Session 3 - 27 Nov

There are some useful links for future use as follows:-

1. http://www.springerlink.com.libproxy.nie.edu.sg/content/102953/ - learning environments journal

2. http://www.ascilite.org.au/conferences/singapore07/ - free journals

3. http://www.sciencedirect.com/ – free journals

Today's lesson started off with the short lecture by Dr Quek on the subject:-

How to differentiate the different articles? Journal, Conference papers?

How do we start reading the paper? Dr Quek advised reading the introduction and the conclusion first and decide whether to continue reading. Dr Quek also recommend Scott Walker and reading conference paper which are more readable. Highlighting key words in each articule would help to in the focus on the key concepts shared. Later on, she shared on famous writer on learning environmens. There is a trend in learning environment (LE) researchers to move form generic to specific areas. There is also a move to customization to qualitative studies (move from quantitative to qualitative studies)

Reflection 1: The sharing by Dr Quek has provided a clearer perspective on how to choose more readable papers. Choosing papers that are of interest to the reader is important to save precious time. As educators, we need to be in tune with the latest developments in the field of educational research. Being in the know of T&L strategies that would enhance the level of engagement in the pupils is favourable to both the teachers and other stakeholders.

Learning Environment (LE)

In the LE there is :-

i. Physical (seating arrangement, noise level, space provision for movement and work, ventilation and resource provision) – e.g. infrastructure

ii. Students (working in groups/individually, students' behavior towards each other, group size and composition, student concentration) – e.g. racial mix

iii. Social (teacher's mode of instruction, teacher's acceptance/rejection, types of educational tasks required, type of activities) - e.g. use group survey to obtain feedback

Tools of assessment used

WHIHIC (latest instrument used)

i. Four-points lekert scale

ii. Preferred Form vs Actual Form

iii. Student Cohesiveness, Teacher Support, Involvement, Investigation, Task Orientation, Cooperation, Equity

iv. 20 items

v. Comparison of preferred and actual form scoresvi. Audience (flexible – any age group)

Questionnaire on Teacher Interaction (QTI)

i. Developed by Dutch researcher

ii. Five-point lekert scale

iii. Leadership, Helping/Friendly/Understanding, Uncertain, Dissatisfied, Admonishing, Strict

iv. More balanced view (students’ feedback and peers’ perception)

v. Audience: For primary and secondary students

How do we pick Instruments?

i. Target Audience (age group and academic ability)

ii. Design (no. of scales, no. of items)

iii. Moo's Scheme (focus on system processes in place) – Relationship dimensions, personal development dimensions, system maintenance and change dimensions

iv. Relationship - Extent of people's involvement ands support for each other

v. Personal development – direction along which personal growth and enhancement occur

vi. System maintenance and system change – extent of which the environment is orderly

Reflection 3: After learning about the three aspects of the learning environments, it becomes clearer to me about why tools of assessment of LE were drafted, produced and refined to suit the profile and understanding ability of the group under study.

Group Presentation on instruments developed by Moos, Walberg and Lewin and Wulbel
http://www.moos-moos.wetpaint.com/ - Moos
http://www.kurtlewin.wetpaint.com/ - Lewin
http://www.med858group4.wetpaint.com/ - Walberg