Bridging the Gap in Learning Differences Among Biology Students Using 4 Mode Application Techniques

This study is on bridging the gap in learning differences among biology students using 4MAT Application Techniques. We carried out the study in Abakaliki, Nigeria. We adopted a quasi-experimental design for the study. We used 138 SS-II students from two schools. Two hypotheses were tested. We analyzed the data using descriptive statistics and Hierarchical Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The results showed that there was a significant main effect of instructional method on students' achievement in biology F (7, 121) = 12.654, p =.000, partial η2 =.39; there was no significant main effect of gender on students' achievement in biology F (1, 121) = 1.240, p =.268, partial η2 =.004. We highlighted the educational implications of the findings and the recommendations. We also made some limitations of the study and suggestions for further studies.

A Different View on the Simple View of Reading

The simple view of reading (SVR) framework has been used for decades to explain two general component skills considered to contribute to reading comprehension: decoding and linguistic comprehension. In the past, researchers have assessed the linguistic comprehension component using a wide range of language and/or listening comprehension measures that differed from each other. Many of those tasks did not align with the concept of linguistic comprehension originally proposed. Regardless, the studies’ outcomes were similar: The SVR model adequately represents the process of reading comprehension. In this article, I propose a common thread that links those diverse measurement tasks; all the tasks measured students’ metalinguistic skills. In fact, the findings from these studies mirror those found from investigations directly measuring the influence of language awareness abilities on reading comprehension. I conclude the article with the theoretical and educational implications of taking a different view of the second component of the SVR model.

Análisis del “pensamiento computacional” desde una perspectiva educativa

Desde la aparición del término “pensamiento computacional” hace aproximadamente quince años, se ha consolidado internacionalmente como una tendencia en el mundo educativo preuniversitario. Su imprecisión dificulta la celebración de un debate sobre su papel curricular, algo que se echa especialmente de menos en España. El artículo pretende contribuir a aclarar el significado de “pensamiento computacional” y sus implicaciones educativas. Se ha realizado un análisis cualitativo de contenido, utilizando como materiales primarios las definiciones realizadas por una selección de autores e instituciones destacados. Se han analizado tres aspectos: definición, características y elementos, y ámbito de conocimiento. Se han encontrado dos componentes comunes a las definiciones analizadas: la referencia a una “actividad mental” y la inclusión de habilidades de programación. Sin embargo, difieren en la inclusión de otros elementos, que pueden clasificarse como conocimientos, actitudes o competencias. El artículo debate las consecuencias de una definición basada en una “actividad mental” en lugar de constructos educativos. Se concluye que el debate sobre la educación preuniversitaria de la informática debería basarse en un lenguaje educativo más preciso, así como en los actuales conocimientos de los campos de conocimiento de la pedagogía, la informática y la didáctica de la informática. The term “computational thinking” emerged fifteen years ago and has world-wide become popular as a tendency in the pre-university educational scope. Its looseness makes difficult to hold a debate on its curricular role, a lack which is especially severe in Spain. The article aims at contributing to clarifying the meaning of “computational thinking” and its educational implications. We conducted a qualitative content analysis, using the definitions provided by a selection of outstanding authors and institutions as primary materials. Three aspects were analyzed: definition, features and elements, and scope of knowledge. We have found two common components: the reference to a “mental activity” and the inclusion of programming skills. However, the definitions differ in the inclusion of other elements, which can be classified as knowledge, attitudes or competences. The article discusses the consequences of a definition based on a “mental activity” rather than educational constructs. We conclude that the debate on pre-university computing education should be based on a more precise terminology, as well as current body of knowledge in pedagogy, computing and didactics of computing.

Grammars of “Onlife” Identities: Educational Re-significations

Identity has been widely understood in Western societies as a specular construction that operates simultaneously both from within and from outside oneself. However, this process is fiercely changing in a world in which almost every human action is mediated by information and communication technologies. This paper, from a theoretical perspective, aims to discover the main educational implications of this change. For that purpose, we first consider the traditional meaning and process of forming the self in Western culture. Afterwards, we identify and describe the mechanisms for the construction of the self in our current context, highlighting the fact that technologies, in themselves and regardless of the use we make of them, hide implications. Taking this into account, we show to what extent the current development of the self presents shades, conflicts and tangible risks from an educational perspective. We finally conclude that it is essential to promote an education on technology that goes beyond the use regulation in which, up to now, it has been solely focused on.

Games Versus Reality? How Game Designers Deal with Current Topics of Geography Education

Digital entertainment games frequently address current societal issues that are also dealt with in geography education, such as climate change or sustainable city development, and give various opportunities for learning. However, in order to be fully able to determine the games’ educational potential and to instruct meaningful reflection on them in class, the designers’ approaches to realism regarding these topics need to be understood. Therefore, we have developed a model of realism in games and conducted 9 interviews with 10 experts from the entertainment game industry about their understanding of and dealing with realism concerning the represented geographical topics. In many cases, the interviewees’ approach to incorporating real-world issues can be regarded as beneficial for their games’ educational potential, and some designers even pursued learning goals. However, we also identified approaches that can result in questionable presentations of real societal issues. We found the most problematic one to be the prioritization of player expectations for the sake of perceived realism. This approach may lead to the depiction of stereotypes and common misconceptions. The results presented in our study may help teachers to prepare reflection on such misrepresentations in class, or designers to become more aware of the educational implications of different forms of game realism.

Rawls’ traces in contemporary philosophy of education

This article examines the many traces of John Rawls’ theory of justice in contemporary philosophy of education. Beyond work that directly explores the educational implications of justice as fairness and political liberalism, there are many interesting debates in philosophy of education that make use of Rawlsian concepts to defend views that go well beyond those advocated in justice as fairness. There have also been methodological debates on Rawls’ distinction between ideal and non-ideal theory which concern the proper balance between empirically informed discussion and fruitful normative reflection.

Models and the Nature of Science: What Mediates Their Implementation in Portuguese Biology and Geology Classes?

Currently, it is considered fundamental to improve students’ views of the nature of science (NOS) in science classes. In addition, models are also important in science education, not only as contributors for students to develop their views of the NOS, but also for them to develop conceptual knowledge, as well as inquiry skills. Teachers greatly influence students’ learning experience. With the aim to improve prospective science teachers’ views of the NOS and about models, and to better understand the factors that mediate the translation of their views into their classroom practices, a research project was conducted. An intervention programme was applied, and prospective science teachers’ classes were observed. Data were collected, encompassing a diverse set of data sources: (i) questionnaires and interviews (given to prospective science teachers before and after the intervention programme); (ii) prospective science teachers’ lesson plans and portfolios: (iii) videotapes and observations of the classroom instruction; (iv) and, lastly, final interviews were given to both prospective science teachers and their school supervisors. Although prospective science teachers have improved their views regarding the NOS and models, they taught about the NOS and used models in very different ways. Some factors that mediate the translation of teachers’ views and some educational implications will be discussed.

A Different View on the Simple View of Reading

The Simple View of Reading (SVR) framework has been used for decades to explain two general component skills considered to contribute to reading comprehension: decoding and linguistic comprehension. In the past, researchers have assessed the linguistic comprehension component using a wide range of language and/or listening comprehension measures that differed from each other. Many of those tasks did not align with the concept of linguistic comprehension originally proposed. Regardless, the studies’ outcomes were similar: the SVR model adequately represents the process of reading comprehension. In this paper, I propose a common thread that links those diverse measurement tasks; all the tasks measured students’ metalinguistic skills. In fact, the findings from these studies mirror those found from investigations directly measuring the influence of language awareness abilities on reading comprehension. I conclude the paper with the theoretical and educational implications of taking a different view of the second component of the SVR model.