1) The document discusses a program in Mexico that aimed to improve science and math education at the university level by focusing on developing general competencies like literacy and problem solving.
2) A survey found that the university's efforts to promote general competencies were dispersed and inconsistent. The program involved workshops to help faculty incorporate literacy and math problem solving into their courses.
3) Faculty participants initially blamed students' problems, but working on the program revealed inconsistencies in their own teaching. Most faculty said general competencies should be developed throughout university rather than seen as prerequisites.
The Primary Exit Profile: What does this mean for STEM in Jamaican Primary Sc...Lorain Senior
This document represents my original contribution as a part of the criteria for completion off the Capstone Experience Project in fulfillment of the M/Ed. in S.T.E.M Leadership at the American College of Education.
Alternative Learning Delivery Modalities (ALDM) of Secondary Social Studies T...AJHSSR Journal
ABSTRACT ; This research study explored the aspects of different Alternative Learning Delivery Modalities
(ALDMs)such as Home-Based/Modular Learning, the Blended Learning and Online Class Learning for
utilization of Secondary Social Studies Teachers aimed to address teaching pedagogies in the new normal. It
also focused on ascertaining the preferred support from their school on ALDMs. The respondents were the
Junior and Senior Social Studies teachers from Secondary Schools of Zone 2, DepEd, Division of Zambales,
Philippines. It was conducted during the second quarter of the school year 2020-2021. The research study is
descriptive and quantitative in its analysis. The Social Studies teachers are very much ready in ALDM mainly
on Home-Based/Modular Learning. The Social Studies teachers strongly agreed that they preferred to be
supported on ALDMs primarily on technological infrastructures and trainings and seminars. Specifically, the
teachers aimed and needs to be more familiar on the guidelines of blended learning utilization inside the
classroom and the need to be supplied with sufficient, strong and stable Internet bandwidth or speed. The
analysis of variance result revealed a significant difference in the perceived readiness/preparedness in the
ALDMs.
KEYWORDS: Alternative Learning Delivery Modalities, Home-Based/Modular Learning, Blended Learning,
Online Class Learning, Secondary Social Studies Teachers, COVID19 Pandemic
Collaborative Teaching Learning Engagement Program of the Secondary Curriculu...ijtsrd
A significant factor in building a strong foundation of an educational system to ensure quality education is Faculty Development Program. This research was directed to Golden Success College, Incorporated GSCI , Philippines during the Academic Year 2020 2021. Data were gathered thru the use of online questionnaires with 150 respondent students and 40 respondent teachers from GSCI, Cebu City and GSCI, Metro Manila, a total of 190 respondents. The data gathered were analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis and multiple linear regression. Findings showed that most students got a Satisfactory academic performance. Grade 12 has more number of students as compared to Grade Levels 7 to 11. There are more college graduates in terms of the teachers’ highest educational attainment. Most of the teachers took English as their chosen field of specialization and had between one 1 to ten years teaching experience service. A number of teacher respondents belong to salary scale Php 10,000 to Php 15, 000 and 25 or 62.5 percent of the teacher respondents had attended relevant trainings seminars. In sum, teacher’s performance level using the academic professional standards such as competency, professionalism, efficiency, character discipline, and task output. is described as Very Good The null hypothesis of no significant relationship between the identified profile and performance level of the respondent teachers is Rejected. Lack of Faculty Development Program and Professional Development were only one of those challenges barriers that affect the teachers’ performance level. Based on the findings, it is therefore recommended to the concerned school administrator officials of GSCI, Philippines that Collaborative Teaching Learning Engagement Program of the Secondary Curriculum in the New Normal be implemented to continue maintain the teachers’ performance as part of the faculty development continuing plan to meet the mission and vision of the institution. Ellaine I. Nazareth | Emily C. Rosal | Rebecca DC Manalastas | Perla N. Tenerife | Nolasco K. Malabago | Marilyn M. Miranda "Collaborative Teaching Learning Engagement Program of the Secondary Curriculum in the New Normal" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-5 | Issue-1 , December 2020, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd38180.pdf Paper URL : https://www.ijtsrd.com/humanities-and-the-arts/education/38180/collaborative-teaching-learning-engagement-program-of-the-secondary-curriculum-in-the-new-normal/ellaine-i-nazareth
The Primary Exit Profile: What does this mean for STEM in Jamaican Primary Sc...Lorain Senior
This document represents my original contribution as a part of the criteria for completion off the Capstone Experience Project in fulfillment of the M/Ed. in S.T.E.M Leadership at the American College of Education.
Alternative Learning Delivery Modalities (ALDM) of Secondary Social Studies T...AJHSSR Journal
ABSTRACT ; This research study explored the aspects of different Alternative Learning Delivery Modalities
(ALDMs)such as Home-Based/Modular Learning, the Blended Learning and Online Class Learning for
utilization of Secondary Social Studies Teachers aimed to address teaching pedagogies in the new normal. It
also focused on ascertaining the preferred support from their school on ALDMs. The respondents were the
Junior and Senior Social Studies teachers from Secondary Schools of Zone 2, DepEd, Division of Zambales,
Philippines. It was conducted during the second quarter of the school year 2020-2021. The research study is
descriptive and quantitative in its analysis. The Social Studies teachers are very much ready in ALDM mainly
on Home-Based/Modular Learning. The Social Studies teachers strongly agreed that they preferred to be
supported on ALDMs primarily on technological infrastructures and trainings and seminars. Specifically, the
teachers aimed and needs to be more familiar on the guidelines of blended learning utilization inside the
classroom and the need to be supplied with sufficient, strong and stable Internet bandwidth or speed. The
analysis of variance result revealed a significant difference in the perceived readiness/preparedness in the
ALDMs.
KEYWORDS: Alternative Learning Delivery Modalities, Home-Based/Modular Learning, Blended Learning,
Online Class Learning, Secondary Social Studies Teachers, COVID19 Pandemic
Collaborative Teaching Learning Engagement Program of the Secondary Curriculu...ijtsrd
A significant factor in building a strong foundation of an educational system to ensure quality education is Faculty Development Program. This research was directed to Golden Success College, Incorporated GSCI , Philippines during the Academic Year 2020 2021. Data were gathered thru the use of online questionnaires with 150 respondent students and 40 respondent teachers from GSCI, Cebu City and GSCI, Metro Manila, a total of 190 respondents. The data gathered were analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis and multiple linear regression. Findings showed that most students got a Satisfactory academic performance. Grade 12 has more number of students as compared to Grade Levels 7 to 11. There are more college graduates in terms of the teachers’ highest educational attainment. Most of the teachers took English as their chosen field of specialization and had between one 1 to ten years teaching experience service. A number of teacher respondents belong to salary scale Php 10,000 to Php 15, 000 and 25 or 62.5 percent of the teacher respondents had attended relevant trainings seminars. In sum, teacher’s performance level using the academic professional standards such as competency, professionalism, efficiency, character discipline, and task output. is described as Very Good The null hypothesis of no significant relationship between the identified profile and performance level of the respondent teachers is Rejected. Lack of Faculty Development Program and Professional Development were only one of those challenges barriers that affect the teachers’ performance level. Based on the findings, it is therefore recommended to the concerned school administrator officials of GSCI, Philippines that Collaborative Teaching Learning Engagement Program of the Secondary Curriculum in the New Normal be implemented to continue maintain the teachers’ performance as part of the faculty development continuing plan to meet the mission and vision of the institution. Ellaine I. Nazareth | Emily C. Rosal | Rebecca DC Manalastas | Perla N. Tenerife | Nolasco K. Malabago | Marilyn M. Miranda "Collaborative Teaching Learning Engagement Program of the Secondary Curriculum in the New Normal" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-5 | Issue-1 , December 2020, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd38180.pdf Paper URL : https://www.ijtsrd.com/humanities-and-the-arts/education/38180/collaborative-teaching-learning-engagement-program-of-the-secondary-curriculum-in-the-new-normal/ellaine-i-nazareth
Chalk and Talk Versus Classroom Flipping: Results of a Case Studyiosrjce
Economics instructors making use of ‘chalk and talk’ traditional method are experimenting with
intellectually stimulating teaching techniques in sync with visual, auditory and kinesthetic (VAK) and other
student learning styles thereby reorienting instruction to individual cognitive processes. It is hoped that there
would be more student engagement, interaction and success. Recent text books in economics provide scope for
trying out cutting edge techniques such as embedding more VAK components in instruction enabling ‘classroom
flipping’ instruction such that there is more critical thinking and hands-on ‘home-work’ done in class time,
more discussion and more independent learning, increasing the role of multimedia, case studies, and a
preoccupation with learning. The instructor is able to ascertain candidly and in real time what learning style is
securing desired learning outcomes with the student or what is not. A study of post-hoc data of student
outcomes of microeconomics courses that used classroom flipping showed student appreciation of teacher
efforts, but no significant improvement in results. There was not enough evidence to reject the hypothesis of
identical scores (P-value = 0.294493) for all four microeconomics classes, two of which had only ‘talk and
chalk’ and two others were fitted with computer assisted instruction to allow ‘classroom flipping.’ Overall,
larger sample sizes and more clinical precision in isolating the students’ course results could bring out
definitive if not different results, and perhaps better academic outcomes too, decreasing the gap between what is
taught and what is learnt.
All Students Can Learn And Should Be Presented The Opportunity To Learnnoblex1
The current reform movement in the United States began in the 1990s and has manifested itself as a standards movement. It is a movement to establish state and national frameworks, to which local school districts are encouraged to link their efforts to implement local standards. The linchpin that holds together the standards framework is that they are rigorous; voluntary, in that states and localities decide whether or not to use them; and flexible, in that states and localities can decide which strategies are best for their own schools.
Today, virtually every state in the nation has gone about the business of articulating standards, revising curricular offerings, and developing assessments to measure whether the standards are being met. At the national level, initiatives by the federal government and national organizations have been joined in an effort to produce a comprehensive and coherent standards movement. Currently, many national professional organizations have developed or are in the process of developing national standards for their particular subject areas. States have connected to these efforts on numerous fronts.
The current movement has focused primarily on three types of standards: 1) content or curriculum standards; 2) performance or accountability standards; and 3) capacity or delivery standards (also referred to as opportunity-to-learn standards). The three types of standards are linked - one will not succeed without the other two.
The purpose of this paper is four-fold: First, we define "students of diverse needs and cultures" and the "standards movement." Second, we address specific initiatives of current reform efforts in progress in mathematics and science education. Third, we discuss critical issues related to the successful implementation of mathematics and science standards (i.e., teachers professional development, technological advancements, opportunity-to-learn standards, school organization, and assessments.) Fourth, we suggest references to be used as curriculum materials, how-to articles of use to teachers in the classroom, and seminal research and philosophical literature related to mathematics and science reform initiatives.
Who Are Students of Diverse Needs and Cultures?
American society has haltingly come to understand itself as being culturally diverse and pluralistic. Schools, public schools in particular, mirror what our society will look like in the 21st Century. The culture of schools and the capacity of teachers to implement standards and other initiatives are indispensable elements in the effort to reform mathematics and science education.
Source: https://ebookschoice.com/all-students-can-learn-and-should-be-presented-the-opportunity-to-learn/
Chalk and Talk Versus Classroom Flipping: Results of a Case Studyiosrjce
Economics instructors making use of ‘chalk and talk’ traditional method are experimenting with
intellectually stimulating teaching techniques in sync with visual, auditory and kinesthetic (VAK) and other
student learning styles thereby reorienting instruction to individual cognitive processes. It is hoped that there
would be more student engagement, interaction and success. Recent text books in economics provide scope for
trying out cutting edge techniques such as embedding more VAK components in instruction enabling ‘classroom
flipping’ instruction such that there is more critical thinking and hands-on ‘home-work’ done in class time,
more discussion and more independent learning, increasing the role of multimedia, case studies, and a
preoccupation with learning. The instructor is able to ascertain candidly and in real time what learning style is
securing desired learning outcomes with the student or what is not. A study of post-hoc data of student
outcomes of microeconomics courses that used classroom flipping showed student appreciation of teacher
efforts, but no significant improvement in results. There was not enough evidence to reject the hypothesis of
identical scores (P-value = 0.294493) for all four microeconomics classes, two of which had only ‘talk and
chalk’ and two others were fitted with computer assisted instruction to allow ‘classroom flipping.’ Overall,
larger sample sizes and more clinical precision in isolating the students’ course results could bring out
definitive if not different results, and perhaps better academic outcomes too, decreasing the gap between what is
taught and what is learnt.
All Students Can Learn And Should Be Presented The Opportunity To Learnnoblex1
The current reform movement in the United States began in the 1990s and has manifested itself as a standards movement. It is a movement to establish state and national frameworks, to which local school districts are encouraged to link their efforts to implement local standards. The linchpin that holds together the standards framework is that they are rigorous; voluntary, in that states and localities decide whether or not to use them; and flexible, in that states and localities can decide which strategies are best for their own schools.
Today, virtually every state in the nation has gone about the business of articulating standards, revising curricular offerings, and developing assessments to measure whether the standards are being met. At the national level, initiatives by the federal government and national organizations have been joined in an effort to produce a comprehensive and coherent standards movement. Currently, many national professional organizations have developed or are in the process of developing national standards for their particular subject areas. States have connected to these efforts on numerous fronts.
The current movement has focused primarily on three types of standards: 1) content or curriculum standards; 2) performance or accountability standards; and 3) capacity or delivery standards (also referred to as opportunity-to-learn standards). The three types of standards are linked - one will not succeed without the other two.
The purpose of this paper is four-fold: First, we define "students of diverse needs and cultures" and the "standards movement." Second, we address specific initiatives of current reform efforts in progress in mathematics and science education. Third, we discuss critical issues related to the successful implementation of mathematics and science standards (i.e., teachers professional development, technological advancements, opportunity-to-learn standards, school organization, and assessments.) Fourth, we suggest references to be used as curriculum materials, how-to articles of use to teachers in the classroom, and seminal research and philosophical literature related to mathematics and science reform initiatives.
Who Are Students of Diverse Needs and Cultures?
American society has haltingly come to understand itself as being culturally diverse and pluralistic. Schools, public schools in particular, mirror what our society will look like in the 21st Century. The culture of schools and the capacity of teachers to implement standards and other initiatives are indispensable elements in the effort to reform mathematics and science education.
Source: https://ebookschoice.com/all-students-can-learn-and-should-be-presented-the-opportunity-to-learn/
Establishing Trust Between School Teachers and University Facultynoblex1
The professional development school initiatives show the greatest promise in school reform due to collaborative efforts in teacher preparation. Educators in both public schools and in universities must work together in the preparation of teachers who are culturally, socially and instructionally responsive to student diversity. This lofty preparation aim begins with selecting the most promising teacher candidates for admittance into the program. The author describes an admissions procedure that has proven to be not only efficient and effective, but reflects the collaborative values of the program.
For over a decade, advocates of educational reform have supported professional development schools (PDSs) as a way for school and university partners to promote simultaneous renewal of both institutions. PDS aims are now commonplace: (a) provide exemplary education for preservice teachers, (b) support continuing professional development of experienced teachers, (c) engage in the renewal of curriculum and instruction, and (d) involve schools and universities in collaborative research.
Essential to these aims is the collaborative process. Establishing trust, recognizing cultural differences, and breaking perceived roles between school teachers and university faculty are key if partnerships are to be anything more than traditional in nature. University instructors, including teacher educators, are entering into cooperative working ventures with more frequency than ever before. Critical to the successful attainment of any partnership project are the people involved and the common commitment to program quality and coherence. In the ongoing process of developing, nurturing, and maintaining partnerships, one can expect to confront both predictable and unforeseen obstacles. Sharing information on program structures and systems will help advance the development of university and K-12 partnerships. The purpose of this article is twofold: (a) to describe, and (b) to analyze an admissions procedure, which reflects the values of the program and efficiently and effectively promotes the involvement of K-12 personnel in what is traditionally a university decision. To this end, we briefly discuss the history of this partnership and the key values that drive our work. Next, we elaborate on the admissions process and how it reflects those values in linking the university and schools. In taking stock of where we have made progress and where we have not, we examine the perceptions of major stakeholders in this process. We conclude with a discussion of recommendations to others considering similar efforts.
Source: https://ebookschoice.com/establishing-trust-between-school-teachers-and-university-faculty/
Initial Assessment on Higher Education Exit of SHS Andresians A Descriptive S...ijtsrd
One of the K”“12 curriculums primary objectives is to provide learners ample time to adjust and acquire the abilities for the desired exit. The learners are expected to move on to middle level skill development, entrepreneurship, or college. Yet, concerns are raised about the curriculum offering the instructions needed to help learners build the skills necessary to be successful in their chosen careers. With an initial evaluation, this study seeks to ascertain the level of readiness of the Don Andres Soriano National High School Senior High School Grade 12 learners for the school year 2022 2023 to pursue the various Senior High School exits. A comparative descriptive research design was used for this quantitative study of 227 randomly chosen Grade 12 margin of error of 0.05 . Scaling and multiple choice questionnaires similar to those used on college entrance exams were the two types of questionnaires used in this study. Results indicated that the majority of learner respondents wanted to continue their education after high school. Also, statistics revealed that competency learners primarily excelled in independent learning. Ironically, the self manage ability is the one that needs the most development in order to move on to college. The null hypothesis is rejected since only 56.64 of learner respondents chose to pursue higher education and passed the college exam. The learners are not prepared to proceed on their chosen senior high school exit. Thus, this survey found that learners are still not prepared to move on to their preferred senior high school exit. It implies that more training and learning reinforcement may be deemed necessary to further improve Senior High School learners. Gica M. Tugbong | Kent Lancer C. Alistre | Gerald A. Lechadores | Faith P. Dagala | Jenebe Arcilla | Lovely Joy P. Goder | Andjenette Santillan | Dr. Emily Cabatuan-Rosal "Initial Assessment on Higher Education Exit of SHS Andresians: A Descriptive Study" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-7 | Issue-3 , June 2023, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com.com/papers/ijtsrd57403.pdf Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com.com/humanities-and-the-arts/education/57403/initial-assessment-on-higher-education-exit-of-shs-andresians-a-descriptive-study/gica-m-tugbong
Presentation by Dr Madeleine Mattarozzi Laming of the Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, to the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) at the University of Wales, Newport, on Friday 5th March 2010. Introduced by the CELT Director, Professor Simon Haslett.
A Strategic Approach: GenAI in EducationPeter Windle
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies such as Generative AI, Image Generators and Large Language Models have had a dramatic impact on teaching, learning and assessment over the past 18 months. The most immediate threat AI posed was to Academic Integrity with Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) focusing their efforts on combating the use of GenAI in assessment. Guidelines were developed for staff and students, policies put in place too. Innovative educators have forged paths in the use of Generative AI for teaching, learning and assessments leading to pockets of transformation springing up across HEIs, often with little or no top-down guidance, support or direction.
This Gasta posits a strategic approach to integrating AI into HEIs to prepare staff, students and the curriculum for an evolving world and workplace. We will highlight the advantages of working with these technologies beyond the realm of teaching, learning and assessment by considering prompt engineering skills, industry impact, curriculum changes, and the need for staff upskilling. In contrast, not engaging strategically with Generative AI poses risks, including falling behind peers, missed opportunities and failing to ensure our graduates remain employable. The rapid evolution of AI technologies necessitates a proactive and strategic approach if we are to remain relevant.
Macroeconomics- Movie Location
This will be used as part of your Personal Professional Portfolio once graded.
Objective:
Prepare a presentation or a paper using research, basic comparative analysis, data organization and application of economic information. You will make an informed assessment of an economic climate outside of the United States to accomplish an entertainment industry objective.
Model Attribute Check Company Auto PropertyCeline George
In Odoo, the multi-company feature allows you to manage multiple companies within a single Odoo database instance. Each company can have its own configurations while still sharing common resources such as products, customers, and suppliers.
Embracing GenAI - A Strategic ImperativePeter Windle
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies such as Generative AI, Image Generators and Large Language Models have had a dramatic impact on teaching, learning and assessment over the past 18 months. The most immediate threat AI posed was to Academic Integrity with Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) focusing their efforts on combating the use of GenAI in assessment. Guidelines were developed for staff and students, policies put in place too. Innovative educators have forged paths in the use of Generative AI for teaching, learning and assessments leading to pockets of transformation springing up across HEIs, often with little or no top-down guidance, support or direction.
This Gasta posits a strategic approach to integrating AI into HEIs to prepare staff, students and the curriculum for an evolving world and workplace. We will highlight the advantages of working with these technologies beyond the realm of teaching, learning and assessment by considering prompt engineering skills, industry impact, curriculum changes, and the need for staff upskilling. In contrast, not engaging strategically with Generative AI poses risks, including falling behind peers, missed opportunities and failing to ensure our graduates remain employable. The rapid evolution of AI technologies necessitates a proactive and strategic approach if we are to remain relevant.
The French Revolution, which began in 1789, was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France. It marked the decline of absolute monarchies, the rise of secular and democratic republics, and the eventual rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. This revolutionary period is crucial in understanding the transition from feudalism to modernity in Europe.
For more information, visit-www.vavaclasses.com
Read| The latest issue of The Challenger is here! We are thrilled to announce that our school paper has qualified for the NATIONAL SCHOOLS PRESS CONFERENCE (NSPC) 2024. Thank you for your unwavering support and trust. Dive into the stories that made us stand out!
The Roman Empire A Historical Colossus.pdfkaushalkr1407
The Roman Empire, a vast and enduring power, stands as one of history's most remarkable civilizations, leaving an indelible imprint on the world. It emerged from the Roman Republic, transitioning into an imperial powerhouse under the leadership of Augustus Caesar in 27 BCE. This transformation marked the beginning of an era defined by unprecedented territorial expansion, architectural marvels, and profound cultural influence.
The empire's roots lie in the city of Rome, founded, according to legend, by Romulus in 753 BCE. Over centuries, Rome evolved from a small settlement to a formidable republic, characterized by a complex political system with elected officials and checks on power. However, internal strife, class conflicts, and military ambitions paved the way for the end of the Republic. Julius Caesar’s dictatorship and subsequent assassination in 44 BCE created a power vacuum, leading to a civil war. Octavian, later Augustus, emerged victorious, heralding the Roman Empire’s birth.
Under Augustus, the empire experienced the Pax Romana, a 200-year period of relative peace and stability. Augustus reformed the military, established efficient administrative systems, and initiated grand construction projects. The empire's borders expanded, encompassing territories from Britain to Egypt and from Spain to the Euphrates. Roman legions, renowned for their discipline and engineering prowess, secured and maintained these vast territories, building roads, fortifications, and cities that facilitated control and integration.
The Roman Empire’s society was hierarchical, with a rigid class system. At the top were the patricians, wealthy elites who held significant political power. Below them were the plebeians, free citizens with limited political influence, and the vast numbers of slaves who formed the backbone of the economy. The family unit was central, governed by the paterfamilias, the male head who held absolute authority.
Culturally, the Romans were eclectic, absorbing and adapting elements from the civilizations they encountered, particularly the Greeks. Roman art, literature, and philosophy reflected this synthesis, creating a rich cultural tapestry. Latin, the Roman language, became the lingua franca of the Western world, influencing numerous modern languages.
Roman architecture and engineering achievements were monumental. They perfected the arch, vault, and dome, constructing enduring structures like the Colosseum, Pantheon, and aqueducts. These engineering marvels not only showcased Roman ingenuity but also served practical purposes, from public entertainment to water supply.
Operation “Blue Star” is the only event in the history of Independent India where the state went into war with its own people. Even after about 40 years it is not clear if it was culmination of states anger over people of the region, a political game of power or start of dictatorial chapter in the democratic setup.
The people of Punjab felt alienated from main stream due to denial of their just demands during a long democratic struggle since independence. As it happen all over the word, it led to militant struggle with great loss of lives of military, police and civilian personnel. Killing of Indira Gandhi and massacre of innocent Sikhs in Delhi and other India cities was also associated with this movement.
Welcome to TechSoup New Member Orientation and Q&A (May 2024).pdfTechSoup
In this webinar you will learn how your organization can access TechSoup's wide variety of product discount and donation programs. From hardware to software, we'll give you a tour of the tools available to help your nonprofit with productivity, collaboration, financial management, donor tracking, security, and more.
1. GENERIC COMPETENCES AND
SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICAL
EDUCATION.
PREPARING A NEW LEARNING
ENVIRONMENT
FLORENCE ITALY, OCTOBER 2013
DR. JUAN FIDEL ZORRILLA ALCALA
IISUE, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México,
Av. Universidad 3000, UNAM, C.U. D.F. 04510 Mexico
2. General education context in Mexico
Mexican post elementary education has had to cope with an evergrowing number of students finishing Upper Secondary
Education (USE) since the middle of the 20th Century.
In 1950, Higher Education (HE) in Mexico had a modest student
population of 40,000. Today it has 3.5 million students.
Faculty also grew at the same pace and, historically, throughout the
Education System, hiring teachers had a prevalence over training
them.
As a consequence, HE institutions have been facing a student
population with inadequate levels of academic performance in
reading, writing, Mathematics and Science.
This situation is widely acknowledged and institutions have enacted
different programs promoting higher pay and bonuses for having
PHD degrees and higher quality academic productivity.
3. On the other hand, the development of pedagogical content
knowledge (PCK) has not been considered a priority by
institutional policy. Improvements in General
Competences(GC) like literacy, Mathematics and problem
solving are unsurprisingly tardy and unsystematic. Teaching
and learning continue to emphasize retaining abstract
knowledge, definitions, procedures and algorithms.
In this paper it is argued that Science and Mathematics teaching
in HE can be substantially enhanced by means of educational
research and development support focusing on GC.
Support consists of expert collaboration, with faculty, for the
development of PCK regarding the promotion of two GC in
their courses: i) literacy and problem solving, and ii)
Mathematics and problem solving.
4. Phase I consisted of a survey reviewing all academic activities
undertaken so as to promote GC throughout the institution.
Results showed over 250 different activities including regular
courses, with little in common.
The survey suggested three strategies:
i) A commission to propose an indicative definition of the GC in
view of an incoherent dispersal of activities grouped as GC.
The commission submitted its proposal in V/2013.
II) To align the design of the entrance examination.
iii) To organize, at a small scale, an education research and
development program to promote a teaching culture
committed to PCK, innovative academic assessment,
collegiate work and the development of GC.
5. An invitation was issued on Jan 2013, open to all faculty undertaking
teaching during the Spring Term and willing to work with GC.
Surprisingly, in terms of discipline, out of 42 teachers admitted, only
8 belong to the Social Sciences or the Design and Architecture
Divisions. The rest are from Mathematics, Engineering, Physics,
Chemistry, Biology and Medicine.
Applicants had to submit a letter of intention describing why they
expected GC to contribute to improving teaching and learning
practice in their courses.
A six hour long workshop was set up to transform the intention into a
schematized proposal of intervention for their own courses.
42 teachers wrote a schematized but detailed proposal of intervention
and 36 successfully worked and concluded the program.
Experts visited twice participating teachers, revising and commenting
their interventions and the writing of partial reports. Partial results
were be presented in a poster session organized for all participants.
The report’s final draft was revised twice. 36 concluded the project
successfully with the submittal of their final report.
6. There is a clear contrast between the views expressed by participants
initially in their letters of intent with what they reported on line, in a
questionnaire. Initially, the general opinion emphasized mostly
students’ problems.
On the letters of intent, out of 25 considerations for participating, 23
alluded to difficulties or academic inabilities students had vis a vis:
Working, applying or interpreting mathematical expressions;
Describing graphs, understanding the determination of tendencies and
the interpretation of the occurrence of minima, maxima and
derivatives;
The integration and application of content knowledge:
The discussion of their argument persuasively in any given text;
The development of the high level of concentration on intellectual and
academic work that is required of them;
To infer conclusions and plausible hypothesis either from the literature
or from research;
To elaborate original ideas and to discuss them convincingly.
7. As the project unfolded, these tenets began to change. In the visits
paid to participants, once the Spring term had begun, in the five
campi, most teachers – many of whom have the highest academic
standing and have a long academic experience stretching over
twenty or more years - were very surprised to admit that under the
new perspective offered by participation in the project their own
routines and methods showed inconsistencies and inefficiencies.
When participants were asked on line with which statement they
agreed more. One option stated that priority should be given to
evaluate a course in terms of achieving the objectives stated by the
program. The other phrase said that evaluation should take into
account the course’s program for identifying the direction of work
with students, but the goals to be achieved in the course should also
consider emergent objectives that appear during the course, given a
certain student population. 21% agreed with the first statement and
79% with the second.
8.
In a question in the on line questionnaire, teachers were asked
whether they modified their objectives in the light of interaction with
students. 79% accepted that they modified their objectives, while
21% did not modify them and confined themselves to the program.
It is clear that a very high proportion of teachers now consciously
pay attention in their teaching to what happens with students. That
is a different situation from the one prevailing in the letters of
intention.
Again, in one further question, they were asked to choose which
phrase expressed better their present opinion. The first option
stated that generic competences were primordially a prerequisite
with which students should comply before they entered university.
The second option set forth that generic competences should be
developed all along university studies as part of the general
educational process of future professionals. Again the same 79%
agree more with the second phrase, while 21% do so, with the first.
9. Another result that can be contemplated is that in a small but
influential sector of faculty a consciousness recognition of the need
for academic collaboration between Science and Mathematics, on the
one hand, with experts in education, didactics and pedagogical
content knowledge. This acceptance seemed only a year ago,
improbable if not unrealistic.
One feature that must not be overlooked is that the methodology used
for working with teachers is in itself a model for promoting the
development of academic writing and problem solving with students
as well.
But, beyond these important local results, there are also relevant
implications for academic and teaching work in institutional
environments where education standards and the possession of
indispensable generic competences is below desired levels.
10.
The lesson is perhaps that faculty can hardly afford to be paralysed
by poor outcomes, which often result in depressive moods and
isolation. Faculty has to change and to move on. That can be done,
but institutional support is required. Otherwise the lack of
communication that is typical of poor teaching and learning
situations often leads to academic frustration and student attrition.
In educational terms, this amounts to a never-ending, educational
blank-mindedness which results in wasting a significant proportion
of teachers and students time.
In terms of the experience here reported, there is a way out: to
integrate individual teaching by means of institutionally supported
academic research and development projects, which produce
stimulating and exciting professional results. Under these
conditions, teachers can experience working to the rhythm of
dialogic collegiate work and can also envisage the means of
furthering both their own competency in writing academically
valuable texts as well as furthering two main generic competences.