Despite advancements in glass facade systems and rigorous building codes requirements, glass façades often sustain damage or breaches during extreme wind events. This study aims to establish a framework that identifies a multitude of characteristics in common glass façade systems that may contribute to performance of a buildings with glass facades during natural wind disasters. Through a comprehensive analysis of damaged structures, common characteristics susceptible to damage after such events were identified. These characteristics served as a catalyst to explore other characteristic that may affect the performance of a structure's facade during extreme wind events. The identified characteristics were categorized into three groups: architectural components, structural components, and environmental. Proposed quantifiable methods aim to obtain qualitative measurements of existing glass facades. In the end, this thesis contributes to the broader goal of understanding the performance of glass facades during extreme wind events. / Master of Science / Despite advances in building design and construction standards, glass on buildings remain vulnerable to damage during severe windstorms. This study aims to develop a system that identifies key factors that contribute to a building's glass façade system during natural disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes. By analyzing data from damaged structures, common characteristics were identified that are prone to damage during extreme wind events. These findings have led to explore other factors that may impact a facade's performance in such situations. These factors were categorized into three main groups: architectural features, structural elements, and environmental considerations. The proposed methods obtain a numeral value that is measured from existing structures. Ultimately, this research aims to improve the understanding of glass facades from challenges posed by severe weather events.

In 2006 the Gauteng Department of Basic Education (GDoBE) launched a pilot project to introduce Assessment for Learning (AfL). This initiative was prompted by learners’ poor performance; especially in subjects such as Mathematics and English. The AfL project was introduced in selected primary and secondary schools. Grade 5 teachers for all subjects and Grade 10 teachers for all subjects within selected primary and secondary schools formed part of the pilot project. These teachers were oriented and introduced to AfL, after which workshops to strengthen teachers’ understanding and skills of AfL were conducted. Lead educators (District Learning Area facilitators or Subject Advisors), were required to monitor and support participating schools and teachers in implementing AfL. Based on a literature and empirical study, the researcher explored the comprehension and implementation of AfL by selected primary school Mathematics teachers that participated in the AfL pilot project of the GDoBE. The empirical study was approached by means of a qualitative research design in the form of a multiple case study. Individual interviews, observations and focus group interviews were used to collect data from purposive selected teachers from three Gauteng Districts (Johannesburg West, Johannesburg North and Ekurhuleni South). Both Township and ex-Model C primary schools were included in the study and eventually a total of 11 Mathematics teachers from these schools participated in the study. The research results revealed that the sampled teachers’ comprehension of AfL can be rated as satisfactory since they realise its potential in terms of learning and learner development. Moreover, these teachers show an awareness of the relation between formative (AfL) and summative assessment (assessment of learning (AoL)). With regard to its implementation, it is clear that a lack of support from colleagues, School Management Teams (SMTs) and District officials impede on the successful implementation of AfL. Other factors hampering the implementation of AfL include time constraints, uncertainty about appropriate resources and the simultaneous implementation of the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS) and the Gauteng Primary Literacy Mathematics Strategy (GPLMS). It is further noted that the elements of AfL, which includes the sharing of learning intentions, questioning, feedback and peer and self-assessment, are all mediocrely implemented. / MEd (Learning and Teaching), North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2014

In 2006 the Gauteng Department of Basic Education (GDoBE) launched a pilot project to introduce Assessment for Learning (AfL). This initiative was prompted by learners’ poor performance; especially in subjects such as Mathematics and English. The AfL project was introduced in selected primary and secondary schools. Grade 5 teachers for all subjects and Grade 10 teachers for all subjects within selected primary and secondary schools formed part of the pilot project. These teachers were oriented and introduced to AfL, after which workshops to strengthen teachers’ understanding and skills of AfL were conducted. Lead educators (District Learning Area facilitators or Subject Advisors), were required to monitor and support participating schools and teachers in implementing AfL. Based on a literature and empirical study, the researcher explored the comprehension and implementation of AfL by selected primary school Mathematics teachers that participated in the AfL pilot project of the GDoBE. The empirical study was approached by means of a qualitative research design in the form of a multiple case study. Individual interviews, observations and focus group interviews were used to collect data from purposive selected teachers from three Gauteng Districts (Johannesburg West, Johannesburg North and Ekurhuleni South). Both Township and ex-Model C primary schools were included in the study and eventually a total of 11 Mathematics teachers from these schools participated in the study. The research results revealed that the sampled teachers’ comprehension of AfL can be rated as satisfactory since they realise its potential in terms of learning and learner development. Moreover, these teachers show an awareness of the relation between formative (AfL) and summative assessment (assessment of learning (AoL)). With regard to its implementation, it is clear that a lack of support from colleagues, School Management Teams (SMTs) and District officials impede on the successful implementation of AfL. Other factors hampering the implementation of AfL include time constraints, uncertainty about appropriate resources and the simultaneous implementation of the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS) and the Gauteng Primary Literacy Mathematics Strategy (GPLMS). It is further noted that the elements of AfL, which includes the sharing of learning intentions, questioning, feedback and peer and self-assessment, are all mediocrely implemented. / MEd (Learning and Teaching), North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2014

Syftet med denna studie var att utveckla fördjupade kunskaper om bedömningshandlingar i matematikklassrummet utifrån ett elevperspektiv och två frågeställningar ställdes: Vad kännetecknar de bedömningshandlingar som kommuniceras under matematiklektioner? Hur uppfattar elever de bedömningshandlingar de tar emot och ger under matematiklektioner utifrån sitt lärande och sin utveckling? Studien genomfördes i form av en fallstudie i en skolklass årskurs fyra. Klassrumsobservationer och elevintervjuer användes för insamling av empiriskt material. Resultatet visar att de bedömningshandlingar som kommuniceras i matematikklassrummet till stor del är handlingar som i forskning beskrivs som gynnsamma för lärandet. Några observationer och uppfattningar skiljer sig i resultatet. Det är tydligt att arbetet med normer och regler för kamratbedömning och kamratsamverkan i klassrummet kan utvecklas mer. Frågor används frekvent i klassrummet och en stor del av frågorna handlar om läs- och begreppsförståelse, vilket kan göra att de matematiska processerna kommer i skymundan. En avsaknad av tydliga mål och kriterier syns under lektionerna. Några elever uttrycker att de uppfattar eller sätter egna mål för undervisningen, något som kan ge dessa elever fördel i undervisningen. Utifrån denna studie kan tre områden ses som gynnsamma att reflektera över för utveckling i matematikklassrummet: Normer och regler för kamratsamverkan, vilka frågor som ställs och hur mål och kriterier kommuniceras.

Syftet med denna litteraturstudie har varit att ta reda på vad forskning säger om hur elevers lärande kan synliggöras och stödjas med formativ bedömning, samt hur elevers delaktighet i lärandet kan stöttas med formativ bedömning i NO-undervisning i skolans tidigare år. Metoden för detta arbete har varit en systematisk litteraturstudie vilket innebär att sökning och analys av tidigare forskning har genomförts på ett systematiskt sätt. Litteraturen har sökts i databaserna Summon, ERIC Ebsco, avhandlingar.se, DiVa och NorDiNa. Sökresultatet mynnade ut i åtta vetenskapliga artiklar som ligger till grund för studien. För att synliggöra och stödja elevers lärande visade sig bland annat klassrumsprocesser, gruppdiskussioner, elevarbeten, lärarens ämneskompetens, tydliggörande av mål samt begreppsanvändande vara betydelsefulla faktorer i relation till formativ bedömning. Formativ bedömning väcker intresse som en metod gynnsam för lärande, och fler studier behöver göras för att öka kompetensen och säkra kvalitén med denna metod.

This dissertation deals with the didactic consequences of assessment for learning (AfL) in the subject of physical education and health (PEH) at three upper secondary schools in Sweden. The purpose of the study is to investigate how assessment for learning is realised in PEH and what triadic relations between the teacher, student and subject content are established in the formative assessment practice. The empirical material consists of group reflections within a Teacher Learning Community (TLC) as well as field studies, including lesson observations and semi structured interviews with both students and teachers. In the first step of the analysis the material is categorized by means of the five key strategies (Wiliam, 2010a), in order to identify different ways of working with AfL in upper secondary PEH. The second step is a combination of a governmentality (Foucault, 1978/1991b), a performativity (Ball, 2003) and a didactic (Hudson, 2002) analysis, which illuminates what triadic relations are established under different conditions of governance. The findings highlight five fabrications of AfL in PEH, named after their most prominent features or functions, AfL as: i) Empowerment, ii) Physical Activation, iii) Grade Generation, iv) Constructive Alignment, v) Negotiation. ”Among the products of discursive practices are the very persons who engage in them” (Davies & Harré, 2001, p. 263). Accordingly, different teacher and student subjects as well as characteristics of the subject content are constituted in each of these fabrications. Moreover, the so called ‘backwash effect’ (Torrance, 2012) implies that the contrasting versions of AfL promote different kinds of learning, such as: i) increased autonomy, ii) participation in a community of practice, iii) criteria compliance, iv) acquisition of prescribed abilities, v) group development. However, the big idea of AfL is to adapt the teaching to the students and not the students to the knowledge requirements. Hence, this dissertation could serve as a basis for discussion on possible didactic implications of AfL in PEH.

The failure to translate evidence into clinical practice has been repeatedly highlighted. This failure is partly attributed to disregarding the context within which healthcare is delivered. The aim of this thesis was to develop and psychometrically evaluate the Context Assessment for Community Health (COACH) tool, and, through that process, provide opportunities to measure aspects of context perceived to be important for Knowledge Translation (KT) interventions in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). All four studies in this thesis were mainly undertaken in Quang Ninh province, Vietnam during 2008–2014. Study II, however, was also conducted in four other LMICs (Bangladesh, Nicaragua, South Africa, and Uganda). Study I employed inductive content analysis of 16 focus group discussions to explore the influence of context in a community-based facilitation intervention in Vietnam. Studies II and III reported on the development of the COACH tool and assessment of its psychometric properties. Study IV used the COACH tool in a survey among health workers in Vietnam. To date, three sources of evidence regarding validity of the COACH tool have been provided, that is, test content, response processes, and internal instrument structure, with promising psychometric characteristics. The COACH tool could be used as means of characterizing aspects of context ahead of KT interventions, for tailoring KT strategies, and for further understanding of the results of KT interventions. / Context Assessment for Community Health

The aim of this study is to investigate how learning intentions are sheared and clarified during lessons, as a part of formative assessment. Studies have shown that the capability of formative assessment is an important part of teacher quality and that clarifying the intention with the lessons promotes the activity in the classroom. My study is going to focus on mathematic in a second grade class. The three questions that I am going to investigate are: How learning intentions and criteria for success are sheared and clarified in the instruction in mathematic? How do the pupils describe what the learning intentions in mathematic are? How do the pupils describe how they get to know the learning intentions in mathematic?   The method that I have used to investigate the first question is observation of eight lessons in mathematic, in two different mathematic groups. The second and third questions focus on the pupils and interviews with pupils are therefore used to investigate them.   Formative assessment and strategy one, clarifying and shearing learning intentions and criteria for success are used as a theoretical framework in the analyze of the results. The conclusions I have reached are that the mathematic book is a big prat of the lessons and both the teacher and the pupils make it seem like the main intention of the lessons. A summative test was done during the study and it indicated that high scores seem to be more in focus than the knowledge and understanding. Almost all the pupil that I interviewed describe their IUP-intentions (plan for individually developing) that they have been given in the beginning of the year. The pupils were not sure what the intentions meant and told me that they never used them after they get them, which they do in the Swedish education.

Online learning, which began in the area of tertiary and adult learning and professional development, has been spreading rapidly as an alternative way for students to pursue learning in the K-12 sector. While adult learners may be expected to be more experienced students and cope with the variations in the implementation of online learning, younger K-12 students need a more structured approach to organize their online learning experiences. Formative assessment has been promoted as a means of enhancing all learning, including online learning. This study explored the use of the formative assessment process in the design and facilitation of an asynchronous discussion among high school students. The community of inquiry model provided a lens for the evaluation of the learners' experiences, and students' cognitive presence was assessed in this quasi experimental study. The study addressed whether implementation of an assessment for learning approach in the design and facilitation of an asynchronous discussion would result in significant differences in cognitive presence messages. Content analysis was used to classify discussants' statements according to levels of cognitive presence. Chi-squared analysis was performed to determine independence among levels of cognitive presence and assessment for learning. The findings indicated that there was a significant relationship between the incidence of different levels of cognitive presence statements and assessment for learning. The findings also suggested a way to empower K-12 online learners to play a more significant role in their learning and make their experiences more impactful. However, study with more diverse populations and incorporating measures of achievement is recommended.

<p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Bedömning inom skolan är något komplext och bedömningsbegrepp likaså, hur de definieras, tolkas och används. Hur bedömning förmedlas till en elev är av stor betydelse för det fortsatta lärandet. Rätt utformad kan denna förmedling resultera i ett ökat engagemang hos eleven och en förbättring av elevens lärande. Behovet av att förstå bedömningsprocesser och olika former av bedömning är idag högaktuellt inom svensk grundskola i och med att landets skolor och rektorer givits i uppdrag att utforma skriftliga omdömen från skolår 1. Även om det gått snart ett år sedan uppdraget gavs är det i kontakter med lärare och rektorer tydligt att utformandet av skriftliga omdömen i många fall är en process som är långt ifrån klar. För att kunna utforma dessa omdömen på tillfredsställande sätt behövs djupare kunskaper om bedömningsbegrepp.</p><p> </p><p>Denna studie är en forskningsöversikt, en analytisk undersökning av aktuell forskning kring bedömningsbegreppet. I översikten problematiseras bedömningsbegreppet inom skolans värld för att tydliggöra hur olika former av bedömning definieras och används inom svensk och anglosaxisk forskning. Undersökningen omfattar 48 källor, varav 27 svenska. Dessa har analyserats genom en studie av definitioner, argument, formuleringar, författarnas perspektiv och eventuella personliga ställningstaganden, samt om de är att betrakta som problematiserande eller enbart konstaterande.</p><p> </p><p>Resultatet visar att det inom den anglosaxiska forskningen, som dominerar den internationella forskningen kring bedömning, finns en betydligt högre grad av problematisering och diskussion kring bedömningsbegrepp än inom svensk forskning. Inom svensk forskning är det istället lätt att tro att det råder konsensus i hur man tolkar och förstår bedömningsbegrepp. Denna villfarelse skapas av en brist på definitioner och en avsaknad av diskussioner kring begrepp. Istället problematiseras summativ bedömning i form av betyg utifrån frågan om likvärdighet, en diskussion som saknas i anglosaxisk forskning.</p><p> </p><p>Vid en jämförelse av svensk och anglosaxisk forskning kring bedömning framträder en tydlig skillnad i fokus, även om svensk forskning börjar närma sig ett anglosaxiskt perspektiv. Detta genom att inta ett övergripande perspektiv på bedömning istället för att se formativ och summativ bedömning som separata företeelser. Att tala övergripande i termer av kunskapsbedömning innebär dock inte att svårigheterna för bedömning att uppfylla kraven för att tillskrivas såväl formativ som summativ karaktär försvinner Detta är något som den anglosaxiska forskningen tydligt vittnar om.</p>