Developing a framework for using E-portfolios as a research and assessment tool

ReCALL ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 359-372 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sun-young Shin
Keyword(s):  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Context Effects ◽  
Written Language ◽  
Systematic Variation ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Situational Contexts ◽  
Language Data ◽  
And Performance

AbstractAs Tarone (1998) stated, an understanding of interlanguage variation in relation to contextual changes has been a key issue in both second language acquisition (SLA) and language assessment (LA) research. Research on interlanguage variation has shown that systematic variation is often evidenced when different phonological and syntactic forms are examined across contexts. Such systematic variation has raised important questions about the distinction between competence and performance, and generalizability of results beyond the research elicitation tasks or test tasks in SLA and LA research. However, most previous studies that have examined this issue are based on cross-sectional data with a focus on between-group differences rather than within-individual differences across different contexts. Such limited data often make it difficult for researchers to understand individual developmental trends in interlanguage as well as to interpret context effects on the learner's spoken and written language data. Electronic (E)-portfolios may address this limitation by serving as a valuable research and assessment tool for collecting and storing an individual learner's language samples obtained across different tasks over time. The technology may also enhance the situational and interactional authenticity of tasks by including multi-media input and constructed response tasks. However, it is not clear how tasks in E-portfolios can be constructed to represent various linguistic and situational contexts, and how they could be systematically evaluated and scored. In that vein, this article addresses a number of limitations of existing E-portfolios as a research and assessment tool, and offers recommendations and suggestions for future research.

scholarly journals Concussion in para sport: the first position statement of the Concussion in Para Sport (CIPS) Group

2021 ◽  
pp. bjsports-2020-103696
Author(s):  
Richard Weiler ◽  
Cheri Blauwet ◽  
David Clarke ◽  
Kristine Dalton ◽  
Wayne Derman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Consensus Statement ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Return To Sport ◽  
Position Statement ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Concussion Management ◽  
Rule Changes ◽  
Specific Rule ◽  
And Performance

Concussion is a frequent injury in many sports and is also common in para athletes. However, there is a paucity of concussion research related to para sport, and prior International Concussion in Sport (CIS) consensus papers have not substantively addressed this population. To remedy this and to improve concussion care provided to para athletes, the concussion in para sport (CIPS) multidisciplinary expert group was created. This group analysed and discussed in-depth para athlete-specific issues within the established key clinical domains of the current (2017) consensus statement on CIS. Due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the group held all meetings by video conferencing. The existing Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5 (SCAT5) for the immediate on-field and office-based off-field assessment of concussion was evaluated as part of this process, to identify any para athlete-specific concerns. Regular preparticipation and periodic health examinations are essential to determine a baseline reference point for concussion symptoms but pose additional challenges for the interpreting clinician. Further considerations for concussion management for the para athlete are required within the remove, rest, reconsider and refer consensus statement framework. Considering return to sport (RTS), the 2017 CIS consensus statement has limitations when considering the RTS of the para athlete. Case-by-case decision making related to RTS following concussion is imperative for para athletes. Additional challenges exist for the evaluation and management of concussion in para athletes. There is a need for greater understanding of existing knowledge gaps and attitudes towards concussion among athlete medical staff, coaches and para athletes. Future research should investigate the use and performance of common assessment tools in the para athlete population to better guide their clinical application and inform potential modifications. Concussion prevention strategies and sport-specific rule changes, such as in Para Alpine Skiing and Cerebral Palsy Football, also should be carefully considered to reduce the occurrence of concussion in para athletes.

A borrowing cost model for effective performance of SMEs in Uganda

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 74-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sulait Tumwine ◽  
Richard Akisimire ◽  
Nixon Kamukama ◽  
Gad Mutaremwa
Keyword(s):  
Interest Rate ◽  
Cost Model ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Effective Performance ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
And Performance

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop an effective cost borrowing model of qualitative factors that are relevant to micro and small enterprises (SMEs) better performance. Design/methodology/approach – A valid research instrument was utilized to conduct a survey on 359 SMEs (131 retail businesses, 125 service businesses, 48 farming businesses and 55 other businesses) and 897 respondents that are representative of 397 SMEs and 1,087 respondents. Correlation and regression analysis were conducted to ascertain the validity of the hypotheses. Findings – It was established that cost of borrowing elements (interest rate and loan processing costs) are associated with SME performance. Furthermore, cost of borrowing as a whole accounts for 31.1 percent of the variation in performance Uganda’s SMEs. Research limitations/implications – Only a single research methodological approach was employed, future research through interviews could be undertaken to triangulate. Multiple respondents in SMEs (owner, manager and cashier) were studied neglecting others. Furthermore, the study used the cross-sectional approach – a longitudinal approach should be employed to study the trend over years. Finally, cost of borrowing was studied and by the virtual of the results, there are other factors that contribute to SME performance that were not part of this study. Practical implications – There is need to intensify initiatives to encourage greater understanding and acceptance of cost of borrowing, select appropriate elements that includes interest rate and loan processing costs in order to have affordable source of financing to establish and grow SMEs, provide employment, competitive and contribute to countries GDP. Originality/value – This is the first paper in Sub-Saharan Africa to test empirically the relationship between cost of borrowing and performance of SMEs in the Ugandan context.

scholarly journals Business Intelligence Capability, Complementary Resources and Performance among Public Listed Firms in Kenya

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (9) ◽  
pp. 66
Author(s):  
Edward Buhasho ◽  
Agnes Wausi ◽  
James Njihia
Keyword(s):  
Business Intelligence ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Capital Expenditure ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Listed Firms ◽  
Complementary Resources ◽  
Improved Performance ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Relationship

Whereas Business Intelligence initiative has been a primary focus many organisations globally for several years and accounting for billions of dollars in capital expenditure, empirical research remains sparse on the actual impact derived from this investment. Even when the benefits are established, its indirect and delayed impact on business results make it difficult to assess its value. Available literature on how insights triggered by Business Intelligence are transformed into profitable business learning is vague and fragmented. Hence, the main objective of this study was to establish the influence of complementary resources on the relationship between Business Intelligence capability and firm performance. The study used interdisciplinary theories to achieve the research objective, namely, Information systems capability theory and organisational learning. The study was performed using a mixed methods research methodology and cross-sectional approach. Data was collected from 64 public listed companies in Kenya. Findings indicated that complementary resources have a positive and significant impact on the relationship between Business Intelligence capability and performance. The study contributed to theory by building a framework for business intelligence assessment, including factors that significantly lead to improved performance. The results also provide new insights into the existing literature and suggest directions for future research with implications for academia, policymakers and management.

scholarly journals Psychometric Properties of the Stress Control Mindset Measure in University Students from Australia and the UK

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacob J Keech ◽  
Sheina Orbell ◽  
Martin S Hagger ◽  
Frances O'Callaghan ◽  
Kyra Hamilton
Keyword(s):  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Discriminant Validity ◽  
Performance Outcomes ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Stress Control ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
And Performance

Introduction: Beliefs about the consequences of stress, stress mindsets, are associated with health and performance outcomes under stress. This article reports the development and examination of the psychometric properties of a measure of stress mindset: The Stress Control Mindset Measure (SCMM). The measure is consistent with theory on mindsets about self-attributes and conceptualizes stress mindset as the extent to which individuals endorse beliefs that stress can be enhancing. Methods: The study adopted a correlational cross-sectional survey design in two student samples. Undergraduate students from an Australian university (Sample 1, N = 218) and a UK university (Sample 2, N = 214) completed the SCMM and measures of health and wellbeing outcomes. Results: Confirmatory factor analyses supported a four-factor structure and strict measurement invariance across samples (ΔCFI < .01). Reliability, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and concurrent validity of the overall SCMM was supported in both samples. Incremental validity was supported for most outcomes, accounting for significantly more variance (between 2.2% and 5.9%) in health and wellbeing outcomes than an existing measure. Conclusions: Current data provide preliminary support for the SCMM as a reliable and valid measure with good psychometric properties and theoretically consistent relations with health outcomes under stress. Findings provide initial evidence supporting the potential utility of the SCMM in future research examining relations between stress mindsets and health and performance outcomes.

scholarly journals Maternal Depression: Relationship to Food Insecurity and Preschooler Fruit/Vegetable Consumption

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 123
Author(s):  
Wendy L. Ward ◽  
Taren M. Swindle ◽  
Angela L. Kyzer ◽  
Nicola Edge ◽  
Jasmin Sumrall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
Head Start ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Maternal Depression ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Odds Ratios ◽  
Parent Depression ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background: Maternal Depression (MD) has been implicated in the etiology of obesity. The present study investigated MD and both child fruit/vegetable consumption (FVC) and household food insecurity (FI) in an early childhood population. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Arkansas, United States, in 26 Head Start centers. Teachers obtained the Family Map (FM), an interview assessment tool used by Head Start staff to identify potential risk factors that affect child learning and development. The FM contains a two-item screener of parent depression—the Patient Health Questionaire-2, two questions about family FI, and two questions about FVC. The FM was completed in 693 households. Chi square analyses and logistic regressions utilizing adjusted and unadjusted odds ratios were utilized to compare differences in risk for children of mothers with no symptoms compared to mothers with low- or high-level depressive symptoms. Results: Children whose mothers had high MD were 2.90 (CI: 1.21–7.00) and 7.81 (CI: 3.71–16.45) times more likely to be at risk for low FVC and FI, respectively, compared to children of mothers with no MD. Similar findings but at lower magnitude were found for mothers with low symptoms of MD in comparison with mothers with no MD—both for Low FVC (1.57 times more likely; CI: 1.01–2.45) and FI (2.14 times more likely; CI: 1.28–3.58). The results presented are Odds Ratios from the multivariable adjusted models. Conclusions: Implications for the etiology of obesity, prevention/intervention efforts, and future research are offered, including recommended addition of maternal depression and household FI screening in early childhood programs.

Sitting Posture During Occupational Driving Causes Low Back Pain; Evidence-Based Position or Dogma? A Systematic Review

2019 ◽  
pp. 001872081987173
Author(s):  
Sarah Tinitali ◽  
Kelly-Ann Bowles ◽  
Jennifer L. Keating ◽  
Terry Haines
Keyword(s):  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sitting Posture ◽  
National Heart Lung ◽  
Observational Cohort ◽  
Driving Posture

Objective In this review, we determine if there is evidence to demonstrate a relationship between occupational driving posture and low back pain. Background The burden of low back pain is increasing. An understanding of this relationship is required to enable the development of recommendations for clinicians and policy-makers for the driving industry. Method Five databases were searched up to March 12, 2018. Study quality was assessed using the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies, followed by a GRADE analysis to consider the evidence as a whole. A narrative, critical synthesis was completed that considered the methods by which driving posture and low back pain were measured and analyzed. Results There were 653 articles identified, with seven eligible for review. Four articles identified an association between occupational driving posture and low back pain, yet this was based on the use of measurement tools lacking validity. Although a relationship may exist, the specific driving postures associated with low back pain and the strength of this relationship have not been confirmed. Conclusion: Future research needs to employ validated and reliable, real-time qualitative methods for measuring occupational driving posture to advance our understanding of this relationship. Application Clinical and policy recommendations regarding driving posture and low back pain should be used with caution, as they are guided by evidence incorporating bias. Future studies are required to confirm the specific postures assumed while occupational driving and their relationship with low back pain, before recommendations can be made.

Heart Check: The Development and Evolution of an Organizational Heart Health Assessment

2002 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 132-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Golaszewski ◽  
Brian Fisher
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Organizational Support ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
New York State ◽  
Health Assessment ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Nutrition Support ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Heart Health ◽  
Cross Sectional

Purpose. The purpose of this article is to document the development, testing, and application of an organizational assessment tool used to measure employer support for heart health. Additional information is presented on its future research and applications plan. Design. This article represents the pooling of results from multiple studies using a variety of designs, including pilot tests, cross-sectional analyses, and quasi-experiments. Setting. Worksites covering the spectrum of employers across industry types and size, and throughout all of New York State. Subjects. Over 10,000 New York employees and 1000 New York employers are represented in the multiple phases of this research. Measures. Heart Check is a 226-item inventory designed to measure such features in the worksite as organizational foundations, administrative supports, tobacco control, nutrition support, physical activity support, stress management, screening services, and company demographics. Additional side studies used professional judgments and behavioral surveys. Results. As an assessment tool Heart Check shows evidence for reliability and validity. Applications of the instrument show characteristics that define high-scoring companies, quasi standards for New York employers, and, when applied during interventions, positive changes in organizational support levels. Conclusions. A relatively inexpensive, easy-to-use, and metrically tested instrument exists for measuring the construct of organizational support for employee heart health. The instrument shows promise as part of a system to enhance heart health through public health-based interventions in the workplace.

Usability of mobile shower commodes for adults with spinal cord injury

2017 ◽  
Vol 80 (2) ◽  
pp. 63-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma L Friesen ◽  
Deborah Theodoros ◽  
Trevor G Russell
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Lower Leg ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
Item Level ◽  
Short And Long Term ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Very High

Introduction This paper describes the usability of mobile shower commodes for adults with spinal cord injury, as measured by the new electronic Mobile Shower Commode Assessment Tool Version 1.0 (eMAST 1.0). Method A retrospective analysis of data collected for a cross-sectional validation study with adults aged 18 years or older, living with spinal cord injury, who use mobile shower commodes for toileting and/or showering ( n = 32), was conducted. Usability was measured using the eMAST 1.0. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analysed using directed content analysis. Results Overall usability on both the features and performance subscales was rated as high to very high. Ratings of very low to low usability were reported for portability/foldability/packability (41%, n = 13), mobile shower commode stability (25%, n = 8), positioning and repositioning (25%, n = 8), seat cushioning (25%, n = 8), and lower leg supports (22%, n = 7). Items receiving the highest number of qualitative comments included lower leg supports, seating, propelling and manoeuvring, cleaning and maintenance, and stability. Conclusion Results across the eMAST 1.0’s subscales showed high to very high usability. However, analysis of individual items and qualitative comments showed specific areas of reduced usability for individual users. Item-level responses and qualitative comments suggest research is urgently needed in the areas of stability, portability, durability, and seating. Studies exploring use of the eMAST 1.0 during initial provision, and after short- and long-term mobile shower commode use, are also needed.

scholarly journals How to study second language acquisition: a cross-sectional method

2015 ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Jogilė Teresa Ramonaitė
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Production ◽  
Language Attitudes ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Language Data ◽  
Conducting Research

This paper describes a cross-sectional method, which is employed when conducting research on acquisition of Lithuanian as a second language. This is one of the most optimal methods to study the process of language acquisition in adults, since it does not demand a long-term commitment on the part of the studied subjects. On the basis of the method, a specific research protocol has been designed in the framework of various second language acquisition research projects conducted in Europe. One of its advantages is that language data can be collected in a fairly small group (10-30 people) of learners of different acquisition levels. The data collected in this way is later analysed and compared between learners in order to determine the acquisitional sequence and other aspects of interest. The main corpus for this study is constituted by language data collected during a semi- structured (socio)linguistic interview, which is a free talk with a participant, who is encouraged to talk. The talk includes some specific questions. During the interview, not only the language data but also some important information about other relevant sociolinguistic factors is collected, such as age, period of stay in the country, language attitudes and motivation. To be able to better compare the participants and to study specific linguistic aspects that might fail to appear in spontaneous speech, all the participants are given the same additional tasks. The tasks described in this paper are of different types: film retelling, storytelling according to a sequence of pictures, describing two similar pictures and indicating differences between them, giving a recipe and repeating sentences. Different competences are required in these tasks but most attention is given to language production. The paper also offers some practical advice and observations based on the study. The specific study where the method was applied for Lithuanian aims at researching the development of acquisition of Lithuanian with the focus on the development of the verb system. The data collected in this manner could be used to study other aspects of language acquisition as well.

Multiple Mini-interviews for Medical Students’ Admissions: Students and Faculty Perceptions on Acceptability and Feasibility

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. 3294-3298
Author(s):  
Gulfreen Waheed ◽  
Sadia Zia ◽  
Yasir Ali Bhatti ◽  
Mavrah Zafar ◽  
Muhammad Saad Aziz
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Faculty Perceptions ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Admission Process ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Medical Institutions ◽  
Selection Of

Aim: To evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of the multiple mini interviews for selecting medical students for admission in a medical institution. Methods: The current cross-sectional descriptive study is a 12-item questionnaire-based survey with a four-point Likert scale to record the anonymous responses of the candidate students’ and the interviewer faculty perceptions. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data quantitatively with IBM SPSS Version 25. The study evaluated the acceptability and feasibility of the utility of multiple mini-interviews (MMIs) as an assessment tool for the medical students’ selection in the admission process at Avicenna Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan. Results: A total of 438 candidate students and 42 interviewer/assessor faculty members participated in the study. Most of the candidate students (92.2%) of candidates and 97.6% of interviewer faculty regarded MMIs better than the traditional interviews for the selection of medical students. Further, 99.4% of candidate students and 97.6% of interviewer faculty were satisfied with the MMI process’s general arrangements. Finally, a hundred percent interviewer faculty and 96.8% of candidate students perceived MMIs as a feasible assessment tool for the admission process of the medical institutions. Conclusion: The overall positive responses of the candidate students and the interviewer faculty for the acceptability and feasibility of the MMI process as an assessment tool in the admission process to select medical students provide evidence for future research on the use of MMIs. In addition, other medical institutions can adapt or modify the MMI process per the available finances and resources within their local settings. Keywords: Multiple mini-interviews, Medical college admission process, acceptability, feasibility.

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