The study intends to investigate the nature and cognitive demands of contextual word-problems posed in the FET mathematics examinations of IEB and NSC. The analysis of the mathematization of real-life situations to form contextual word-problems is based on the theory of authentic task situations. The theoretical basis for analyzing mathematics teaching and learning is the Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) theory. Data was obtained using the schedule of mathematization of real-life situations and the schedule of total marks of contextual word-problems and national performance. All contextual word-problems included in the 2008-2013 question papers of IEB and NSC mathematics examinations were analysed. The research revealed that 509 marks out of 1800 marks were allocated to contextual word-problems in IEB examinations; whereas 473 marks out of 1800 marks were allocated to contextual word-problems in NSC examinations. / Mathematics Education / M. Sc. (Mathematical Education)

Acompanha: A aprendizagem significativa de física no 9º ano do ensino fundamental: as relações de proporcionalidade como organizadores prévios / Ensinar os conteúdos de Física no 9o ano do Ensino Fundamental tem sido um desafio para os Professores de Ciências, tanto pela possível falta de preparo como pela falta de interesse. Apesar das Diretrizes Estaduais orientarem para um ensino que tenha implicações na superação de obstáculos conceituais, construída a partir da interação entre o conhecimento científico e os conhecimentos prévios estabelecidos na vida cotidiana, boa parte dos Professores ainda abordam os conteúdos de Física de maneira mecanicista e fragmentada. Geralmente, a abordagem segue a relação de tópicos indicado em algum livro didático adotado previamente. No entanto, devido a importância da Física frente ao desenvolvimento tecnológico e também frente à disseminação das tecnologias na sociedade e, pelo fato de que o entendimento qualitativo dos conhecimentos físicos pode facilitar discussões futuras e a educação científica, justifica-se tentar contribuir para melhoria do ensino de Física nesta série. Neste sentido, foi elaborada uma sequência didática sobre pressão, com a intenção de estimular o processo ensino-aprendizagem deste assunto fazendo uso do conhecimento prévio de proporcionalidade existente na estrutura cognitiva dos alunos. Como referencial teórico foi utilizada a teoria da aprendizagem significativa de David Ausubel. A proposta foi elaborada a partir da ideia de que existe relações de proporcionalidade entre as grandezas que definem o conceito de pressão. Assim, num primeiro momento, foi feito um levantamento dos conhecimentos prévios dos alunos. Em seguida, fizemos uso de situações-problema focalizados no cotidiano dos estudantes, objetivando apresentar um organizador prévio sobre as relações de proporcionalidade discutidas em questões de abrangência geral. A partir daí o assunto pressão foi abordado de maneira específica, buscando a diferenciação progressiva e a reconciliação integradora. A implementação do trabalho foi realizada em uma turma do 9o ano do Ensino Fundamental do Colégio Estadual do Paraná (CEP), em Curitiba, PR, durante o 4o bimestre do ano letivo de 2014. As atividades desenvolvidas foram analisadas de forma qualitativa a partir de dados obtidos das situações-problema resolvidas pelos alunos. A análise dos resultados obtidos, apontaram indícios de aprendizagem significativa, que é o objetivo da sequência didática. / Teaching Physics of content in the 9th grade of elementary school has been a challenge for science teachers, both by the possible lack of preparation as a lack of interest. Despite the State Guidelines geared to teaching that has implications in overcoming conceptual obstacles, built from the interaction between scientific knowledge and previous knowledge set out in everyday life, most of the teachers also address the physical content of mechanistic and fragmented way . Generally, the approach follows the relationship of topics mentioned in any textbook adopted previously. However, because of the importance of physical front of the technological development and also against the dissemination of technologies in society and the fact that the qualitative understanding of physical knowledge can facilitate future discussions and scientific education, it is justified to try to contribute to improving the teaching of physics at series. In this sense, a didactic sequence of pressure was drafted with the intention of stimulating the teaching-learning process of this subject making use of prior knowledge of existing proportionality in the cognitive structure of students. The theoretical framework was used the theory of meaningful learning of David Ausubel. The proposal was developed from the idea that there is proportionality relations between the quantities defining the concept of pressure. So, at first, was made a survey of students' prior knowledge. Then we made use of focused problem situations in daily life of students, aiming at presenting a previous organizer on the relationship of proportionality discussed in general range of issues. From there, the subject pressure was approached in a specific way, seeking the progressive differentiation and integrative reconciliation. The implementation of the work was carried out in a class of 9th grade of elementary school of the State of Paraná College (CEP), in Curitiba, Pr, during the 4th quarter of the school year 2014. The activities were analyzed qualitatively from the data obtained from problem situations resolved by the students. The analysis of results showed significant learning of evidence, which is the goal of the teaching sequence developed.

Acompanha: A aprendizagem significativa de física no 9º ano do ensino fundamental: as relações de proporcionalidade como organizadores prévios / Ensinar os conteúdos de Física no 9o ano do Ensino Fundamental tem sido um desafio para os Professores de Ciências, tanto pela possível falta de preparo como pela falta de interesse. Apesar das Diretrizes Estaduais orientarem para um ensino que tenha implicações na superação de obstáculos conceituais, construída a partir da interação entre o conhecimento científico e os conhecimentos prévios estabelecidos na vida cotidiana, boa parte dos Professores ainda abordam os conteúdos de Física de maneira mecanicista e fragmentada. Geralmente, a abordagem segue a relação de tópicos indicado em algum livro didático adotado previamente. No entanto, devido a importância da Física frente ao desenvolvimento tecnológico e também frente à disseminação das tecnologias na sociedade e, pelo fato de que o entendimento qualitativo dos conhecimentos físicos pode facilitar discussões futuras e a educação científica, justifica-se tentar contribuir para melhoria do ensino de Física nesta série. Neste sentido, foi elaborada uma sequência didática sobre pressão, com a intenção de estimular o processo ensino-aprendizagem deste assunto fazendo uso do conhecimento prévio de proporcionalidade existente na estrutura cognitiva dos alunos. Como referencial teórico foi utilizada a teoria da aprendizagem significativa de David Ausubel. A proposta foi elaborada a partir da ideia de que existe relações de proporcionalidade entre as grandezas que definem o conceito de pressão. Assim, num primeiro momento, foi feito um levantamento dos conhecimentos prévios dos alunos. Em seguida, fizemos uso de situações-problema focalizados no cotidiano dos estudantes, objetivando apresentar um organizador prévio sobre as relações de proporcionalidade discutidas em questões de abrangência geral. A partir daí o assunto pressão foi abordado de maneira específica, buscando a diferenciação progressiva e a reconciliação integradora. A implementação do trabalho foi realizada em uma turma do 9o ano do Ensino Fundamental do Colégio Estadual do Paraná (CEP), em Curitiba, PR, durante o 4o bimestre do ano letivo de 2014. As atividades desenvolvidas foram analisadas de forma qualitativa a partir de dados obtidos das situações-problema resolvidas pelos alunos. A análise dos resultados obtidos, apontaram indícios de aprendizagem significativa, que é o objetivo da sequência didática. / Teaching Physics of content in the 9th grade of elementary school has been a challenge for science teachers, both by the possible lack of preparation as a lack of interest. Despite the State Guidelines geared to teaching that has implications in overcoming conceptual obstacles, built from the interaction between scientific knowledge and previous knowledge set out in everyday life, most of the teachers also address the physical content of mechanistic and fragmented way . Generally, the approach follows the relationship of topics mentioned in any textbook adopted previously. However, because of the importance of physical front of the technological development and also against the dissemination of technologies in society and the fact that the qualitative understanding of physical knowledge can facilitate future discussions and scientific education, it is justified to try to contribute to improving the teaching of physics at series. In this sense, a didactic sequence of pressure was drafted with the intention of stimulating the teaching-learning process of this subject making use of prior knowledge of existing proportionality in the cognitive structure of students. The theoretical framework was used the theory of meaningful learning of David Ausubel. The proposal was developed from the idea that there is proportionality relations between the quantities defining the concept of pressure. So, at first, was made a survey of students' prior knowledge. Then we made use of focused problem situations in daily life of students, aiming at presenting a previous organizer on the relationship of proportionality discussed in general range of issues. From there, the subject pressure was approached in a specific way, seeking the progressive differentiation and integrative reconciliation. The implementation of the work was carried out in a class of 9th grade of elementary school of the State of Paraná College (CEP), in Curitiba, Pr, during the 4th quarter of the school year 2014. The activities were analyzed qualitatively from the data obtained from problem situations resolved by the students. The analysis of results showed significant learning of evidence, which is the goal of the teaching sequence developed.

This mixed methods study compared distance and blended undergraduate environmental students at Royal Roads University (RRU) as they participated in online asynchronous PBL case discussion forums as part of an Ecotoxicology course. This study examined the differences between distance and blended teams in their activity, approaches, and levels of critical thinking in an online PBL activity. Critical thinking was evaluated using the cognitive presence indicators of the community of inquiry framework developed by Garrison, Anderson and Archer (2001). An organization indicator was added to the framework to capture posts that organized the discussion forum layout or the team and the distribution of work. The use of the organization indicator in the thread map analysis revealed that teams adopted one of two approaches to the online PBL activity, either an organic approach or an organizational scaffold approach. An open coding approach to content analysis of the posts was used to develop two coding schemes to capture the use of learning scaffolds and degree of online collaboration respectively. These coding schemes were used to compare scaffolding and collaboration behaviours of distance and blended students during the online PBL activity. The study found that whether teams used the online discussion forums or face-to-face discussion as their primary communication method influenced both the timing and the critical thinking content of the online discussion forums. Student moderators’ choices influenced the structure and approach to the PBL activity, as well as the form of document assembly that was observed in the online discussion forums. The learning scaffolds coding scheme demonstrated that both distance and blended students were reading beyond the assigned reading list. Both distance and blended students appeared to develop skills in identifying information gaps over the progression of the PBL case problems as their observable level of critical thinking remained consistent as the problem scaffolding was faded. Although both environmental and non-environmental work experience may be used to scaffold team learning, they are used differently. Online PBL is a good fit for the Royal Roads University Learning and Teaching Model and may be used to provide some consistency across blended and online course content. / Graduate

Undergraduate software engineering learners demonstrate a lack of motivation with face-to-face classroom education. Limited access to the Internet via PCs and laptops, hinders effective communication and collaboration. However, the majority of learners enrolled for studies in tertiary education, have cellphones and are proficient in the use of digital technology. A technology-enhanced m-learning solution is indicated. This research project evaluates the usability and user experience of an m-learning environment, custom-designed for a tertiary educational context and delivered by mobile handheld devices, features a synthesized framework of categories and criteria, and determines the nature and scope of an emergent digital divide. A design-based research model suited to the context of the study is implemented, gathering quantitative and qualitative data from experts and learners by survey questionnaires. Analysis of data highlights usability and UX problems, provides insight into an emergent digital divide and suggests guidelines specific to the design of m-learning implementations. / Educational Studies / M. Sc. (Information Systems)

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of context-based problem solving instruction (CBPSI) on the problem solving performance of Grade 10 learners, who performed poorly in mathematics. A cognitive load theory (CLT) was used to frame the study. In addition, CLT was used to: 1) facilitate the interpretation and explanation of participants‟ problem solving performance; and, 2) influence the design of CBPSI to hone participants‟ problem solving skills. The study was conducted in the Gauteng province of South Africa and involved a two-week intervention program in each of the nine participating high schools. Participants consisted of 783 learners and four Grade 10 mathematics teachers. A non-equivalent control group design was employed, consisting of a pre- and post- measure. In addition, classroom observations and semi-structured interviews were conducted with teachers and learners. Teachers employed conventional problem solving instructions in four control schools while the researcher implemented CBPSI in five experimental schools. Instruction in experimental schools entailed several worked-out context-based problem solving examples given to participants in worksheets. The main aspects of CBPSI embraced elements of the effects of self-explanation and split-attention, as advocated by CLT. Due to the design of CBPSI participants in experimental schools became familiar with the basic context-based problem solving tasks that were presented to them through the worked-out example samples. In turn, the associated cognitive load of problem solving tasks was gradually reduced. The principal instrument for data collection was a standardized Functional Mathematics Achievement Test. The pre-test determined participants‟ initial problem solving status before intervention. A post-test was given at the end of intervention to benchmark change in the functionality of CBPSI over a two-week period. Using one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and other statistical techniques the study found that participants in experimental schools performed significantly better than participants in control schools on certain aspects of problem solving performance. In addition, semi-structured interviews and classroom observations revealed that participants rated CBPSI highly. On the whole, the study showed that CBPSI is an effective instructional tool to enhance the problem solving performance of Grade 10 mathematics learners. / Mathematics Education / D. Phil. (Mathematics, Science and Technology Education)

The teaching project HIS (Holistic International STEMs – Learning with case studies and real life industry experiences) is presented as part of the poster session. Experience shows that German (outgoing) and international (incoming) students have difficulties to communicate properly at the workplace in Germany as well as abroad due to language differences, especially in STEM terms. In addition, young professionals often do not have experience in working in international or virtual teams. All those challenges are current job requirements, not just in global companies. But: How to teach this in higher education? The classical formats of lectures or seminars are not suitable. Therefore, there is a need to develop and prove new teaching formats, within the curriculum as well as extracurricular. With focus on STEM subjects the presented project combines three current impacts on higher education: Internationalization, digitalization, and labor market orientation. The concept of the project is that STEM students from different countries will attend an international, virtual summer school (April to June 2016). They solve real-life job case studies together in small interdisciplinary teams. The participants are mentored by national and international industry partners and STEM professors. With such, the participants will improve language and communication skills, and apply and exchange their expertise as well as gain intercultural work experience. The concept was awarded by the “Stifterverband für die deutsche Wissenschaft” (Donors association for the promotion of humanities and sciences in Germany). The poster introduces the project and exemplary the three-dimensional assignments of one case study (occupational, lingual, and intercultural). At present, the project should be handled as a “project in progress”. Keywords: technology, teaching projects, STEM, internationalization, digitalization, labor market orientation, employability, job orientation, competencies, development of new curricula

No description available.

No / Despite an explosion of interest in improving safety and reducing error in health care, one important aspect of patient safety that has received little attention is a systematic approach to education and training for the whole health care workforce. This article describes an evaluation of an innovative multiprofessional, team-based training program that embeds patient safety within quality improvement methods. METHODS: Kirkpatrick's "levels of evaluation" model was adopted to evaluate the program in health organizations across one city in the north of England. Questionnaires were used to assess reaction of participants to the program (Level 1). Improvements in patient safety knowledge and patient safety culture (Level 2) were assessed using a 12-item multiple-choice questionnaire and a culture questionnaire. Interviews and project-specific quantitative measurements were used to assess changes in professional practice and patient outcomes (Levels 3 and 4). RESULTS: All aspects of the program were positively received by participants. Few participants completed the MCQ at both time points, but those who did showed improvement in knowledge. There were some small but significant improvements in patient safety culture. Interviews revealed a number of additional benefits beyond the specific problems addressed. Most importantly, 8 of the 11 teams showed improvements in patient safety practices and/or outcomes. DISCUSSION: This program is an example of interprofessional education in practice and demonstrates that team-based learning using quality improvement methods is feasible and can be effective in improving patient safety, but requires time and space for participants. Alignment with continuing education arrangements could support mainstream adoption of this approach within organizations. / Despite an explosion of interest in improving safety and reducing error in health care, one important aspect of patient safety that has received little attention is a systematic approach to education and training for the whole health care workforce. This article describes an evaluation of an innovative multiprofessional, team-based training program that embeds patient safety within quality improvement methods. Methods: Kirkpatrick's “levels of evaluation” model was adopted to evaluate the program in health organizations across one city in the north of England. Questionnaires were used to assess reaction of participants to the program (Level 1). Improvements in patient safety knowledge and patient safety culture (Level 2) were assessed using a 12-item multiple-choice questionnaire and a culture questionnaire. Interviews and project-specific quantitative measurements were used to assess changes in professional practice and patient outcomes (Levels 3 and 4). Results: All aspects of the program were positively received by participants. Few participants completed the MCQ at both time points, but those who did showed improvement in knowledge. There were some small but significant improvements in patient safety culture. Interviews revealed a number of additional benefits beyond the specific problems addressed. Most importantly, 8 of the 11 teams showed improvements in patient safety practices and/or outcomes. Discussion: This program is an example of interprofessional education in practice and demonstrates that teambased learning using quality improvement methods is feasible and can be effective in improving patient safety, but requires time and space for participants. Alignment with continuing education arrangements could support mainstream adoption of this approach within organizations.

Problem-based learning (PBL) is an active teaching strategy that could be implemented in the South African educational system to assist in developing problem-solving skills, critical thinking skills, collaborative skills, self-directed learning and intrinsic motivation in students. Even though it is not easy to drift from a teacher-centred strategy to a student-centred strategy, but this drift is supposed to be a paradigm drift for the nation. ‘Physics is difficult’ has been the anthem of students in South African high schools. This has led to lower pass rates in physics and as a result low physics career person in society. Physics students in high schools need to be exposed to the PBL strategy since the PBL strategy focuses on real-life problems to develop problem-solving skills, critical thinking skills and self-directed learning in students which are the skills needed for concept formation in Physical Science. Basically, the education of Physical Science students focused on the ability to acquire skills to solve real-life problems. This study focuses on exploring the experiences of high school physics teachers at Entsikeni cluster, South African, when implementing problem-based learning (PBL) in their physics classrooms. The study uses the mixed-method approach where three different research instruments were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data sequentially. Questionnaires, RTOP and interview protocol were employed. The findings of the study indicate that teachers project positive attitudes toward the PBL strategy but may probably not continue to use it because it requires more time than that which is allocated in the Curriculum Assessment and Policy Statement (CAPS) Physical Science document and as a result may not be able to finish their ATP on time. Teachers are teaching physics with no specialization in physics, which probably could lead to poor, pass rates in Physical Science. Teachers were inexperienced in teaching physics in the FET and could probably affect students’ academic performance. It is recommended they apply the PBL strategy to correct the negative effect of their inexperience on students’ performance. It is evident that if inexperienced trained teachers apply an instructional strategy based on research, they tend to develop students' performance as compared to applying the traditional instructional strategy. / Science and Technology Education / M. Sc. (Physics Education)