Accuracy of paper-and-pencil systematic observation versus computer-aided systems

Computer-aided behavior observation is gradually supplanting paper-and-pencil approaches to behavior observation, but there is a dearth of evidence on the relative accuracy of paper-and-pencil versus computer-aided behavior observation formats in the literature. The current study evaluated the accuracy resulting from paper-and-pencil observation and from two computer-aided behavior observation methods: The Observer XT® desktop software and the Big Eye Observer® smartphone application. Twelve postgraduate students without behavior observation experience underwent a behavior observation training protocol. As part of a multi-element design, participants recorded 60 real clinical sessions randomly assigned to one of the three observation methods. All three methods produced high levels of accuracy (paper-and-pencil, .88 ± .01; The Observer XT, .84 ± .01; Big Eye Observer, .84 ± .01). A mixed linear model analysis indicated that paper-and-pencil observation produced marginally superior accuracy values, whereas the accuracy produced by The Observer XT and Big Eye Observer did not differ. The analysis suggests that accuracy of recording was mediated by the number of recordable events in the observation videos. The implications of these findings for research and practice are discussed

Contributions of the psychology of mathematical cognition in early childhood education using apps

Educational interventions are necessary to develop mathematical competence at early ages and prevent widespread mathematics learning failure in the education system as indicated by the results of European reports. Numerous studies agree that domain-specific predictors related to mathematics are symbolic and non-symbolic magnitude comparison, as well as, number line estimation. The goal of this study was to design 4 digital learning app games to train specific cognitive bases of mathematical learning in order to create resources and promote the use of these technologies in the educational community and to promote effective scientific transfer and increase the research visibility. This study involved 193 preschoolers aged 57-79 months. A quasi-experimental design was carried out with 3 groups created after scores were obtained in a standardised mathematical competence assessment test, i.e., low-performance group (N = 49), high-performance group (N = 21), and control group (N = 123). The results show that training with the 4 digital learning app games focusing on magnitude, subitizing, number facts, and estimation tasks improved the numerical skills of the experimental groups, compared to the control group. The implications of the study were, on the one hand, provided verified technological tools for teaching early mathematical competence. On the other hand, this study supports other studies on the importance of cognitive precursors in mathematics performance

Description of Main Innovative and Alternative Methodologies for Mathematical Learning of Written Algorithms in Primary Education

The traditional way of teaching mathematics generates significant learning difficulties in students that are reflected in their academic performance. In recent years, the number of teachers and researchers interested in finding innovative, flexible and comprehensible methodologies has increased. The main objective of this article has been to carry out a theoretical review of the methodologies for learning/teaching mathematics at school level. Central elements of international and national method initiatives have been highlighted. The empirical evidence on the Singapore method and the Algorithm Based on Numbers (ABN) method confirms the need to include innovative and manipulative strategies in the classroom. The Singapore method has been shown as a source that improves students ' problem solving skill, mathematical competence, boosting reasoning, and a higher motivation. Some studies focused on the effectiveness of the ABN method and its influence on mathematical cognition. The use of this methodology and learning in flipped classroom have obtained significant results in teacher training. These results could provide guidance about how to improve pre-service education in Primary Bachelor's Degree. The findings presented in the manuscript could be a basis for opening new lines of quantitative research, with the aim of analysing problem solving and the use of manipulative materials in mathematics. Thus, future research should focus on analysing the cognitive processes involved in mathematical learning, carrying out empirical studies in schools. In addition, it is necessary to improve future teachers' training, so that they can learn about new alternatives for mathematical teaching and the available resources to be able to put it into practice. Moreover, alternative methodologies are a necessary driver for the improvement of mathematical performance both inside and outside the classroom, and also for the technological and economic development of countries

Análisis comparativo entre escritura manual y electrónica en la toma de apuntes de estudiantes universitarios

La toma de apuntes es una estrategia generalizada del alumnado de Educación Superior y se ha constatado su influencia en el rendimiento académico. El uso del ordenador está desplazando al método tradicional de lápiz y papel. El presente estudio pretende arrojar luz en base a las ventajas y los inconvenientes derivados del uso de uno u otro método en la toma de apuntes en las aulas universitarias. Un total de 251 estudiantes universitarios de ciencias sociales y ciencias de la salud participaron en el estudio. Se plantearon dos condiciones experimentales, toma de notas de forma manual (n=211) y de manera electrónica (n=40). Se hallaron diferencias a favor del grupo que usó el ordenador en las tareas basadas en completar el abecedario, escribir frases y reconocer palabras anotadas previamente (p<.05). Sin embargo, en la tarea de recuerdo libre los resultados reflejaron un mejor desempeño del grupo que tomó notas manualmente (p<.05). Se rechazó la hipótesis de igualdad entre los grupos (X2=60.98; p<.0001). Además, el análisis discriminante confirmó que el 77,3% de los alumnos fueron clasificados correctamente según su condición experimental. El uso del ordenador resultó muy útil cuando se trataba de anotar datos con rapidez; sin embargo, en las tareas de recuerdo los alumnos de escritura manual obtuvieron mejores puntuaciones que los de escritura electrónica