Integrating thematic analysis with cluster analysis of unstructured interview datasets: an evaluative case study of an inquiry into values and approaches to learning mathematics

This qualitative case study explored the unique ways recent college graduates serving as full-time, near-peer mentors supported students along the path to college in three different urban public high schools. By applying the theory of figured worlds to school spaces and practices, this study sought to both define the physical and figurative ways mentors helped students envision and enact college-bound identities and compare and contrast the differences in these spaces across schools. Data and thematic analysis indicate that promoting the development and enactment of college-bound identities requires intentionality about how school culture, people, and policies enable real and figurative spaces for college-bound exploration and support.

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A Case Study Exploring the Experiences of a Transgender Athlete in Synchronized Skating, a Subdiscipline of Figure Skating

Journal of Sport and Social Issues ◽

10.1177/0193723520919816 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 44 (5) ◽

pp. 421-449

Author(s):

Shannon S. C. Herrick ◽

Meredith A. Rocchi ◽

A. Lauren Couture

Keyword(s):

Thematic Analysis ◽

Transition Process ◽

Safe Space ◽

Figure Skating ◽

Inclusive Practices ◽

Amateur Sport ◽

Figure Skater ◽

Synchronized Skating

The inclusion of transgender athletes in sport challenges a number of long-standing cis-heteronormative beliefs within athletics at all levels of competition. There are limited studies examining the integration and experiences of transgender athletes within amateur sport. The following case study follows the experiences of a transgender synchronized figure skater, Mason, who was able to continue competing throughout his transition process. We conducted eight semi-structured one-on-one interviews with Mason, his teammates, his team manager, and his past and present coaches. All interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, and subject to thematic analysis which resulted in four overarching themes: (a) building inclusivity: “promote a safe space,” (b) acknowledging stress, (c) disclosure: “I didn’t want to talk about my past,” and (d) celebration. Results are interpreted as recommendations for coaches on how to adopt inclusive practices to better support transgender athletes.

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A distribution density-based methodology for driving data cluster analysis: A case study for an extended-range electric city bus

Pattern Recognition ◽

10.1016/j.patcog.2017.08.006 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 73 ◽

pp. 131-143 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Haiming Xie ◽

Guangyu Tian ◽

Hongxu Chen ◽

Jing Wang ◽

Yong Huang

Keyword(s):

Cluster Analysis ◽

Distribution Density ◽

City Bus ◽

Extended Range

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Performance assessment of alternative SSS networks by combining KPIs and factor-cluster analysis

European Transport Research Review ◽

10.1186/s12544-020-00449-z ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Patrizia Serra ◽

Gianfranco Fancello

Keyword(s):

Cluster Analysis ◽

Performance Assessment ◽

Decision Support Tool ◽

Transport Systems ◽

Quantitative Methodology ◽

Support Tool ◽

Performance Benchmarking ◽

Relevant Variables ◽

Quantitative Results

Abstract Performance assessment is a fundamental tool to successfully monitor and manage logistics and transport systems. In the field of Short Sea Shipping (SSS), the performance of the various maritime initiatives should be analyzed to assess the best way to achieve efficiency and guide related policies. This study proposes a quantitative methodology which can serve as a decision-support tool in the preliminary assessment and comparison of alternative SSS networks. The research is executed via a Mediterranean case study that compares a hypothetical Mediterranean ro-ro SSS network developed in the framework of a past Euro-Mediterranean cooperation project with the network of existing ro-ro liner services operating in the area. Performance benchmarking of the two networks is performed using a set of quantitative Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and applying a factor-cluster analysis to produce homogeneous clusters of services based on the relevant variables while accounting for sample heterogeneity. Quantitative results mostly confirm the overall better performance of the prospective network and demonstrate that using KPIs and factor-cluster analysis to investigate the performance of maritime networks can provide policymakers with a preliminary wealth of knowledge that can help in setting targeted policy for SSS-oriented initiatives.

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Individual Differences in Cognitive Style and Discovery Approaches to Learning Mathematics

The Journal of Educational Research ◽

10.1080/00220671.1979.10885182 ◽

1979 ◽

Vol 72 (6) ◽

pp. 317-320 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Douglas B. Mcleod ◽

Verna M. Adams

Keyword(s):

Individual Differences ◽

Cognitive Style ◽

Approaches To Learning ◽

Learning Mathematics

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Understanding the Usage Patterns of Bicycle-Sharing Systems to Predict Users’ Demand: A Case Study in Wenzhou, China

Computational Intelligence and Neuroscience ◽

10.1155/2018/9892134 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-21 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Xiaomei Xu ◽

Zhirui Ye ◽

Jin Li ◽

Mingtao Xu

Keyword(s):

Cluster Analysis ◽

Comparative Analysis ◽

Prediction Models ◽

Transportation Network ◽

Back Propagation ◽

Back Propagation Neural Network ◽

Demand Prediction ◽

Usage Patterns ◽

Accuracy Of Prediction

Bicycle-sharing systems (BSSs) have become a prominent feature of the transportation network in many cities. Along with the boom of BSSs, cities face the challenge of bicycle unavailability and dock shortages. It is essential to conduct rebalancing operations, the success of which largely depend on users’ demand prediction. The objective of this study is to develop users’ demand prediction models based on the rental data, which will serve rebalancing operations. First, methods to collect and process the relevant data are presented. Bicycle usage patterns are then examined from both trip-based aspect and station-based aspect to provide some guidance for users’ demand prediction. After that, the methodology combining cluster analysis, a back-propagation neural network (BPNN), and comparative analysis is proposed to predict users’ demand. Cluster analysis is used to identify different service types of stations, the BPNN method is utilized to establish the demand prediction models for different service types of stations, and comparative analysis is employed to determine if the accuracy of the prediction models is improved by making a distinction among stations and working/nonworking days. Finally, a case study is conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed methodology. Results indicate that making a distinction among stations and working/nonworking days when predicting users’ demand can improve the accuracy of prediction models.

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Students' Learning Experiences with the Web 2.0 Tool MyPortfolio: a Case Study of One High School Classroom

10.26686/wgtn.16970059.v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

◽

Rochelle Alison Duke

Keyword(s):

High School ◽

High School Students ◽

School Environment ◽

Approaches To Learning ◽

Digital Environment ◽

School Students ◽

Study Approach ◽

Similar Vein ◽

The Way

<p>Portfolio learning has been utilised in education for many years and a natural development in today's digital environment has been the move from paper to electronic portfolios (e-portfolios). The development of e-portfolios in New Zealand has also been driven by two forces- the emerging view that e-portfolios can be an effective way to support constructivist approaches to learning and help develop students into 'lifelong learners' ; and the beliefs about today's digital environment and the way in which students should and do operate within this. In many ways, e-portfolio research is a relatively young field of study and much of the research that has been conducted has occurred in the tertiary environment and related to the perceptions of the instructor or technologist. In an attempt to add depth to current e-portfolio research, this study made use of a mixed-methods, descriptive case study approach in order to focus on the perceptions of a group of high school students and the way in which they experienced using the e-portfolio application MyPortfolio for the first time. Key findings of this study focus on the way in which students experienced using MyPortfolio and the fact that although it is often claimed that e-portfolio tools can be effective in helping developing reflective thinking in students, overall, the students in this study predominately saw MyPortfolio as a tool to organise and process knowledge rather than something that could help them to engage in 'deep learning'. The experiences and perceptions of the students in this study also challenged ideas about how much students want to use ICT within the school environment and this study suggests that increased use of ICT can lead to students missing the social interaction that usually occurs within the classroom. In a similar vein, the students in this study also challenged the idea of the 'digital native' and their experiences suggest that, as with any area of learning, students' skills with using ICT varied greatly. The way that the students in this study made use of MyPortfolio also demonstrates the fact that although e-portfolio tools such as MyPortfolio offer students the opportunity to engage in reflective learning, they do not necessarily undertake this naturally. Finally, the findings of this study highlight the role of the teacher in supporting effective use of ICT for learning.</p>

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Evaluating the introduction of team-based learning in a pharmacy consultation skills module

Pharmacy Education ◽

10.46542/pe.2020.201.151157 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 151-157

Author(s):

Simon Tweddell

Keyword(s):

Thematic Analysis ◽

Teaching Strategy ◽

Approaches To Learning ◽

Pharmacy Education ◽

Learning And Teaching ◽

Written Comments ◽

Team Based Learning ◽

Course Material ◽

Consultation Skills ◽

Evaluation Survey

The learning and teaching strategy for a pharmacy consultation skills module was changed to Team-Based Learning (TBL) with the aim of motivating students to engage with course material pre-class and take deeper approaches to learning during class. Results from administering a validated TBL instrument suggests that students are more accountable and are satisfied with and have preference for TBL over traditional methods. Exam results show a 13% improvement in mean end-of- year examinations compared with pre-TBL results. Thematic analysis of written comments on the module evaluation survey suggest that they enjoyed learning using TBL and found it more engaging, stimulating and more effective for their learning; however, it could be improved through better management of workshop timings and more effective facilitation of discussion. TBL appears to have potential as a pedagogic approach in pharmacy education.

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