scholarly journals Sustainable Writing Support:

2021 ◽  
pp. 9-26
Author(s):  
Andreas Eriksson ◽  
Fia Börjeson ◽  
Carl Johan Carlsson
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Teaching Staff ◽  
Student Survey ◽  
Multiple Sources ◽  
Student Groups ◽  
Effective Learning ◽  
Student Activity ◽  
University Of Technology ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
Thesis Writing

Higher education is today characterised by increasing student groups and high pressure on teaching staff. In these circumstances, it may be difficult to provide appropriate scaffolding of activities that many students find challenging, for example, academic and discipline-specific writing. It may also be difficult to align such support with principles associated with effective learning. In this paper, we present the design of the bachelor thesis writing support for students at a university of technology. The support is delivered by a communication division and reaches approximately 900 students each year. The paper describes the principles guiding the design and use results from a student survey to illuminate the challenges and affordances of the approach. The survey results show that students appreciate the module and its focus on dialogic feedback, student engagement and student activity. Our results also show that one of the challenges for some students is to negotiate advice from multiple sources, primarily content supervisors and writing staff. Despite such challenges, the design is an example of a sustainable, large-scale writing module based on research on feedback and learning.

Are There Test Administrator Effects in Large-Scale Educational Assessments?

Methodology ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 149-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oliver Lüdtke ◽  
Alexander Robitzsch ◽  
Ulrich Trautwein ◽  
Frauke Kreuter ◽  
Jan Marten Ihme
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
International Student ◽  
Student Assessment ◽  
Student Groups ◽  
Mathematics Scores ◽  
International Student Assessment ◽  
Sample Attrition ◽  
Educational Assessments ◽  
Test Administrator ◽  
Practical Implications

Abstract. In large-scale educational assessments such as the Third International Mathematics and Sciences Study (TIMSS) or the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), sizeable numbers of test administrators (TAs) are needed to conduct the assessment sessions in the participating schools. TA training sessions are run and administration manuals are compiled with the aim of ensuring standardized, comparable, assessment situations in all student groups. To date, however, there has been no empirical investigation of the effectiveness of these standardizing efforts. In the present article, we probe for systematic TA effects on mathematics achievement and sample attrition in a student achievement study. Multilevel analyses for cross-classified data using Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) procedures were performed to separate the variance that can be attributed to differences between schools from the variance associated with TAs. After controlling for school effects, only a very small, nonsignificant proportion of the variance in mathematics scores and response behavior was attributable to the TAs (< 1%). We discuss practical implications of these findings for the deployment of TAs in educational assessments.

Building a Culture of Ethical, Comparable, Authentic Assessment

2019 ◽  
pp. 463-481
Author(s):  
Andrew Reid ◽  
Julie Ballantyne
Keyword(s):  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Authentic Assessment ◽  
Subject Area ◽  
Music Educators ◽  
System Level ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Effective Learning ◽  
School Based ◽  
The Subject

In an ideal world, assessment should be synonymous with effective learning and reflect the intricacies of the subject area. It should also be aligned with the ideals of education: to provide equitable opportunities for all students to achieve and to allow both appropriate differentiation for varied contexts and students and comparability across various contexts and students. This challenge is made more difficult in circumstances in which the contexts are highly heterogeneous, for example in the state of Queensland, Australia. Assessment in music challenges schooling systems in unique ways because teaching and learning in music are often naturally differentiated and diverse, yet assessment often calls for standardization. While each student and teacher has individual, evolving musical pathways in life, the syllabus and the system require consistency and uniformity. The challenge, then, is to provide diverse, equitable, and quality opportunities for all children to learn and achieve to the best of their abilities. This chapter discusses the designing and implementation of large-scale curriculum as experienced in secondary schools in Queensland, Australia. The experiences detailed explore the possibilities offered through externally moderated school-based assessment. Also discussed is the centrality of system-level clarity of purpose, principles and processes, and the provision of supportive networks and mechanisms to foster autonomy for a diverse range of music educators and contexts. Implications for education systems that desire diversity, equity, and quality are discussed, and the conclusion provokes further conceptualization and action on behalf of students, teachers, and the subject area of music.

scholarly journals Adding “Student Voice” to the Mix: Perception Surveys and State Accountability Systems

AERA Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 233285842199072
Author(s):  
Jack Schneider ◽  
James Noonan ◽  
Rachel S. White ◽  
Douglas Gagnon ◽  
Ashley Carey
Keyword(s):  
Survey Data ◽  
Student Voice ◽  
School Quality ◽  
Student Perception ◽  
State Level ◽  
Student Survey ◽  
New School ◽  
State Accountability ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
School Ratings

For the past two decades, student perception surveys have become standard tools in data collection efforts. At the state level, however, “student voice” is still used sparingly. In this study, we examine the ways in which including student survey results might alter state accountability determinations. Reconstructing the accountability system in Massachusetts, we draw on a unique set of student survey data, which we add to the state’s formula at a maximally feasible dosage in order to determine new school ratings. As we find, student survey data shift school accountability ratings in small but meaningful ways and appear to enhance functional validity. Student survey results introduce information about school quality that is not captured by typical accountability metrics, correlate moderately with test score growth, and are not predicted by student demographic variables.

The alternative derivation procedure of equations of the law of the junction for the study of the p-n junction theory

2020 ◽  
pp. 002072092097813
Author(s):  
Algirdas Baskys
Keyword(s):  
Student Engagement ◽  
Student Interest ◽  
Student Survey ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Alternative Derivation ◽  
Student Activity ◽  
Comprehensive Knowledge ◽  
Modern Knowledge ◽  
The Law ◽  
Derivation Procedure

The methodology that increases the student interest and provides modern knowledge to the study of the p-n junction theory has been proposed. It is based on two methods: increasing the interest of students using a new approach in derivation of equations of the law of the junction that allows obtaining more comprehensive knowledge about the operation of the p-n junctions and engaging students using the storytelling technique. The reaction of students to the lecture, obtained statistics on the student activity and the results of the student survey show that the proposed methodology allows increasing the student engagement in the p-n junction theory lectures.

scholarly journals Accessible Routes Integrating Data from Multiple Sources

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 7
Author(s):  
Miguel R. Luaces ◽  
Jesús A. Fisteus ◽  
Luis Sánchez-Fernández ◽  
Mario Munoz-Organero ◽  
Jesús Balado ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Information System ◽  
Data Model ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Heterogeneous Data ◽  
Multiple Sources ◽  
Heterogeneous Data Sources ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Software Sensors ◽  
The City

Providing citizens with the ability to move around in an accessible way is a requirement for all cities today. However, modeling city infrastructures so that accessible routes can be computed is a challenge because it involves collecting information from multiple, large-scale and heterogeneous data sources. In this paper, we propose and validate the architecture of an information system that creates an accessibility data model for cities by ingesting data from different types of sources and provides an application that can be used by people with different abilities to compute accessible routes. The article describes the processes that allow building a network of pedestrian infrastructures from the OpenStreetMap information (i.e., sidewalks and pedestrian crossings), improving the network with information extracted obtained from mobile-sensed LiDAR data (i.e., ramps, steps, and pedestrian crossings), detecting obstacles using volunteered information collected from the hardware sensors of the mobile devices of the citizens (i.e., ramps and steps), and detecting accessibility problems with software sensors in social networks (i.e., Twitter). The information system is validated through its application in a case study in the city of Vigo (Spain).

scholarly journals PEDRERA. Positive Energy District Renovation Model for Large Scale Actions

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (10) ◽  
pp. 2833
Author(s):  
Paolo Civiero ◽  
Jordi Pascual ◽  
Joaquim Arcas Abella ◽  
Ander Bilbao Figuero ◽  
Jaume Salom
Keyword(s):  
Simulation Model ◽  
Performance Indicators ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Key Performance Indicators ◽  
Positive Energy ◽  
Design Phase ◽  
Multiple Sources ◽  
Reliable Prediction ◽  
Sensitive Analysis ◽  
Web Platform

In this paper, we provide a view of the ongoing PEDRERA project, whose main scope is to design a district simulation model able to set and analyze a reliable prediction of potential business scenarios on large scale retrofitting actions, and to evaluate the overall co-benefits resulting from the renovation process of a cluster of buildings. According to this purpose and to a Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) approach, the model combines systemized data—at both building and district scale—from multiple sources and domains. A sensitive analysis of 200 scenarios provided a quick perception on how results will change once inputs are defined, and how attended results will answer to stakeholders’ requirements. In order to enable a clever input analysis and to appraise wide-ranging ranks of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) suited to each stakeholder and design phase targets, the model is currently under the implementation in the urbanZEB tool’s web platform.

scholarly journals Developing a vocabulary and ontology for modeling insect natural history data: example data, use cases, and competency questions

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Stucky ◽  
James Balhoff ◽  
Narayani Barve ◽  
Vijay Barve ◽  
Laura Brenskelle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Natural History ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Use Cases ◽  
Data Systems ◽  
Multiple Sources ◽  
History Data ◽  
Insect Ecology ◽  
Many Sources ◽  
Multicellular Organisms ◽  
Initial Results

Insects are possibly the most taxonomically and ecologically diverse class of multicellular organisms on Earth. Consequently, they provide nearly unlimited opportunities to develop and test ecological and evolutionary hypotheses. Currently, however, large-scale studies of insect ecology, behavior, and trait evolution are impeded by the difficulty in obtaining and analyzing data derived from natural history observations of insects. These data are typically highly heterogeneous and widely scattered among many sources, which makes developing robust information systems to aggregate and disseminate them a significant challenge. As a step towards this goal, we report initial results of a new effort to develop a standardized vocabulary and ontology for insect natural history data. In particular, we describe a new database of representative insect natural history data derived from multiple sources (but focused on data from specimens in biological collections), an analysis of the abstract conceptual areas required for a comprehensive ontology of insect natural history data, and a database of use cases and competency questions to guide the development of data systems for insect natural history data. We also discuss data modeling and technology-related challenges that must be overcome to implement robust integration of insect natural history data.

Librarians, step out of the classroom!: how improved faculty-led IL instruction improves student learning

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Meagan Lacy ◽  
Alexandra Hamlett
Keyword(s):  
Student Learning ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Student Survey ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Actual Application ◽  
Faculty Teaching ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
The Impact

PurposeIn most higher education institutions, information literacy (IL) instruction is usually considered the purview of librarians, not disciplinary faculty. However, a small but growing body of research indicates that students learn the research process best when these skills are taught in the context of a course or a discipline. For this reason, teaching faculty should share ownership of IL instruction — but how? In this case study, community college librarians explain how they successfully trained faculty to integrate IL into their English Composition courses and teach IL independently.Design/methodology/approachUsing a multimethods approach, the investigators draw on faculty interviews, student surveys, and content analysis of student essays to evaluate the impact of faculty-led IL instruction on student learning after one semester.FindingsFaculty reported that their instruction of IL was improved, and students work better as a result of their collaboration with the librarians. Compared to previous semesters, faculty perceived gains in terms of students’ ability to synthesize and cite evidence in their writing. Student survey results indicate perceived gains in their IL skills, but an assessment of their written work reveals a discrepancy between this perception and the actual application of these skills.Research limitations/implicationsBecause there is no control group, no conclusions can be drawn as to whether faculty-led IL instruction is as effective as librarian-led IL instruction or whether students’ academic performance improves due to faculty teaching IL. However, the purpose of this study is primarily descriptive. It addresses how other libraries may create a culture of shared ownership of IL instruction on their campuses.Practical implicationsThis study offers an alternative model to library instruction and suggests ways instruction librarians can prioritize their outreach and instructional efforts to maximize impact on student learning.Originality/valueWhile much has been written about how librarians can improve IL instruction, few studies mention the role of faculty. This case study starts the conversation.

Digital Mega-Studies as a New Research Paradigm: Governing the Health Research of the Future

2021 ◽  
pp. 155626462110414
Author(s):  
Jessica Bell ◽  
Megan Prictor ◽  
Lauren Davenport ◽  
Lynda O’Brien ◽  
Melissa Wake
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Group Processes ◽  
Research Paradigm ◽  
Multiple Sources ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Key Characteristics ◽  
Governance Challenges ◽  
Technological Developments ◽  
Multi Stakeholder ◽  
New Research

‘Digital Mega-Studies’ are entirely or extensively digitised, longitudinal, population-scale initiatives, collecting, storing, and making available individual-level research data of different types and from multiple sources, shaped by technological developments and unforeseeable risks over time. The Australian ‘Gen V’ project exemplifies this new research paradigm. In 2019, we undertook a multidisciplinary, multi-stakeholder process to map Digital Mega-Studies’ key characteristics, legal and governance challenges and likely solutions. We conducted large and small group processes within a one-day symposium and directed online synthesis and group prioritisation over subsequent weeks. We present our methods (including elicitation, affinity mapping and prioritisation processes) and findings, proposing six priority governance principles across three areas—data, participation, trust—to support future high-quality, large-scale digital research in health.

scholarly journals Current Educational Technologies in English Lexis and Grammar Distance Learning at General Secondary Education Institutions

2021 ◽  
pp. 262-277
Author(s):  
Nataliia Serdiuk
Keyword(s):  
Distance Learning ◽  
Secondary Education ◽  
Educational Process ◽  
Educational Technologies ◽  
English Learning ◽  
Student Survey ◽  
Online Services ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
Grammatical Structures ◽  
Learning English

The question of the specifics of modern distance learning remains one of the most pressing issues, especially in today's world affected by global virus pandemic. We consider the study of the use of modern educational technologies in English lexis and grammar distance learning relevant and timely. The purpose of the article is to characterize popular current educational technologies and their possibilities in distance learning of English lexical and grammatical structures, to define five most perspective online services for pupils of general secondary education institutions. Methods. The author implements the purpose with the help of theoretical (analysis and synthesis of own experience and of domestic scientists concerning the use of existing educational innovative computer technologies in English learning) and empirical research methods (observation of the educational process), together with the elements of statistical (analysis of student survey results). The results. Considering student survey results, the author’s experience, the article names and characterizes 43 modern online educational technologies in English learning, they online platforms (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Classroom, Skype, Nz.ua, ClassDojo, Moodl), online services (Google Drive, Padlet, Google Forms, Microsoft Forms, Kahoot!, Grammarly, Quizlet, Quizizz, Plickers, Socrative, Hot Potatoes, LinguaLeo, ToonDoo, Classtime, Lang-8, Сoursera, LearnEnglish, BBC Learning English, British Council LearnEnglish, Tandem, Enpodcast, Bussu), mobile apps (Memrise, Rosetta Stone, Babbel, FluentU, MindSnacks, Open Language, Mosalingua, Messenger, Telegram, Viber, WhatsАрp), virtual whiteboard (Paint, Google Slides, Bitpaper.io). The article suggests grouping these technologies according to 7 purposes of use (to conduct online English lessons in real time; to create virtual classes, lessons and tasks; to send tasks and communicate; online services for learning English vocabulary and grammar; to use a virtual board; to store works and materials of pupils; to assess and control English language skills). Conclusions. The benefit of the study is that the possibilities of online services in distance learning of English lexical and grammatical structures have been emphasized, and five the most perspective for pupils of general secondary education institutions have been defined as Moodle, Google Classroom, Google Forms, Kahoot!, Zoom.

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