The current study investigated variability in student performance on a concurrent verbalization measure based on a grade-level sample math word problem and sought to determine to what extent the variability in verbalization scores is related to scores on a reliable measure of reading (DIBELS Next) and math (easyCBM) and to student factors (e.g. sex, grade, economic status). In light of the 2014 implementation of the Common Core State Standards and related measures of student performance, both of which contain components of language in mathematics curriculum and assessment, it was the intent of this study to identify factors associated with verbalization on sample math word problems that could be correlated with student performance on reliable, commonly used assessments of reading and math. The sample for analysis included 105 intermediate-grade students from one elementary school in the Pacific Northwest. Results support a relation between students' verbalizations about math word problems and benchmark assessments in reading and math. Limitations of the study, considerations for future research, and implications for practice are discussed.

Recent research about L2 writing indicates that L2 writers are likely to instruct themselves on how and what to do during the writing process, using both languages to do so. This constant switch between their L1 and their L2 during their L2 composing process is known as "language-switching" (L-S). In this qualitative clinical study my goals were mainly three: a) to describe and understand the purposes for which participants would potentially language-switch to their L1s, b) to depict the perceptions and understandings these four participants have about their personal L2 composing process and the use of their L1s, and c) to describe the tensions they experienced during the L2 writing tasks in the study. The participants in this study were four students in an American university who completed two L2 writing tasks using a think-aloud technique, in which students verbalized all their thoughts while they wrote. Data collected in this study included interview transcripts, think aloud protocols, reflection sessions, videotapes, students' written texts and observations. The Atlas TI computer software assisted a constant comparative method which implied a continuous comparison of all the data sources (Merriam, 2009). I matched language-switching instances with the participants' behaviors and assigned codes referring the writers' actual activities, behaviors and perceptions. Findings suggest that the L2 composing process is a bilingual event in which L-S has a natural occurrence. The use of the writer's L1 during the L2 writing process is closely related to the writer's L2 proficiency, and the degree of proficiency can be related to the situational context (FL vs. SL) where the L2 is learned and used. Findings revealed that Generating L2 Content was the most recurring purpose for L-S during L2 writing, followed by Controlling the Process of Writing and Revising. It also revealed that participants transfer their L1 skills to the L2 writing process and that the writing expertise they bring to the L2 composing process may influence the L-S purpose frequency. One contribution of this study is the participants' perceptions about their L-S habits. Most were aware of the benefits that L-S brought to their L2 writing process. Their L1s helped them organize ideas, write better texts and understand the tasks given. This study also revealed that time frame, prompts, lack of L2 proficiency and think-aloud protocols can influence the participants' L2 writing process negatively.

The involvement of carers in oncology is important for the health of people diagnosed with cancer as well as carers themselves. To improve their involvement, three groups; patients, their carers, and  clinicians should maintain good communication. The e-learning interface, eTRIO, has a learning module for each of these three groups. The design of eTRIO is based on research from psycho- oncologists. This study aims to answer the question; What are the strengths and weaknesses of the eTRIO interfaces for clinicians, carers, and patients in terms of their usability? Heuristic evaluation and think-alouds have been conducted to answer this. The results of this study show that interactive activities, as well as neatly presented content, are engaging the user, buttons and content should have clear purposes. The eTRIO interface will enhance carers' involvement with good usability, making it easy for users to retain important information. Strengths and areas for improvement will be presented in this study. / Inkludera cancerpatienters närstående i onkologi är viktigt för både cancerpatienter och deras närstående. För att förbättra de närståendes inkludering måste tre grupper; patienter, deras närstående och läkare ha god kommunikation mellan varandra. E-lärande platformen, eTRIO, har en modul för varje ovannämnd grupp. Designen av eTRIO är baserad på forskning av psyko-onkologer. Denna studie har som syfte att besvara frågan; Vad är eTRIOs gränssnitts styrkor och svagheter för läkare, cancerpatienter och närstående med avseende på användarvänlighet? En heuristisk utvärdering och think-alouds har gjorts för att svara på denna fråga. Resultaten av denna studie visar att interaktiva aktiviteter och visuellt tilltalande presenterat innehåll engagerar användarna samt att knappar och innehåll behöver tydliga syften. Gränssnitten av eTRIO kommer att förbättra närståendes inkludering med bra användarvänlighet och gör det lätt för användare att komma ihåg viktig information. Styrkor och områden för förbättring kommer att presenteras i denna studie.