An inquiry-based learning approach to teaching information retrieval

The study of information retrieval (IR) has increased in interest and importance with the explosive growth of online information in recent years. Learning about IR within formal courses of study enables users of search engines to use them more knowledgeably and effectively, while providing the starting point for the explorations of new researchers into novel search technologies. Although IR can be taught in a traditional manner of formal classroom instruction with students being led through the details of the subject and expected to reproduce this in assessment, the nature of IR as a topic makes it an ideal subject for inquiry-based learning approaches to teaching. In an inquiry-based learning approach students are introduced to the principles of a subject and then encouraged to develop their understanding by solving structured or open problems. Working through solutions in subsequent class discussions enables students to appreciate the availability of alternative solutions as proposed by their classmates. Following this approach students not only learn the details of IR techniques, but significantly, naturally learn to apply them in solution of problems. In doing this they not only gain an appreciation of alternative solutions to a problem, but also how to assess their relative strengths and weaknesses. Developing confidence and skills in problem solving enables student assessment to be structured around solution of problems. Thus students can be assessed on the basis of their understanding and ability to apply techniques, rather simply their skill at reciting facts. This has the additional benefit of encouraging general problem solving skills which can be of benefit in other subjects. This approach to teaching IR was successfully implemented in an undergraduate module where students were assessed in a written examination exploring their knowledge and understanding of the principles of IR and their ability to apply them to solving problems, and a written assignment based on developing an individual research proposal

Classification of Generalized Multiresolution Analyses

We discuss how generalized multiresolution analyses (GMRAs), both classical and those defined on abstract Hilbert spaces, can be classified by their multiplicity functions $m$ and matrix-valued filter functions $H$. Given a natural number valued function $m$ and a system of functions encoded in a matrix $H$ satisfying certain conditions, a construction procedure is described that produces an abstract GMRA with multiplicity function $m$ and filter system $H$. An equivalence relation on GMRAs is defined and described in terms of their associated pairs $(m,H)$. This classification system is applied to classical examples in $L^2 (\mathbb R^d)$ as well as to previously studied abstract examples.Comment: 18 pages including bibliograp

A determination of concepts of healthful living which are of functional value in contributing to the general education of elementary school pupils

Thesis (Ed.D.)--Boston University. This item was digitized by the Internet Archive

A Study of the Reading Habits of U.S.A.C. Freshmen and Senior Students

This investigation is a study of the reading habits of freshmen and senior students of the Utah State Agricultural College. It deals with the amount of reading, kind of reading, and reading practices of these students

Factors influencing weaning performance of beef calves on the plateau area of Tennessee

The birth-to-weaning performance records of 1869 non-creep fed and 791 creep fed calves were utilized in this study. These data were collected from purebred and high grade commercial cow herds in the Tennessee Beef Cattle Improvement Program in the Cumberland Plateau area of Tennessee. The data were collected over a 3-year period (1964-66). Two traits of economic importance, viz., average daily gain from birth to weaning and type score at weaning, were used in these analyses. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of age of dam, sex of calf, season or month of birth and age of calf on average daily gain to weaning and type score at weaning of calves produced on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee. The effects of age of dam on average daily gain from birth to weaning were highly significant (P\u3c.01) for both non-creep and creep fed calves. A cow\u27s individual performance was lowest at 2-, 3-, 4-, and 12-years of age for non-creep fed calves. Whereas, in the creep fed group, 2- and 3-year-old dams produced calves with the lowest average daily gains. Age of dam had a small but significant effect on type score of non-creep fed calves. The maximum type score of a cow\u27s calves were obtained when she was within the range of 3 to 8 years, and decreased as she became older. No significant differences among the type scores of creep fed calves were observed. Sex of calf had a significant effect on average daily gain of both non-creep and creep fed calves. Non-creep fed bull calves gained 0.17 pound more than heifers, and steers gained 0.04 pound less than bull calves. In the creep fed group, the estimates were 0.20, 0.15 and -.05 for bulls, steers and heifers, respectively. Sex of calf influenced type score of non-creep fed calves. Bull calves graded significantly higher than steers and heifers. Whereas, there was no significant difference between steers and heifers. Sex of calf had a significant influence on the creep fed calves. Bulls had a type score significantly higher than steers, and the type score of steers was significantly higher than heifers. August-born calves were inferior in performance to calves born in other months. Generally, calves born in February, March, April, May, June and October appear to be desirable for the area sampled in these analyses. Month of birth had no apparent effect on type score of creep fed calves. Non-creep fed calves born in January, February, March and August graded significantly lower than calves born in any other month. However, from these data it appears that some adjustment for month of birth is warranted. Age of calf was one of the most important sources of variation in average daily gain and type score. The average daily gain of calves decreased in a linear manner; whereas, type score increased as the calf\u27s age increased within the limits of these data

Characterizing Marine Foraging Habitat for the Endangered Marbled Murrelet in the South Puget Sound

Marbled murrelets (MAMUs; Brachyramphus marmoratus), a small seabird from the Alcidae family, are currently listed as an endangered species in Washington, Oregon and California. MAMU marine habitat use is still largely undescribed in the South Puget Sound area. Using binoculars, a laser rangefinder, and a compass, I conducted 4-hour shore-based surveys, gathering data on the foraging habits of MAMU at the possible foraging hotspot called Browns Point Lighthouse

Victimization : homeless in the heartland.

This study examines victimization of 21 homeless individuals and noted viewpoints on crimes relating to the homeless from caretakers in Oklahoma City proper. The crimes reported to the police are listed and examined to assess or understand how the environment is related to their victimization. Through the use of qualitative methods and grounded theory, the homeless and their caretakers provided a wealth of information into an often hidden world of the homeless. This sample of 21 homeless individuals had an average of five victimizations during their period of homelessness. Although they experienced numerous crimes, few were reported to the police. Various theoretical concepts, crime maps, and interview data were used to determine a grounded explanation of crimes against this sample of the homeless. This study found the proximity of three homeless shelters may contribute to robberies, and petty thefts among this sample of 21 homeless.--Abstract