Downloads & Free Reading Options - Results

What prompts the students to respond in online dialogic discussion? Why some students chose to fall out? This case study through the lens of phenomenography observation attempts to explain the five decision steps of students to respond in Meta-cognitive Learning in Free Online Groups (MetaL-FrOG) discussion. It presents a part of a research project by the name of Triarchy Perspective on Meta-cognitive Learning in Free Online Groups. The research setting was online learner community on the platform of Free Online Group web intended for post-graduate students enrolled for the paper Psychology of Learning in Faculty of Education, University Malaya, Malaysia. Preliminary study revealed three factors contributed to MetaL-FrOG success: Motivation, Cognitive Resources and Pro-learning Behaviors. This paper only presents a part of the findings under the Pro-Learning Behaviors Sub-theory. We found striking similarities between the model proposed by Latane & Darley (1971), Five Essential Steps to a Pro-social Response in an Emergency, and our research subject. The model which explains the course of a pro-social decision was borrowed and modified as surrogate theory to explain the online discussion response of the students. The insights help educators to better understand what holds students back from fruitful online peer diologic discussion. (Contains 3 figures.)

In response to recent stress on incorporating core thinking into subject curriculum, the mediated learning experience (MLE) is being incorporated into the preservice training modules of the Singapore National Institute of Education (NIE). This study examines: (1) factors contributing to the preservice teacher's commitment to using MLE; (2) specific components of MLE that are actually implemented; (3) the extent to which teachers manifest any transfer when teaching content areas; and (4) practical problems faced by teachers when implementing MLE in a school setting. This study is ongoing and only qualitative data have been analyzed so far. Preservice graduate teachers (n=46) were given 20 hours of training in the application of MLE criteria during their first year at NIE. Graduate teacher trainees were posted for about 10 weeks of teaching practice (practicum) in several primary and secondary schools. Anecdotal records, videotapes of MLE lessons and a reflective rating scale were used. Most participants reported that they would continue to use MLE procedures even after graduation; some suggested that in-service training would facilitate proper implementation of the program. (Contains 10 references.) (LH)

Aim: The study compared the pattern of deficits, intelligence and neuropsychological functioning in subcategories of learning disorders. Methods: Forty-six children (16 with reading disorders, 11 with writing disorders and 19 with both reading and writing disorders--mixed group) in the age range of 7-14 years were assessed using the NIMHANS Index of Specific Learning Disabilities, Malin's Intelligence Scale for Indian Children, and the PGI Memory Scale. Results: The mixed group had greater dysfunction than the reading and writing groups in alphabet sequencing and graded division, and the mixed group had greater dysfunction than the writing group in capital letters, division and graded subtraction. Also, the mixed and reading groups had greater dysfunction than the writing group in speech and language. Intellectual functions and mental balance (on PGI memory scale) were more affected in the mixed group in comparison to the writing group. Conclusion: Subtypes of learning disorders differ in terms of their neuropsychological profile with the mixed group having greater dysfunction. (Contains 1 table.)

Aim: The study compared the pattern of deficits, intelligence and neuropsychological functioning in subcategories of learning disorders. Methods: Forty-six children (16 with reading disorders, 11 with writing disorders and 19 with both reading and writing disorders--mixed group) in the age range of 7-14 years were assessed using the NIMHANS Index of Specific Learning Disabilities, Malin's Intelligence Scale for Indian Children, and the PGI Memory Scale. Results: The mixed group had greater dysfunction than the reading and writing groups in alphabet sequencing and graded division, and the mixed group had greater dysfunction than the writing group in capital letters, division and graded subtraction. Also, the mixed and reading groups had greater dysfunction than the writing group in speech and language. Intellectual functions and mental balance (on PGI memory scale) were more affected in the mixed group in comparison to the writing group. Conclusion: Subtypes of learning disorders differ in terms of their neuropsychological profile with the mixed group having greater dysfunction. (Contains 1 table.)

Aim: The study compared the pattern of deficits, intelligence and neuropsychological functioning in subcategories of learning disorders. Methods: Forty-six children (16 with reading disorders, 11 with writing disorders and 19 with both reading and writing disorders--mixed group) in the age range of 7-14 years were assessed using the NIMHANS Index of Specific Learning Disabilities, Malin's Intelligence Scale for Indian Children, and the PGI Memory Scale. Results: The mixed group had greater dysfunction than the reading and writing groups in alphabet sequencing and graded division, and the mixed group had greater dysfunction than the writing group in capital letters, division and graded subtraction. Also, the mixed and reading groups had greater dysfunction than the writing group in speech and language. Intellectual functions and mental balance (on PGI memory scale) were more affected in the mixed group in comparison to the writing group. Conclusion: Subtypes of learning disorders differ in terms of their neuropsychological profile with the mixed group having greater dysfunction. (Contains 1 table.)

Aim: The study compared the pattern of deficits, intelligence and neuropsychological functioning in subcategories of learning disorders. Methods: Forty-six children (16 with reading disorders, 11 with writing disorders and 19 with both reading and writing disorders--mixed group) in the age range of 7-14 years were assessed using the NIMHANS Index of Specific Learning Disabilities, Malin's Intelligence Scale for Indian Children, and the PGI Memory Scale. Results: The mixed group had greater dysfunction than the reading and writing groups in alphabet sequencing and graded division, and the mixed group had greater dysfunction than the writing group in capital letters, division and graded subtraction. Also, the mixed and reading groups had greater dysfunction than the writing group in speech and language. Intellectual functions and mental balance (on PGI memory scale) were more affected in the mixed group in comparison to the writing group. Conclusion: Subtypes of learning disorders differ in terms of their neuropsychological profile with the mixed group having greater dysfunction. (Contains 1 table.)

"A publication of the Horace Mann-Lincoln Institute of School Experimentation, Teachers College, Columbia University."

Bulletin (West Virginia University. Agricultural Experiment Station)

We propose a self-supervised framework that learns to group visual entities based on their rate of co-occurrence in space and time. To model statistical dependencies between the entities, we set up a simple binary classification problem in which the goal is to predict if two visual primitives occur in the same spatial or temporal context. We apply this framework to three domains: learning patch affinities from spatial adjacency in images, learning frame affinities from temporal adjacency in videos, and learning photo affinities from geospatial proximity in image collections. We demonstrate that in each case the learned affinities uncover meaningful semantic groupings. From patch affinities we generate object proposals that are competitive with state-of-the-art supervised methods. From frame affinities we generate movie scene segmentations that correlate well with DVD chapter structure. Finally, from geospatial affinities we learn groups that relate well to semantic place categories.

Peer-Led Team Learning (PLTL) is a structured learning model where a team leader is appointed to facilitate collaborative problem solving among students for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) courses. This paper presents an informed HMM-based speaker diarization system. The minimum duration of short conversationalturns and number of participating students were fed as side information to the HMM system. A modified form of Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) was used for iterative merging and re-segmentation. Finally, we used the diarization output to compute a novel dominance score based on unsupervised acoustic analysis.

Educational research and practice have proven that there are many benefits for applying learning theories' recommendations through teaching and learning of different subjects in all school levels. Based on interrelationships among learning theories of contextualism, connectivism, constructivism, and cognitivism, the researcher proposed an instructional model under the title of 4Cs model: contextualizing, connecting, constructing, and cognitivizing to take the learner through a mental trip from observing and examining real materials to long-term memory. However, the main purpose of this study was to identify the effect of using the proposed model on acquiring some scientific concepts, life skills, and multiple intelligences of middle school female students. To investigate this main purpose, three research statistical hypotheses were set regarding the three dependent variables. The study population was the second grade female students in middle school in Mid-Egypt. A random sample (72 students) was chosen and divided into two groups: an experimental group (37) and a control group (35).Three research instruments; achievement test, life skills scale, and multiple intelligences test were developed and controlled in respect to validity and reliability. After conducting the research experiment using the quasi-experimental design, administering instruments, and analyzing data, the results explored that there is an impact for the 4Cs model on acquiring scientific concepts, life skills, and multiple intelligence of middle school female students.

Social loafing research has spanned several decades and fields of study. Research has provided support for both the existence of social loafing and its antecedents within the laboratory, classroom, and work place. Studies regarding the perceptions of social loafing and its effects in the online learning environment, however, are largely non-existent. This study surveyed 227 online learning students who were participating in online learning groups. The study seeks to determine whether the perception of social loafing exists within online learning groups. In addition, several psychosocial factors identified in face-to-face environments are analyzed to determine their impact in online learning groups. Evidence supports both the perception of social loafing in online learning groups as well as similarities between social loafing antecedents in face-to-face groups and those in the online learning environment. (Contains 2 tables.)

The use of cooperative learning at the college level was studied by investigating whether different instructor intervention approaches would affect the achievement of college students using cooperative learning methods. Subjects were 97 undergraduate elementary education majors enrolled in three sections of a curriculum course at the University of South Florida (Tampa) College of Education during the second semester of the 1990-91 academic year. Nineteen learning teams were formed and randomly assigned to treatment conditions as follows: (1) directions and materials provided, but no instructor assistance (control group); (2) instructors provided advance organizers; and (3) instructors met with groups after sessions to answer questions and provide assistance. All treatment groups read the same materials and followed a similar schedule of activities. A pretest was followed by a posttest and an attitude questionnaire after the 2-week period. On the posttest, the control and follow-up discussion groups had nearly identical mean scores, with the mean for the advance organizer group more than two points higher. Students liked the cooperative learning situation, believed they learned the materials well, and preferred instructor assistance to the control condition. Results suggest that advance organizers may yield greater learning than do follow-up discussions. Five tables present study findings, and a 17-item list of references is included. (SLD)

Blended learning can facilitate many opportunities about usage of online discussion for different purposes. As a tool in blended learning, online discussions widen the walls of classroom discussions in a virtual manner. Especially, in teacher education programs case based discussions are very helpful for pre-service teachers to practice real-life situations. By this way, the link between theory and practice can be established. This study aims to examine the pre-service teachers' experiences about three different discussion structures in a case based blended learning environment. This study also explored their thoughts toward the effects of online discussion on their professional development and their suggestions to increase the effectiveness of online discussion. The participants of this study were 14 pre-service teachers from the department of Early Childhood Education (ECE) of a funded university. The six open-ended questions were asked in order to explore the opinions of the pre-service teachers. The qualitative data were analyzed through the matrix displays. (Contains 1 figure.)

This study investigated the effect of using differentiated instruction by integrating multiple intelligences and learning styles on solving problems, achievement in, and attitudes towards math in six graders with learning disabilities in cooperative groups. A total of 60 students identified with LD were invited to participate. The sample was randomly divided into two groups; experimental (n = 30 boys) and control (n = 30 boys). ANCOVA and T.test were employed for data analysis. Findings from this study indicated the effectiveness of differentiated instruction by integrating multiple intelligences and learning styles on solving problems, achievement in, and attitudes towards math in the target students. On the basis of the findings, the study advocated for the effectiveness of using differentiated instruction by integrating multiple intelligences and learning styles on solving problems, achievement in, and attitudes towards math in learning disabled students.

I. Progress on the behavioral and the molecular biological goals: (1) We have finished, as originally proposed, the software and first actual physical system for computer-controlled training procedures with which to shape animal behavior and to perform learning-conditioning experiments. (2) We have constructed molecular biological vectors for generating muscarinic cholinergic receptor proteins pertaining specifically to all of the five known muscarinic receptors--this work follows on previous AFOSR-funded work relating to cholinergic enhancement of associative learning 14,15,11-13. II. Progress into the implications of attractors, perturbation analysis of neurons, and the use of language theory: (3) We have developed the conceptual rationale and conducted computer experiments to show that attractor gradients provide an integrative principle that globally acts on all synapses in a network of cooperative neurons. The consequences of this are extensive, and much naturally falls out naturally, e.g: synaptic strengths are optimally set with one another; the size of the Attractors, Dissipative action, learning, Muscarinic receptors, Symbolic dynamics, Finite-state automata, Neural networks, Neuron membrane perturbation analysis.

I. Progress on the behavioral and the molecular biological goals: (1) We have finished, as originally proposed, the software and first actual physical system for computer-controlled training procedures with which to shape animal behavior and to perform learning-conditioning experiments. (2) We have constructed molecular biological vectors for generating muscarinic cholinergic receptor proteins pertaining specifically to all of the five known muscarinic receptors--this work follows on previous AFOSR-funded work relating to cholinergic enhancement of associative learning 14,15,11-13. II. Progress into the implications of attractors, perturbation analysis of neurons, and the use of language theory: (3) We have developed the conceptual rationale and conducted computer experiments to show that attractor gradients provide an integrative principle that globally acts on all synapses in a network of cooperative neurons. The consequences of this are extensive, and much naturally falls out naturally, e.g: synaptic strengths are optimally set with one another; the size of the Attractors, Dissipative action, learning, Muscarinic receptors, Symbolic dynamics, Finite-state automata, Neural networks, Neuron membrane perturbation analysis.

I. Progress on the behavioral and the molecular biological goals: (1) We have finished, as originally proposed, the software and first actual physical system for computer-controlled training procedures with which to shape animal behavior and to perform learning-conditioning experiments. (2) We have constructed molecular biological vectors for generating muscarinic cholinergic receptor proteins pertaining specifically to all of the five known muscarinic receptors--this work follows on previous AFOSR-funded work relating to cholinergic enhancement of associative learning 14,15,11-13. II. Progress into the implications of attractors, perturbation analysis of neurons, and the use of language theory: (3) We have developed the conceptual rationale and conducted computer experiments to show that attractor gradients provide an integrative principle that globally acts on all synapses in a network of cooperative neurons. The consequences of this are extensive, and much naturally falls out naturally, e.g: synaptic strengths are optimally set with one another; the size of the Attractors, Dissipative action, learning, Muscarinic receptors, Symbolic dynamics, Finite-state automata, Neural networks, Neuron membrane perturbation analysis.

This final report describes Project BLEND (Beginning Learning Experiences in Developmentally Inclusive Groups and at Home), a project designed to develop, implement, evaluate, and disseminate an ecological model for early intervention for children with developmental delays. Project BLEND included the following components: (a) the partnership (family, child care, BLEND) that was the context in which all activities for supporting each child's development were designed and implemented; (b) service coordination that assisted parents in establishing child care services and coordinating services from other agencies; and transition planning that assisted the child and family in making the transition to their next environment. In the first phase of the project, this model was developed and refined. In the second phase, the model was fully implemented with an existing early intervention center and community child care programs in middle Tennessee. In the third phase, the model was replicated in two sites: a school system in an urban setting that serves young children with disabilities (ages 3-5) and a second site that serves infants and toddlers with developmental delays and their families in a rural community. The report describes the project's activities and includes project implementation and replication checklists in the appendices. (Contains 12 references.) (Author/CR)

This final report describes Project BLEND (Beginning Learning Experiences in Developmentally Inclusive Groups and at Home), a project designed to develop, implement, evaluate, and disseminate an ecological model for early intervention for children with developmental delays. Project BLEND included the following components: (a) the partnership (family, child care, BLEND) that was the context in which all activities for supporting each child's development were designed and implemented; (b) service coordination that assisted parents in establishing child care services and coordinating services from other agencies; and transition planning that assisted the child and family in making the transition to their next environment. In the first phase of the project, this model was developed and refined. In the second phase, the model was fully implemented with an existing early intervention center and community child care programs in middle Tennessee. In the third phase, the model was replicated in two sites: a school system in an urban setting that serves young children with disabilities (ages 3-5) and a second site that serves infants and toddlers with developmental delays and their families in a rural community. The report describes the project's activities and includes project implementation and replication checklists in the appendices. (Contains 12 references.) (Author/CR)

This study investigated congruence in ego stage and group relevant aspects of teachers' and learners' personalities, and between their preferences for and perceptions of group work and emotionality behaviors, as related to learners' learning achievement and to teacher and student satisfaction with learning group membership. Subjects (130 learners and seven teachers) were given the Ideal Group and Self-Description questionnaires, and measures of perception and satisfaction; each teacher also constructed a test of terminal student proficiency. Overall evidence from analysis of the ego-stage dyadic congruency, the group-relevant congruency, and the preference and perception congruency variables in association with teacher and learner satisfaction and learning achievement, did not form any assumptions as to their predictive relationships. The data did reveal some strength by the ego-stage dyadic congruency variable, especially in association with the dependent variables of learner achievement. Supplemental analysis of the eight ego stages indicated that teacher-learner dyadic congruency was not significantly related to learner satisfaction. Reasons for the findings were suggested, along with wider implications. Thesis is available from University Microfilms. (LY)

Compared were the characteristics of 60 learning disabled (LD) and 60 normal children (all between 8- and 11-years-old) participating in the Georgia Reading Research Program. The target group consisted of LD children who showed deficits in the psychological process of ordering/sequencing; while the LD reference group were average or above average in ordering/sequencing abilities. Instruments used to assess these deficits were the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children Sequencing Triad and the Wide Range Achievement Spelling Test. Other differences between the two groups were that the target group had instructional reading levels one or more years below their expected grade placement levels and were enrolled in special classes; while the LD reference children were enrolled in regular classes and were reading within six months of expected grade level. The program was to focus on an evaluation of specific curriculum treatments designed to facilitate reading achievement. (Author/DB)

Computer simulations of catalytic networks. Andrade et al. (1993) have recently published the results of our first simulations, and have addressed the problem of the effect that catalytic error has in controlling system dynamics. Simulations of large networks are being designed in order examine spatio-temporal dynamics in reaction-diffusion systems. The aim is to develop visualization and analysis methods to apply large networks composed of biologically realistic neurons. Immunohistochemical studies have examined mammalian tissues that may be useful as model systems to examine distributed function in neurotransmission and neuromodulation (Soinila and Mpitsos, 1992; Soinila et al., 1992). It is necessary, as these and other publications (e.g., Mpitsos and Soinila, 1993) indicate, not only to understand neural organization in a simple animal, but also to examine the applicability of the findings to higher animals, and, if possible, to humans. Molecular biological studies of muscarinic receptors: In previous AFOSR-published work, Murray et al. (1985) and Murray and Mpitsos (1988) showed further that brief pharmacologic blocking of these receptors enhances 1-Trial associative learning. Over the past year, we have developed cloning vectors for generating fusing proteins to all of the five known muscarinic receptor subtypes in humans. Our next step is to obtaine immunofluorescent antisera to the fusion proteins in order to visually identify cells containing the different muscarinic receptors. The in-between step will be to determine the specificity of the antisera. The findings will be applicable not only to our experimental animal, but also to studies of learning and pathologies in humans.

It can be difficult to find adequate strategies when teaching problem solving in a standard based mathematics classroom. The purpose of this study was to improve students' problem solving skills and attitudes through differentiated instruction when working on lengthy performance tasks in cooperative groups. This action research studied for 15 days whether students in a treatment group (n = 28), who were grouped by learning styles (auditory, kinesthetic, and visual), would display greater ability learning the standards or display better attitudes towards problem solving when compared to a control group (n = 28) who were grouped in random cooperative groups. When the qualitative and quantitative data were analyzed, the results demonstrated that the treatment group did not show significant gains when compared to random cooperative groups. The following are appended: (1) Instructional Unit Plan: Quadratic Investigations; (2) Peer-Review Instructional Plan Rubric; (3) Unit 5 Math I Test: Factoring and Solving Quadratics; (4) Student Problem Solving Attitudes Scale; (5) Performance Task Answer Sheet; (6) Product Grading Rubric; (7) Learning Channel Preference; (8) Learning Style Menu; (9) Note Taking for Reflective Journal; (10) Reflective Journal Prompts; and (11) Learning Style Survey. (Contains 12 tables.)

Paired-associate learning efficiency was assessed within four low-SES ethnic populations (black, Chinese-American, Latino-American, and white) as a function of presentation conditions and method of measurement (verbal recall vs. pictorial recognition). A mixed-list paired-associate task was administered individually to 40 second grade children from each group. The results revealed substantial effects for presentation conditions, but not for populations. Nevertheless, the pattern of conditions effects differed as a function of both populations and measurement method. An explanation of the results was discussed in terms of the concept of differential memory coding as a function of specific subject characteristics. (References, tables, and figures are appended.) (Author)

In this paper, an application of one aspect of the Internet technology, namely Internet groups, into the teaching of American and British literatures is evaluated by means of a content analysis of the Internet group which was used as the course component. The aim of this paper was to see how students used the Internet group in the learning of literature so that the effect of the use of an Internet group on learning literature can be discussed. In this study, content analysis was used to understand the nature of the activity situated in the Internet group. The results of the analysis of the Internet group suggest that the Internet group was mainly used by the course takers for formal interaction. It is seen that very little collaboration or real interaction took place amongst the course takers towards creating meaning together. The results support the view that using technology in literature learning has advantages mainly because the students were interested in working in this group although they were neither graded in the activity nor were mandated to take part in it. (Contains 1 figure.) [Abstract and Extended Summary also in Turkish.]

The current study aims at investigating the impact of homogeneous versus heterogeneous collaborative learning grouping in multicultural classes on the students' achievements and attitudes towards learning science. In the present study, heterogeneity was unpacked through two dimensions: the cultural background, represented by the different nationalities present in the class and the students' different abilities. The interaction between these two factors and their combined effect on the achievement and attitudes were also investigated. The study also considered an approach to provide quality teaching for a diverse group of students by neutralizing the heterogeneity factor or reducing its negative effect. For this purpose, 100 nine graders from more than 10 countries in an independent preparatory school in Doha / Qatar were divided into four classes and distributed over the following learning "STAD" groups: (1) Heterogeneous by ability but homogeneous by nationality; (2) Heterogeneous by nationality but homogeneous by ability; (3) Entirely heterogeneous (i.e. by both the ability and the nationality); and (4) Entirely homogeneous (i.e. by both the ability and the nationality). A diagnostic placement test, standardized pretest and posttest in addition to the regular school tests were used to measure the achievement of the students. A Questionnaire was developed to measure the attitudes of the students towards learning science as well as towards group working. The study concluded that the main effects of group structure on the students' attitudes towards learning science were demonstrated by the heterogeneous group. It affected all the attitude components except the "working with students from different cultural backgrounds" dimension, where nearly all group types had the same effect. However, this positive attitude was enhanced when the effect of mixed ability classes was combined with the effect of multiculturalism. Having foreign students or students from different cultures in a mixed ability class, yielded the best desired results. Therefore, the researcher highly recommends maximizing the heterogeneity in a class in all possible ways. The implemented collaborative learning strategy made learning more fun and beneficial for the students, enhanced their self confidence, academic awareness, and consequently their overall attitude towards science. The heterogeneity factor had a negative effect on the achievement of the students. The students in the mixed ability classes scored less than the students in other groups. However, when the "same ability" groups contained students from different cultural backgrounds, the results were the most favorable. The optimum class composition that may yield best achievement results and constructs positive attitudes is a compromise that maximizes group diversity and prevents individual isolation. The interaction between the two factors (ability + multiculturalism) gives the best desired results. In multicultural classes, collaborative learning should be supported by a multicultural education program, otherwise it would have little if any positive effect on the students achievement and attitudes towards learning science. (Contains 21 tables and 1 figure.) [Abstract modified to meet ERIC guidelines.]

Collaboration in the classroom was studied using the Web of Intersubjectivity (L. Albert and others, 1999), a model of collaboration, and the concept of intersubjective inquiry was developed and explored. This study represents the third phase of an ongoing research project. In the first phase, researchers identified the Web of Intersubjectivity and intersubjective inquiry. In the second phase, researchers applied the Web of Intersubjectivity in their professional practices, and phase 3 concerned the use of intersubjective inquiry as research tool to assess the Web of Intersubjectivity as a model to guide the development and support of collaborative groups in individual classrooms. Intersubjective inquiry is a combination of the components of a bootstrap group, as identified by Heron (1996) and the tenets of educational action research. Data sources for this study included recorded conversations, e-mail discussions, field notes, readings, and samples of student work. Pedagogical practices were studied with 84 college algebra students and reflections were studied with 7 graduate students in a Master's program in occupational therapy. Study findings support the use of the Web of Intersubjectivity as a metaphor for planning and modifying collaborative learning experiences at graduate and undergraduate levels. They also show the fluid nature of the Web construct and the usefulness of intersubjective inquiry. (Contains 41 references.) (SLD)

Collaboration in the classroom was studied using the Web of Intersubjectivity (L. Albert and others, 1999), a model of collaboration, and the concept of intersubjective inquiry was developed and explored. This study represents the third phase of an ongoing research project. In the first phase, researchers identified the Web of Intersubjectivity and intersubjective inquiry. In the second phase, researchers applied the Web of Intersubjectivity in their professional practices, and phase 3 concerned the use of intersubjective inquiry as research tool to assess the Web of Intersubjectivity as a model to guide the development and support of collaborative groups in individual classrooms. Intersubjective inquiry is a combination of the components of a bootstrap group, as identified by Heron (1996) and the tenets of educational action research. Data sources for this study included recorded conversations, e-mail discussions, field notes, readings, and samples of student work. Pedagogical practices were studied with 84 college algebra students and reflections were studied with 7 graduate students in a Master's program in occupational therapy. Study findings support the use of the Web of Intersubjectivity as a metaphor for planning and modifying collaborative learning experiences at graduate and undergraduate levels. They also show the fluid nature of the Web construct and the usefulness of intersubjective inquiry. (Contains 41 references.) (SLD)

Large-scale datasets have driven the rapid development of deep neural networks for visual recognition. However, annotating a massive dataset is expensive and time-consuming. Web images and their labels are, in comparison, much easier to obtain, but direct training on such automatically harvested images can lead to unsatisfactory performance, because the noisy labels of Web images adversely affect the learned recognition models. To address this drawback we propose an end-to-end weakly-supervised deep learning framework which is robust to the label noise in Web images. The proposed framework relies on two unified strategies -- random grouping and attention -- to effectively reduce the negative impact of noisy web image annotations. Specifically, random grouping stacks multiple images into a single training instance and thus increases the labeling accuracy at the instance level. Attention, on the other hand, suppresses the noisy signals from both incorrectly labeled images and less discriminative image regions. By conducting intensive experiments on two challenging datasets, including a newly collected fine-grained dataset with Web images of different car models, the superior performance of the proposed methods over competitive baselines is clearly demonstrated.

GOALS: Motivated partly by our previous work, we have attempted: (1) To determine whether there is a global mechanism that automatically adjusts the strengths of the many connections that take place between neurons. (2) To determine the source of variations in neuronal firing observed during behaviorally meaningful neural activity, whether the variations arise from determmistic processes or nondeterministic ones, and to identify the synaptic or membrane mechanisms that may give rise to them. Because biological systems are difficult to control, we have used computer simulations to examine these problems. The results indicate that the findings may be addressable in biological systems, particularly in cell cultures of two or three selectively connected neurons.

GOALS: Motivated partly by our previous work, we have attempted: (1) To determine whether there is a global mechanism that automatically adjusts the strengths of the many connections that take place between neurons. (2) To determine the source of variations in neuronal firing observed during behaviorally meaningful neural activity, whether the variations arise from determmistic processes or nondeterministic ones, and to identify the synaptic or membrane mechanisms that may give rise to them. Because biological systems are difficult to control, we have used computer simulations to examine these problems. The results indicate that the findings may be addressable in biological systems, particularly in cell cultures of two or three selectively connected neurons.

To investigate differences in social behavior between learning disabled (LD) and non-learning disabled (NLD) children in different size groups and to examine the association between children's social behavior and acceptance by their peers, a study was conducted of 44 LD and 50 NLD boys and 7 LD and 13 NLD girls from fourth, fifth, and sixth grade classrooms in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The children were videotaped constructing an art project during two sessions: first, in same-sex dyads, one-third of which were both LD, one-third both NLD, and another third mixed; and again in same-sex groups of six containing both LD and NLD children. In general, LD children behaved less competently than NLD children in both dyads and groups, although both LD and NLD behavior was related to gender, group size, and peer acceptance. Specific findings included the following: (1) NLD boys tended to ignore the LD boys in dyads and to engage them in the activity through instructions in groups, while NLD girls tended to positively interact with LD girls in dyads but ignore them in groups; (2) negative remarks by LD boys were less evident in dyads than in groups, while LD girls engaged in high levels of giggling in dyads but were extremely passive in the group situation; and (3) for both boys and girls, more active NLD children were more liked, while more active LD children were less liked. Detailed findings for dyads and groups by sex and an inventory of verbal exchanges are appended. (BYC)

A large body studies into individual differences in second language learning has shown that success in second language learning is strongly affected by a set of relevant learner characteristics ranging from the age of onset to motivation, aptitude, and personality. Most studies have concentrated on a limited number of learner characteristics and have argued for the relative importance of some of these factors. Clearly, some learners are more successful than others, and it is tempting to try to find the factor or combination of factors that can crack the code to success. However, isolating one or several global individual characteristics can only give a partial explanation of success in second language learning. The limitation of this approach is that it only reflects on rather general personality characteristics of learners at one point in time, while both language development and the factors affecting it are instances of complex dynamic processes that develop over time. Factors that have been labelled as "individual differences" as well as the development of proficiency are characterized by nonlinear relationships in the time domain, due to which the rate of success cannot be simply deduced from a combination of factors. Moreover, in complex dynamic systems theory (CDST) literature it has been argued that a generalization about the interaction of variables across individuals is not warranted when we acknowledge that language development is essentially an individual process (Molenaar, 2015). In this paper, the viability of these generalizations is investigated by exploring the L2 development over time for two identical twins in Taiwan who can be expected to be highly similar in all respects, from their environment to their level of English proficiency, to their exposure to English, and to their individual differences. In spite of the striking similarities between these learners, the development of their L2 English over time was very different. Developmental patterns for spoken and written language even showed opposite tendencies. These observations underline the individual nature of the process of second language development.

A large body studies into individual differences in second language learning has shown that success in second language learning is strongly affected by a set of relevant learner characteristics ranging from the age of onset to motivation, aptitude, and personality. Most studies have concentrated on a limited number of learner characteristics and have argued for the relative importance of some of these factors. Clearly, some learners are more successful than others, and it is tempting to try to find the factor or combination of factors that can crack the code to success. However, isolating one or several global individual characteristics can only give a partial explanation of success in second language learning. The limitation of this approach is that it only reflects on rather general personality characteristics of learners at one point in time, while both language development and the factors affecting it are instances of complex dynamic processes that develop over time. Factors that have been labelled as "individual differences" as well as the development of proficiency are characterized by nonlinear relationships in the time domain, due to which the rate of success cannot be simply deduced from a combination of factors. Moreover, in complex dynamic systems theory (CDST) literature it has been argued that a generalization about the interaction of variables across individuals is not warranted when we acknowledge that language development is essentially an individual process (Molenaar, 2015). In this paper, the viability of these generalizations is investigated by exploring the L2 development over time for two identical twins in Taiwan who can be expected to be highly similar in all respects, from their environment to their level of English proficiency, to their exposure to English, and to their individual differences. In spite of the striking similarities between these learners, the development of their L2 English over time was very different. Developmental patterns for spoken and written language even showed opposite tendencies. These observations underline the individual nature of the process of second language development.

When pain persists in the absence of injury or beyond the normal healing time (typically >3 months) it no longer serves a protective role and can lead to disability and reduced quality of life. Previous research has demonstrated that altered learning processes play a crucial role in the development, maintenance, and reduction of chronic pain (Meulders et a., 2020; Gatzounis et al., 2021). Specifically, impaired safety learning (Schlitt et al., 2021: Zaman et al., 2015) excessive fear generalization (Meulders et al., 2014; Meulders et al., 2015) and resistance to extinction learning (Meulders et al., 2015) are typically observed in comparisons of adults with chronic pain compared to pain-free peers. Furthermore, these processes can result in individual engaging in maladaptive behaviors that maintain disability (Meulders et al., 2019; Breivik et al., 2006). While this research has informed contemporary models of pain-related disability and its treatment, investigation in adolescents (12-24 years) is limited, despite an equally high prevalence of chronic pain in this group. Research into learning processes in this population has largely been in the field of anxiety, and has demonstrated less differential learning, greater generalization, and reduced extinction when compared to adults. Therefore, we propose a comprehensive study of pain-related fear acquisition, generalization and extinction across adolescents and adults in both chronic pain and pain-free participants, with the aim of ascertaining the degree of generalizability of findings from adults to adolescents.

When pain persists in the absence of injury or beyond the normal healing time (typically >3 months) it no longer serves a protective role and can lead to disability and reduced quality of life. Previous research has demonstrated that altered learning processes play a crucial role in the development, maintenance, and reduction of chronic pain (Meulders et a., 2020; Gatzounis et al., 2021). Specifically, impaired safety learning (Schlitt et al., 2021: Zaman et al., 2015) excessive fear generalization (Meulders et al., 2014; Meulders et al., 2015) and resistance to extinction learning (Meulders et al., 2015) are typically observed in comparisons of adults with chronic pain compared to pain-free peers. Furthermore, these processes can result in individual engaging in maladaptive behaviors that maintain disability (Meulders et al., 2019; Breivik et al., 2006). While this research has informed contemporary models of pain-related disability and its treatment, investigation in adolescents (12-24 years) is limited, despite an equally high prevalence of chronic pain in this group. Research into learning processes in this population has largely been in the field of anxiety, and has demonstrated less differential learning, greater generalization, and reduced extinction when compared to adults. Therefore, we propose a comprehensive study of pain-related fear acquisition, generalization and extinction across adolescents and adults in both chronic pain and pain-free participants, with the aim of ascertaining the degree of generalizability of findings from adults to adolescents.

When pain persists in the absence of injury or beyond the normal healing time (typically >3 months) it no longer serves a protective role and can lead to disability and reduced quality of life. Previous research has demonstrated that altered learning processes play a crucial role in the development, maintenance, and reduction of chronic pain (Meulders et a., 2020; Gatzounis et al., 2021). Specifically, impaired safety learning (Schlitt et al., 2021: Zaman et al., 2015) excessive fear generalization (Meulders et al., 2014; Meulders et al., 2015) and resistance to extinction learning (Meulders et al., 2015) are typically observed in comparisons of adults with chronic pain compared to pain-free peers. Furthermore, these processes can result in individual engaging in maladaptive behaviors that maintain disability (Meulders et al., 2019; Breivik et al., 2006). While this research has informed contemporary models of pain-related disability and its treatment, investigation in adolescents (12-24 years) is limited, despite an equally high prevalence of chronic pain in this group. Research into learning processes in this population has largely been in the field of anxiety, and has demonstrated less differential learning, greater generalization, and reduced extinction when compared to adults. Therefore, we propose a comprehensive study of pain-related fear acquisition, generalization and extinction across adolescents and adults in both chronic pain and pain-free participants, with the aim of ascertaining the degree of generalizability of findings from adults to adolescents.

Includes bibliographies and index

Includes bibliographies and index

What the Marine Corps achieved in Anbar constituted a major turning point in the Iraq War. Many had declared the fight there lost at the very time I MEF was launching a three-dimensional strategy in 2006 that culminated in 2007 with a strategic defeat for AQI and those insurgents aligned with it. The fight for Anbar Province demonstrated the Marine Corps s capacity to learn and change in order to address complicated and very violent challenges. The four-year fight in the Sunni heartland is an important illustration of that Marine capacity to improvise and adapt, which is infused into the Corps training routines and warrior ethos. This study details how I MEF designed and implemented a counterinsurgency approach that was contextualized for Anbar, consisting of (1) the COIN phases of clear, hold, build ; (2) tribal engagement to expand the operating force available to maintain local security; and (3) targeted counterterrorism aimed at degrading al Qaeda s clandestine apparatus.

What the Marine Corps achieved in Anbar constituted a major turning point in the Iraq War. Many had declared the fight there lost at the very time I MEF was launching a three-dimensional strategy in 2006 that culminated in 2007 with a strategic defeat for AQI and those insurgents aligned with it. The fight for Anbar Province demonstrated the Marine Corps s capacity to learn and change in order to address complicated and very violent challenges. The four-year fight in the Sunni heartland is an important illustration of that Marine capacity to improvise and adapt, which is infused into the Corps training routines and warrior ethos. This study details how I MEF designed and implemented a counterinsurgency approach that was contextualized for Anbar, consisting of (1) the COIN phases of clear, hold, build ; (2) tribal engagement to expand the operating force available to maintain local security; and (3) targeted counterterrorism aimed at degrading al Qaeda s clandestine apparatus.

This action research examines how focused organization, group roles, and gender grouping impact student participation when working in a cooperative group setting. Fifty-two sixth graders were studied for a period of nine weeks. Results show when students are organized in their cooperative groups, there will be an increase in student participation. Participation also increased when students were given assigned roles. Lastly, this research shows that my hypothesis was incorrect by thinking participation would increase when students work in same gender cooperative groups. To come to these results, data was collected using a triangular approach focusing on observations, change in grades, and questionnaires. The following are appended: (1) Data Collection Matrix; (2) Teacher Observation Log: Focused Organization; (3) Focused Organization; (4) Teacher Observation Log: Group Roles; (5) Student Roles; (6) Group Roles; (7) Teacher Observation Log: Gender Grouping; and (8) Gender Grouping. (Contains 5 figures.)

Collaborative learning in an online classroom can take the form of discussion among the whole class or within smaller groups. This paper addresses the latter, examining first whether assessment makes a difference to the level of learner participation and then considering other factors involved in creating effective collaborative learning groups. Data collected over a three year period (15 cohorts) from the Foundations course in the Master of Distance Education (MDE) program offered jointly by University of Maryland University College (UMUC) and the University of Oldenburg does not support the authors' original hypothesis that assessment makes a significant difference to learner participation levels in small group learning projects and leads them to question how much emphasis should be placed on grading work completed in study groups to the exclusion of other strategies. Drawing on observations of two MDE courses, including the Foundations course, their extensive online teaching experience, and a review of the literature, the authors identify factors other than grading that contribute positively to the effectiveness of small collaborative learning groups in the online environment. In particular, the paper focuses on specific instructional strategies that facilitate learner participation in small group projects, which result in an enhanced sense of community, increased skill acquisition, and better learning outcomes. (Contains 2 figures and 1 table.)

This publication reports on Communities in Crisis, a resource and adult education program designed to encourage local community leaders and volunteers to reflect critically upon their experiences and exchange ideas across different towns, cities, and regions in the United Kingdom. Part 1 describes the program and its three aims: sharing experiences, helping with project work, and building knowledge. Part 2 contains edited extracts from 15 project reports prepared by participants between 1983 and 1987. They are presented under three headings, each of which has represented a recurring focus for the preparation of project work in the programs. "Identifying needs and evaluating policies" refers to projects that involved participants in small-scale research investigations and data collection. "Case studies" features projects that focused on descriptions of organizational development and pressure group campaigns. "Reflection on personal experience" refers to projects in which participants use, value, and critically review their experiences of community work. Part 3 is a review of participants' gains; the practical use that has been made of the projects; and guidelines for the organization and planning of project work with community groups. Appendixes include a summary of research to evaluate motivation, study skills, and learning approaches of one group of Community in Crisis and a list of 21 references. (YLB)

These revised Social Studies standards align with the College, Career, and Civic Readiness (C3) standards developed in partnership with the National Council for the Social Studies. In addition, the current version of the Learning Standards incorporates the Common Core State Standards and other revisions recommended by Washington's statewide cadre of K-12 social studies teachers. Created by Washington Social Studies teacher leaders, administrators, content experts, civic organizations, and stakeholder groups, these standards reflect the breadth and depth of Social Studies content. Perhaps the most important revision to the Social Studies standards is the movement of Social Studies skills to the forefront. While the former standards (revised in 2008) contained a skills section, the new standards recognize that the ability to understand and apply reasoning skills; apply research; deliberate, form, and evaluate positions are important skills not only for Social Studies, but for success in any discipline. Standards include: (1) Elementary School Standards by Discipline (Grades K-5); (2) Middle School Standards by Discipline (Grades 6-8); and (3) High School Standards by Discipline (Grades 9-12). [Cover title varies: "Social Studies Learning Standards."]

The aim of this paper is to present "the three steps method" of the self-formation of collaborative groups in a problem-based learning environment. The self-formation of collaborative groups is based on sharing of accountability among students for solving instructional problems. The steps of the method are planning collaborative problem solving, self-evaluation of students, and building collaborative groups. The planning comprises determination of the nomenclature of higher order thinking (HOT) skills, defining the instructional problems and their complexity levels, creating problem groups according to the complexity levels, setting the problem-relevant HOT skills, determining the accountability measure and the assessments of accountability for solving the problems. The self-evaluation includes self-detection of personal HOT skills, measurement of the diversity between the personal HOT skills and the problem-relevant skills based on the proposed diversity measure, and self-evaluation of willingness and desire of a student to take accountability for solving the instructional problems. The personal willingness is evaluated by the diversity measure. The desire is guided by the accountability assessments for problem solving. Coordination of the self-evaluation outcomes allows building collaborative groups. A group's composition is adjusted by the specific requirements of an instructor.

The impact on achievement of (a) cooperative learning in which members discussed how well their group was functioning and how they could improve its effectiveness, (b) cooperative learning without any group processing, and (c) individualistic learning were compared on daily achievement, post-instructional achievement, and retention. Eighty-four third-grade students were randomly assigned to the three conditions stratifying for sex and ability level. The results indicate that the high-, medium-, and low-achieving students in the cooperation with group processing condition achieved higher on all three measures than did the students in the other two conditions. Students in the cooperation without group processing condition, furthermore, achieved higher on all three measures than did the students in the individualistic condition. Keywords include: Cooperation; Achievement; and Group Processing.

The impact on achievement of (a) cooperative learning in which members discussed how well their group was functioning and how they could improve its effectiveness, (b) cooperative learning without any group processing, and (c) individualistic learning were compared on daily achievement, post-instructional achievement, and retention. Eighty-four third-grade students were randomly assigned to the three conditions stratifying for sex and ability level. The results indicate that the high-, medium-, and low-achieving students in the cooperation with group processing condition achieved higher on all three measures than did the students in the other two conditions. Students in the cooperation without group processing condition, furthermore, achieved higher on all three measures than did the students in the individualistic condition. Keywords include: Cooperation; Achievement; and Group Processing.

This report presents conceptual frameworks for inclusive learning, good practices in learning cities and recommendations for the future. The COVID-19 pandemic has had an enormous impact on life in cities, as well as exposing and exacerbating almost all forms of inequality. Access to high-calibre, resilient infrastructure, reliable basic services and decent jobs must be provided to all urban and rural dwellers. Achieving this means ensuring learning opportunities in cities are of high quality, inclusive of the diverse backgrounds of all learners and offered on a continuous basis throughout life. This publication features chapters on learning cities' endeavours to promote inclusive lifelong learning for vulnerable groups. It is based on research papers prepared for the fourth International Conference on Learning Cities, which took place in 2019 in Medellín, Colombia, under the theme 'Inclusion -- A principle for lifelong learning and sustainable cities' and hence marks a transition between the learning city conferences of 2019 and 2021. Though the examples included in the publication were in place before the pandemic took hold, they show how populations that were made even more vulnerable by the pandemic can be effectively targeted by lifelong learning opportunities.