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1. Effects of "Context-Optimization" on the Acquisition of Grammatical Case in Children with Specific Language Impairment: An Experimental Evaluation in the Classroom (EJ818589)
Author(s):
Motsch, Hans-Joachim; Riehemann, Stephanie
Source:
International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders, v43 n6 p683-698 Nov 2008
Pub Date:
2008-11-00
Pub Type(s):
Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Peer-Reviewed:
Yes
Descriptors: Experimental Groups; Control Groups; Language Impairments; Criticism; Pathology; Risk; Methods; Group Therapy; Teaching Methods; Foreign Countries; Gender Differences; Language Processing; Grade 2
Abstract: Background: Disorders in the acquisition of morphological agreement phenomena, e.g. case marking, are characteristic of German children with specific language impairment (SLI). Although the success of individual therapy has already been documented, there are general doubts about the success of grammar facilitation in the classroom. Aims: To investigate whether children with SLI, who were trained with the new program "Context-Optimization" during classes, achieved significant improvements in the acquisition of case and whether this therapeutic approach was more effective than the traditional methods used in a control group. Methods & Procedures: Forty-five classes of 19 special language schools participated in the study. Within 12 weeks the experimental group, consisting of 63 children, received 12 hours of therapy during their lessons. The therapeutic measures were implemented directly by their class teachers, who are additionally qualified as school speech and language pathologists. The case marking skills of the 63 children constituting the control group were also trained during classes or within individual or group therapy, although their teachers used other methods than Context-Optimization. Outcomes & Results: The experimental group participants increased their case-marking skills significantly, even after a short-term intervention, and these effects remained stable. It is evident that their improvements were independent of any risk factors such as deficits in the perception and processing of language, problems in gender agreement and bilingualism. Context-Optimization therapy in the classroom is effective for both accusative and dative, the prominent therapy goal, while traditional methods are only effective for accusative. Conclusions: A critical analysis of the data reveals two important implications for future interventions: (1) the reduction of language material to ensure proper use of gender during therapy sequences; and (2) the adaptation of therapeutic steps to the learning tempo of the pupils. (Contains 8 tables and 2 figures.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract
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2. Item Selection for the Development of Short Forms of Scales Using an Ant Colony Optimization Algorithm (EJ809792)
Leite, Walter L.; Huang, I-Chan; Marcoulides, George A.
Multivariate Behavioral Research, v43 n3 p411-431 Jul 2008
2008-07-00
Descriptors: Mathematics; Measures (Individuals); Diabetes; Simulation; Item Analysis; Structural Equation Models; Test Construction
Abstract: This article presents the use of an ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm for the development of short forms of scales. An example 22-item short form is developed for the Diabetes-39 scale, a quality-of-life scale for diabetes patients, using a sample of 265 diabetes patients. A simulation study comparing the performance of the ACO algorithm and traditionally used methods of item selection is also presented. It is shown that the ACO algorithm outperforms the largest factor loadings and maximum test information item selection methods. The results demonstrate the capabilities of using ACO for creating short-form scales. (Contains 4 tables, 5 figures and 1 footnote.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract
3. Orbital Exponent Optimization in Elementary VB Calculations of the Chemical Bond in the Ground State of Simple Molecular Systems (EJ823783)
Magnasco, Valerio
Journal of Chemical Education, v85 n12 p1686-1691 Dec 2008
2008-12-00
Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Descriptors: Chemistry; Molecular Structure; Scientific Principles; Scientific Concepts; Science Instruction; Equations (Mathematics)
Abstract: Orbital exponent optimization in the elementary ab-initio VB calculation of the ground states of H[subscript 2][superscript +], H[subscript 2], He[subscript 2][superscript +], He[subscript 2] gives a fair description of the exchange-overlap component of the interatomic interaction that is important in the bond region. Correct bond lengths and about 85% of the experimental bond energies are obtained, giving a satisfactory first account of 1-electron (H[subscript 2][superscript +]), 2-electron (H[subscript 2]), 3-electron (He[subscript 2][superscript +]) chemical bonds and an adequate description of the corresponding Pauli repulsion in He+He. (Contains 1 figure, 6 tables and 2 notes.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract
4. A Mathematical Optimization Problem in Bioinformatics (EJ810992)
Heyer, Laurie J.
PRIMUS, v18 n1 p101-118 Jan 2008
2008-01-00
Descriptors: Mathematics Instruction; Problem Solving; Computation; Computer Uses in Education; Biology; Integrated Curriculum; College Mathematics; Computer Science; Genetics; Matrices
Abstract: This article describes the sequence alignment problem in bioinformatics. Through examples, we formulate sequence alignment as an optimization problem and show how to compute the optimal alignment with dynamic programming. The examples and sample exercises have been used by the author in a specialized course in bioinformatics, but could be adapted to mathematics courses in which mathematical optimization or algorithms are discussed. (Contains 2 figures.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract
5. An Adaptive Testing System for Supporting Versatile Educational Assessment (EJ819448)
Huang, Yueh-Min; Lin, Yen-Ting; Cheng, Shu-Chen
Computers & Education, v52 n1 p53-67 Jan 2009
2009-01-00
Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Descriptors: Self Evaluation (Individuals); Test Items; Formative Evaluation; Educational Assessment; Adaptive Testing; Internet; Item Response Theory; Computer Assisted Testing; Handheld Devices; Test Construction; Educational Technology; Computer Software Evaluation; Computer System Design; Distance Education; Computer Software
Abstract: With the rapid growth of computer and mobile technology, it is a challenge to integrate computer based test (CBT) with mobile learning (m-learning) especially for formative assessment and self-assessment. In terms of self-assessment, computer adaptive test (CAT) is a proper way to enable students to evaluate themselves. In CAT, students are assessed through a process that uses item response theory (IRT), a well-founded psychometric theory. Furthermore, a large item bank is indispensable to a test, but when a CAT system has a large item bank, the test item selection of IRT becomes more tedious. Besides the large item bank, item exposure mechanism is also essential to a testing system. However, IRT all lack the above-mentioned points. These reasons have motivated the authors to carry out this study. This paper describes a design issue aimed at the development and implementation of an adaptive testing system. The system can support several assessment functions and different devices. Moreover, the researchers apply a novel approach, particle swarm optimization (PSO) to alleviate the computational complexity and resolve the problem of item exposure. Throughout the development of the system, a formative evaluation was embedded into an integral part of the design methodology that was used for improving the system. After the system was formally released onto the web, some questionnaires and experiments were conducted to evaluate the usability, precision, and efficiency of the system. The results of these evaluations indicated that the system provides an adaptive testing for different devices and supports versatile assessment functions. Moreover, the system can estimate students' ability reliably and validly and conduct an adaptive test efficiently. Furthermore, the computational complexity of the system was alleviated by the PSO approach. By the approach, the test item selection procedure becomes efficient and the average best fitness values are very close to the optimal solutions. (Contains 9 figures and 6 tables.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract
6. Patterns of Linguistic Communication in Teaching and Learning Science: A Case Study of Korean Middle School Science Classes (EJ821714)
Ha, Eunsun; Song, Jinwoong
International Journal of Science Education, v31 n2 p173-192 Jan 2009
Descriptors: Middle Schools; Student Attitudes; Video Technology; Foreign Countries; Science Instruction; Case Studies; Observation; Classroom Communication; Language Patterns; Teaching Methods; Teacher Student Relationship; Teacher Behavior
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to investigate patterns of linguistic communication in learning and teaching science and to find out how the formation of each pattern was related with the classroom, particularly in Korean middle school context. For this, we observed science classes in three middle schools in Seoul and collected data during lessons through audiotape and videotape recording. From the analysis of the data in three cases, nine patterns of spoken or written communication in learning and teaching science were found, and the features of each pattern and the context were discussed in detail. These results provided us with rich information of linguistic communication dealing with scientific topics appearing in Korean school science classes. We argue that those patterns appear to implicitly reflect the unique contexts of science classes in Korea. "The optimization in teacher behaviour", which refers to the conceptualization of teachers' efforts to take advantage of the given classroom context, is suggested as one of the main causes that made each pattern occur. (Contains 9 figures, 2 tables, and 2 notes.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract
7. Fourier Series Optimization Opportunity (EJ788454)
Winkel, Brian
International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, v39 n2 p276-284 Mar 2008
2008-03-00
Descriptors: Discovery Learning; Calculus; Mathematics Instruction; Educational Technology; Mathematical Concepts; Equations (Mathematics)
Abstract: This note discusses the introduction of Fourier series as an immediate application of optimization of a function of more than one variable. Specifically, it is shown how the study of Fourier series can be motivated to enrich a multivariable calculus class. This is done through discovery learning and use of technology wherein students build the sine Fourier series for the simple function f(x) = x and then generalize to the nth term sine Fourier series for a general function, f(x). It is shown how the students can then explore the power of the Fourier series to represent functions. (Contains 6 figures.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract
8. An Elementary Proof of a Converse Mean-Value Theorem (EJ814430)
Almeida, Ricardo
International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, v39 n8 p1110-1111 Dec 2008
Descriptors: Mathematical Logic; Validity; Mathematics Instruction; Equations (Mathematics)
Abstract: We present a new converse mean value theorem, with a rather elementary proof. [The work was supported by Centre for Research on Optimization and Control (CEOC) from the "Fundacaopara a Ciencia e a Tecnologia" FCT, co-financed by the European Community Fund FEDER/POCTI.]
9. Bionomic Exploitation of a Ratio-Dependent Predator-Prey System (EJ814437)
Maiti, Alakes; Patra, Bibek; Samanta, G. P.
International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, v39 n8 p1061-1076 Dec 2008
Descriptors: Computer Simulation; Mathematical Models; Validity; Mathematical Logic; Mathematics Education; Agricultural Production; Animals; Higher Education
Abstract: The present article deals with the problem of combined harvesting of a Michaelis-Menten-type ratio-dependent predator-prey system. The problem of determining the optimal harvest policy is solved by invoking Pontryagin's Maximum Principle. Dynamic optimization of the harvest policy is studied by taking the combined harvest effort as a dynamic variable. Computer simulations are carried out to illustrate our analytical findings. Biological and bioeconomical interpretations of the results are explained critically. (Contains 5 figures.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract
10. Experimental Design and Optimization: Application to a Grignard Reaction (EJ814861)
Bouzidi, Naoual; Gozzi, Christel
Journal of Chemical Education, v85 n11 p1544-1547 Nov 2008
Descriptors: Undergraduate Students; Research Design; College Science; Scientific Methodology; Chemistry; Science Instruction; Foreign Countries; Scientific Concepts; Science Experiments; Science Laboratories
Abstract: This project is conducted by students during the second semester of their second year in our educational institution. This project constitutes an initiation into research and allows a broadening of knowledge, a development in autonomy, organization, team work, and initiative. It helps prepare the student-engineer for an internship in industry. The experiment is done in student pairs over 5 weeks (three, eight-hour days per week). We introduce experimental design to undergraduate students because such methodology is increasingly important in modern industrial research. The well-prepared chemist will need to apply these concepts easily. Other pedagogical goals include increasing experience in synthetic techniques, scientific rigor to obtain reproducibility in the yield, and using quantitative analysis methods. This project investigates optimizing the synthesis of benzyl-1-cyclopentan-1-ol using experimental design. It is carried out in three steps: first the factors that can have a potential influence on the reaction are screened; second, a factorial design is used to study the interactions between the factors; and finally, response surface methodology is used to optimize the yield. (Contains 5 tables, 3 figures and 2 notes.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract
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