ethanporcaro/eric-fulltext-meta huggingface dataset:
Play as a Basic Pathway to the Self: An Interview with Thomas S. Henricks
Date: 2015-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Play,Interviews,Self Expression,Social Influences,Interpersonal Relationship,Cultural Influences,Social Development,Sociology,Athletics,Behavior,Group Activities,Creativity,Foreign Countries

Thomas S. Henricks is the J. Earl Danieley Professor of Sociology and Distinguished University Professor at Elon University. Since receiving his doctorate in sociology at the University of Chicago, Henricks has investigated the sociology of sports from the fandom of modern American professional wrestling to the relationship between sports and social stratifi?cation in preindustrial England. Currently his interests include social theory, modernization and change, popular culture, race and ethnic relations, and, especially, the physiological, environmental, social, cultural, and psychological relationships that shape behavior and experience in sports and play. His &quot;Play and the Human Condition&quot; appeared in 2015. His other books include &quot;Disputed Pleasures: Sport and Society in Preindustrial England&quot;; &quot;Play Reconsidered: Sociological Perspectives on Human Pleasure&quot;; and &quot;Selves, Societies, and Emotions: Understanding the Pathways of Experience&quot;. Henricks also writes a blog &quot;The Pathways of Experience&quot; for &quot;Psychology Today&quot;, focusing on the nature of human play and other main avenues of human expression: work, ritual, and the civic spirit of celebration he calls &quot;communitas&quot;. In this interview, Henricks discusses the study of play and notes how play gives both scholars and players a way of understanding human potential individually, in small social circles, and in larger communities.
Different Procedures for Solving Mathematical Word Problems in High School
Author: Gasco, Javier
Date: 2014-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Word Problems (Mathematics),Problem Solving,Secondary School Mathematics,Mathematical Formulas,Teaching Methods,Mathematical Concepts,Grade 9,Grade 10,Task Analysis,Learning Processes,Learning Strategies,Arithmetic,Algebra,Educational Attainment,Educational Practices,Statistical Analysis,Cluster Grouping,Foreign Countries

The teaching and learning of mathematics cannot be understood without considering the resolution of word problems. These kinds of problems not only connect mathematical concepts with language (and therefore with reality) but also promote the learning related to other scientific areas. In primary school, problems are solved by using basic arithmetic rules and in secondary school, the purpose is to generalize the resolution procedures through putting in practice algebraic procedures which turn to be more effective in terms of resolving word problems. This study attempts to analyse the procedures employed to solve mathematical problems by a sample of students in 9th and 10th grades of High School (N = 406) from the Basque Country (Spain). For this purpose, the procedure used by the students when resolving three mathematical problems was examined and classified in three categories. These categories are related to the utilization of arithmetic rules or, as the case may be, algebraic procedures. The results indicate a significant relationship between the procedure used to solve the problems and educational level of the students. Educational implications of the findings are discussed.
Influence of Motivation, Autonomy and Online Environment on Listening Skills of Elementary and Intermediate Learners of English
Author: Liu, Xianghu
Date: 2014-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Foreign Countries,Listening Skills,English (Second Language),Second Language Learning,College Students,Private Colleges,Public Colleges,Questionnaires,Interviews,Pretests Posttests,Instructional Effectiveness,Program Evaluation,Predictor Variables,Student Motivation,Personal Autonomy,Electronic Learning,Distance Education

Computer technology provides students with an opportunity to interact with native speakers in many different forums and therefore enables them to practise and develop their listening skills. Furthermore, video and audio have been developed for use in a wide range of classroom activities. With regards to listening skills in language learning, the majority of studies have concentrated on the use of specific course material. For this reason, this study examines the differences in the perceptions of acquiring listening skills using online resources between elementary and intermediate students. 268 students from a private college and a public university in a Chinese EFL (English as a Foreign Language) context participated in the research project. The data collection methods included questionnaires and interviews, pre- and post-testing measuring tools. According to the pre- and post-test results, the private college students within a technology environment did not make much progress in terms of English listening proficiency. However, the public university students improved significantly within the same environment. The research findings indicate that learner variables, such as learning attitude and motivation, in addition to learner autonomy, play a vital role in facilitating the progress of students at different levels.
Psychometric Analysis of Role Conflict and Ambiguity Scales in Academia
Author: Khan, Anwar
Date: 2014-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Foreign Countries,Psychometrics,Role Conflict,Ambiguity (Context),Measures (Individuals),College Faculty,Staff Role,Statistical Analysis,Reliability,Factor Analysis,Questionnaires

A comprehensive Psychometric Analysis of Rizzo et al.'s (1970) Role Conflict &amp; Ambiguity (RCA) scales were performed after its distribution among 600 academic staff working in six universities of Pakistan. The reliability analysis includes calculation of Cronbach Alpha Coefficients and Inter-Items statistics, whereas validity was determined by running Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analyses. The reliability analysis revealed that RCA scales possessed sufficient internal consistencies, i.e. (?a= 0.85 &amp; r= 0.61). On the other side, Factor Analysis revealed that mean factor loadings for all items ranged up to 0.85, which resulted in three-factor model fit for role conflict and two-factor model fit for role ambiguity. The overall results confirm that RCA scales possess good psychometric properties, thus it could used for assessment of role conflict and ambiguity among academic staff in Pakistan.
Central Asian Students' Adjustment Experiences at a &quot;Globalized&quot; Korean University
Author: Choi, Jinsook
Date: 2014-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Foreign Countries,Undergraduate Students,Asians,Student Adjustment,Ethnography,Observation,Questionnaires,Interviews,Higher Education,Stakeholders,Engineering,Engineering Education,Foreign Students,International Education,Global Approach,Islam,Muslims

This study investigated the academic and cultural experiences of undergraduate Central Asian students at a university in Ulsan, South Korea. The study was designed to examine the experiences of Central Asian students both in their adjustment to academic work, and to the cultural environment created by the internationalization policy of the university. Using ethnographic methods that included participant observation, an open-ended questionnaire, and interviews, we examined the policies for internationalization of higher education, and we described how the stakeholders are responding to the policies with their own adjustment strategies. The stakeholders featured in this study are students from the Central Asian republics enrolled at a Korean engineering university. We conclude with suggestions on the ways that institutions of higher education can better serve international students' integration into their new community.
Investigating Teachers' Views of Student-Centred Learning Approach
Author: Seng, Ernest Lim Kok
Date: 2014-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Investigations,Student Centered Curriculum,Teacher Attitudes,Learning Strategies,Student Participation,Teaching Methods,Educational Change,Secondary School Curriculum,Interviews,Learning Processes,Learner Engagement,Student Responsibility,Personal Autonomy,Learning Experience,Curriculum Implementation,Educational Opportunities,Barriers,Performance Factors,Secondary School Students,Foreign Countries,Educational Practices,Intermode Differences

Conventional learning is based on low levels of students' participation where students are rarely expected to ask questions or to challenge the theories of the academic. A paradigm shift in curriculum has resulted in implementing student-centred learning (SCL) approach, putting students as the centre of the learning process. This mode of presentation has been implemented in the Malaysian classroom context. However, the shift in focus on learning from the conventional to the SCL has presented Malaysian educators with some challenges especially to move away from the &quot;chalk and talk&quot; method of teaching used for decades in most classrooms in secondary schools. This study explores teachers' views of SCL approach through individual in-depth interviews. Various themes emerged from the interviews. The findings provides evidence that teachers who exposed students to some elements of SCL, saw students actively engaged in the learning process, aware of their own responsibilities, sense of autonomy inlearning and learned from their experiences. However, there were some challenges and constraints faced by teachers in implementing SCL approach.
A New Framework for Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Soft Skills Course: Implementation and Challenges
Author: Che-Ani, Adi-Irfan
Date: 2014-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Foreign Countries,Required Courses,Outcomes of Education,Universities,Program Development,Communication Skills,Interpersonal Competence,Values,Ethics,Critical Thinking,Problem Solving,Leadership,Teamwork,Administration,Creativity,College Students

The importance of soft skills to the graduates to compete in the working world is undeniable. Soft skills are complementary to the academic qualifications held by students. Recognizing this, the University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) has established a new framework for Soft Skills courses to improve the existing framework of the course. The implementation of this course, which is started about 6 months or approximately 1 semester; is based on learning outcomes (LO) into 8 main goals. Each of these LO can be achieved by following all 8 Soft Skills courses that serve as a compulsory course in the university. These courses are conducted based on the concept of learning contracts involve an agreement between students and lecturers to determine the assignments/projects to be completed by students in a given period. Proof of learning outcomes should be uploaded by students to iFolio system that can be evaluated by evaluator (lecturers). The implementation of the new framework deals with various problems that pose challenges to both students and lecturers. There are 50 identified issues and challenges involving students, lecturers and the systems/operations. The main cause for the challenges is lack of understanding on the implementation of this course, since it is just running for its first semester. This results in a great deal of confusion which triggers the issues on the ground. However, every issue has a solution. Therefore, the management should take proactive steps as to properly deal with the issues and challenges.
Implementation of Problem Based Learning among Nursing Students
Author: Hamdan, Abdul Rahim
Date: 2014-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Problem Based Learning,Nursing Students,Program Implementation,Critical Thinking,Problem Solving,Pretests Posttests,Correlation,Participant Satisfaction,Student Attitudes,Statistical Analysis,Scores,Instructional Effectiveness,Statistical Significance,Undergraduate Students,Foreign Countries,Teaching Methods,Educational Practices

Critical thinking and effective problem solving skills have been regarded as an important element and as an educational outcome in professional nursing. The purpose of this study is to examine the implementation of Problem Based Learning (PBL) among nursing students. More specifically, it compares pretest and post test scores of the implementation of PBL among third year students. The correlation between the levels of satisfaction of students toward PBL and the effectiveness of PBL were examined. Convenient sample methods were chosen and ninety four third year students participated from a private nursing college, Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Data of this study was analyzed using t-test. Findings indicated significant differences in overall scores of pretest and posttest among third year students. The result also demonstrated that the students' level of satisfaction towards PBL correlated with the effectiveness of PBL. From the finding, it has been concluded that implementation of PBL can be further developed through creative and innovative approach in the students' learning process.
Opportunities and Challenges for Teacher Professional Development: A Case of Collaborative Learning Community in South Korea
Author: Park, Minjeong
Date: 2014-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Foreign Countries,Educational Opportunities,Barriers,Faculty Development,Cooperative Learning,Secondary School Teachers,Communities of Practice,Teacher Improvement,Transformative Learning,Inquiry,Time Perspective,Psychological Needs,Organizational Culture,Interviews,Journal Writing,Group Dynamics,Educational Practices

This study investigates how characteristics of a collaborative professional learning activity support and hinder teacher learning and growth by examining the experiences of three Korean secondary teachers who participated in a school-initiated collaborative teacher learning project. The findings demonstrated that this learning opportunity supported teachers in their learning and professional development in the following ways. First, teachers experienced professional growth through collaborative learning with colleagues. Second, teachers learned to self-reflect on their classes. Third, the program fostered an inquiry stance toward teaching. Also identified are some of the obstacles encountered, such as time constraints, psychological barriers, and the lack of a discussion culture.
Tackling Inhibitions to Careers in Science and Technology through Differentiated Mentoring Approach
Author: Nwosu, Stella N.
Date: 2014-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Barriers,Change Strategies,STEM Education,Females,Secondary School Students,Questionnaires,Inhibition,Mathematical Concepts,Scientific Attitudes,Time Factors (Learning),Individualized Education Programs,Gender Differences,Career Choice,Mentors,Psychological Characteristics,Physical Characteristics,Access to Education,Student Attitudes,Foreign Countries

Encouraging women to go into Science and Technology (S&amp;T) careers should start with the young girls. In developing countries, such as Nigeria, girls experience challenges in studying science and technological subjects and pursuing careers in these professions. The study identifies factors that inhibit Nigerian girls from undertaking careers in S&amp;T. A sample of 228 Nigerian Senior Secondary School girls was used for the study. A &quot;Female Students Science and Technology Inhibitions Questionnaire&quot; (FSSTIQ) was used to elicit responses from the girls on conceptual, psychological and physical inhibitions to their studying S&amp;T subjects. Percentages, mean and standard deviation were used to describe the data obtained. The results reveal that the major conceptual, psychological and physical problems the girls encountered were mathematical concepts, perception of S&amp;T subjects as being difficult, and inadequate time to study. A &quot;Differentiated Mentoring&quot; approach is recommended for engendering effective mentoring of school girls interested in pursuing science and technology careers.
Multimodal Resources to Facilitate Language Learning for Students with Special Needs
Author: Ting, Kuang-yun
Date: 2014-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Foreign Countries,English (Second Language),Second Language Instruction,Second Language Learning,Multimedia Instruction,Hearing Impairments,Autism,College Students,College Faculty,Video Equipment,Video Technology,Social Theories,Interactive Video,Educational Technology,Disabilities

Students with special needs are often isolated from the rest of the class and have to attend specific courses designed for them. This report describes an action-research project with two students with a hearing impediment and who were following a course at a university of science and technology. A student with mild autism was appointed as a teaching assistant because the course teacher wanted to provide him with the opportunity to express himself and to communicate with others. The course teacher presented material by means of an interactive whiteboard and video-based coursebook to maximise student understanding and foster learning, while the autistic assistant, also using an interactive whiteboard, often helped the two students go over what they had learned. A literature review focuses on the use of an interactive whiteboard and activity-theory in education, especially with students with special needs. This paper concludes with the statement that the findings were encouragingly positive. Suggestions are made to assist teachers who would like to take further steps towards the use of computer technology in special needs education.
Ethical and Unethical Methods of Plagiarism Prevention in Academic Writing
Author: Bakhtiyari, Kaveh
Date: 2014-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Academic Discourse,Ethics,Plagiarism,Prevention,Educational Practices,Change Strategies,Cheating,Literature Reviews,Etiology,Efficiency,Scoring Rubrics

This paper discusses plagiarism origins, and the ethical solutions to prevent it. It also reviews some unethical approaches, which may be used to decrease the plagiarism rate in academic writings. We propose eight ethical techniques to avoid unconscious and accidental plagiarism in manuscripts without using online systems such as Turnitin and/or iThenticate for cross checking and plagiarism detection. The efficiency of the proposed techniques is evaluated on five different texts using students individually. After application of the techniques on the texts, they were checked by Turnitin to produce the plagiarism and similarity report. At the end, the &quot;effective factor&quot; of each method has been compared with each other; and the best result went to a hybrid combination of all techniques to avoid plagiarism. The hybrid of ethical methods decreased the plagiarism rate reported by Turnitin from nearly 100% to the average of 8.4% on 5 manuscripts.
The Effect of Using Socio-Scientific Issues Approach in Teaching Environmental Issues on Improving the Students' Ability of Making Appropriate Decisions towards These Issues
Author: Zo'bi, Abdallah Salim
Date: 2014-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Foreign Countries,Environmental Education,Student Attitudes,Decision Making,Science and Society,College Students,Education Majors,Scientific Concepts,Scientific Attitudes,Misconceptions,Controversial Issues (Course Content),Teaching Methods

This study aimed to identify nature of students' decisions patterns towards environmental issues and the possibility to improve these decisions during teaching process using Socio-Scientific Issues Approach. And to achieve this, the researcher prepared and developed tools of the study represented by a test of open questions focused on socio-scientific issues in environmental subjects and a school unit about environmental issues according to Socio-Scientific Issues Approach. Validity and reliability of the study were asserted using the appropriate ways. The population of the study, which consisted of the students of Educational Sciences department in Educational Sciences Faculty in World Islamic Sciences and Education University in Jordan in the first semester in 2012/2013, was 576 male and female students. The sample of the study, which consisted of (40) male and female student, was selected purposefully. Results of the study showed using Socio-Scientific Issues approach enhanced students' ability in improving their decisions towards environmental issues and the results showed existence of four patterns of students' decisions: decisions based on wrong understanding of scientific concepts and their applications, logical linear (formal) decisions taking into account few limited dimensions, decisions on a limited level of controversy. Issuing decisions include scientific thinking takes into account the integrated comprehensive dimension. In light of these results, the researcher recommended paying attention to Socio-Scientific Issues Approach (SSI) as an axis to teach the scientific concepts and issues at the university level and to train the teachers on using it.
Assessing the Use of YouTube Videos and Interactive Activities as a Critical Thinking Stimulator for Tertiary Students: An Action Research
Author: June, Sethela
Date: 2014-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Foreign Countries,Video Technology,Electronic Publishing,Web Sites,Interaction,Action Research,Critical Thinking,Undergraduate Students,Role Playing,Research Methodology,Constructivism (Learning),Technology Uses in Education,Teaching Methods,Instructional Effectiveness,Visualization,Qualitative Research,Learning Activities,Learner Engagement,Instructional Materials

The purpose of this action research was to investigate the use of YouTube videos and interactive activities in stimulating critical thinking among students from a public university in Malaysia. There were 50 students of mixed background, comprised of local and foreign students who participated in this study which lasted for one semester. Data was collected using a few approaches which included video recording of the lessons, students' and researcher's reflections and role play. In this paper, we specifically focus on the students' reflections of their experience while using YouTube videos. Thematic analysis was conducted to examine the themes that emerged in their reflections. Using Lewin's Action research model supported by Constructivism Theory, a-four stage action research consisted of planning, acting, observing and reflecting were conducted. We found that YouTube Videos were fun and interesting, increased students' participation and engagement and enhanced their critical thinking skills. The students were able to participate actively and demonstrated strong interest in the learning process as they were able to understand lectures better by visualizing the content and relating it to real workplace. Our study revealed the potential of YouTube video as a tool for stimulating students' learning and enhancing their critical thinking.