This study examined differences in the effects of three active-learning teaching strategies (case-based learning, simulation, and simulation with narrative pedagogy) on the outcomes of nursing student performance of intervention activities, performance retention of intervention activities, student satisfaction, self-confidence, and educational practice preferences. Engagement theory of student learning provided the overarching theoretical framework. An experimental posttest-only design incorporating two posttests (first performance and retention performance) was used with a sample of 74 nursing students at the University of Iowa College of Nursing. Students attended a cardiac lecture and completed a cardiac test prior to the teaching strategies. Students were randomly assigned and participated in one of the three active-learning teaching strategies and completed the Demographic Questionnaire, the Satisfaction and Self-Confidence in Learning Instrument, and the Educational Practices Questionnaire. Week 3 of the study, after the teaching strategies students participated in an individual performance demonstration in which they implemented nursing intervention activities in response to a cardiovascular scenario interacting with a high-fidelity mannequin. Week 8 of the study, another individual retention performance demonstration was completed by the students using a different case scenario. Both performance demonstrations were digitally recorded and scored using the Student Performance Demonstration Rubric. Two-way mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a significant main effect (within-subjects effect) of time, meaning that students in all three teaching strategy groups experienced improved performance of nursing interventions over time, from first performance to retention performance. No significant interaction effect (within-subjects) for time and teaching strategy groups were found. There was also no significant main effect (between-subjects effect) of teaching strategy groups (F 2, 71 = 2.33, p = .105). An exploratory one-way ANOVA on student's first performance rubric scores revealed results approaching significance for the three groups (F 2, 71 = 2.90, p = .06). The simulation with narrative pedagogy group had the highest first performance mean (72.74), followed by the case-based learning group mean (70.68), and finally the simulation group scored the lowest mean (66.16). One-way ANOVA revealed no significant differences across the groups for students' Satisfaction Total scores, Self-Confidence Total scores, and Presence and Importance of Educational Practices Total scores.

In this thesis, teaching and learning issues involved in end-user information retrieval from electronic databases are examined. A two-stage model of the information retrieval process, based on information processing theory, is proposed; and a framework for the teaching of information literacy is developed. The efficacy of cognitive psychology as a theoretical framework that enhances the understanding of a number of information retrieval issues, is discussed. These issues include: teaching strategies that can assist the development of conceptual knowledge of the information retrieval process; individual differences affecting information retrieval performance, particularly problemsolving ability; and expert and novice differences in search performance. The researcher investigated the impact of concept-based instruction on the development of information retrieval skills through the use of a two-stage experimental study conducted with undergraduates students at the University of Canberra, Australia. Phase 1 was conducted with 254 first-year undergraduates in 1997, with a 40 minute concept-based teaching module as the independent variable. A number of research questions were proposed: 1. Wdl type of instruction influence acquisition of knowledge of electronic database searching? 2. Will type of instruction influence information retrieval effectiveness? 3. Are problem-solving ability and information retrieval effectiveness related? 4. Are problem-solving ability and cognitive maturity related? 5. Are there any differences in the search behaviour of more effective and less effective searchers? Subjects completed a pre-test which measured knowledge of electronic databases, and problem-solving ability; and a post-test that measured changes in these abilities. Subjects in the experimental treatment were taught the 40 minute concept-based module, which incorporated teaching strateges grounded in leaming theory. The strategies included: the use of analogy; modelling; and the introduction of complexity. The aims of the module were to foster the development of a realistic concept of the information retrieval process; and to provide a problem-solving heuristic to guide subjects in their search strategy formulation. All subjects completed two post-tests: a survey that measured knowledge of search terminology and strategies; and an information retrieval assignment that measured effectiveness of search design and execution. Results suggested that using a concept-based approach is significantly more effective than using a traditional, skills-demonstration approach in the teaching of information retrieval. This effectiveness was both in terms of increasing knowledge of the search process; and in terms of improving search outcomes. Further, results suggested that search strategy formulation is significantly correlated with electronic database knowledge, and problemsolving ability; and that problem-solving ability and level of cognitive maturity may be related. Results supported the two-stage model of the information retrieval process suggested by the researcher as one possible construct of the thinking processes underlying information retrieval. These findings led to the implementation of Phase 2 of the research in 1999. Subjects were 68 second-year undergraduate students at the University of Canberra. In this Phase, concept-based teaching techniques were used to develop four modules covering a range of information literacy skills, including: critical thinking; information retrieval strategies; evaluation of sources; and determining relevance of articles. Results confirmed that subjects taught by methods based on leaming theory paradigms (the experimental treatment group), were better able to design effective searches than subjects who did not receive such instruction (the control treatment group). Further, results suggested that these teaching methods encouraged experimental group subjects to locate material from more credible sources than did control group subjects. These findings are of particular significance, given the increasing use of the unregulated intemet environment as an information source. Taking into account literature reviewed, and the results of Phases 1 and 2, a model of the information retrieval process is proposed. Finally, recognising the central importance of the acquisition of information literacy to student success at university, and to productive membership of the information society, a detailed framework for the teaching of information literacy in higher education is suggested.

This Field Study Report aims to advocate that the target culture should also be taught while teaching the English language to Chinese students. Chinese students are learning English to communicate and socialize with the English speaking people. But learning only the English language is not enough for this purpose. They have to learn the way the English speaking people express themselves, their value judgements, and their customs. In the review of literature, many linguists like Chastain and Rivers share this same opinion. English teaching in China started more than one hundred years ago. The traditional teaching method still has some influence. The present curriculum appears a little unbalanced. Some of the teaching materials are found to be inadequate to teach the target culture. To illustrate some cross-cultural interferences, a survey questionnaire was conducted among some Chinese students and some Australian students. The data obtained from the survey indicated some selected problem areas for the Chinese students in talking with the native speakers of English. Two teaching aids were designed. One is a fifteenminute video tape, the other is three simulation exercises. They demonstrate several cultural conflicts between the English speakers and Chinese English learners. Both the video tape and the simulation were trialled among the Chinese students. They proved to be relatively effective in teaching the target culture. The trialling convinced this writer that it was possible for a teacher of English to prepare teaching aids such as video and simulation exercises. However, this may be very time consuming. But the result of the trialling proved that it was worth the time and effort.

Abstract   The purpose of this study was to examine how teachers in regular classrooms include pupils with special educational needs. I also wanted to find out what support teachers get of special education teachers, and the teaching perspective the teachers have when they work whit pupils. The teachers that have been interviewed and observed in this study work in regular classes.   This report is a qualitative study based on interviews and observations whit four teachers. The results indicate that the teachers are conscious of how they teach and their teaching strategies. The teachers agree that all students should be included in regular education, because learning occurs in the interaction between individuals. No one should be excluded from their regular classroom. But for students with special needs to receive an equal education, there should be more resources in the classroom. Special educators should be more involved in the regular teaching, to create conditions to a school for all pupils.     Keywords: Inclusion, pupils whit special educational needs, regular classroom teaching, special education, teaching strategies, a school for all.

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine a problem of practice present in an actual school district. The study examined the achievement gap that existed between African American and European American students in eighth grade science. Over the course of one school year, the perceptions of five eighth grade science teachers and an administrative team’s series of strategies were explored in a suburban middle school in Southeast Texas. Since the enactment of the federal No Child Left Behind Act (2001), the achievement gap has been discussed and studied. However, few studies have investigated the strategies used by teachers to close the achievement gap for African American students who attend suburban schools. This study examined the perceptions of five science teachers about the achievement gap at one suburban middle school, and identified and described the teaching methods and practices, aimed at closing the achievement gap as measured by the performance of African American students on the eighth grade Science Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) test. Participants were the eighth grade science teachers at the chosen school. The results yielded a reduction in the achievement gap for African American students in eighth grade science on the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills; 90% of the African American students passed the Science TAKS test in comparison to the 77% pass rate the previous school year. Member checking and peer debriefing were used to establish trustworthiness. Recommendations for future study include a comparison of culturally responsive teaching and Quantum Learning (2008) strategies, as well as areplication of the identified strategies in the study to other suburban and urban schools, and districts.

<p>The purpose of this essay is to find out how upper secondary English teachers should work in order to reach the weaker students. I am interested in what has been written about mixed-ability classes, the challenges they present and most of all how teachers of English need to work in such classes to reach all students, especially the weaker ones.</p><p>I have also interviewed three upper secondary teachers about how they work to reach the weaker students in their classes.</p><p>My findings are that, according to the teachers interviewed, the best way to deal with the problem is to bring back ability grouping. The literature I read mostly had negative views on this method and stressed the importance of differentiation and motivation instead. Both the literature and the teachers claimed that a good atmosphere, clear instructions, structure and setting routines were the most important factors when working with mixed ability classes.</p>

<p>Abstract:</p><p>The aim with this study is to discuss teachers’ individual views and thoughts regarding working with pupils with reading problems in foreign language learning. The study is based on qualitative research and includes interviews with four working teachers at the upper secondary level at one school. The main focus is to illustrate strategies expressed by the teachers involved in this study concerning pupils and reading problems in foreign language learning. Some of the earlier studies done regarding this subject emphasize motivation as a good strategy to use in school in order to pay more attention to pupils and encourage them to do better. Furthermore, teachers should work with literature in a new way, thus making use of the new technology available such as computers and projectors. New technology would make education more appealing and allow pupils to be involved with literature in a new way, familiar to the pupils’ daily life activities.</p><p>This study is done accordingly to the approach of two theories, namely phenomenography and reader-response theory. This study does not aim to show any right or wrong strategies from the teachers, it only assumes to show their own thoughts and views regarding this issue. Hopefully this study would help and bring new ideas to forthcoming teachers about reading disabilities and teaching strategies.</p>

The Swedish curriculum points out mathematical communication as one of the importantabilities that students need to develop. Previous studies show that students have not been given the right conditions to develop this ability sufficiently. The purpose of this study is to investigate how some Swedish teachers interpret mathematical communication and how the work with this takes place in their classrooms. The investigation consists of qualitative interviews with six teachers in the grades of Fk-3. The interviews have been focused around the teacher's interpretation regarding mathematical communication, how this is reflected in their work in the classroom and also if they see any advantages or difficulties in working with mathematical communication with their pupils. The result of the study shows that the teachers are well aware of the importance of communication and they have a will and an intention to let the pupils communicate mathematically. Mathematical communication is emphasized mainly as important for the pupil's learning and understanding. A difficulty some of the teachers mention is that communication needs time and there is a risk that pupils possibility to develop communicative abilities are limited and do not get the focus the teacher actually think is needed. / Matematisk kommunikation framhålls som en viktig förmåga i våra styrdokument samtidigtsom granskningar har visat att eleverna inte alltid har givits tillräckliga möjligheter attutveckla denna förmåga. Syftet med detta arbete är att, utifrån en fenomenologisk ansats, undersöka hur några lärare tolkar och arbetar med matematisk kommunikation i årskurserna Fk-3. För att uppnå detta har kvalitativa intervjuer genomförts med sex yrkesverksammalärare som arbetar inom årskurserna Fk-3. Intervjuerna har berört lärarnas syn på matematisk kommunikation, hur detta tar sig i uttryck i deras klassrum, samt vilka möjligheter och svårigheter lärarna ser med att arbeta med matematisk kommunikation med eleverna. Resultatet visar att de intervjuade lärarna är väl medvetna om vikten av kommunikation inom matematik och att de har en vilja och avsikt att låta eleverna arbeta tillsammans inom matematiken. Den matematiska kommunikationen ses framförallt som viktig för elevernas förståelse och lärande. En svårighet några av lärarna upplever är att kommunikation kräver tid och några uttrycker att det, då det är många delar som ska hinnas med, finns en risk att elevernas möjlighet till kommunikation begränsas.

The intraverbal is argued to be the most socially significant verbal operant and yet it is the least studied. Heal and Hanley (2011) suggest that different teaching strategies will lead to different rates of acquisition and child-preference with the tacting operant. This study continued this research into the realm of intraverbals, with focus on whether the embedded teaching strategy could be punishing on play or engaging in learning opportunities. The teaching strategies of discovery teaching, embedded prompting, and direct teaching were compared to see which strategy correlated with higher rates of acquisition and higher child preference. The study utilized a multi-element design by rapidly alternating teaching strategies while evaluating rate of acquisition and number of learning opportunities within the teaching strategies. Child preference was also demonstrated through card selection of associated teaching strategies in a concurrent chains agreement design. The teaching strategies differed in the amount of teacher directedness and taught intraverbal "Wh" questions. It was found through this study that embedded prompting did not punish play or the engagement in learning opportunities. The three participants preferred the three strategies differently and all participants were responding correctly the highest percentage of the time during the direct teaching contingencies by the end of the teaching sessions.

Teachers’ expectations for African-American students and the role of students’ race in teachers’ expectations is the focus of this report. Several studies have indicated that teacher expectations not only influence African-American students’ academic achievement, but also their classroom behavior. Studies have also suggested that low teacher expectations are a result of a combination of various factors such as teacherstudent race, low socioeconomic background and cultural differences. Low expectations based on incorrect information may lead to self-fulfilling prophecies. This report also sheds light on ways in which school counselors could contribute in changing and sustaining teacher expectations and promoting culture-relevant teaching strategies. / text