Shuttling Between the Particular and the General: Reflections on the Role of Conjecture and Hypothesis in the Generation of Knowledge in Science and Mathematics

Author(s):  
Judah L. Schwartz
Keyword(s):  
2015 ◽  
Vol 223 (2) ◽  
pp. 102-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evelyn H. Kroesbergen ◽  
Marloes van Dijk

Recent research has pointed to two possible causes of mathematical (dis-)ability: working memory and number sense, although only few studies have compared the relations between working memory and mathematics and between number sense and mathematics. In this study, both constructs were studied in relation to mathematics in general, and to mathematical learning disabilities (MLD) in particular. The sample consisted of 154 children aged between 6 and 10 years, including 26 children with MLD. Children performing low on either number sense or visual-spatial working memory scored lower on math tests than children without such a weakness. Children with a double weakness scored the lowest. These results confirm the important role of both visual-spatial working memory and number sense in mathematical development.


2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 1055-1072 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamara van Gog ◽  
Vincent Hoogerheide ◽  
Milou van Harsel

Abstract Problem-solving tasks form the backbone of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) curricula. Yet, how to improve self-monitoring and self-regulation when learning to solve problems has received relatively little attention in the self-regulated learning literature (as compared with, for instance, learning lists of items or learning from expository texts). Here, we review research on fostering self-regulated learning of problem-solving tasks, in which mental effort plays an important role. First, we review research showing that having students engage in effortful, generative learning activities while learning to solve problems can provide them with cues that help them improve self-monitoring and self-regulation at an item level (i.e., determining whether or not a certain type of problem needs further study/practice). Second, we turn to self-monitoring and self-regulation at the task sequence level (i.e., determining what an appropriate next problem-solving task would be given the current level of understanding/performance). We review research showing that teaching students to regulate their learning process by taking into account not only their performance but also their invested mental effort on a prior task when selecting a new task improves self-regulated learning outcomes (i.e., performance on a knowledge test in the domain of the study). Important directions for future research on the role of mental effort in (improving) self-monitoring and self-regulation at the item and task selection levels are discussed after the respective sections.


1997 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 89-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Virginia Wilson ◽  
James Litle ◽  
Mary Ruth Coleman ◽  
James Gallagher

As the role of distance learning within the educational setting expands, it is imperative that potential producers and receivers of these courses examine the prospects and problems of a distance learning initiative prior to embarking on this new educational journey. The authors provide guidance from their own distance learning experiences at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics. The article focuses on the importance of instructor and facilitator training, student selection, physical arrangements for the studio/classroom, and an evaluation plan.


2021 ◽  
Vol 79 (3) ◽  
pp. 272-284
Author(s):  
Ripi Singh ◽  
Marybeth Miceli

This paper is intended to highlight roles that women can and likely will play in shaping the future of NDE 4.0, from execution to leadership levels as well as from development to transformation activities. As we build momentum toward adopting Industry 4.0 into the nondestructive evaluation (NDE) domain, we face multiple challenges such as technology standardization, talent and skills shortfall, massive transformation, and regulatory and certification standards (Singh 2019, 2020a). Many of these challenges are better addressed with a proper mix of gender in responsible teams. Women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields are a source of talent that can be harnessed as digitalization becomes a major part of the NDE sector. According to a recent Forbes article, traits like listening and empathy serve women well in “change leadership,” which is the ability to influence and inspire action in others and respond with vision and agility during periods of growth, disruption, or uncertainty to bring about the needed change (Lipkin 2019). While working the innovation value chain, emotional intelligence makes women better suited to capturing marketplace insight and easing friction in technology adoption, and a balance of gender in a team makes for more productive ideation sessions for effective problem-solving and objective execution. This paper presents literature research triggered by personal experience and substantiated by recent candid conversations with women leaders in NDE, to highlight the importance of a blended and balanced gender mix required for NDE 4.0.


2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andy M. Connor ◽  
Sangeeta Karmokar ◽  
Chris Whittington

This paper sets out to challenge the common pedagogies found in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education with a particular focus on engineering. The dominant engineering pedagogy remains “chalk and talk”; despite research evidence that demonstrates its ineffectiveness. Such pedagogical approaches do not embrace the possibilities provided by more student-centric approaches and more active learning. The paper argues that there is a potential confusion in engineering education around the role of active learning approaches, and that the adoption of these approaches may be limited as a result of this confusion, combined with a degree of disciplinary egocentrism. The paper presents examples of design, engineering and technology projects that demonstrate the effectiveness of adopting pedagogies and delivery methods more usually attributed to the liberal arts such as studio based learning. The paper concludes with some suggestions about how best to create a fertile environment from which inquiry based learning can emerge as well as a reflection on whether the only real limitation on cultivating such approaches is the disciplinary egocentrism of traditional engineering educators.


Author(s):  
Mahama, Inuusah ◽  
Kwaw, Regine ◽  
Mensah, Kwame Jonathan ◽  
Acheampong, Ebenezer ◽  
Marfo, Richard

Aims: This study sought to explore the moderating role of gender in the relationship between creative thinking and academic performance in English Language and Mathematics among Junior High School students in the Aboom Circuit, Cape Coast. Study Design: The design for the study is correlational espousing the quantitative approach. The study was guided by two research hypotheses, which were tested using Pearson Product-Moment Correlation and Andrew F. Hayes Moderation Process. The instruments for the data collection were Kumar, Kemmler and Holman (1997) Creativity Styles Questionnaire-Revised (CSQ-R) and standardised-type test developed by experts in the various subject areas. Results: The study revealed significant relationship between creative thinking and academic performance of students (English Language: r=.432, n=140, p=0.05, p=.003, 2-tailed; Mathematics: r=.401, n=140 p=0.05, p=0.000, 2-talied). The study further revealed that gender moderated significantly in the relationship between creativity and academic performance (English Language: b=-.276, t=-2.398, CI= -.485, -.088; Mathematics: b=-.300, t=-2.198, CI= -.564, -.070). As such, male respondents had higher creative thinking effect in English Language and Mathematics than female respondents (b=.371, t=4.608, CI [.212, .530; b=.219, t=2.286, CI [.030, .407]). Conclusion: Creative thinking indeed relates to performance, as such, it was recommended  that creative thinking should be nurtured among all students in J.H.S. In addition, stakeholders in education should consider including creative thinking in the curriculum and pay special attention to nurturing creative think in female students so that they could match up with their male counterparts.


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