Pre-service teachers' acquisition of scientific knowledge and scientific skills through inquiry-based laboratory activity

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina Valls-Bautista ◽  
Anna Solé-LLussà ◽  
Marina Casanoves
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Knowledge ◽  
Cognitive Skills ◽  
School Science ◽  
Teacher Instruction ◽  
Primary School Teachers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Laboratory Activity ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Scientific Skills

PurposeScientific inquiry is a leading methodology that promotes science process skills to acquire scientific knowledge. There is evidence that primary school teachers have difficulties introducing inquiry-based activities in their classrooms. Hence, adequate teacher instruction in inquiry methodology is important to apply inquiry-based activities in school science lessons. This work aims to analyse if pre-service teachers succeeded in developing scientific knowledge and scientific skills through the application of an inquiry laboratory activity.Design/methodology/approachThis article is presented as a case study developed in a group of 82 pre-service teachers. This research methodology involved qualitative and quantitative data.FindingsThe results demonstrate that pre-service teachers could improve their scientific skills and knowledge through inquiry-based laboratory activity.Originality/valueThe present study assesses not only the scientific knowledge but also if students can acquire scientific skills by doing the inquiry laboratory activity and if these skills are related to low-order cognitive skills or high-order cognitive skills.

Learning for the workplace: a case study in graduate employees' generic competencies

2005 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 231-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ai‐Hwa Quek
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Skills ◽  
Work Performance ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Generic Competencies ◽  
Current State ◽  
Successful Work ◽  
The One ◽  
Tertiary Training

PurposeThis study seeks to address empirically the current state of generic competencies considered to be important for successful work performance among Malaysian graduate employees. This study also aims to explain the elements of generic competencies that are needed to complement the tertiary training of students in workplace learning.Design/methodology/approachUsing the survey method, questionnaires (validated by a pilot test and with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.81) were administered to a purposive sample of graduate employees (n=32).FindingsResponses were factor‐analysed and correlated through the Pearson product‐moment correlation procedure. Drawing from the significant correlations ( p<0.01) of the factors extracted, this study highlights interpersonal skills, knowledge‐acquiring skills and flexibility as being highly important in contributing toward success in work performance. Additionally, these graduate employees also expressed value‐improving skills, practical orientation abilities and cognitive skills as being important for successful work performance. These generic competencies are important for enabling Malaysian graduate employees to transfer learning from the classroom to the workplace for success in work performance.Research limitations/implicationsGiven the financial constraints, this study is limited to Malaysian graduate employees. Therefore, the generalisability of the results is limited to other situations that are similar to the one discussed in this study.Originality/valueIn the Malaysian context, tertiary training probably needs to consider the development of generic competencies in students so as to enable them to transfer tertiary learning to meet the changing demands of the workplace when they graduate. In this direction additional research is recommended in Malaysia so that graduates can be better trained to contribute successfully in the workplace.

Diagnosis of degradation state of the historic building facade through qualitative and quantitative indicators: case study of the Former School of Agronomy Eliseu Maciel

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vitória Silveira da Costa ◽  
Ariela da Silva Torres
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
The State ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Photographic Survey ◽  
Quantitative Indicators ◽  
The City ◽  
Damage Map ◽  
Degradation Measurement

PurposeIn Brazil, the city of Pelotas experienced an economic apex between the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth century, reflecting in the construction of several buildings. The aim of this article is to evaluate the state of degradation of the facades of the Old School of Agronomy Eliseu Maciel, using qualitative and quantitative indicators.Design/methodology/approachThe study was divided into visual and photographic survey, damage map and subsequent application of the Degradation Measurement Method (MMD) and the Element Performance Index (Ip). Taking into consideration the evaluation of the building: through historical research and survey of damages. Finally, the building was framed at a level of degradation.FindingsBy calculating the average damage between the methods – damage map, MMD and Ip – a more faithful representation of the damage was obtained, since the values become balanced. The results show the potential of the use of the methods in the analysis of pathological manifestations in facades.Originality/valueThe originality of this article refers to the use of methods for evaluation of historical buildings. The authors believe that the methods described applied jointly provide the results about the state of degradation through nondestructive and low-cost analyses. The methods of surveying damage to Brazilian heritage are a little researched area. This work will hopefully be engaged by academics and professionals to help establish and promote broad government interest and investments.

Multicriteria approach to select the most economically advantageous tender

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 201-223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriella Marcarelli ◽  
Andrea Nappi
Keyword(s):  
Public Management ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Public Procurement ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Cost Ratio ◽  
Cost Models ◽  
European Union Law ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative

Purpose This paper aims to show how the proposed approach (two analytic hierarchy process [AHP] models) may allow dealing with the best tender selection process in an organic and simple way and ensure the consistency check of the judgements, the necessary step for having reliable results. At first, this paper highlights some critical issues regarding the weighted sum model (WSM) and the algorithms frequently used to evaluate the most economic advantageous tender. Then, it proposes to extend the AHP approach to the evaluation of both the qualitative and quantitative components of a public procurement award. Finally, the WSM and the AHP are applied to the same case study to show, step by step, some criticisms of the former and some advantages of the latter. Design/methodology/approach This paper proposes to apply two AHP models to evaluate both qualitative and quantitative components of a public tender. The quality and cost models allow to identify and select the tender associated with the highest quality/cost ratio. Findings The assessment of the WSM and the AHP models, and some differences between them, build upon their application as an example of public procurement. A case study is used as a teaching device (Yin, 2003) to highlight why the AHP may provide different results. In particular, an important issue concerning the evaluation of qualitative requirements is explored: the consistency of judgements expressed by the committee members. Social implications This approach provides analytical tools for public management that allow appropriate implementation of their management function and allow a realisation of the strategic objectives of European Union law and Italian legislation on public procurement. It would help managers to prioritise their goals and criteria and evaluate them in a scientific way. The model integrates multiple qualitative and quantitative criteria, simplifies the selection process, achieves optimal use of funds and leads to cost savings. It allows to reduce the discretional power of both the contracting issuer, in the choice of the formula to adopt for calculating the coefficients, and the committee members, allowing tender evaluation to have more trust and ensure the fairness of public procurement matters and quality of the object purchased. Originality/value This paper proposes the use of two hierarchical models to evaluate qualitative and quantitative requirements and provide the ranking among several tenders.

scholarly journals Identification of organisational pathologies

Kybernetes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 285-312 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro Pablo Cardoso Castro ◽  
Angela Espinosa
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Action Research Project ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Combined Use ◽  
Participative Methods ◽  
Viable System ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this is to explore the potential of the combined use of the viable system model (VSM) and social network analysis (SNA) to identify organizational pathologies. Design/methodology/approach Using a well-documented case study based on an academic consultancy intervention and Action Research Project, participative methods for the diagnostic of the VSM and questionnaires for the collection of connectivity data for the SNA were used to develop a heuristic to integrate these two tools and identify organizational pathologies. Findings This study provides empirical evidence of the benefits of the combined use of SNA to enhance the identification of organizational pathologies in VSM interventions, by providing an additional qualitative and quantitative framework for the interpretation of findings coming from VSM organizational diagnostics. Research limitations/implications This work explores some analytic routines of SNA frequently used in management. The validation is constrained to the nature of the data set from a case study. The document invites to a discussion of further and more advanced applications on the integration of the VSM and SNA. Practical implications The enhanced identification of organizational pathologies can contribute to the emerging new interest in applications of the VSM in management, providing robustness to the structural analysis of organizations. Originality/value This paper proposes a guideline to exploit the potential of the combined use of SNA and VSM. It opens new avenues for the study of organizational pathologies.

Foresight for regional policy: technological and regional fit

foresight ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 93-116 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cinzia Battistella ◽  
Roberto Pillon
Keyword(s):  
Regional Policy ◽  
Integrated Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Lombardy Region ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Industrial Sectors ◽  
Scientific System ◽  
Quantitative Indicators

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose and discuss a new regional foresight methodology. Design/methodology/approach The first part describes the methodology and the organizational process adopted for implementing foresight at the regional level and highlights the criticalities. The research methodology is based on a case study. The case is the analysis of the industrial and regional sectors and the technological families in the Lombardy region. Findings This methodology analyses trends, technologies and industries, returning a set of qualitative and quantitative indicators. Then, it aggregates them, building two matrixes (trends/technologies and technologies/industries). Finally, it evaluates the future importance of a technology (the attractiveness of a technology for the long-term competitiveness of the regional main industrial sectors) and the capabilities of the regional industrial, technical and scientific system to develop specific technologies (feasibility for the regional system to develop the chosen technology). Originality/value The originality lies in an integrated analysis of the possible futures and their relation with the industrial world. Its value is as a tool to suggest policies and R&D investments. It is possible to provide a sound basis for science and technology policymaking.

Interdisciplinary socialization of archaeological heritage in Uruguay

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 95-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bianca Vienni
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Knowledge ◽  
Interdisciplinary Approach ◽  
Research Problem ◽  
Socialization Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Archaeological Heritage ◽  
Common Structure ◽  
Scientific Knowledge Production ◽  
Historical Processes

Purpose – This paper presents the preliminary results of a research which relates two main strands: first, the socialization of scientific knowledge and second, the archaeological heritage. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the socialization process by integrating an “inter-approach” strategy in order to cope with the research problem. It also evaluates the potential of an interdisciplinary approach following the hypothesis that it strengthens the democratization process of scientific knowledge production. Design/methodology/approach – The combination, integration and convergence of different bodies of knowledge seek to collaborate in the construction of an enriching process looking for a stronger relationship between science and society. This is applied to a particular case study: the archaeological heritage of Uruguay. This study relates the concept of socialization of scientific knowledge to the strand of archaeological heritage through the construction of a common structure. Findings – In this sense, the authors study the socialization process of scientific knowledge in a way that helps illustrate its current features in Uruguay. It also permits us to consider socialization as a more committed process of identity construction in Uruguayan society. Originality/value – Socialization processes help to build the identity of a society in the interaction with science; socialization of Uruguayan archaeological heritage allows the creation of a shared memory embedded into the historical processes of the country. However, it requires an integrated and multivocal perspective to cope with its inherent complexity. In this sense, this research fills a void.

Does forecasting have all the answers? A case study of elections in India

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-23
Author(s):  
Devendra Dhagarra ◽  
Mohit Goswami ◽  
PRS Sarma
Keyword(s):  
Real Life ◽  
Uttar Pradesh ◽  
Subject Area ◽  
Management Problem ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Indian State ◽  
Real Life Situation ◽  
Management Students

Subject area Forecasting. Study level/applicability The case is intended for Postgraduate level management students. Case overview The purpose of this case study is to explain various forecasting techniques, their applicability and the importance of forecasting to the students. This case also explains the management situations where the application of one technique may not be sufficient, thereby explaining the importance of simultaneous usage of qualitative and quantitative techniques for making crucial decisions. The case is focused on the district of Etah of the state of Uttar Pradesh in India. The real-life situation of elections in this district of an Indian state has been taken to explain the critical nature of forecasting accuracy in a management situation where the manager has only one chance to execute his project. Discussion in this case is limited to explaining various techniques available for forecasting and their applications and does not provide a solution to a management problem. Expected learning outcomes The students are expected to understand various forecasting methods and the managerial situations where these can be applied. The case also explains situations where it becomes extremely important to have fairly accurate estimates of future requirements and the application of one technique may not be sufficient, thereby explaining the importance of simultaneous usage of qualitative and quantitative techniques for making crucial decisions. Supplementary materials Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email [email protected] to request teaching notes. Subject code CSS 9: Operations and Logistics.

Infrared thermography – evaluation of the results reproducibility

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elton Bauer ◽  
Vasco Peixoto de Freitas ◽  
Niubis Mustelier ◽  
Eva Barreira ◽  
Sara Stingl de Freitas
Keyword(s):  
Infrared Thermography ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Quantitative Assessment ◽  
Assessment Criterion ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Infrared Cameras ◽  
Do So

Purpose – Infrared thermography is increasingly being used to diagnose pathologies in buildings, such as façade defects. The purpose of this paper is to assess the results reproducibility and the equipment influence on the measurements. To do so, it was defined as case study the assessment of rendering delamination. Design/methodology/approach – Two infrared cameras of different makers were used to detect the presence of defects deliberately created in specimens. The tests were done in the laboratory with a heat source. The defects were detected through a temperature gradient between the zones with and without defect. Findings – With this thermographic imaging, it was possible to identify the defects in the specimen both qualitatively and quantitatively. The results were found to be reproducible in the three cycles performed. The influence of the equipment on the results was of little significance for the quantitative assessment criterion “temperature difference between zones with and without defect”, but for the criterion “absolute surface temperature”, the difference in the results yielded by the two cameras was around 1.8°C. Originality/value – The results suggest that there is reproducibility of the measurements, considering both the qualitative and quantitative approach, when assessing delamination, irrespective of the maker of the equipment used. The influence of the equipment on the results depends on the quantitative assessment criterion used.

Exploring the impact of technology capabilities on trust in virtual teams

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 157-178
Author(s):  
Dawn Owens ◽  
Deepak Khazanchi
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Virtual Teams ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Design Collaboration ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Collaboration Technologies

Purpose In an environment of constant technological change, the use of virtual teams (VTs) has become commonplace for many organizations. VTs bring together dispersed individuals with varying knowledge and skill sets to accomplish tasks. VTs rely heavily on information technology (IT) as the medium for communication and coordination of work. The issue of establishing and maintaining trust in VTs poses challenges for these dispersed workers. Previous research has established that higher trusting teams have better cooperation and experience improved outcomes. The authors hope to contribute to the literature on trust in VTs by exploring how technology can facilitate high trusting teams. Specifically, the purpose of this paper is to report the results of the research addressing the following question: how does the use of technology capabilities (TCs) afforded by virtual worlds (VWs) affect the development of trust in VTs? Design/methodology/approach A multiple case-study approach was used as the primary research design. Each case spanned a two-week period allowing for longitudinal data collection. The research was conducted within a VW setting with an emphasis on IT capabilities that are unique to three-dimensional VWs. Both qualitative and quantitative data collected during this process were analyzed at the group level. Findings The authors found that communication, rendering and interaction TCs allowed participants to use the technology to assess individual capabilities. While this paper answers some questions about how TCs can help develop trust in VTs, it also raises many questions. This study offers a model and framework for further work on this topic and encourages researchers to investigate other social and behavioral issues faced by VTs in a VW setting. Research limitations/implications While this paper answers some questions about how various TCs can help develop trust in VTs, it also raises many questions. The study results may not be generalizable if the respondents who visit an immersive VW are different from those who do not have sufficient VW experience. However, the authors believe that the relationships between the constructs would remain. Another potential limitation has to do with how often trustfulness/trustworthiness were measured in the study. Measuring trustfulness/trustworthiness at additional points in the study would help determine specific points where these constructs changed. Finally, the study suffers from the common criticisms of case study research. Case research requires direct observation which includes cost, time and access hurdles. However, many of these challenges were addressed by using various data collection methods. Another difficulty is the need for multiple methods for triangulation and lack of controls. Again, the study addressed these difficulties by combining qualitative and quantitative data sources. Practical implications This research provides deeper insight for organizations using VTs in terms of how TCs can be used to engender trust. This has implications for how we design collaboration technologies. Social implications The fundamental societal implication of this research is the conclusion that human behavior in the present world can potentially carry over in the VW and that TCs can be adapted and used to influence trust in VTs. This has implications for how we design collaboration technologies. Originality/value This paper offers practical implications for developing trust in VTs, specifically, how the use of TCs can facilitate trust development. The goal was not to recommend a specific technology platform, but rather explore how unique TCs impact behaviors in VTs. The study identified interesting findings relating to how people use TCs to complete tasks and collaborate on a team. These findings may be used to help develop guidelines and recommendations for using technology to enhance work practices in VTs.

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