The Van Hiele model of geometric reasoning establishes five levels of development, from level 1 (visual) to level 5 (rigor). Despite the fact that this model has been deeply studied, there are few research works concerning the fifth level. However, there are some works that point out the interest of working with activities at this level to promote…

External validity is an important parameter that needs to be considered for decision making in health research, but no widely accepted measurement tool for the assessment of external validity of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) exists. One of the most limiting factors for creating such a tool is probably the substantial heterogeneity and lack…

This study employs the Delphi method to ascertain intercultural scholars' current consensus on a definition, specific components, and key evaluation criteria of intercultural competence. Sixty-eight leading intercultural scholars from Euro-American and East-Asian countries participated in this study. The results are largely congruent with the…

Background: Intelligibility and comprehensibility in speech disorders can be assessed both perceptually and instrumentally, but a lack of consensus exists regarding the terminology and related speech measures in both the clinical and scientific fields. Aims: To draw up a more consensual definition of intelligibility and comprehensibility and to…

This article provides a conceptual framework for considering both the theoretical and methodological factors that underpin the successful validation of a competency framework. Drawing on educational assessment literature, this article argues that a valid competency framework relates to an interpretive judgement of the credibility of the claims…

Background: The high support needs of persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities hamper their possibilities for self-determination. To support their self-determination understanding of what this means for this group is necessary. Method: A three-round Delphi procedure with international experts was undertaken to operationalise…

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) cites evolution as a core concept of biology, yet studies have found that biology students often exhibit low acceptance of evolution. As such, much of evolution education research aims to identify the causes of evolution rejection and develop instructional strategies to increase…

This paper is basic research focused on the analysis of scientific advances related to Smart Learning Environments (SLE). Our main objective is to single out the common aspects to propose a new definition which will constitute the starting point to design an innovative model which we can apply to the analysis of real cases and good practices. For…

This dissertation aims to bridge the gap between validity theory and the practice of validation. The dissertation employs a three-article approach. Following the introduction in Chapter I, three independent manuscripts representing three empirical studies are presented (i.e., Chapters II - IV). Each chapter is a stand-alone publishable manuscript,…

The need for equitable access to high-quality preschool has recently gained unprecedented attention. As states and districts strive to expand access while promoting quality, curriculum quality has emerged as a critical component of preschool programs that promote young children's learning. Yet many educators make curricular decisions with…

While the concept of entrepreneurship in the field of education has received growing scholarly attention in recent years, no consensual definition exists regarding what exactly educational entrepreneurship involves. A clear definition will promote research progress on this subject, as well as its accessibility in the general discourse. The present…

Purpose: Our aim was to develop consensus on the definition and operationalization of communicative participation (CP) in 2- to 8-year-old children with language disorders (LDs). A clear definition and operationalization can facilitate the discussion about children's communication problems in daily life between parents and professionals. Method:…

Background: Lack of agreement about criteria and terminology for children's language problems affects access to services as well as hindering research and practice. We report the second phase of a study using an online Delphi method to address these issues. In the first phase, we focused on criteria for language disorder. Here we consider…

Against the background of climate change, which enables infectious diseases to move their frontiers and the increasing global mobility, which make people more exposed to contagion, we as citizens need to relate to this new scenario. A greater number of infectious diseases may also potentially lead to an increased need to use antibiotics and…

Ah ha moments are often mentioned in education literature. These moments are suggested to be a powerful aspect of learning, yet limited research is present regarding this topic. Ah ha learning moments have also not been defined in the education literature, resulting in the likelihood that each educator and learner may have differing definitions.…