Thesis (M.Ed. )--Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, 2006. / Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 45-06, page: 2759. Typescript. Abstract precedes thesis as 2 leaves (i-ii). Includes bibliographical references (leaves 48-52).

Thesis (M.S.C.I.T.)--Regis University, Denver, Colo., 2009. / Title from PDF title page (viewed on Jul. 26, 2010). Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--Springfield College, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2007. / Title from first page of PDF file. Includes bibliographical references (p. 197-200).

Extracurricular enterprise activities have steadily increased over the past decade within universities (Rae et al., 2012), as has the domain of entrepreneurial learning research (Wang and Chugh, 2014) yet limited empirical research examines links between the two phenomena. This thesis connects educational theory, entrepreneurial learning theory and entrepreneurial education research to examine the role that extracurricular enterprise activities may have within the entrepreneurial learning processes of students at United Kingdom Higher Education Institutions. Utilising a social constructionist paradigm of enquiry this thesis critically examines perceptions of the value of extracurricular enterprise activities from an educator and student perspective. A semi-structured survey (n=55) and in depth interviews with students (n=23) and enterprise educators (n=3) across 24 UK universities explored what extracurricular enterprise activities students engaged in, their motivations for engagement and the perceived value of extracurricular enterprise activities in relation to entrepreneurial learning processes. Findings suggest that extracurricular enterprise activities not only provide value in the experiential and social learning opportunities afforded for participants, but the positioning of these activities outside of the main curriculum enables students to develop their autonomous learning capabilities. The results contribute to an emerging body of literature examining self-directed learning activities and entrepreneurial learning (Van Gelderen, 2010; Tseng, 2013). The thesis concludes that while experiential and social learning opportunities occupy a central role within entrepreneurial learning processes of university students, self-directed learning activities are increasingly important, and emphasis should be placed upon enabling students to self-direct their entrepreneurial learning processes. For policy and practice, this research provides additional scrutiny of the proposition that extracurricular enterprise activities positively enhance learning through examining what extracurricular enterprise activities students choose to engage in and the benefits they perceive they attained. This research also provides an enhanced understanding of how students interpret and apply the theoretical concept of entrepreneurial learning. Research examining entrepreneurial learning is important in enabling a more effective understanding of the entrepreneurial process yet studies examining student perceptions of entrepreneurial learning remain limited (Mueller and Anderson, 2014; Wang and Chugh, 2014). Finally, this thesis presents the central role of self-directed learning activities to students’ entrepreneurial learning processes and provides recommendations for enhancing entrepreneurial education.

Os empreendedores sociais são protagonistas na abordagem de problemas sociais no Brasil. Contudo, mesmo com esse destaque, pouco ainda se sabe sobre as particularidades desses profissionais. A aprendizagem desses indivíduos é um dos assuntos que carecem da atenção dos acadêmicos. Desse modo, uma das teorias que oportuniza análises a respeito da aprendizagem desses indivíduos é a Experiential Learning Theory (ELT) de Kolb (1984), que relata que a aprendizagem é o processo de criação de conhecimentos a partir da transformação das experiências do indivíduo. Um dos subprodutos da ELT é o conceito dos estilos de aprendizagem: traços pessoais que servem como indicadores de como os indivíduos percebem, interagem e respondem aos ambientes de aprendizagem. Para Alonso et al. (1997), existem quatro diferentes tipos de estilos de aprendizagem: o pragmático, o teórico, o ativo e o reflexivo. Assim, os autores elaboraram o instrumento Cuestionario Honey y Alonso sobre Estilos de Aprendizaje (CHAEA) para verificarem os estilos de aprendizagem dos indivíduos e realizarem análises relativas ao assunto. Dessa forma, a presente pesquisa se propôs a analisar a aprendizagem dos empreendedores sociais brasileiros à luz da Experiential Learning Theory, utilizando, para isso, o instrumento CHAEA. Primeiramente, os 90 empreendedores sociais brasileiros pesquisados tiveram seus estilos de aprendizagem verificados e os resultados foram analisados por meio de análises estatísticas univariadas e bivariadas. Assim, foi constatado que o estilo pragmático, o estilo teórico, o estilo ativo e o estilo reflexivo somam, respectivamente, 36,7%, 31,1%, 24,4%, e 7,8% da preferência geral dos pesquisados. Num segundo momento, particularidades e tendências relativas à aprendizagem desses indivíduos foram discutidas, e hipóteses foram produzidas. Essas hipóteses oferecem margem para o desenvolvimento de novos estudos relacionados ao tema. É indicado que as futuras pesquisas procurem trabalhar com amostras mais numerosas e com outros tipos de análises estatísticas. À parte das descobertas em relação à aprendizagem dos pesquisados e das hipóteses desenvolvidas, esta pesquisa também teve outro desdobramento relacionado ao estudo do empreendedorismo social no Brasil: o delineamento do perfil do empreendedor social brasileiro. Foi encontrado que esse indivíduo se caracteriza, majoritariamente, por ser identificado com o gênero masculino, ser jovem, declarar-se da raça ou cor branca, possuir alto grau de escolaridade e estar envolvido há pouco tempo com iniciativas sociais. O perfil constatado corrobora o perfil encontrado por outros autores e traz maior solidez para a discussão do tema. De forma geral, esta pesquisa colaborou para o avanço das pesquisas relativas ao empreendedorismo social e à aprendizagem experiencial no Brasil. Também foi viabilizada para os empreendedores sociais brasileiros participantes a oportunidade de verificarem seus estilos de aprendizagem e, assim, entenderem melhor suas próprias particularidades quanto à aprendizagem. Por último, destaca-se a contribuição para com instituições voltadas à educação, que por meio dos resultados desta pesquisa poderão aprimorar seus cursos direcionados aos empreendedores sociais. / Social entrepreneurs are central figures in addressing societal problems in Brazil. Nevertheless, despite the spotlights being pointed on these individuals, little is known about their particularities. Their learning process, for instance, is a subject lacking academic research. Therefore, one way to analyze their learning process is through the Experiential Learning Theory (ELT) present by Kolb (1984), which says that learning is the process whereby knowledge is created through the transformation of experience. One of the ELT's sub-products is the learning styles concept, which suggests that personal traits work as indicators of how someone perceives, interacts and responds to learning environments. Alonso et al. (1997) proposed four different learning styles: pragmatist, theorist, activist and reflector. As a result, the authors created the survey Cuestionario Honey y Alonso sobre Estilos de Aprendizaje (CHAEA) to verify someone's learning style and to carry out analysis about their learning process. Thus, the present research aims to analyze Brazilian social entrepreneurs' learning process in the light of the Experiential Learning Theory, using, to that end, the CHAEA survey. Primarily, the 90 Brazilian social entrepreneurs studied in this research had their learning styles verified and their results analyzed through univariate and bivariate techniques. Thus, it was determined that the pragmatist style, the theorist style, the activist style and the reflector style represented, respectively, 36.7%, 31.1%, 24.4%, and 7.8% of the participant’s general preference. Secondly, particularities and tendencies regarding the Brazilian social entrepreneurs studied were discussed, and hypotheses were produced. This hypotheses offer a clear research path to anyone interested in developing new studies about the subject. It is indicated for future researches to work with larger samples and with other types of statistical analysis. Besides the discoveries regarding the participant's learning process and the hypotheses developed, this research also presented other outcome related to social entrepreneurship studies in Brazil: the establishment of the Brazilian social entrepreneur profile. It was found that these individuals are characterized, mostly, by recognizing themselves as males, by being young, by declaring themselves as white individuals, by possessing a high schooling level and by getting involved recently with social enterprises. The profile formed supports profiles described by other authors in their researches and brings a meaningful consolidation regarding the subject discussion. In general, this research contributed to the advance of researches related to social entrepreneurship and to experiential learning in Brazil. In a practical viewpoint, it was made possible for the Brazilian social entrepreneurs which were part of this research to verify their learning styles and, thus, understand better their own particularities regarding their learning processes. Lastly, the contribution to educational institutions needs to be addressed. Through the results of this research it will be possible for these establishments to improve their courses designed for social entrepreneurs.

Occupational ill-health statistics have consistently placed construction as a high risk industry. Younger workers (aged 15-24) constituting 24% of the UK construction workforce are a high risk group for occupational illnesses from more exposure to physical work factors including noise, vibrations and the handling of dangerous substances. The provision of effective training to young people entering the workforce is crucial in preventing occupational illnesses and improving the industry s occupational health (OH) performance. However, whilst the delivery of training in industries such as healthcare and aviation has rapidly been shifting from pedagogical/instructional theoretical frameworks towards more learner-focused andragogical approaches rich in hands-on/experiential learning, training in the construction industry has not taken full advantage of new training approaches. This thesis aims to examine OH training methods for UK construction apprentices and evaluate the role and effectiveness of a simulation-based training strategy, in order to enhance the OH training for construction apprentices. It presents and adopts innovative wearable, hands on simulations that were designed and developed at Loughborough University, called LUSKInS (Loughborough University Sensory and Kinaesthetic Interactive Simulations), to assess their value and utility in the training of construction apprentices. In order to address the research aim and provide comprehensive answers to the research questions, the research adopted an inductive, multimethods approach, in which the collection and analysis of data combined quantitative and qualitative research methods. First, reviews of theories of learning and existing research utilising simulation learning tools in various educational settings were carried out, to gather insights into how people learn, the theoretical underpinning to the use of simulations as well as the efficacy of simulation-based training. This analysis indicated that use of simulations that is based on the review and application of relevant learning theories has significant potential in enhancing the learning of construction apprentices. Furthermore, the analysis identified a need to move from traditional direct instructional training methods towards more experiential and learner-centred methods in construction education and training. Accordingly, the subsequent use of wearable simulations in the study was guided by experiential and constructivist learning principles, meaning that the research participants were provided with interactive and engaging contextual experiences, which allowed them to actively construct their own understanding, as opposed to them passively acquiring OH information from external sources. Second, fieldwork data was gathered through survey questionnaires, participant observations, semi-structured interviews and photo-elicitation. This involved construction apprentices and instructors from three colleges located in London, Midlands and Norfolk. Together, the quantitative and qualitative data confirmed that a traditional instructor-centred approach, which places emphasis on the passive transmission of information and the use of standardised presentations, texts and workbooks dominates the delivery of OH training for construction apprentices, despite many of the trainees in the study expressing a preference for highly engaging, active or hands-on methods of learning to passive, information-based approaches. It was clear from the findings that by failing to take into consideration the diversity in learning preferences among the trainees and the crucial role of interaction and learner participation in the learning process, the existing instructional strategies do not effectively support the learning of construction apprentices. Notably, the findings revealed that the prevailing views of training amongst instructors and their leaders, which endorse direct instructional strategies and uniformity, create barriers for opportunities to create and utilise more progressive learner-centred training strategies for construction apprentices. The findings related to the impact of the wearable simulations indicated that the use of hands-on simulations can be beneficial to the learning of construction apprentices. The simulations were found to be effective in developing the apprentices understanding of OH illnesses, as well as in changing some of their attitudes, particularly towards prioritising their health at work and adopting correct work practices, for example, wearing appropriate protective clothing when carrying out their work. In addition, the findings also showed that the simulations were largely perceived to be enjoyable, engaging and easier to understand compared to traditional training methods. However, challenges associated with the use of simulations were also identified, including the relatively high costs in terms of both time and money required in their development and implementation as well as challenges associated with trainer competence and adapting curricula to the newer training approach. Based on the empirical evidence and the related theoretical explanations, the study develops a set of propositions which not only challenge the current training paradigm, but more importantly identify the factors that can optimise the OH training of construction apprentices and overcome some of the barriers that were identified. In addition, a conceptual framework and typology of trainees learning styles are developed, in order to provide some practical guidance on how appropriate training strategies can be selected, as well as assist the wider application and integration of simulation learning tools.

The extended role of today’s pharmacist with the emphasis on patient-focused care has highlighted the need for increased exposure of undergraduate pharmacy students to experiential learning in patient-centred environments, and additional skills development in therapeutics, problem solving and clinical decision making. At the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU), final year pharmacy students complete a university-coordinated, hospital-based, structured experiential learning programme (ELP) for the exit-level module, Pharmacology4. However, the students consistently experience difficulties in the application of pharmacological knowledge during the transition from lecture-based learning to the patient-focused clinical setting. The student population at the NMMU is diverse, with varied cultural, ethnic, language and secondary level education backgrounds, as well as different learning preferences and approaches. The extent to which these factors affect academic achievement in the experiential learning environment is unknown. Central research question The central research question for this study was therefore, “What would be the effect of an intervention aimed at supporting undergraduate pharmacy students during clinical placements, on academic achievement in, and student attitudes towards, experiential learning programmes (ELP)?” In order to explore the research question, several factors which may influence academic achievement in ELPs were investigated, namely: academic achievement (pre-university, in the BPharm programme and, in pharmacology); the admission route into the BPharm programme and the subsequent rate of academic progression; English reading comprehension ability; learning styles; problem solving ability; the extent to which students are prepared for application of knowledge in the ELP, in terms of assessment methods used prior to the final year and previous pharmacy work-based experience. In addition, the students’ lived experience of the ELP was explored, and the need for, and nature of, an intervention was determined. The research was based in a pragmatic paradigm, using an advanced mixed methods approach. An intervention-based, two-phase, quasi-experimental design was employed with an initial exploratory Preliminary Phase (in 2013) preceding the larger experimental framework (Phases One and Two, in 2014 and 2015 respectively). The research design was primarily quantitative, with pre- and post- testing conducted before and after the ELP. The ELP was completed by the comparator cohort in Phase One and the experimental cohort in Phase Two. Supplementary qualitative data was collected before, during and after the ELP. The intervention, in the form of supplementary academic support sessions, was developed from the qualitative data using an iterative approach, and implemented during the ELP in Phase Two. Attitudes and expectations of the students towards the hospital-based ELP were generally positive and realistic. Areas of concern included the difficulties experienced in the application and integration of pharmacological knowledge, both in the clinical setting and the clinical case study-based assessments; students feeling overwhelmed, inadequate and inferior in the clinical environment, compounded by an absence of clinical pharmacists as role models; and feeling unprepared for patient-focused care. The qualitative data strongly supported the need for supplementary academic support sessions. The intervention was developed and implemented in Phase Two, using patient case-based, active learning strategies. The majority of students (91.0%; n = 104) reported improved case analysis skills. A statistically significant (p = .030, Cohen’s d = 0.34) improvement was noted in the summative Pharmacology4 assessment marks obtained by the experimental cohort post-intervention, although of small practical significance. Predictors of academic achievement in the ELP were found to be language, specifically English reading comprehension skills, academic achievement in the BPharm programme and pharmacology, the university admission score, the rate of academic progression, and problem solving ability. Previous pharmacy-based work experience and assessment questions requiring application of knowledge were also found to influence achievement in the ELP. The need for an intervention in the form of supplementary academic support sessions was confirmed. The intervention was subsequently developed and successfully implemented, with student-reported self-perceived improvements in patient case analysis skills. These positive findings were supported by quantitative data which showed a statistically significant improvement in academic achievement in the ELP. Several predictors of academic achievement in the ELP were identified, and invaluable insight was gained into the nature of the difficulties experienced by pharmacy students in the transition from lecture-based learning to experiential learning in patient-focused environments.

Orientador: Roberto Nardi / Banca: Silvia Regina Quijadas Aro Zuliani / Banca: Mario Roberto Quintanilla Gatica / Banca: Otávio Aloisio Maldaner / Banca: Odete Pacubi Baierl Teixeira / Resumo: Uma problemática bastante conhecida, mas pouco estudada pela pesquisa em educação em ciências, é a falta de consideração de aspectos históricos, filosóficos e sociológicos na formação inicial de professores de Ciências, fato que pode criar uma visão distorcida das ciências entre os futuros professores. Argumentamos que uma abordagem que forneça estes subsídios seria importante para atingir os objetivos do Ensino de Ciências que atenda os anseios de uma sociedade contemporânea. Desta forma, esta pesquisa defende que a população deve "saber ciência" e "saber sobre a ciência", com a finalidade de estar capacitada para tomar decisões informadas sobre assunto de política, tecnologia e ambiente. Assim, compreende-se que ensinar ciências significa, primeiramente, elaborar um sistema de representações estruturadas, interpresetadas e modeladas pelo professor, dependendo de como ele entende a ciência, suas teorias e modelos, para interpretar e recriar os fenômenos científicos, recorrendo ao saber disciplinar e ao saber disciplinar e ao saber pedagógico do conteúdo. Com estes pressupostos foi elaborada e desenvolvida uma proposta de ensino que procurou construir o "saber" e o "saber fazer" de professores em formação inicial de Química da Universidade Distrital (Bogotá-Colômbia), mediantea vivência de uma experiência docente em sala de aula em uma escola pública da cidade de Bogotá. Foram analisados os discursos dos futuros professores para compreender como os domínios e as manifestações do conhecimento lhes permitiram trabalhar as suas "representações científicas", ou seja, transformar o conhecimento científico em representações e ações pedagógicas e desenvolver habilidades como pensar, atuar e comunicar a ciência, ao mesmo tempo procurando promover atitudes e valores nos estudantes durante os processos... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: A question sufficiently know but little studied by the science education researchers is the lack of consideration of historical philosophical and sociological aspects in the scientific practice and education in the teachers' initial education, which could create a distorted vision of the sciences among the future teachers. An approach taking into consideration these subsidies would be important to reach the aims of science education for the society. In this sense, this research stands up that the population is able in taking decisions informed on subjects of politics, technology and environment, which depends on the kind of scientific education is received by the citizens. In this way, it is understood that teaching sciences means, first of all to elaborate a system of representations that are structured, interpreted and shaped for the teachers, depending on how they understand science, their theories and models, to interpret and to recreate scientific phenomena appealing to the disciplinary knowledge and the pedagogical knowledge content. With these pressuppositions it was elaborated and developed a proposal of teachers education that aimed to construct the "knowledge" and the "knowledge making" for Chemistry teachers initial education at the "District University" (Bogota-Colombia), by means of a teaching experience in the classroom at public schools in Bogota City. The future teachers discourses were analyzed in order to undestand how their domains and knowledge manifestations allowed them to work their "scientific representations", in order to turn the scientific knowledge in pedagogical representations and actions and to develop abilities as to think, to act and to communicate science, and, at the same time, to look for promoting attitudes and values in the students during the processes of teaching and learning Chemistry. The... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

Magister Pharmaceuticae - MPharm / In recent years the focus of pharmacy practice has changed from being primarily 'drug-centred to' one which is 'patient-centred' (El-Awady et al., 2006, p. l ). Developments in pharmacy curricula worldwide are reflecting this change. Pharmacy courses no longer concentrate primarily on theoretical content, but increasingly on the ability of students to apply their theoretical knowledge in practice. The South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) requires that pharmacy education and training in South Africa equips pharmacists for the roles they will take on in practice. In order to accomplish this, the SAPC has prescribed competency unit standards for entry level pharmacists which may serve as a guide for pharmacy educators. A significant challenge in pharmacy education is the application of theory in practice settings (Bucciarelli et al., 2007), which possibly affects the ability of entry-level pharmacists to meet the SAPC unit standard competencies. The dire shortage of pharmacists in public sector health settings further emphasizes the need for a level of competency of entry level pharmacists so that they may enter the workplace ready to serve the medicine related needs of society. Service-learning is defined as experiential learning in which students engage in structured activities that address community needs and promote learning. The purpose of this study was to design, implement and evaluate a Service-learning in Pharmacy (SLIP) intervention which is intended to serve as a generic model which can be used in tertiary hospital pharmacies. The SLIP intervention aimed to promote student learning by providing opportunities for students to engage in structured activities, while simultaneously alleviating pharmacy workload.