In this paper, we develop a mixed stochastic approximation expectation-maximization (MSAEM) algorithm coupled with a Gibbs sampler to compute the marginalized maximum a posteriori estimate (MMAPE) of a confirmatory multidimensional four-parameter normal ogive (M4PNO) model. The proposed MSAEM algorithm not only has the computational advantages of…

In this paper, we develop a mixed stochastic approximation expectation-maximization (MSAEM) algorithm coupled with a Gibbs sampler to compute the marginalized maximum a posteriori estimate (MMAPE) of a confirmatory multidimensional four-parameter normal ogive (M4PNO) model. The proposed MSAEM algorithm not only has the computational advantages of…

Urbanization, vocational education, and industry in China have been influenced by policy and economic changes. This article outlines potential solutions for the integrated development of urbanization, vocational education, and industry in China. By integrating the development ideas of the triple helix model based on international related research…

Purpose: Aging increases risk for hearing loss, cognitive decline, and social isolation; however, the nature of their interconnection remains unclear. This study examined the interplay between age-related hearing loss, cognitive decline, and social isolation in adults by testing the ability to understand speech in background noise, a challenge…

For Students of Color in the United States, to attend university is to live and work within a social reality that reproduces a hegemonic social order. Professors can and should assist students in recognizing the dominant social standpoint embodied in much of university instruction, while also recognizing the equal validity of their own and their…

New Jersey cannot afford to lose even one family child care (FCC) provider as access to high-quality child care is more challenging for parents today than before the COVID-19 health emergency. Staffing shortages and rising expenses make it increasingly difficult for FCC providers to keep their doors open, requiring these business owners to draw on…

Bayesian Knowledge Tracing (BKT) is a probabilistic model of a learner's state of mastery for a knowledge component. The learner's state is a "hidden" binary variable updated based on the correctness of the learner's responses to questions corresponding to that knowledge component. The parameters used for this update are inferred/learned…

In this paper, we organize past and present theories and models of creativity by using a new conceptual framework--the creativity matrix--with the aim of highlighting the dimensions of creativity we know a lot about and those we tend to either ignore or find difficult to study. This matrix is formed by bringing together a developmental model of…

Spontaneous imaginary companion (SIC) creation in childhood is a typical imaginative play behaviour associated with advanced sociocognitive skills; however, the direction of causality has not been established. To investigate this experimentally, researchers must determine whether children can create, on request, qualitatively equivalent imaginary…

In this article I describe and reflect on my evolving understandings of the study of mentoring since the publication of the 2005 article in the Journal of Teacher Education. My reflective journey suggests stressing two assertions to the study of mentoring. One, that there is a need to develop a more multidimensional and integrated conception of…

More and more research is showing how different environments can lead to greater or lower creative skills. The purpose of this concept paper is to introduce a novel application of the optimal-level of arousal model that could address inconsistencies present in the literature. After introducing possible definitions of creativity, I discuss the…

This study aims to explore the construction of an evaluation index system for undergraduate engineering majors based on the Context, Input, Process, Product (CIPP) model under the Outcome-based Education (OBE) approach employing the Delphi method and Analytic Hierarchy Process. The trial of the evaluation index system involved 986 entrepreneurs,…

The population relationship between coefficient alpha and scale reliability is studied in the widely used setting of unidimensional multicomponent measuring instruments. It is demonstrated that for any set of component loadings on the common factor, regardless of the extent of their inequality, the discrepancy between alpha and reliability can be…

The virtual interactive learning model using imagineering process as a tool to promote happy learning for digital age learners. The concept is based on the combination of virtual learning environment and metaverse in order to create learning experience via virtual community. The objectives of this research are (1) to study and synthesise the…

Since 1981, James Fowler's stage model of faith development has provided researchers with a framework for understanding the ways in which people develop belief systems over the course of their lives. Despite its helpfulness, there are several notable areas of critique that can be levelled against the model, including its lack of parsimony, heavy…