Text in German / This dissertation shows the possibilities of interdisciplinary application of principles and methods in bible didactics, adult education, school education and learning style research to Christian education in evangelical free churches. The research objective is the establishment and development of a bible didactic methodology for practical teaching in order to convey biblical contents to postmodern adults. This objective is achieved by the practical-theological establishment of the necessity of basic biblical education in free churches, the presentation of the postmodernist church pedagogical framework for bible courses, the elaboration of possible applications of didactic principles of bible didactics, adult education and school education for conveying biblical contents in bible courses, and finally, by the compilation of suitable bible didactic principles and methods for bible courses. The dissertation closes by stating the requirements of pastors and teachers in free churches as well as the challenges of church pedagogy training for future pastors. / Practical Theology / M. Th. (Practical Theology)

Thesis (MMus (Music))--University of Stellenbosch, 2008. / This study is concerned with determining whether the application of Ned Herrmann’s “whole-brain” model would impact violin teaching in any way. Our educational system places great importance on what has become known as the left-brain modes, that is, reading, writing and arithmetic, to the neglect of the socalled right brain’s cognitive abilities, such as, music, art, intuition and dance. Wellintentioned, yet ill-informed teachers teach learners in ways that make learning difficult or impossible, as they are unaware of how to determine and use the preferred learning style of each learner. When a learner’s learning style is not matched with the method of instruction, the learner’s discomfort level may be so great that it not only interferes with the learning process but it could also ultimately prevent learning from taking place. The researcher, therefore, set out to determine whether the use of whole-brain development would lead to any significant changes in the learning process. For a period of two school terms, case studies using action research were conducted on five of the learners that received instruction from the researcher. The research participants were so chosen as to make the experimental group as homogenous as possible. Data was collected qualitatively by means of diaries and was presented descriptively. Every week the learners received a printed copy of the homework exercises. They recorded their feedback weekly, in their diaries. The researcher, as the teacher of the learners, made weekly observations during lessons. During this research the process of triangulation was used. This process added validity to the study as information about specific aspects was gained from three different perspectives, namely, that of the learners, the teacher and the learners’ accompanists. The accompanists gave their feedback before the start of the research and again at the end. After applying Herrmann’s model for two terms, the following became apparent: • The learners practised more, were more motivated and there was a general improvement in their attitude. • The learners felt that having received a printed copy of the exercises, a whole brain exercise in itself, had helped them to know what and how to practise. • There was a significant change in the playing of the majority of learners (three of the five). • The learners, where significant changes were not apparent in their playing, indicated that their understanding of their practising methods and playing had increased. • The learners felt that they had benefited from the experiment as they all indicated that they would like future lessons to be conducted in the same manner. In view of the positive outcome of the research, and given that this was a pilot study, the researcher suggests that similar studies using larger numbers of learners and involving a longer period of time, be conducted. The inclusion of a control group would also render the findings more conclusive. The researcher also suggests that violin teachers become knowledgeable about learning styles and whole-brain learning if they wish to reach all learners and enable them to achieve their potential.

The purpose of the study was to investigate how the online, computer-based learner's personal learning profile (Preference), the content delivery method supplemented with visual content based on Neil Fleming's VARK (visual, aural, read/write, kinesthetic) model (Content), and the interaction of Preference and Content, influenced learner performance (Performance) and/or learner self-reported satisfaction (Satisfaction). Participants were drawn from a population of undergraduates enrolled in a large public southwestern research university during the fall 2015 semester. The 165 student participants (13.79% completion rate) were comprised of 52 (31.5%) females and 113 (68.5%) males age 18-58+ years with 126 (76.4%) age 18-24 years. For race/ethnicity, participants self-identified as 1 (0.66%) American Indian/Alaska Native, 21 (12.7%) Asian/Pacific Islander, 27 (16.4%) Black, non-Hispanic, 28 (17%) Hispanic, 78 (47.3%) White, non-Hispanic, 10 (6.1%) other. Reported socioeconomic status was 22 (13.3%) withheld, 53 (32.1%) did not know, 45 (27.3%) low, 13 (7.9%) moderately low, 16 (9.7%) middle, 8 (4.8%) upper middle, and 8 (4.8%) upper. This causal-comparative and quasi-experimental, mixed-method, longitudinal study used researcher-developed web-based modules to measure Performance and Satisfaction, and used the criterion p < .05 for statistical significance. A two-way, 4 x 3 repeated measures (Time) analysis of variance (RM-ANOVA) using Preference and Content was statistically significant on each Performance measure over Time, and at two measures on Satisfaction over Time. The RM-ANOVA was statistically significant on between-subjects main effect Performance for read/write modality Content compared to aural and kinesthetic Content. There were no statistically significant main effects observed for Satisfaction. A Pearson r correlation analysis showed that participants that were older, married, and of higher socioeconomic status performed better. The correlation analysis also showed that participants who performed better reported greater likelihood to take online courses in the future, higher motivation, sufficient time and support for studies, and sufficient funding for and access to the Internet. The study results suggested that regardless of Preference, using read/write modality Content based on the VARK model while maintaining the verbal language can yield better Performance outcomes. The study results also suggested that while maintaining the verbal language, Preference, and Content based on the VARK model do not distinguish learner Satisfaction outcomes. However, because Satisfaction has been shown to impact Performance, efficacy, and retention, it matters to educational institutions. Future research should consider more granular models and factorial research methods, because models that utilize a single representative construct score can mask effects when analyzing Performance and Satisfaction.

This paper addresses the question of whether higher education Hispanic students of different nationalities have different perceptual learning style preferences. Independent samples t-tests findings suggest the country of origin of a Hispanic student's parents has a statistically significant relationship (n=165, p<0.0073) with student's learning style preferences. ANOVA results also identified a statistically significant relationship between SES and group learning style (p<0.004,) and between visual learning style and two factors: age (p<0.011) and family education (p<0.033).

This study examined how student characteristics could be used to predict whether or not a community college student would persist in an online course. The research question guiding the study was, “Which student characteristics can be used to best predict the persistence of community college students in online courses?” The student characteristics examined were learning style, locus of control, computer experience and access, previous online experience and demographics. A survey instrument consisting of two previously developed instruments and a Computer Experience scale that was created by the researcher specifically for this study, was administered to online students at one Florida community college for the pilot study and five additional Florida community colleges for the full study. Confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis were conducted on the computer experience scale to determine if there was an underlying hidden structure. Stepwise logistic regression was completed to determine the student characteristics that were significant predictors of online persistence, as well as an equation that could be used to predict whether or not a community college student would persist in an online course. Confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis revealed that the Computer Experience scale consisted of three underlying subscales. The researcher named the three subscales based on the similarities of the variables that were associated with each factor: Factor one (basic computer skills); Factor two (Internet/email skills); Factor three (interactive computing skills). Three of the initial 25 predictor variables were found to be significant predictors of community college online persistence: GPA, auditory learning style, basic computer skills. An increase in both auditory learning style and basic computer skills was associated with a decrease in the odds of course persistence. On the other hand, an increase in GPA was associated with an increase in the odds of course persistence. Additionally, an equation to predict whether or not an online community college student would persist in an online course was developed. Implications for community college administrators as well as recommendations for future studies are also provided in the study. / Dissertation / PhD

There is considerable variation among individuals in the ability to learn a second language. Learning strategy research and learning style research, as two main areas of individual difference research, seek to help learners to �learn how to learn�, and ultimately become autonomous and independent learners. Learning strategy theory postulates that successful learning strategies can be used to good effect by less effective learners, and that teachers can promote good learning strategy usage through classroom instruction. At the same time, for there to be effective instruction to second language learners as to the most efficient learning strategy usage, there must be a research effort that looks not just at the strategies per se, but also gives attention to the cultural background of the students themselves. However, there has been little research into the ways in which low-achieving ESL learners can develop effective learning strategies in a non-western context. The historical, political, social and economic aspects of Taiwan make this small island a fascinating place for researchers interested in exploring how English is taught and learned in a relatively monolingual society (in the sense that Chinese Mandarin is the only official language and is predominately used all over Taiwan). Therefore, this study explores the ESL learning strategies and learning styles of 462 adult learners in Taiwan, making use of Oxford�s Strategy Inventory for Language Learning and Kolb�s Learning Style Inventory. Similarities and differences between the learning strategy usage of the high-achieving and low achieving groups are also investigated. The results show that there was no statistically significant relationship between the learner�s English proficiency level and their individual learning style. In sharp contrast, it was discovered that there was a highly significant relationship between the learner�s English proficiency level and their choice and use of various learning strategies. It was also found that the higher the English proficiency level, the greater the variety of learning strategies adopted, and the more frequently those strategies were used. This study aims to shed some light on the principles that underlie successful language learning, particularly in regards to the utilisation and accommodation of learning strategies and styles. The results of such a study could thus contribute to the field of second language learning in a number of ways: for the learner, the teacher, the school policy maker, and the researcher.

<p>Projektet ”Radio i skolan” riktade sig till elever inom det individuella programmet på en gymnasieskola. Det pågick sammanlagt en termin. Projektet innebar ett arbetssätt där fokus låg på innehåll, att berätta om ett ämne. Uttrycksformen för detta var att göra ett eget radioprogram. Denna fallstudie behandlar detta projekt.</p><p>Syftet med studien var att undersöka hur elever uppfattade det egna lärandet i ett projekt där de fick arbeta med radioproduktion. Ett annat syfte var att undersöka hur involverade pedagoger uppfattade möjligheter och hinder för elevers lärande genom ett sådant estetiskt och ämnesövergripande arbetssätt. Frågorna rörde elevernas uppfattningar av vad de lärt sig, hur de lärt sig, utvecklande av självkänslan samt om pedagogernas roll för detta. En fråga handlade om involverade lärares syn på elevernas lärande och utvecklande av självkänsla.</p><p>Som datainsamlingsmetoder användes både enkäter och intervjuer. Intervjuer gjordes med elever och lärare. De olika resultaten jämfördes med varandra och relaterades till olika teorier.</p><p>Resultaten visar att projektet innebar ett arbetssätt som möjliggjorde lärande på olika sätt. Elever lärde sig genom att använda radioproduktion som redskap. Det innebar även lärande om hantverket, hur man gör en radioproduktion. I mindre omfattning fanns det lärande om tänkandet hur man kan uttrycka berättelser i radioform. Elevers språkutveckling kunde stimuleras i och med att de använde talet mycket. Flera elever ansåg att deras självkänsla utvecklades genom att de utmanade sig själva och vågade. Det framkom också att arbetet upplevdes svårt av flera elever. En viktig del i projektet var att det fanns tydliga mål samt stöd till eleverna i arbetet, från både lärare och en kulturarbetare med erfarenhet av radioproduktion. Resultaten pekar på att deras förmåga att motivera elever hade avgörande betydelse för elevernas läroprocess.</p><p> </p><p> </p> / <p>The project ”Radio in the school” was offered to pupils within the individual programme in one secondary school. It was realized during one term. The project implied a way of work where the focus was on content, to tell about a stuff. The way of expression for this was by making a radio programme. This case study is about this project.</p><p>The aim of this investigation was to find out how students were comprehended their own learning in a project were they made radio programmes. Another aim was to investigate how the teachers involved were comprehended the possibilities and obstacles to learning for pupils through such an aesthetic and subject overarching way of work. The questions concerned the pupil’s comprehension of what they learned, in what way they learned, the development of self-esteem and of the teacher’s part in this.</p><p>Data were collected with questionnaires and interviews. Interviews were made with pupils and teachers. The results were compared with each other and were related to different theories.</p><p> The results indicate that the project implied a way of work which made learning possible in different ways. The pupils learned by using radio production as a tool. It also implied learning about the skill, how to make a radio production. To less extent there was learning about the thinking about how to express the stories in radio. The language of the pupils could develop because they used speech to large extent. The self-esteem of the pupils could grow when they challenged themselves and dared to do new tasks.</p><p>It also appeared that the work was experienced as difficult for several pupils. According to the teachers, an important matter in the project was clearly defined targets and support to the pupils from the teachers and from a cultural worker with knowledge of radio production. The results indicate that their capacity for motivating pupils was of vital importance for their learning process.</p>

The aim of this thesis was to explore Swedish pharmacist students’ learning during pharmacy internship. Internships are meant to introduce students to professional practice. Education programs have to reflect changes in the professional role, and take into account that learning in a professional practice setting differs from organized formal education. This thesis includes both quantitative and qualitative research approaches and applies workplace learning theories. A scheme for measuring pharmacy students’ reflective ability was developed and shown to be feasible and reliable. Factors important for reflection were found to be primarily social and contextual, especially trained tutor and small pharmacy size. Notably, learning style or critical thinking did not correlate to students’ reflective ability. Tutors and students perceived that students used a wide variety of activities supporting learning of a broad repertoire of knowledge and skills, preparing them for coming professional working life. Tutors are most important to support learning. However, the current curriculum and formal activities do not address all these outcomes and learning activities used, e.g. workplace learning. The first overall conclusion is that internship plays an essential part in the pharmacist education program. The integration of formal and informal learning activities during internship, including raising awareness of incidental learning, is important to support students in learning the professional practice of pharmacy. This integration could possibly be strengthened by introducing further tutor training, different assignments, and by using portfolios. The second conclusion is that the community of practice is essential for students’ learning during internship, especially the student-tutor interaction. Hence, the entire social context has to be considered and it is important to ensure a good learning environment at pharmacies during internship. In summary, this thesis contributes to the understanding of students’ learning during pharmacy internship and introduces educational research on the Swedish undergraduate pharmacy education programs.

Projektet ”Radio i skolan” riktade sig till elever inom det individuella programmet på en gymnasieskola. Det pågick sammanlagt en termin. Projektet innebar ett arbetssätt där fokus låg på innehåll, att berätta om ett ämne. Uttrycksformen för detta var att göra ett eget radioprogram. Denna fallstudie behandlar detta projekt. Syftet med studien var att undersöka hur elever uppfattade det egna lärandet i ett projekt där de fick arbeta med radioproduktion. Ett annat syfte var att undersöka hur involverade pedagoger uppfattade möjligheter och hinder för elevers lärande genom ett sådant estetiskt och ämnesövergripande arbetssätt. Frågorna rörde elevernas uppfattningar av vad de lärt sig, hur de lärt sig, utvecklande av självkänslan samt om pedagogernas roll för detta. En fråga handlade om involverade lärares syn på elevernas lärande och utvecklande av självkänsla. Som datainsamlingsmetoder användes både enkäter och intervjuer. Intervjuer gjordes med elever och lärare. De olika resultaten jämfördes med varandra och relaterades till olika teorier. Resultaten visar att projektet innebar ett arbetssätt som möjliggjorde lärande på olika sätt. Elever lärde sig genom att använda radioproduktion som redskap. Det innebar även lärande om hantverket, hur man gör en radioproduktion. I mindre omfattning fanns det lärande om tänkandet hur man kan uttrycka berättelser i radioform. Elevers språkutveckling kunde stimuleras i och med att de använde talet mycket. Flera elever ansåg att deras självkänsla utvecklades genom att de utmanade sig själva och vågade. Det framkom också att arbetet upplevdes svårt av flera elever. En viktig del i projektet var att det fanns tydliga mål samt stöd till eleverna i arbetet, från både lärare och en kulturarbetare med erfarenhet av radioproduktion. Resultaten pekar på att deras förmåga att motivera elever hade avgörande betydelse för elevernas läroprocess. / The project ”Radio in the school” was offered to pupils within the individual programme in one secondary school. It was realized during one term. The project implied a way of work where the focus was on content, to tell about a stuff. The way of expression for this was by making a radio programme. This case study is about this project. The aim of this investigation was to find out how students were comprehended their own learning in a project were they made radio programmes. Another aim was to investigate how the teachers involved were comprehended the possibilities and obstacles to learning for pupils through such an aesthetic and subject overarching way of work. The questions concerned the pupil’s comprehension of what they learned, in what way they learned, the development of self-esteem and of the teacher’s part in this. Data were collected with questionnaires and interviews. Interviews were made with pupils and teachers. The results were compared with each other and were related to different theories.  The results indicate that the project implied a way of work which made learning possible in different ways. The pupils learned by using radio production as a tool. It also implied learning about the skill, how to make a radio production. To less extent there was learning about the thinking about how to express the stories in radio. The language of the pupils could develop because they used speech to large extent. The self-esteem of the pupils could grow when they challenged themselves and dared to do new tasks. It also appeared that the work was experienced as difficult for several pupils. According to the teachers, an important matter in the project was clearly defined targets and support to the pupils from the teachers and from a cultural worker with knowledge of radio production. The results indicate that their capacity for motivating pupils was of vital importance for their learning process.

This study investigated the effects of journal writing with or without giving feedback and grade, compared to the traditional teaching on integral achievement of students with different learning styles. In addition, students&rsquo / ideas about the journal writing activities in the mathematics classes were investigated. The study was carried out with 87 first year engineering students at Atilim University from three classes. Two groups were assigned as experimental groups (EG1 and EG2) and one group was assigned as the control group (CG). Students in all groups received the same instruction on integral. Experimental groups (EG1 and EG2) also engaged in journal writing activities besides lectures. Journal writings of the EG1 students were graded and feedback was given. Journal writings of the EG2 students, however, were not graded and feedback was not given. Two open-ended achievement tests on integral were developed. One of them was used as pre-test / the other was used as post-test. In addition, Kolb&rsquo / s Learning Style Inventory was administered as pre-test to determine the learning styles of the students. Follow-up interviews were conducted with ten students from EG1 and EG2. Additionally, v classrooms were observed during the treatment. The results of the ANCOVA suggest that neither the groups&rsquo / achievement nor the achievement of the students having different learning styles in each group differ significantly on integral. The results of the interviews, however, showed that students found journal writing activities as an effective teaching method and wanted to be engaged in the activity for the future.