Improving Students’ Learning in Group: The Case of 2016 Graduating Class Rural Development and Agricultural Extension Students, College of Agriculture, Wolaita Sodo University

This study was conducted in Wolaita Sodo University to investigate the major factors that affect the implementation of students’ learning in group in the College of Agriculture. In this study, both primary and secondary data sources were used to collect the primary and secondary data respectively. For this study, the 2016 graduating class Rural Development and Agricultural Extension students were selected by purposive sampling technique. Accordingly, twenty five (25) students were selected from 53 students of the sample section by using lottery method of simple random sampling technique. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS 20) was used to analyze the data. The findings of this study revealed that large class size, seating arrangement style, shortage of time, lack of adequate teaching-learning materials, and low participation of students are the major factors affecting the implementation of students’ learning in a group. In this study, constructing additional classrooms, supplying adequate teaching materials, developing class room management techniques, and managing and using the time effectively were suggested to promote the effective implementation of learning in a group.Keywords: Group Discussion, Group Learning, Active Learning: Wolaita Sodo Universit

Field-based Research Experience in Earth Science Teacher Education

This is an overview of a field-based research experience in Earth Science teacher education program that was conducted for secondary science teachers from Prince George's County, Maryland. The goal of the program was to produce well-prepared, scientifically and technologically literate Earth Science teachers through a teaching- and research-oriented partnership between in-service teachers and a university scientist-educator. Program participants were exposed to a broad background in field-based instruction in physical, historical, and environmental aspects of Earth Science content and teaching methods, followed by participation in an authentic, technology-rich field research project. Although attrition rates were high, program participants indicated that they were more confident in their Earth Science content knowledge and teaching ability than they had been initially. All respondents also indicated that they were currently using methods, strategies, and activities they had learned in the program within their own classrooms. Educational levels: Graduate or professional

Infusing Problem-Based Learning (PBL) Into Science Methods Courses Across Virginia

This article outlines the results of a collaborative study of the effects of infusing problem-based learning (PBL) into K-12 science methods courses across four universities in Virginia. Changes in pre-service teachers\u27 attitudes surrounding science teaching were measured before and after completing a science methods course in which they experienced PBL first-hand as participants, and then practiced designing their own PBL units for use in their future classrooms. The results indicate that exposure to PBL enhances pre-service teachers\u27 knowledge of inquiry methods and self-efficacy in teaching science

Pedagogy, curriculum, teaching practices and teacher education in developing countries

This rigorous literature review focused on pedagogy, curriculum, teaching practices and teacher education in developing countries. It aimed to: 1. review existing evidence on the review topic to inform programme design and policy making undertaken by the DFID, other agencies and researchers 2. identify critical evidence gaps to guide the development of future research programme

‘It is empowering…’ Teachers’ voices on action research using Flanders' Interactional Analysis Categories (FIAC) for peer observation to improve teaching and learning of English language

Observing teachers especially experienced teachers can be a difficult task. Nevertheless, observation is an effective means to evaluate the effectiveness of teaching and learning practice of any course or programme. Peer observation is one of the effective ways with relative ease. This paper discusses the findings of a study that involves three ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers at Changlon Secondary School in Kedah Malaysia. This study incorporates the use of Flanders' Interactional Analysis Category (FIAC) for Teacher Support Team (TST) programme between Universiti Utara Malaysia(UUM) and the school. The paper begins first by explaining the involvement of the teachers and their feelings about peer observation. This paper then highlights teachers’ feelings and perceptions towards FIAC as an alternative tool to observe and improve teaching effectiveness and how its use create an awareness of the kind of teaching that takes place in their classrooms. The dogma of learner-centred versus teacher-centred teaching was evidently discussed. The paper concludes by providing ways to make the classrooms more learner-centred as opposed to the current practice of the teachers which are more teacher-centred

Building Bridges Toward Science Careers for Youth with Disabilities

Several researchers have addressed the issue of accommodating students with disabilities in college science classrooms (Brazier, Parry, & Fischbach, 2000; Womble & Walker, 2001). However, little research has focused on the types of accommodations and supports needed for students with disabilities at the college level (Stodden, 2000). This brief outlines results of research conducted by the Bridges Project funded by the National Science Foundation Program for Persons with Disabilities. The major goals of the project were (a) to create a model facilitating greater access for students with disabilities to postsecondary education and careers in science and technology, and (b) to investigate issues related to the transition from high school to college for students with disabilities

College Readiness Initiative: AVID and Navigation 101

The purpose of this report is to provide summative feedback to personnel at the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and at the College Spark Washington regarding evidence of implementation and impact of the Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID) and Navigation 101 programs in schools funded by the College Readiness Initiative (CRI) in Washington State. The report, while addressing the effects of both programs, is also designed to provide formative feedback to assist in ongoing program development