This critical qualitative study focused on what are the factors that contribute to high learner performance at a public school in South Africa. Purposive sampling was used and the data was produced via interviews with the participants (the principal, ten teachers, five ex learners and two parents) as well as observations of various school…

The study used activity systems analysis to characterize the processes, dynamics, and tensions in the social practices developed by a class of academic low-achievers in a knowledge-building environment augmented by analytics-supported reflective assessment. A class of 37 Grade 9 low-achievers and an experienced teacher participated this study.…

Early adolescents, particularly from underrepresented or marginalized communities, may feel disconnected from school science leading to a lack of engagement. The lack of connection between their out of school experiences and school science may lead them to devalue science. This study examines interviews with 56 middle school students and 12…

In a flexible language learning system, developed at a French university and gradually improved through Action Research, different elements are combined: individual work on a virtual learning environment (VLE), pair-work and counselling appointments. One of the objectives of the system is to help the students involved progress towards…

Findings of two independently conducted longitudinal studies conducted in follow-up to the development and implementation of pre-clinical cancer prevention courses at different medical schools are discussed. While required to meet common contract objectives, each program was designed and integrated relative to content and instructional methods to…

This paper looks at teacher behavior in the classroom and teacher student relationships. The first section describes teacher behavior from an interpersonal perspective and presents a model to map behavior using two dimensions, proximity and influence. Proximity indicates degree of cooperation between those who are communicating; influence…

Designed to begin a feminist "unthinking" and rethinking of educational technology, this paper begins by examining some definitions of what that technology essentially is. Three characteristics of a feminist approach to science that can inform a rethinking of educational technology are then identified: (1) the theorizing of gender as a…

Student self-concept represents a newly emerging and extremely important field of study for instructors and classroom facilitators. This paper presents studies and theories investigating self-concept as a significant factor in the classroom. Self-concept is deeply imbedded in intrapersonal, perception, and interpersonal communication. In order to…

Findings from a case-method study that explored educational administration students' perceptions of two administrative theories--micropolitical analysis and traditional social systems approach--are presented in this paper. Methodology involved presentation of a case to educational administration students who participated in group discussion and…

This paper reports on the results of a usability study that investigated the suitability of using an open systems approach for developing an online assessment application. Issues examined included ease of use, security, effectiveness, and ease of maintenance. Participants were 68 preservice teachers taking a technology integration course. Students…

In response to a low passing rate in a general psychology course taught at Howard Community College (MD), as well as to student and instructor dissatisfaction with the course, a systems model was developed and applied to improve course quality. The development of the model involved nine steps: (1) enumerating precise skill objectives which could…

This document contains four papers from a symposium on adult learning issues and human resource development (HRD). "Creating a Systemic Framework for the Transfer of Learning from an Action Learning Experience" (Suzanne D. Butterfield, Kitty Gold, Verna J. Willis) discusses a study of the organizational elements that affect learning and…

In recent years, Australia's system of adult and community education (ACE) has broadened to include vocational learning as well as the hobby, enrichment, and personal development traditionally provided by ACE in the past. A study examined the views of ACE providers, ACE students, and industry organizations regarding ACE vocational education and…