysis,Scores,Measures (Individuals)

This research aims to adapt the Children's Perceived Use of Self-Regulated Learning Inventory developed by Vandevelde. The inventory was developed to understand children's self-regulated learning. The sampling in this research included 500 children who are attending primary school at Istanbul in Turkey. First of all, the inventory was translated into Turkish. After the data collection, to understand the factor structure of the data exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis were utilised. Statistical package for social science (SPSS) 22 and Lisrel 8.80 was used to analyse the data. Throughout the exploratory factor analysis, the items of the scale were reduced to 32 items and 3 factor. Confirmatory factor analysis also showed that the structure of the scale was valid. Cronbach alpha coefficient for the total score of the scale was calculated as 0.972. Test re-test reliability was also calculated as 0.999. This study showed that the inventory adapted into Turkish can be considered as valid and reliable.
Assessment of &apos;Fx&apos; Grading System and Modular Curriculum Implementation in Samara University, Ethiopia
Author: Hassen, Mohammed Motuma
Date: 2018-05-23
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Foreign Countries,Grading,Higher Education,College Faculty,College Students,Documentation,Interviews,Questionnaires,Focus Groups,Curriculum,Student Evaluation,Tests,Mixed Methods Research,Student Characteristics,Teaching Methods,Academic Achievement,Attitude Measures,Preferences,Value Judgment

Fx grading system is a newly incorporated grading system in the Ethiopian higher education curriculum. The system started to apply in 2013, as an element of the modular curriculum, with the intention to a give second chance for students. Currently, this grading system is being implemented in Samara University, Afar, Ethiopia. This study has been conducted using a cross-sectional approach that applying a combination of both qualitative and quantitative methods. The data have been collected from students and teachers as primary sources as well as university's registrar, departments and quality assurance office as secondary sources via interview, questioners, focus group discussion and document analysis. The data collected were analyzed by means of descriptive methods and interpreted using tables, percentages, charts, and graphs. Factors considered in the evaluation were challenges of modular curriculum, Fx grading system with its implementation, continuity of Fx grading system, and factors affecting Fx grading system implementation. The result of this investigation indicates that the contents of the harmonized modular curriculum dealing with Fx grading system, especially on the course content, course code, course ownership, mode of tutorial delivery, mode of assessment, departmental and college level supervision should be revised and modified for effectiveness of the grading system.
Effect of Nature-Activities Education Program on the Multiple Intelligence Level of Children in the Age Group of 8 to 12 Years
Author: Ceylan, Merve
Date: 2018-05-23
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Multiple Intelligences,Outdoor Education,Pretests Posttests,Scores,Correlation,Comparative Analysis,Children,Extracurricular Activities,Preadolescents,Measures (Individuals),Outcomes of Education

Research population consists of 15 children who attended a 5 week (3 days a week) nature-activities course with the consent of their parents during the summer term of 2016-2017 academic year. Participants were selected from children who had never taken part in a nature activity before. Measurement tool of this study was &quot;Development of Self-Assessment Scale in Multiple Intelligence Fields&quot; of which validity and reliability test was conducted in 2001 by Gonca Seber. Since participants aged under 18, official consents of their parents were obtained to initiate the research. Next, scales were applied to all participants face-to-face for twice as before and after the implementation of education program. Obtained data were contrasted with the current multiple intelligence level and distribution of students via analyzing the changes was also measured at the end of 5-week education process. Changes detected in each of the multiple intelligence fields were explored and interpreted. Throughout the education process, 4 instructors supervised the participants. As a result linguistic intelligence (t = -5.20; p&lt;0.05), visual intelligence (t = -8.29; p&lt;0.05), mathematical intelligence (t = -13.72; p&lt;0.05), kinesthetic intelligence (t = -6.96; p&lt;0.05), social intelligence (t = -6.16; p&lt;0.05), intrapersonal intelligence (t = -11.01; p&lt;0.05), naturalistic intelligence (t = -8.46; p&lt;0.05) and musical intelligence (t = -12.08; p&lt;0.05) posttest scores of all participants are significantly higher than their pretest scores. A positive and significant relationship was measured between linguistic intelligence and naturalistic intelligence scores (r = 0.59; p&lt;0.01). Yet not any significant relationship existed between linguistic intelligence and other types of intelligence. A negative and significant relationship was measured between the scores of kinesthetic intelligence and social intelligence (r = -0.59; p&lt;0.01). A negative and significant relationship was identified between the scores of social intelligence and intrapersonal intelligence (r = -0.52; p&lt;0.01).
Determining the Readiness Levels of Pre-Service Teachers towards Mobile Learning in Classroom Management
Author: Bas, Muhammet
Date: 2018-05-23
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Foreign Countries,Preservice Teachers,Student Attitudes,Readiness,Educational Technology,Technology Uses in Education,Telecommunications,Handheld Devices,Student Surveys,Gender Differences,Classroom Techniques,Statistical Analysis

Mobile Technologies are used in many areas of education, but they can be used for many purposes towards mobile learning such as the most supporting and developing learning, accessing information, being independent from time and space, increasing motivation, conducting research and preparing for examinations. The fact that mobile technology and mobile learning are independent from time and space means that they are always ready to use, and being practical and potable has made mobile events accepted all over the world. The aim of this study is to determine the level of readiness of the pre-service teachers studying in education faculties towards mobile learning. In the study, general survey model was used. The sample of the study is composed of 934 prospective teachers studying at the education faculty of Mustafa Kemal University, Turkey. The mobile learning readiness scale was used as data collection tool in the research. The validity and reability study of the scale used in the research was calculated in general terms of the scale and the Cronbach Alpha coefficient is reported as 0.95. As a result of the research, it was determined that the readiness level of the prospective teachers does not change depending on the gender and the students use the mobile technologies most in communication, studying, acquiring information and making plans. In addition, in the study, the results have been reached, such as both theoretical and practical training should be given in universities in order to increase the availability of prospective teachers on mobile learning.
Benefits and Risks of Tree Climbing on Child Development and Resiliency
Author: Gull, Carla
Date: 2018-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Child Development,Resilience (Psychology),Risk,Recreational Activities,Injuries,Mixed Methods Research,Play,Safety,Social Development,Emotional Development,Physical Development,Creativity,Cognitive Development,Parent Surveys,Parent Attitudes,Children,Young Children

This study examined the benefits and risks associated with tree climbing on child development and resiliency. A mixed method survey instrument was administered to parents of children aged 3-13 years who climbed trees. The survey examined demographics, details of tree climbing activities, and the type of injuries that have resulted from this type of risky play. The results indicated that even though tree climbing can result in minor injuries, it is a relatively safe outdoor activity. Children afforded the opportunity to be involved in risky play such as tree climbing grow socially, emotionally, physically, cognitively, and creatively, and have increased resiliency.
Exploring Young Children&apos;s and Parents&apos; Preferences for Outdoor Play Settings and Affinity toward Nature
Author: Ernst, Julie
Date: 2018-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Play,Young Children,Parents,Attitude Measures,Preferences,Natural Resources,Statistical Analysis,Parent Attitudes,Correlation,Predictor Variables,Barriers,Recreational Activities,Time,Intention,Pictorial Stimuli,Photography,Questionnaires

In the context of the importance of nature experiences in supporting development during early childhood and toward encouraging the use of natural outdoor settings with young children, research was undertaken to explore potential relationships among parents' and young children's preferences regarding outdoor play settings and young children's affinity towards nature. Results of this quantitative study show some consistency with prior research, such as children's preference for outdoor play and the influence of activity affordance on their setting preferences, as well as the strong influence of parents' perceptions of safety. Other results from this study contradict prior research such as the lack of relationship among children's preferences, the frequency of time they spend in natural settings, and their level of affinity toward nature. Additional key findings include parents' perceptions regarding difficulty in providing nature experiences as an influence on the frequency of time their young children spend in nature, but not on parents' play setting preferences, and the relationship between parents' preferences and their children's level of affinity toward nature. The small, homogeneous sample used in this study is a limitation, and areas for further research and potential implications are discussed in this context.
Regarding Animals: A Perspective on the Importance of Animals in Early Childhood Environmental Education
Author: Born, Patty
Date: 2018-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Preschool Education,Animals,Environmental Education,Learning Processes,Child Development,Correlation,Teaching Methods

Using the human-animal bond, relational ecology, and the &quot;common world&quot; framework as theoretical underpinnings, I set out to better understand the array of settings and experiences wherein young children are able to interact, either directly or indirectly with animals within the context of early childhood environmental education (ECEE). There is opportunity within the discipline of ECEE to reflect on practice and means of supporting children's engagements with and relations to non-human animals. This approach asserts children and animals as co-creators of children's learning and development. The relationships, nuances, and engagements between child and animal are themselves teachers (Taylor &amp; Pacini-Ketchabaw, 2015). This has important implications as we move into a time where environmental connectedness and interspecies connectedness matter more than ever (Haraway, 2008; Kellert, 2012; Louv, 2007).
An Investigation of Secondary School Students&apos; Environmental Attitudes and Opinions about Environmental Education (EE)
Author: Yalçinkaya, Elvan
Date: 2018-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Secondary School Students,Semi Structured Interviews,Environment,Environmental Education,Gender Differences,Institutional Characteristics,Attitude Measures,Qualitative Research,Statistical Analysis,Comparative Analysis,Scores,Foreign Countries,Likert Scales,Correlation,Student Attitudes,Factor Analysis

The purpose of this study is to determine the environmental attitudes of secondary school students and their opinions about environmental education (EE). It also aims to make recommendations in order to give more importance to studies on this subject in Turkey based on the findings obtained. The research problem is 'What are the opinions and attitudes of secondary school students towards environmental awareness and education?' In the study descriptive method and quantitative and qualitative research techniques were used. An attitude scale was developed to determine the students' attitudes towards the environment. On this scale the necessary validity and reliability studies were carried out. The final attitude scale was administered to 408 secondary school students in the city centre of Nigde in the academic year 2016-2017. In addition, a semi-structured interview was conducted with 71 students in order to determine the views of students on EE. The quantitative data obtained from the attitude scale were compared in terms of variables such as gender, class level and school type. Interview data were divided into categories through content analysis, and frequencies were calculated and tabulated. When the attitude scale scores were examined, significant differences were revealed for gender and school type, whereas no difference was found regarding class level. Based on the data obtained from the interviews conducted with the students, recommendations were made for schools to organize the activities that will promote environmental awareness and EE.
An Investigation into Digital Literacy Views of Social Studies Preservice Teachers in the Context of Authentic Learning
Author: Önger, Seda
Date: 2018-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Social Studies,Preservice Teachers,Media Literacy,Figurative Language,Semi Structured Interviews,Qualitative Research,Student Surveys,Technology Uses in Education,Technological Literacy,Foreign Countries

The learning characteristics of the individuals have been rapidly changing, and the current 21st century learners are now expected to have innovation, digital literacy, life and career skills. The educational systems must be outfitted with a prerequisite of digital resources, and curricula for digital literacy should be designed to promote authentic learning environment to which students will relate and respond. This study aims to determine how social studies teacher candidates perceive the concept of &quot;digital literacy.&quot; Accordingly, social studies teacher candidates' metaphors about digital literacy in the context of authentic learning were examined through semi-structured interviews implementing the survey model as a qualitative research technique. The study was carried out in a university in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey in the fall term of the academic year of 2017-2018, with teacher candidates in the programs of social studies teaching. A semi-structured interview form and a metaphor completion task developed by the researchers were used as the data collection tools. Based on expert opinions, the drafts of the semi-structured interview form and the metaphor completion task were revised and finalized. The data were analyzed and interpreted through content analysis. Based on the findings, some suggestions are made.