The answer is only the beginning: Extended discourse in Chinese and US mathematics classrooms

The authors investigated the use of a particular discourse practice--continued questioning and discussion after a correct answer was provided, which they called extended discourse--and examined the frequency and content of this practice in 17 Chinese and 14 U.S. elementary mathematics classes. They found that the Chinese classrooms had more, and spent more time in, extended discourse than did the U.S. classrooms. The content of these episodes differed: The Chinese classrooms focused more on rules and procedures than did the U.S. classrooms, whereas the U.S. classrooms focused more on computation than did the Chinese classrooms. These findings shed light on interesting practices of discourse in both countries and also have implications for current U.S. reforms in mathematics pedagogy.The authors investigated the use of a particular discourse practice--continued questioning and discussion after a correct answer was provided, which they called extended discourse--and examined the frequency and content of this practice in 17 Chinese and 14 U.S. elementary mathematics classes. They found that the Chinese classrooms had more, and spent more time in, extended discourse than did the U.S. classrooms. The content of these episodes differed: The Chinese classrooms focused more on rules and procedures than did the U.S. classrooms, whereas the U.S. classrooms focused more on computation than did the Chinese classrooms. These findings shed light on interesting practices of discourse in both countries and also have implications for current U.S. reforms in mathematics pedagogy

Speed- and Circuit-Based High-Intensity Interval Training on Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption

Color poster with text, images, and tables.Due to the current obesity epidemic in the United States, there is growing interest in efficient, effective ways to increase energy expenditure and weight loss. Research has shown that high-intensity exercise elicits a higher Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC) throughout the day compared to steady-state exercise. Currently, there is no research study that examines the differences in EPOC resulting from high-intensity interval training (HIIT) modalities. The purpose of this study is to review the impact of circuit training (CT) and speed interval training (SIT), on EPOC in both regular exercising and sedentary populations. Methods: Twenty-four participants were recruited from the UW-Eau Claire campus. They were divided into regularly exercising and sedentary groups, according to self-reported physical activity levels. Oxygen consumption was measured during and after two HIIT sessions, which was used to estimate caloric expenditure. There was no significant difference in caloric expenditure among the individuals who regularly exercise and the individuals who are sedentary. There was also no significant difference in EPOC between sedentary individuals and those who regularly exercise or between SIT and CT. However, there was a significantly higher caloric expenditure from SIT compared CT in both groups. Conclusion: Individuals do not need to complete one modality of HIIT (SIT or CT) over the other to have a greater influence on EPOC.University of Wisconsin--Eau Claire Office of Research and Sponsored Program