Many students are not good at geometric proofs. One reason for this is that it is possible to memorize the proof procedure explained by the teacher without understanding the structure of a geometric proof. So far, we have developed a web-based application that supports the understanding of the "structure of geometric proofs" in junior…

In this paper, we present a system for visualizing learning logs of a course in progress together with predictions of learning activities of the following week and the final grades of students by state transition graphs. Data are collected from 236 students attending the course in progress and from 209 students attending the past course for…

Assessing student presentations can be made more reliable with video-recording and post-performance rating. Further, self assessment and peer assessment can aid in the learning process by students when using specific, easy-to-understand rubrics. A ten-year action research study involved video-recorded performance assessment tasks using a free,…

Amongst important and under-researched questions are how introductory lessons can be designed for teaching initial proofs to junior high school students, and how such lessons enrich students' understanding of proofs. With a view to improving the learning situation in the classroom, in this paper we report on the various functions of introductory…

The purpose of this study was to examine the construct validity of a classroom communication apprehension scale. Subjects were 196 high school students in Japan. The original English version of a classroom communication apprehension scale (M. R. Neer, 1987) consisted of 20 items representing 2 hypothesized dimensions of classroom communication…

The validity of the Organizational Commitment Questionnaire as a measure of organizational commitment in the Japanese culture was studied with 1,481 Japanese employees. The three-factor model was a better fit to the data than the one- or two-factor models. Results support the cross-cultural utility of the measure. (SLD)

The purpose of this study was to examine the construct validity of a classroom communication apprehension scale for a sample of 196 high school students in Japan. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used. The original English version of a classroom communication apprehension scale (M. Neer, 1987) consisted of 20 items representing 2…

This study was conducted to investigate the long-term validity of the Japanese version of the Denver Developmental Screening Test (JDDST). Participating in the initial assessment were 1230 children in Tokyo and 600 children in Iwate who were between 1 month and 6 years of age when assessed between 1975 and 1979. Participants in the 1983 and 1985…

The Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) is a multiple-choice test of English for non-native speakers of English. It consists of two sections: listening comprehension and reading. There are 100 questions in each section. Separate scaled scores are provided for each section, the part score scales ranging from five to 495 and the…

This study investigated whether a self-efficacy course would raise English-as-a-Second-Language learners' English ability by raising their self-efficacy. It also examined the reliability and validity of a self-efficacy questionnaire and English test. Participants were 293 Japanese college freshmen. Researchers developed two versions of an English…

Mother-infant interaction creates a context for socioemotional, behavioral, and cognitive development. This study used the Nursing Child Assessment Feeding Scale (NCAFS) and the Nursing Child Assessment Teaching Scale (NCATS) to examine mother-infant interaction in Japanese dyads. Subjects were residing in Hikkaido, Japan, and assessments were…

The approach used to teach English in Japanese high schools is evaluated from the perspective of the skills needed for the university entrance examinations. The tests are examined for item type and for the skills and learning processes needed to answer them. An extensive graded reading program is most appropriate to prepare students for these…

This paper investigates the effectiveness of students' real communication capabilities by investigating the target language use in monologue, dialogue, and conversational "multilogue" situations. It explores Japanese college students' oral English proficiency by focusing on the linguistic and pragmatic aspects in six types of teaching…

In many countries throughout the world, efforts to articulate the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of workers have translated into the development of organizations with the specific charter to establish industry-based skill standards with attendant new and/or expanded forms of certification of competencies. The new emphasis on skill…