Research, Teaching and Learning presents ten essays which explore key factors in effective research teaching and learning practices, provide guidance for their implementation, and describe their benefits to academics and students in the Open and Distance Learning environment. The authors have written this book for the student, the academic and the organisation in the Open and Distance Learning paradigm, from a New Zealand and international perspective. This book provides a framework for the development and application of research, teaching, and learning for the academic within faculty and for managers of open and distance learning tertiary organisations.

Public Community Learning Centers (CLCs), at least in the context of the United States, are social structures that have been established to address particular community needs. In the beginning, they were instituted as extensions of state departments' human services in order to assist communities with programs such as adult literacy and high school graduation certification. Today, they have taken on a broader role as a result of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (Title X, Part I) that gives rural and inner-city public schools nearly $2 billion over five years (1999-2004) to develop CLCs for programs such as mentoring in basic skills or helping high school students prepare for college. Despite these noble efforts, public CLCs are still not integral parts of community sustainabil...

The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential for increasing informal music-making in elementary school culture, and create a model of such music-making. Precedence for this model can be found in the literature of ethnomusicology, educational psychology and learning theory, multicultural music education, and cultural anthropology. Literature from four distinct traditions and contexts of music-making in integrative sociocultural contexts—sub-Saharan African ngoma, and Community Music as manifested in New Orleans second lines, old-time music and dance, and summer camp music-making—was parsed with a philosophical lens to determine and assess possible areas of intersection between these four participatory cultures and North American public school culture. Each of these five ar...

Little is known about student success in online learning environments, especially how the predisposing characteristics that the learner brings to the learning environment may differentially affect student outcomes. This study explored the question of whether a student's "readiness" to be a self-directed learner is a predictor of student success in an online community college curriculum. The specific goal of this investigation was to determine whether there was a significant relationship between self-directed learning readiness-as measured by Guglielmino's (1977) Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale (SDLRS)- and student success-as measured by course completion, grade point average (GPA) and student satisfaction, the latter assessed by student responses to an opinion poll. The subject...

The purpose of the present dissertation is to determine whether the viewing of two particular prime-time television programs, ER and The X-Files, increases viewer knowledge of science and to identify factors that may influence learning from entertainment television programming. Viewer knowledge of scientific dialogue from two science-based prime-time television programs, ER, a serial drama in a hospital emergency room and The X-Files, a drama about two Federal Bureau of Investigation agents who pursue alleged extraterrestrial life and paranormal activity, is studied. Level of viewing, education level, science education level, experiential factors, level of parasocial interaction, and demographic characteristics are assessed as independent variables affecting learning from entertainment ...

The purpose of this qualitative study was to measure the effectiveness of a new reusable learning object design model for elementary mathematics. This study was motivated by the lack of general reusable learning object design models and, specifically, elementary mathematics design models that include both technical and learning specifications. The research design method was a qualitative Delphi technique and included participants across the United States and other countries. Ten participants were provided the design model and a questionnaire to analyze the effectiveness of the model on the online instructional design process. Two rounds of questionnaire responses and model refinements were conducted, at which point a consensus was reached. As a result of the data collected, the elementary ...

The Science of Learning: A Systems Theory Approach provides authoritative, comprehensive, learner-centric reviews and discussions of theories and research on learning processes, instructional approaches, and the uses of instructional media. It includes over 600 references to the most influential theoretical and empirical literature in the field. It also provides discussions on the scientific method and how to apply science and scientific thinking to the study of learning, the development of instruction, and the evaluation of instructional programs. The systems-theory orientation provided in the book helps the reader understand the diverse data on learning and helps to integrate these data into a rich knowledge base. The book also summarizes guidance on the application of learning research ...

This study was designed to determine if sixth-grade students' problem solving skills were improved by means of their experience with a computer-based logical puzzle game designed to increase reasoning skills, and, in turn, problem solving ability. Students worked on this game either in cooperative learning pairs or alone. Baseline and post-experimental problem-solving ability was measured through the administration of a Problem Solving Test; Form A was utilized as a pretest for this purpose, Form B was used as a post-test. Comparisons of problem-solving ability based upon post-test scores (Form B) were made among four groups of students (N = 106): Group 1: Students (n = 26) who worked on the computer-based puzzle game in cooperative learning pairs Group 2: Students (n = 27) ...

In the past twenty years or so, assessment in education has become increasingly viewed as a means of guiding and improving student learning, rather than simply measuring it. The assessment for learning (AfL) movement, arising primarily from mainstream primary and secondary education in the UK, strongly advocates this formative, learning-centered view of assessment. At the level of classroom practice, AfL is comprised of a number of key procedures including: the use of effective feedback, self-and peer assessment, questioning and classroom dialogue, and the formative use of summative tests. Based on a series of classroom research projects, this doctoral thesis examines these AfL procedures in a higher education EFL context with adult students at a university in Tokyo, Japan. After an int...

The economic hardships which have plagued Zimbabwe have led to the movement of the adult population who are largely parents to the Diaspora. This trend has created "absent parents". This study sought to explore the psychological and educational effects of this absent parenting on children with specific learning disabilities left behind. The researcher used a quasi-experimental design to collect data, specifically; the researcher administered a standardized achievement test, the Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT LEVEL 1) to twenty-four children with learning disabilities under controlled conditions. Twelve (12) of the learners had absent parents and twelve (12) were staying with both parents. Questionnaires and School based tests were used to complement the data from the standardized test r...

The purpose of this study was to identify what were Taiwanese University English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners’ perceptions about learning communication strategies. This study collected qualitative data about students’ beliefs and attitudes as they learned communication strategies. The research question guiding the study was: What are Taiwanese University EFL learners’ perceptions about learning communication strategies? Twenty-four university students were trained for 10 weeks to use strategies in Faerch and Kasper’s (1983a) taxonomy, and seven volunteers were interviewed. None of the students majored in English but were enrolled in a required Basic English course in a Freshman English Non-Majors’ (FENM) program in Agriculture College at Tunghai University. In the middle...

The purpose of this thesis is to forecast the amount of network traffic in Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) -based networks by using different time lags and various machine learning methods including Support Vector Machines (SVM), Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), Radial Basis Function (RBF) Neural Network, M5P (a decision tree with linear regression functions at the nodes), Random Forest (RF), Random Tree (RT), and Reduced Error Prunning Error (REPTree), and statistical regression methods including Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) and Holt-Winters and compare the performance of statistical and machine learning methods. Two different Internet Service Providers' (ISPs) traffic data have been utilized to build traffic forecasting models. The first 66% of the data sets has ...

This dissertation was a summative program evaluation with qualitative inquiry of the Latinas Learning to Lead Summer Youth Institute. This week-long leadership development program is exclusive to college-age Hispanic women. To determine if the mission and its objectives were attained, program graduates completed a survey and were then invited to participate in an in-depth interview. Data gathered found that the program mission and objectives were met. Various themes of significance included a need for role models and mentors, increased confidence and motivation, sense of cultural belonging, and realization of self-truths. Further research should include a longitudinal study as well as research on those Hispanic young women who were not able to participate in this program.

Upper body power (UBP) is one of the most important factors affecting the performance of cross-country skiers during races. Although some initial studies have already attempted to predict UBP, until now, no study has attempted to apply machine learning methods combined with various feature selection algorithms to identify the discriminative features for prediction of UBP. The purpose of this study is to develop new prediction models for predicting the 10-second UBP (UBP10) and 60-second UBP (UBP60) of cross-country skiers by using General Regression Neural Networks (GRNN), Radial-Basis Function Network (RBF), Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Single Decision Tree (SDT) and Tree Boost (TB) along with the Relief-F feature selection algorithm, minimum redundancy maxim...

The purpose of this thesis is to develop new hybrid admission decision prediction models by using different machine learning methods including Support Vector Machines (SVM), Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), Radial Basis Function (RBF) Network, TreeBoost (TB) and K-Means Clustering (KMC) combined with feature selection algorithms to investigate the effect of the predictor variables on the admission decision of a candidate to the School of Physical Education and Sports at Cukurova University. Three feature selection algorithms including Relief-F, F-Score and Correlation-based Feature Selection (CFS) have been considered. Experiments have been conducted on the datasets, which contain data of participants who applied to the School in 2006 and 2007. The datasets have been randomly split into train...

Annals of Language and Learning is the conference proceedings of the Second International Online Language Conference which was successfully held in July 2009. This event allowed professors, Master's students, Ph.D. students, and academics from around the world to submit papers pertaining to the areas of the conference theme. The conference was organized by International Online Knowledge Service Provider (IOKSP).

This book designed for self-discovery and self-empowerment. The journal explores three basic questions, who am I, what can I do, and what do I want to do? Then the book challenges you to get started today. The journal is unique because it guides you through very creative but simple excercises that help you visualize your inner most thoughts and fears, while empowering you to move forward. The journal can be used for group interaction and individual counseling sessions. The journal also contains a section devoted to those persons that are affected by drug/alcohol abuse. The weekly self-contract section and the monthly flushing sessions are great tools that can be used by teens and adults alike.

This dissertation compares the learning environment of elite military academies in the U.S. and Malaysia, namely the United States Military Academy, New York (West Point) and the Military Academy of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur (MAM). The dissertation began as an investigation of the place of e-learning and simulation technologies in educating future military officers. It was assumed that as modern technologies for war and defence have changed, so too must the military academies accommodate to that – especially in producing the right kind of officers who will lead the defence of the nation. Research in West Point and the MAM, however, revealed much more significant and deeper differences between the two learning environments. These are also analysed in this dissertation on the basis of in-dept...

While "e-learning" has proliferated in our society, the problem exists that many corporations are delving into e-learning without fully understanding end users’ self-reported computer competence or attitudes toward e-learning or computers in general, which could ultimately impact the success of e-learning at an organization. Studies have been done to examine these phenomena, but the vast majority center around the academic environment, and many are deemed archaic due to advances in technology. To examine this problem, this research study’s goal was to develop a valid and reliable instrument that measures self-reported computer competence, overall attitudes toward computers, and attitudes toward e-learning appropriate for the corporate, adult learner. The author reviewed various inve...

This book provides strategies for educating learning disabled and English as a Second Language students. Unlike a one-size-fits-all curriculum where all students are expected to learn the same materials, in the same way, in the same amount of time, differentiated instruction provides options. This book uses an array of instructional strategies, including multiple texts and supplementary materials, reality learning games, group investigations, and flexible evaluation. In addition, Dr. Jefferson and Ms. Sweet's book provides a variety of lesson plans on differentiated instruction that will make any teacher's life easier. This book is written to help both new and veteran teachers make classroom lessons engaging and fun again.

The present study aims to illuminate the way participant learning in adventure experiences intersects with broader social, cultural and institutional contexts, and was guided by the following questions: How is participant experience constructed in a facilitated, small group adventure setting? How is the construction of the adventure experience related to the intentions and orchestrations of the trainer? How is the construction of the adventure experience related to the institutional and social context in which it occurs? This study used grounded theory methodology (Strauss & Corbin, 1998) and cultural-historical activity theory (Engeström, 1987; Leontiev, 1977; Vygotsky, 1978). Activity as an analytic device facilitates the mapping of historical, social and cultural influences on local a...

This book is a comprehensive, intelligible guide to grounded theory with a focus on classic grounded theory. It will be useful for graduate students, experienced researchers, and practicing professionals who want to use the method for practical purposes. It will also be useful for mentors and teachers of grounded theory. A glossary is included in the preface so readers can familiarize themselves with grounded theory terminology before beginning the chapters. Its seven chapters provide a comprehensive guide to grounded theory. Chapter one covers how the author’s familiarity with the symbolic interactionist perspective gained from his undergraduate sociology professors enabled him to readily discern how and why Glaser and Strauss had different understandings about grounded theory and what ...

This book is the second in a series of two about developing proficiency in English business and technical communication. University students and teachers in courses such as Technical Communication, Advanced Business Communication, and Practical English Writing will find this book instrumental to improving their understanding of or instruction in written English communication skills. The book comprises six units: (1) Employment-Related Communication; (2) Summaries, (3) Definitions, Descriptions, Instructions, Guides, and Manuals; (4) Proposals; (5) Reports; (6) Tenders/ Advertisements, Brochures, Questionnaires, and Web Pages. Each unit is organized with three components: (A) Introduction (of text type), (B) Exemplars (with notes), and (C) Practice Tasks. The Practice Tasks are designe...

I Came, I Saw, I Translated employs a new method to learn Latin. There are numerous distinctive features which set this textbook apart from others on the market. It is aimed at a mature audience of high school or college-aged students. It discusses English grammar concurrently with the Latin grammar. There is no adapted Latin; instead, a primary literature narrative is utilized from the very first word. Book Reviews: Bryn Mawr Classical Review 2013.02.17 by Beert C. Verstraete In nearly all Latin primers for universities and colleges, the student is guided through the grammar in a gradual and incremental manner. Typically, with nouns the first two declensions come first, along with the use of the nominative and the accusative case, and with verbs the first conjugation and perhaps the...

Whether you are simply curious about our mysterious neighbor—the Moon—or a teacher looking for ways to teach concepts about the Moon without misconceptions, Everything Moon is the non-technical, comprehensive guide you are seeking. From theories on the origin of the Moon, to phases, tides, eclipses, geology, past, current, and future missions, to the Apollo Program, Everything Moon guides you through the science and history you need to understand the Moon and includes creative, engaging investigations to develop important concepts. Written with teachers and students in mind, Everything Moon is a book for anyone who has ever asked themselves questions about our view of the Moon: what causes the same face of the Moon to face Earth every day; is there really a dark side of the Moon; w...

This unique book of real chemistry and science for children illustrates the nature of physical and chemical change using the very smallest parts of things: atoms and molecules. It encourages children, ages 5-12, along with their parents or teachers, to become active learners of science, to discover meaning not only in the ideas and definitions of others, but also (and especially) in their own world. Chapters include: Evaporating, Condensing, Dissolving, Crystallizing, Mixing, Separating, Melting, Freezing, and Reacting.

The Mind at Hand explores how artists, scientists, writers, and others - students and professionals alike - see their world, record it, revise it and come to know it. It is about the rough-drawn sketch, diagram, chart, or other graphic representation, and the focus these provide for creative work that follows from them. Such work could involve solving a problem, composing a musical score, proposing a hypothesis, creating a painting, and many other imaginative and inventive tasks. The book is for visual learners of all kinds, for scientists as well as artists, and for anyone who keeps a journal, notebook, or lab book in order to think and create visually. It is also a book for teachers and educational administrators interested in learning about new active learning strategies involving dr...

This research used the online experiment, the Berkana Community of Conversations (BCC), as a case study to explore learning and leadership in a self-organizing online microworld (an internet “small world” with rules of engagement simulating complex adaptive organization(s)). Based on theories of learning (Papert, 1996), biology of consciousness (Maturana and Varela, 1992), and integral models (Wilber, 1996), an integral methodological design, analyzed languaging and relationships as key data sources. Leadership was mapped as a continuum of behaviors that created effective processes for meaning making, action/direction and accomplishment. Meaning making was tracked in: four directions; three types of connections (exploratory, transformative and linking) and six plus levels. Self...

The Priority Method evolved from theories from first and second language acquisition and child language development. Along with error analysis theories, technical advances in equipment have allowed the Priority Method to offer a complete language diagnostic, analysis and training format. Its significant variation from all previous SLA pedagogy is that it concentrates on areas of weakness, prioritizing common areas of transitional errors from L1 to L2, that commonly occur in the phonetic production and delivery of the ESL student, and focuses on the key areas that have significant sociolinguistic and linguistic effects on the ESL student. Why prioritize errors over other aspects of second language learning? Because errors are the significant areas where the student’s self confidence and p...

The format of Essential Human Histology departs considerably from that of the usual presentations on human tissue/organ biology. This presentation was not designed as a formal reference textbook but as a tool solely for students and is designed for rapid student learning as well as rapid review in preparation for USMLE examinations. Essential Human Histology focuses the beginning student’s attention on the most important aspects of this discipline which are presented as a series of learning units. In general, the text follows the traditional and logical sequence of cells to tissues to organs, but within this sequence, the discussion on mitosis is presented immediately after the cell and discussion on meiosis just prior to a consideration of the reproductive systems. To understand human s...