In der Didaktik ist zwar die Klassengemeinschaft als pädagogischer Wirkungsfaktor anerkannt und wird sogar als positive Einflußgröße geschätzt, doch wird die durch die Einrichtung stablier Klassen entstehende Sozialdynamik recht selten auf ihre Auswirkungen für das Lernen hin untersucht. Das einst von Carroll entworfene Modell schulischen Lernens, das in seiner Abwandlung zum Konzept des Mastery Learnings einige Prominenz in der Didaktik gewinnen konnte, wird in diesem Beitrag zum Ausgangspunkt für ein Modellierungsansatz gewählt. Ziel der hier zunächst nur in Ansätzen entworfenen Modellierung kann etwa sein, die Dynamik der Klasse daraufhin zu untersuchen, welche Menge individueller Lernfortschritte in Bezug auf bestimmte Zeitintervalle und unter der Annahme variierender Bedingungen im Aggregat der Klasse (und dieses ist für die Lehrkraft allgemein die entscheidende Aggregationsebene didaktischer Entscheidungen) zustande kommen.

This research effort compared student learning gains and attitudinal changes through the implementation of two varying instructional approaches on the topic of functions in College Algebra. Attitudinal changes were measured based on the Attitude Towards Mathematics Inventory (ATMI). The ATMI also provided four sub-scales scores for self-confidence, value of learning, enjoyment, and motivation. Furthermore, this research explored and compared relationships between students' level of mastery and their actual level of learning. This study implemented a quasi-experimental research design using a sample that consisted of 56 College Algebra students in a public, state college in Florida. The sample was enrolled in one of two College Algebra sections, in which one section followed a self-adaptive instructional approach using ALEKS (Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Space) and the other section followed a traditional approach using MyMathLab. Learning gains in each class were measured as the difference between the pre-test and post-test scores on the topic of functions in College Algebra. Attitude changes in each class were measured as the difference between the holistic scores on the ATMI, as well as each of the four sub-scale scores, which was administered once in the beginning of the semester and again after the unit of functions, approximately eight weeks into the course. Utilizing an independent t-test, results indicated that there was not a significant difference in actual learning gains for the compared instructional approaches. Additionally, independent t-test results indicated that there was not a statistical difference for attitude change holistically and on each of the four sub-scales for the compared instructional approaches. However, correlational analyses revealed a strong relationship between students' level of mastery learning and their actual learning level for each class with the self-adaptive instructional approach having a stronger correlation than the non-adaptive section, as measured by an r-to-z Fisher transformation test. The results of this study indicate that the self-adaptive instructional approach using ALEKS could more accurately report students' true level of learning compared to a non-adaptive instructional approach. Overall, this study found the compared instructional approaches to be equivalent in terms of learning and effect on students' attitude. While not statistically different, the results of this study have implications for math educators, instructional designers, and software developers. For example, a non-adaptive instructional approach can be equivalent to a self-adaptive instructional approach in terms of learning with appropriate planning and design. Future recommendations include further case studies of self-adaptive technology in developmental and college mathematics in other modalities such as hybrid or on-line courses. Also, this study should be replicated on a larger scale with other self-adaptive math software in addition to focusing on other student populations, such as K - 12. There is much potential for intelligent tutoring to supplement different instructional approaches, but should not be viewed as a replacement for teacher-to-student interactions.

The current study examines how individuals become masters of interpersonal communication. Its significance is in its unique findings that contribute to existing counselling literature. Qualitative methodology and thematic analysis were used in this study. Five peer nominated individuals took part in semi-structured interviews and were asked to tell their story of how they became masters of interpersonal communication. Findings show observational learning, being aware of others' needs, listening, striving to be better, bringing true self forward, trusting gut feeling, learning to accept limits, and mentors emerged as important themes. Future research investigating the trajectories of individual journeys in becoming a master of interpersonal communication across developmental stages is suggested along with research that could lead to the creation of valid and reliable instruments that may identify potential masters of interpersonal communication.

This applied dissertation was designed to provide a better understanding of the effectiveness of out-of-class safety net corrective instructional activity practices conducted beyond regular classroom instruction for lower secondary level (9th- and 10th- grade high school) students within mastery learning educational environments. The study was designed to shed light on the impact and implications of these practices on Bloom’s vanishing point (Bloom, 1971) and Arlin’s leveling effect (Arlin & Westbury, 1976). Seven mastery learning structured international schools in geographic proximity, of similar size, and utilizing the same program of study were used in this study. Three of the schools that employed a safety net program were the basis of this study, and the four schools that did not have in place a safety net program were used as a control for this observational research. Normed Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) RIT scores (Northwest Evaluation Association, 2005), grade point averages, and safety net program data were used in a series of case-control tests to determine the effectiveness of out-of-class corrective instructional activity safety net programs for above-average and below-average achieving students. The mean study and control group RIT percentile ranking scores for the students was nearly 1 standard deviation above the averages reported by the Northwest Evaluation Association (2005), so these relative comparisons involved bright students. This large volume of data enabled analysis of the effects of out-of-class safety net activities on school-wide and individual improvement in literature, writing, mathematics, and comprehensive results. Series of conclusive nonparametric analysis were used instead of normal distribution tests because of the out-of-bounds skewed nature of the data. Analysis of the data suggested that safety netting programs benefit all students, irrespective of whether or not students received out-of-class corrective instructional activities. The MAP RIT scores of below- average achieving students were not affected by attending a school with a safety net program but their GPA results improved in all subjects. Arlin’s leveling effect (Arlin & Westbury, 1976) most likely accounted for improvement of MAP RIT scores for above- average students who attended a school with a safety net program but their GPA results were not affected. These contrasting benefits masked the school-wide test results, which suggested that a school district might not realize an overall increase in MAP RIT and GPA results when adopting a safety net program. Students identified in need of safety netting services benefited by having been placed in the program up to twice in any respective course, but a point of diminishing returns was reached when a student fell 3 or more units behind in a course in relation to the progress of the class.

The dissertation is focused on exploring the aspects of the Accelerated Christian Education curriculum that shows its individualized nature. The aim of the study was to explore individualized instruction from the view of the ACE program with a view of possible recommendation for use on a wider scale in Nigerian schools. This was considered because of the several lapses identified in the present Nigerian education program. The research explored other teaching and learning methodologies to establish commonality and assess if indeed the programs form of individualization is related to any existing form. Interviews were conducted to get the experiences of students and supervisors who are using the program. Recommendations were made for consideration to the users of the program on the strengths and weaknesses examined and suggestions for possible improvement given based on the responses of the research participants. / M. Ed. (Didactics)

The dissertation is focused on exploring the aspects of the Accelerated Christian Education curriculum that shows its individualized nature. The aim of the study was to explore individualized instruction from the view of the ACE program with a view of possible recommendation for use on a wider scale in Nigerian schools. This was considered because of the several lapses identified in the present Nigerian education program. The research explored other teaching and learning methodologies to establish commonality and assess if indeed the programs form of individualization is related to any existing form. Interviews were conducted to get the experiences of students and supervisors who are using the program. Recommendations were made for consideration to the users of the program on the strengths and weaknesses examined and suggestions for possible improvement given based on the responses of the research participants. / M. Ed. (Didactics)

This study attempted to design and implement an intervention programme to improve the self-concepts and attitudes of prospective primary school teachers. The possible effects of the programme were researched by means of a combined quantitative and qualitative approach. A questionnaire to determine the effectiveness of the programme was also designed. Important findings of this study are that: (a) the Cronbach Alpha Coefficient indicated a 0,9 reliability of the designed questionnaire; (b) the average self-concepts of prospective teachers improved after the intervention programme was implemented, though not significantly and (c) the self-concepts of prospective teachers not majoring in Mathematics also improved after the intervention, though not significantly. A focus group interview was conducted to improve the intervention programme. On the basis of the responses of the participants in the focus group interview as well as of the quantitative study and of the literature reviewed, an improved version of the intervention programme was designed. According to the research, the programme should include: cooperative learning; everyday life contexts; manipulatives; hands-on activities, encouraging the asking of questions; a positive relationship between lecturer and student; writing assignments before doing a new topic; content relevance; a positive communication of assessment; games; various approaches to solving problems; understandable language; gender sensitivity and positive role modeling. The intervention programme implemented in this study was tested over a period of three months; hence the recommendation in this research for the replication thereof over a longer period. The study further recommends that since the study was conducted in one college of education only, there is a need for it to be conducted in a number of colleges, in order to elicit a broader and more representative picture of the impact of the intervention programme. The findings of this study advocate the need to combine both quantitative and qualitative research in studies: the results of the quantitative research did not conclusively indicate a positive impact of the intervention programme. However, the qualitative research saw respondents expressing improved confidence and attitudes. / Psychology of Education / D. Ed. (Psychology of Education)

為達成「精熟學習」的教與學過程中強調的個別化教學、學生學習的回饋、校正學生學習錯誤等高效能的教學理想。本研究自行發展一套數位化診斷系統，在不改變學校政策、班級作息、教室管理實施情況下，對準備參加科大入學測驗高工三年級的學生，在考前六週進行數學科總複習的「精熟學習配合數位化診斷」實驗教學。經由學生的作答反應，本診斷系統完成以下功能： (1)能快速的篩選出優良試題，並提供試題的難度、鑑別度、答對率與評鑑試題的品質。 (2)能診斷出個別學生與試題的差異性，並完成試題卷的信度、效度評鑑與S-P分析表。 (3)能提供完整的學習成就遷移記錄，並可歸類出學生學習潛能與整體學習表現。 (4)能彙整出學生學習成效與具體教學建議。 教師藉診斷系統所提供的資訊，對學生進行個別化校正或充實教學，期以達成精熟學習的教學理想。並在實驗教學後分析學生學習回饋單，大多數學生對實驗教學法持正面態度，且自認學習態度更積極，並建議若能提早實施精熟學習配合數位化診斷教學，應會有更好成績表現。 本研究並探討「實驗教學」的實驗A組學生，分別對「不同科別」的實驗B組學生與對「傳統教學」的控制C組學生的數學學習態度、學習成就、學習成就絕對均差的差異性，經單因子共變數分析，排除前測影響後，具體結論如下： (1)實驗A、B組與控制C組學生在數學學習態度後測得分並無明顯差異。 (2)實驗A組與控制C組在數學學習成就後測成績有明顯差異，且實驗A組分數明顯高於控制C組。 (3)不同科別實驗組的A組電機類與B組機械類學生，在數學學習成就後測成績有明顯差異，且電機類分數明顯高於機械類，但機械類排除未完成實驗的學生後，則不同科別的實驗A組、實驗B組，在數學學習成就後測成績無明顯差異。 (4)實驗A組與控制C組學生在數學學習成就後測成績的絕對均差有明顯差異，且實驗A組絕對均差小於控制C組。 最後為使實驗教學能更順利進行，建議教學前先營造愉快與舒適教學環境與良好的師生互動情誼再實施，這將會是實驗教學成功的關鍵 / Mastery Learning Strategy is a highly effective teaching method, emphasizing the importance of individualized tutoring, student feedback and learning error correction. In this study, a self-devised computerized diagnostic system was developed for the third-year vocational high school students who were preparing for the technological university entrance examination. An experimental teaching method using Mastery Learning Strategy with computerized diagnostic system was given to the aforementioned students as a math review lesson six weeks before the entrance examination, following the original school policy, class schedule or class management. From test responses, the diagnostic system achieved the following: (1)Quick selecting of good quality test items. It also evaluates the test items and provides the difficulty, discrimination, and correction rates of them. (2)Individualized diagnosis of each student vs. test items. It also completes the reliability, validity and S-P charts of the test. (3)Offering a comprehensive record of the learning process. It also analyzes the learning process of the students and sorts out their learning potential. (4)Analyzing students’ learning effects and coming up with teaching suggestions. In this experiment, the data gained from the diagnosis were used to provide each student with individualized instruction or error correction with the hope of attaining the goals of Mastery Learning. The analysis of the students’ feedback after the experimental teaching method showed that most students thought positively of the experiment, admitting that they developed a more aggressive learning attitude, and suggested that this computerized diagnostic system, had it been implemented earlier, would have helped them achieve even better grades. The students in this study consisted of three groups. Group A and B were both experimental groups except that group A were students from electrical engineering department while group B were students from mechanical engineering department. Group C was the control group receiving only conventional teaching method. Group A was compared with group B and group C respectively in terms of differences in math-learning attitude, math-learning achievement, and in the absolute mean deviation of learning achievement. By means of one-way analysis of covariance, with pre-test effects eliminated, the conclusions were as follows: (1)None of the groups exhibited significant grade differences on the math-learning attitude post-test. (2)Group A scored significantly higher on the math-learning achievement post-test than did Group C, the control group. (3)Group A of electrical engineering students scored significantly higher on the math-learning achievement post-test than did Group B of mechanical engineering students. However, if the grades of the Group B students who didn’t complete the experiment were unaccounted, no grade difference was noticeable on the math-learning achievement post-test between Group A and Group B. (4)Group A, the experimental group, had significantly lower absolute mean deviation on the math-learning achievement post-test than did Group C, the control group. Finally, it was suggested that creating a comfortable environment for teaching and learning as well as an advance establishment of a good teacher-student rapport are the key to a smooth-going and successful experimental teaching method.

This study attempted to design and implement an intervention programme to improve the self-concepts and attitudes of prospective primary school teachers. The possible effects of the programme were researched by means of a combined quantitative and qualitative approach. A questionnaire to determine the effectiveness of the programme was also designed. Important findings of this study are that: (a) the Cronbach Alpha Coefficient indicated a 0,9 reliability of the designed questionnaire; (b) the average self-concepts of prospective teachers improved after the intervention programme was implemented, though not significantly and (c) the self-concepts of prospective teachers not majoring in Mathematics also improved after the intervention, though not significantly. A focus group interview was conducted to improve the intervention programme. On the basis of the responses of the participants in the focus group interview as well as of the quantitative study and of the literature reviewed, an improved version of the intervention programme was designed. According to the research, the programme should include: cooperative learning; everyday life contexts; manipulatives; hands-on activities, encouraging the asking of questions; a positive relationship between lecturer and student; writing assignments before doing a new topic; content relevance; a positive communication of assessment; games; various approaches to solving problems; understandable language; gender sensitivity and positive role modeling. The intervention programme implemented in this study was tested over a period of three months; hence the recommendation in this research for the replication thereof over a longer period. The study further recommends that since the study was conducted in one college of education only, there is a need for it to be conducted in a number of colleges, in order to elicit a broader and more representative picture of the impact of the intervention programme. The findings of this study advocate the need to combine both quantitative and qualitative research in studies: the results of the quantitative research did not conclusively indicate a positive impact of the intervention programme. However, the qualitative research saw respondents expressing improved confidence and attitudes. / Psychology of Education / D. Ed. (Psychology of Education)