ethanporcaro/eric-fulltext-meta huggingface dataset:
Communication Skills of a Child with Down Syndrome at the End of the First Grade of Elementary School
Author: Ivic, Sonja
Date: 2016-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Communication Skills,Down Syndrome,Grade 1,Language Skills,Learning Problems,Teaching Skills,Teacher Competencies,Parent Teacher Cooperation,Educational Strategies,Learning Strategies,Academic Achievement,School Readiness,Individualized Education Programs,Educational Environment,Foreign Countries

Each case of a child with Down syndrome is specific because it is directly related to the environment the child grows up in, develops, lives and learns. Although many conditions about Down syndrome tend to generalize the condition, particular characteristics are specific and depend on environment. In this respect, such issues must be approached as case studies. The goal of this research was to note, define and describe supporting strategies of language and communication skills development and learning outcomes of language and communication skills of a boy with Down syndrome at the end of the first grade of elementary school. Therefore, the role of prerequisites for developing boy's language and communication skills was also subject of this research.The participant in the case study was a first-grader with Down syndrome who has been included in the regular educational school system and attends classes supported by a teaching assistant. In addition to monitoring the student in class and analyzing the paperwork, parents were interviewed in order to understand student's language and communication skills development. The research results have shown that the student's preparation for school and activities, which were conducted before the start of the school year, played an important role in stimulating child's communication skills and later a successful inclusion into the educational process. The established partnership between the teacher, the teaching assistant and parents have resulted in creating an individualized education program and developing specific supporting strategies which sustained the boy's communication and language skills. Supporting strategies include application of adequate forms of work and development of learning and teaching strategies, based mostly on kinesthetic and graphic presentations which have been proved to be the most acceptable for the boy. This case study is the first ever to test the stated presumptions. Final assessments made by the teachers and statements made by parents at the end of the first grade of elementary school indicate the efficiency of applying the listed supporting strategies.
Theoretical Framework for Educational Assessment: A Synoptic Review
Author: Ghaicha, Abdallah
Date: 2016-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Educational Assessment,English (Second Language),English Teachers,Formative Evaluation,Quality Control,Alternative Assessment,Theories,Higher Education,Student Evaluation,Evaluation Research,Accountability

At this age of accountability, it is acknowledged that assessment is a powerful lever that can either boost or undermine students' learning. Hitherto, much of the regular institutional and instructional practices show that assessments remain inhibitory or void rather than constructive as these lack the assessment formative aspect. This denotes that assessment is either not well understood or not done in a principled educational framework across all educational levels. This is due to some inherited dysfunction of the past, which calls for the urgency of a moratorium. The current article attempts to enhance the EFL practitioners' educational assessment practice as a form of expanding awareness. It attempts to establish a founded theoretical framework for the main concerns that might have been troubling novice and professional EFL practitioners with regard to understanding the working mechanisms of such a perplexing task that has long been delegated to them. Particular aspects of the current review target the definitions of the concept of assessment, the value, functions and purposes of assessment, levels where assessment occur, assessment research literature synopsis, and classroom assessment research (CAR). CAR presents detailed knowledge about the potency of assessment, research on classroom assessment practices, research on alternative assessment, research on formative assessment, and finally quality control criteria for effective classroom assessment. The article culminates in the pedagogical potency of formative assessment and some of its classroom procedural applications inspired from research into formative assessment, and how that might contribute to the enhancement of pedagogic practice.
Applying Program Theory-Driven Approach to Design and Evaluate a Teacher Professional Development Program
Author: Lin, Su-ching
Date: 2016-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Teacher Education Programs,Program Evaluation,Intervention,Faculty Development,Evaluation Methods,Teacher Workshops,Secondary School Teachers,Science Teachers,Program Design,Program Implementation,Check Lists,Portfolio Assessment,Self Efficacy,Teacher Surveys,Content Analysis,Models,Program Effectiveness,Mixed Methods Research,Foreign Countries

This study was the first year of a two-year project which applied a program theory-driven approach to evaluating the impact of teachers' professional development interventions on students' learning by using a mix of methods, qualitative inquiry, and quasi-experimental design. The current study was to show the results of using the method of theory-driven approach to program planning to design and evaluate a teachers' professional development program (TPDP). The Manabu Sato's learning community theory was applied to structure all components of a 54-hour workshop. The participants consisted of seven secondary school science teachers from two schools. The major findings indicated that program design was suitable to participants. More than 70% of the participants were satisfied with program implementation. They revealed that TPDP was beneficial to their instruction and promoted their professional capacities. The TPDP had marked impacts on participants' teaching beliefs, knowledge, and skills were promoted by the program.
Communicative Language Teaching: Practical Difficulties in the Rural EFL Classrooms in Taiwan
Author: Huang, Shu-Hsiu
Date: 2016-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Communicative Competence (Languages),English (Second Language),Second Language Learning,Second Language Instruction,Teaching Methods,Foreign Countries,Educational Change,Sociocultural Patterns,School Administration,Language Teachers,Statistical Analysis,Rural Areas,Interviews,Teacher Attitudes,Native Language,Parent Attitudes,Learning Motivation,Qualitative Research,Questionnaires,Language Proficiency,Classroom Techniques,Textbooks,Standardized Tests,Junior High School Students,High School Students

English education in Taiwan has experienced a number of modifications over the past decade. The Ministry of Education (MOE) has initiated several reforms since 1994 with a purpose of changing the pedagogy, focusing on grammar-translation, to a more communicative one aim at cultivating learners of greater communication proficiency for the demands resulting from internationalization and globalization. Although the outcome may be promising, the process has proven to be challenging. The studies regarding Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) in many EFL settings suggested that factors, associated with socio-culture, school administration, classroom dynamics and personnel, have negatively influenced teachers' willingness to implement CLT. Notwithstanding the comprehensive discussion about the difficulties, rare were they related directly to rural teachers whose experiences might be different from their urban peers. Their distinct insight and impressions are necessary, and therefore worthy of the investigation in order to further understand the whole CLT-resulted phenomena. Using a multi-methodological approach of quantitative survey and qualitative interview, this study aims at uncovering the difficulties rural EFL teachers have encountered when implementing CLT in their classrooms. Seventy-five teachers were surveyed. Based on their participating willingness, 15 of them were further contacted for in-depth interviews. The result of the study revealed that besides the repeated issues, the teachers have faced problems, including students' low L1 cognitive resources, parents' indifferent attitudes toward communicative-English education, and the assortment of students of heterogeneous language skills into the same class, which are unique to the rural setting because of geographical and socio-economic confinement.
Role of Color Flow Ultrasound in Detection of Deep Venous Thrombosis
Author: Mohammed, Shelan Hakeem
Date: 2016-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Clinical Diagnosis,Metabolism,Medical Evaluation,Outcomes of Treatment,Questionnaires,Biofeedback,Gender Differences,Patients,Participant Characteristics

Background: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of lower limbs is one of the most causes for the majority of death caused by pulmonary embolism. Many medical and surgical disorders are complicated by DVT. Most venous thrombi are clinically silent. B-mode and color Doppler imaging is needed for early diagnosis of DVT to prevent complications and squeal of DVT. Aim and objectives: the objectives of our study were to evaluate the role of color flow Doppler in the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and subsequently to investigate its diagnostic value in patients who have normal deep veins despite symptoms. Patients and methods: prospective cross sectional study of 50 patients, 32 patients male, 18 female, diagnosed on Doppler with DVT. Results: Color Doppler flow imaging in 50 cases had sensitivity of 90%, specificity of 96.7%, positive predictive value of 94.7%, negative predictive value of 93.5%, and accuracy rate of 94%, with majority belonging to fifth decade (26%). In our study, predominantly distribution of thrombus was found to be in above knee region with (65.63%), while only 34.38% of them had DVT below knee. Conclusion: Color Doppler is useful in diagnosing DVT in symptomatic and at risk patients and provides non-invasive method of investigation. It is also helpful in evaluating the site, extent and stage of thrombus.
The Use of Presupposition in the Creation of Socio-Political Dominance in Kenyan Parliamentary Debates between 1992 and 2010
Author: Peter, Christine Atieno
Date: 2016-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Foreign Countries,Debate,Political Influences,Social Influences,Parliamentary Procedures,Ideology,Discourse Analysis,Discourse Modes,Communication Strategies,Rhetorical Theory,Language Styles,Qualitative Research,Transcripts (Written Records),Content Analysis,Language Usage,Legislators

Presupposition, a linguistic element can be employed in utterances. When this is done it enhances the comprehension of what is being communicated. This aspect of language that is implicit assumption of an utterance is a strategy that may be used to express a speaker's socio-political dominance. The truth of what is said is taken for granted and can be manipulated by the speaker to have devastating effects on an individual or the society at large. This study examined presupposition as a strategy of language used by Kenyan members of parliament during debates to create socio-political dominance. The objective was: To analyse the usage of presupposition in language used by parliamentarians to create socio-political dominance in Kenyan parliamentary debates. Various sources of literature have been reviewed in the following areas: ideology, discourse strategies, the power in language, parliamentary proceedings and political dominance. The study used descriptive research design. By using purposive sampling, the data was collected from the Hansard dating from 1992 to 2010. Data was analysed using Foucauldian Discourse Analysis (FDA). This theory looks at how the society is moulded by language that shows various power relationships. The study identified language that created dominance, discussed the presupposition as a strategy used in the utterances. The research found out that presupposition was used by speakers to create dominance in the debates.
Teachers' Perceptions and Undergraduate Students' Experience in E-Exam in Higher Institution in Nigeria
Author: Hamsatu, Pur
Date: 2016-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Foreign Countries,College Faculty,Teacher Attitudes,Undergraduate Students,Student Experience,Computer Assisted Testing,Questionnaires,Likert Scales,Information Technology,Student Evaluation,Computer Assisted Instruction,Self Esteem,Student Attitudes,Socioeconomic Status,Case Studies,Gender Differences,Statistical Analysis

This study was conducted to explore teachers' perceptions, and students' experiences in e-Examination in University of Maiduguri. Questionnaires were distributed to 30 teachers and 50 students, and the 80 collated instruments were valid for data analysis, representing a response rate of 100%. The validity of the questionnaire was approved by some experts in the field. Descriptive statistics was used to analyzed the data. The descriptive results indicated that teachers' and students' exposure and experiences to ICT was low. The findings further revealed that both the teachers and students agreed that e-Examination is important to them and more efforts should be gear toward improving its integrity. Furthermore, both the teachers and students agreed that e-Examination is not the true reflection of the students' performance if used as the only way of measurement.From the findings of the study, it is recommended that courses such as computer supported learning, and e- Examination process, should be introduced periodically for teachers and students' exposure to the nature of e-Examination through practice and drill to improve teachers' and students' level of confidence and perceptions towards the use of e-Examination.
Perception of Stakeholders on Availability of Personnel Resources for Universal Basic Education Impementation in Nigeria
Author: Suleiman, Habiba
Date: 2016-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Foreign Countries,Stakeholders,Equal Education,Human Resources,Questionnaires,Program Implementation,Teacher Surveys,Teacher Attitudes,Administrator Attitudes,Administrator Surveys,Teacher Student Ratio,Technical Occupations,Science Laboratories,Teacher Qualifications,School Libraries,Administrator Qualifications,Community Involvement,Elementary Secondary Education

The aim of this research paper is to assess the implementation of Universal basic Education Programme in Nigeria from 1999-2009 on availability of personnel resources. A descriptive and survey method was adopted for the investigations, through random sampling technique, two (2) States each were selected from the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria in which three local government areas from each of the States selected were used. A total of 1221 copies of questionnaires were administered by the researcher and used for the study. The findings revealed that the perception of stakeholders on personnel resources were inadequate for the implementation of UBEP in Nigeria. Recommendation was made as retraining of teachers, funding for supervision, monitoring and evaluation will enhance effective implementation of UBEP in Nigeria.
Validity of a Checklist for the Design, Content, and Instructional Qualities of Children's Books
Author: Çer, Erkan
Date: 2016-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Check Lists,Childrens Literature,Books,Instructional Effectiveness,Experimental Groups,Control Groups,Developmentally Appropriate Practices,Educational Quality,Design Preferences,College Students,Foreign Countries,Statistical Analysis

The purpose of this study was to develop a checklist whose validity has been tested in assessing children's books. Participants consisted of university students who had taken a course in children's literature. They were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned into experimental and control groups. Participants in the experimental group were exposed to quality books based on the criteria of appropriateness for children which were developed by Çer and Sahin (2016, Appendix A), whereas those in the control group were exposed to non-quality children's books. Both groups learned how to use a checklist in order to assess the books. The experimental group's evaluation of the design, contents, and instructional qualities of the books was significantly higher than that of the students in the control group for all dimensions. Thus, it is possible to assess children's books through this checklist whose validity has been proven. Moreover, this checklist can be of benefit to centres for children's literature when assessing books produced in various cultures and societies. Further research may extend the validity of this checklist in different contexts, such as when assessing books for children of various ages and developmental stages.
Prevalence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity among Children Attending Outpatient Clinic in Psychiatric Teaching Hospital in Erbil City
Author: Shakir, Lana Nabeel
Date: 2016-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Incidence,Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder,Case Studies,Patients,Clinics,Psychiatric Hospitals,Questionnaires,Statistical Analysis,Correlation,Parent Background,Educational Attainment,Interviews,Comparative Analysis,Trauma,Intellectual Disability,Socioeconomic Status,Genetics,Foreign Countries,Medical Education

Background and objectives: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is one of the common psychiatric disorder in childhood and it affects on children socially and academically. The aim of this study is to find out the prevalence of Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder among the studied population, describe its association with certain socio-demographic characteristics, and to identify factors that might affect the disease. Methods: A cross sectional study conducted among 400 children aged more than six year attending outpatient clinic of Psychiatric Teaching Hospital in Erbil city, from the 1st of April 2015 to the 30th of April 2016. The questionnaire was completed through direct interview. A Chi square test of association was used to compare proportions. A P value of = 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: The overall prevalence of Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder was 35 (8.75%). Among males 22 (9.2%) were had ADHD. The prevalence of ADHD was significantly associated with paternal and maternal high education (28.9%) and (24%) respectively. Among the medical diseases trauma and mental retardation showed significant association with the prevalence of the disease as they may have no role as a factor or as a cause of the disease. While family history of medical disease were positive in only 4 (7.8%). Conclusion: The prevalence of Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder was higher among boys. It showed significant association with higher educational level and higher socioeconomic status of the family.
Perceived Stress and Coping Strategies among Newly Nurse Students in Clinical Practice
Author: Mahfouz, Rasha
Date: 2016-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Stress Management,Stress Variables,Coping,Nursing Students,Clinical Experience,Demography,Profiles,Correlation,Measures (Individuals),Student Surveys,Student Attitudes,College Students,Foreign Countries,Statistical Analysis

The present study aimed at assessing the stress level and coping strategies among students who were newly in Practicing the clinical training in different hospitals, at the Nursing College, Princess Nourah University. The study design was a descriptive analytical one. The study was conducted at the beginning of second semester in the academic year 2015/2016. The sample consisted of three tools for data collection: which included a sociodemographic profile sheet, two scales; Perceived Stress Scale-14(PSS 14) to assess stress level , and Adolescent Coping Orientation for Problem Experiences (ACOPE) to assess The Students' coping strategies. Results revealed have that the percentage of stress level was higher in students among level five, with illiterate and nonworking mothers, while the students whose fathers are working in a government work have a higher stress level than those whose fathers are not working in a government work. Results also showed that the long distance to reach Nursing School, the higher stress on the students, also, majority of subjects tend to use more of healthy coping strategies as compared to negative or unhealthy ones. The study recommended Presenting a psychological, social, and family consulting to the students who are highly stressed. In addition, education for the students according to the nature of the problems they face, clarify its causes, and how to treat it.
Six Thinking Hats and Social Workers' Innovative Competence: An Experimental Study
Author: Azeez, Razaq Olugbenga
Date: 2016-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Social Work,Innovation,Creative Activities,Creativity,Minimum Competencies,Pretests Posttests,Quasiexperimental Design,Nongovernmental Organizations,Rating Scales,Creative Development,Caseworkers,Industrial Psychology,Foreign Countries,Statistical Analysis

Employees, no doubt, are the main force in organizations, and their innovative behaviours are vital for outcome efficacy. Innovative organisations, therefore, need creative employees who generate new ideas for product or process of innovation. This study investigated the effect of six thinking hats creativity technique on innovative competence of social worker. A pretest-post-test quasi-experimental design was adopted for the study. Forty-eight (48) participants chosen among social workers in two randomly selected Non Governmental Organisations participated in the study. Data were collected using Innovative Competence Scale. Analysis of variance was employed for data analysis with significant level fixed at 0.05. Findings from the study revealed that the treatment significantly affect participants' innovative competence. Based on the results, the study recommended that creativity be integrated into the training programmes for personnel in the workplace.
The Whole Is Greater than the Sum of the Parts: The Effects of an Antenatal Orientation Interviews Training for Prospective Parents Postnatal Depression Levels
Author: Bulut, Pinar
Date: 2016-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Parent Education,Prenatal Influences,Interviews,Depression (Psychology),Perinatal Influences,Quasiexperimental Design,Experimental Groups,Control Groups,Intervention,Pretests Posttests,Gender Differences,Measures (Individuals),Program Effectiveness,Fathers,Mothers,Foreign Countries,Likert Scales,Statistical Analysis,Nonparametric Statistics

The aim of this study was to examine an antenatal orientation interviews training for prospective parents' postnatal depression levels. A quasi-experimental study carried out with 26 (12 experimental, 14 control) prospective mother and father. Participants completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale one week before the intervention and 12 weeks after birth. Participants in experimental group received a four week new situation orientation interviews training for parents but any intervention made in control group. Results of this study suggested that albeit analyzing the orientation interviews of the males and the females in the experimental group, individual depression scores were observed to decrease, but this decrease was found to be statistically insignificant. However, once the depression levels of the families were analyzed as a whole, the parents' prenatal and postpartum depression levels were similar in the control group but parents in the experimental group postpartum depression levels were significantly decreased in postnatal period.