Country effects in ISSP-1993 environmental data: Comparison of SEM approaches

Structural equation models (SEM) are commonly used to analyze the relationship between variables some of which may be latent, such as individual ``attitude'' to and ``behavior'' concerning specific issues. A number of difficulties arise when we want to compare a large number of groups, each with large sample size, and the manifest variables are distinctly non-normally distributed. Using an specific data set, we evaluate the appropriateness of the following alternative SEM approaches: multiple group versus MIMIC models, continuous versus ordinal variables estimation methods, and normal theory versus non-normal estimation methods. The approaches are applied to the ISSP-1993 Environmental data set, with the purpose of exploring variation in the mean level of variables of ``attitude'' to and ``behavior'' concerning environmental issues and their mutual relationship across countries. Issues of both theoretical and practical relevance arise in the course of this application.Structural equation models, factors models, MIMIC models, latent variables, multiple group analysis, non-normality, goodness of fit test, environmental data

Fostering Family Engagement at the Morris Arboretum

This project is a web-based Arboretum app for families with children between the ages of 6 and 8 years old. This piece of digital mobile technology is in support of the Arboretum’s interpretive initiative, Awakening the Senses. The main purpose of this project is to encourage families to connect with their natural surroundings and one another through sensory engagement. There are five unique experiences that coordinate with the five senses and five different plant parts. Each experience provides a movement cue, interactive activity, scientific lesson, an open-ended question to answer as a family, and a digital reward for completing the section. The project began by identifying a target audience based on data compiled from the Arboretum Membership and Visitor Education departments. Research began by benchmarking digital interpretation at other museums and arboreta in the Philadelphia area as well as across the country. Select digital experiences from these institutions provided the inspiration for navigation, movement cues, and open-ended questions built into this project. Each of the five experiences referred to the Pennsylvania Department of Education Standards for language and accompanying scientific lesson. A local illustrator, Todd Miyashiro, was selected to create the graphic elements for the digital app. He will be designing illustrated graphics in collaboration with the project author and supervisor. A paper prototype version of the app will be tested among member family groups, and a focus group will be conducted with school teachers of the target age range to assess the comprehension of language used in the project. Finally, the app will be designed and made available via the Arboretum website

Measurement and effects of teaching quality : an empirical model applied to masters programs

This study applies service quality and customer satisfaction theory to the field of education, and particularly to postgraduate studies. It examines the impact of multiple indicators of teaching quality on student satisfaction. For this purpose, a model is proposed and verified in which the teaching quality indicators are antecedents of the student's satisfaction with the professor and the program. An innovative aspect of the study is the introduction into education of the concept of customer loyalty as a result of satisfaction. In its analysis of these aspects, the study draws on data from a survey conducted among students of two business administration programs. A total of 2,446 valid questionnaires were obtained. In the proposed model, the latent variable, student satisfaction, is considered to be a consequence of the combined effect of satisfaction with certain aspects of teaching quality and the cause of the variation in the indicators on the satisfaction measurement scale. The model was tested by using the MIMIC [Multiple Indicators and Multiple Causes] structural equation technique

Interstitial Lung Diseases in Developing Countries

More than 100 different conditions are grouped under the term interstitial lung disease (ILD). A diagnosis of an ILD primarily relies on a combination of clinical, radiological, and pathological criteria, which should be evaluated by a multidisciplinary team of specialists. Multiple factors, such as environmental and occupational exposures, infections, drugs, radiation, and genetic predisposition have been implicated in the pathogenesis of these conditions. Asbestosis and other pneumoconiosis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), chronic beryllium disease, and smoking-related ILD are specifically linked to inhalational exposure of environmental agents. The recent Global Burden of Disease Study reported that ILD rank 40th in relation to global years of life lost in 2013, which represents an increase of 86% compared to 1990. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the prototype of fibrotic ILD. A recent study from the United States reported that the incidence and prevalence of IPF are 14.6 per 100,000 person-years and 58.7 per 100,000 persons, respectively. These data suggests that, in large populated areas such as Brazil, Russia, India, and China (the BRIC region), there may be approximately 2 million people living with IPF. However, studies from South America found much lower rates (0.4-1.2 cases per 100,000 per year). Limited access to high-resolution computed tomography and spirometry or to multidisciplinary teams for accurate diagnosis and optimal treatment are common challenges to the management of ILD in developing countries

Dealing with Functional Diversity in EFL Classrooms: English Teachers’ Positioning

Abstract Functional Diversity (FD) and inclusion are nowadays widely explored subjects, specifically in the field of English language teaching. This article examines the ways in which EFL teachers problematize their role in functionally diverse scenarios while exposing their efforts to improve the exercise of their profession in FD classrooms. By applying positioning theory (Harré, 2001), we analyzed the narratives of four English language teachers at a high school in Bogotá, Colombia. Data obtained from autobiographical narrative essays revealed three main findings: first, English language teachers positioned themselves as novice or apprentice in FD contexts; second, they struggled with their unpreparedness as they learned to work with FD students; and finally, they positioned themselves as agents of change to overcome difficulties and embrace an inclusive pedagogy. This study contributes to the field by raising awareness of real teaching problems and school situations that EFL teachers face, specifically those related to the struggles of the self.Resumen La Diversidad Funcional (DF) y la inclusión son temas que se están explorando en la actualidad, específicamente, en el campo de la enseñanza del inglés como lengua extranjera (EFL). Este artículo examina la forma en la que los profesores de inglés problematizan su labor docente, mientras revela sus esfuerzos por mejorar el ejercicio de su profesión en los espacios educativos en los que enfrentan la realidad de la diversidad funcional. Este estudio tuvo en cuenta la Teoría de Posicionamiento (Harré, 2001) para analizar narrativas de cuatro profesores de inglés, en el nivel de secundaria, de un colegio privado en Bogotá, Colombia. Los datos obtenidos expusieron tres grandes conclusiones: (1) los docentes de inglés se posicionaron como novatos y aprendices en relación a la Diversidad Funcional; (2) los docentes de inglés lucharon contra su falta de preparación, mientras aprendían a trabajar con estudiantes con Diversidad Funcional; (3) estos docentes se posicionaron como agentes de cambio para superar las dificultades encontradas y poder incluir una pedagogía más inclusiva en sus prácticas diarias. Este estudio contribuye al campo de la Lingüística Aplicada, al crear conciencia sobre los problemas reales de la enseñanza y de las situaciones escolares que enfrentan a diario los profesores de inglés, específicamente, todas aquellas relacionadas con las luchas de uno mismo

AULA INVERTIDA PARA FORTALECER LA COMPETENCIA INTERCULTURAL DE ESTUDIANTES DE INGLÉS

This article introduces the results of an experimental intercultural English class (IEC) using the flipped classroom methodology. Thematic units were developed with the 5 E's instructional model (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate) based on the constructivist approach to learning.  This qualitative study collected data from 20 students at Atlántico University. The questionnaires used in the analysis of the 2 survey rounds rate Students’ responses in relation to learning of contents, methodology of the class and autonomy. Results based on the second round led to four major conclusions: (i). There is satisfaction with the use of the Flipped Classroom strategy, in terms of time management and freedom to prepare classes. (ii). Practical activities are more engaging to work collaboratively. (iii) Teachers have a subtle presence which provides more opportunities for students to negotiate control and participation. (iv) Although autonomous learning is possible, teacher support is pivotal to increasing it. These findings are discussed within the framework of the didactical component of teaching and its implications for this public university.  Este artículo presenta los resultados de un curso experimental de inglés con enfoque intercultural utilizando la metodología del aula invertida. Las unidades temáticas se desarrollaron con las 5 E de un modelo instruccional basado en el enfoque constructivista del aprendizaje. Este estudio cualitativo recogió datos de 20 estudiantes de la Universidad del Atlántico. Se analizaron los cuestionarios de dos rondas de encuestas que midieron las respuestas de los estudiantes en relación al aprendizaje del contenido, la metodología de la clase y la autonomía. Los resultados de la segunda encuesta nos permiten colegir las siguientes conclusiones: (i). Satisfacción con el uso de la estrategia del aula invertida en relación con el manejo del tiempo y libertad para preparar clases. (ii). Las actividades prácticas favorecen el trabajo colaborativo. (iii). La sutil presencia de los profesores brinda mayores oportunidades a los estudiantes para negociar el control y la participación. (iv) Aunque es posible aprender autónomamente, el apoyo del docente es importante para incrementar el aprendizaje. Estos resultados se discuten en el marco del componente didáctico de la enseñanza y sus implicaciones para esta universidad pública.&nbsp

Direct and indirect influences of objective socioeconomic position on adolescent health: the mediating roles of subjective socioeconomic status and lifestyles

The use of composite indices and subjective measures to evaluate socioeconomic position, taking into account the effect of inequalities on adolescent health-related behaviors, can contribute to understanding the effect of inequalities on health during adolescence. The aim of this study was to examine the direct and indirect contribution of objective and subjective socioeconomic factors in a broad range of health and lifestyles outcomes. The data come from a representative sample of adolescents (N = 15,340; M age = 13.69) of the Health Behavior in School-aged Children study in Spain. Structural equation modeling was used for data analysis. A global index for evaluating objective socioeconomic position predicted both health and healthy lifestyles. Subjective socioeconomic status mediated the relationship between objective socioeconomic position and health but did not have a significant effect on healthy lifestyles when objective indicators were considered. Lastly, fit indices of the multiple-mediator model—including the direct effect of objective socioeconomic position on health and its indirect effects through the subjective perception of wealth and lifestyles—explained 28.7% of global health variance. Interventions aimed at reducing the impact of health inequalities should address, in addition to material deprivation, the psychological and behavioral consequences of feeling poor.Consejería de Economía, Innovación y Ciencia de la Junta de Andalucía P11—SEJ—800

El manejo de la diversidad funcional en aulas de EFL: posicionamiento de docentes de inglés

Functional Diversity (FD) and inclusion are nowadays widely explored subjects, specifically in the field of English language teaching. This article examines the ways in which EFL teachers problematize their role in functionally diverse scenarios while exposing their efforts to improve the exercise of their profession in FD classrooms. By applying positioning theory (Harré, 2001), we analyzed the narratives of four English language teachers at a high school in Bogotá, Colombia. Data obtained from autobiographical narrative essays revealed three main findings: first, English language teachers positioned themselves as novice or apprentice in FD contexts; second, they struggled with their unpreparedness as they learned to work with FD students; and finally, they positioned themselves as agents of change to overcome difficulties and embrace an inclusive pedagogy. This study contributes to the field by raising awareness of real teaching problems and school situations that EFL teachers face, specifically those related to the struggles of the self (Méndez, 2017).La Diversidad Funcional (DF) y la inclusión son temas que se están explorando en la actualidad, específicamente, en el campo de la enseñanza del inglés como lengua extranjera (EFL). Este artículo examina la forma en la que los profesores de inglés problematizan su labor docente, mientras revela sus esfuerzos por mejorar el ejercicio de su profesión en los espacios educativos en los que enfrentan la realidad de la diversidad funcional. Este estudio tuvo en cuenta la Teoría de Posicionamiento (Harré, 2001) para analizar narrativas de cuatro profesores de inglés, en el nivel de secundaria, de un colegio privado en Bogotá, Colombia. Los datos obtenidos expusieron tres grandes conclusiones: (1) los docentes de inglés se posicionaron como novatos y aprendices en relación a la Diversidad Funcional; (2) los docentes de inglés lucharon contra su falta de preparación, mientras aprendían a trabajar con estudiantes con Diversidad Funcional; (3) estos docentes se posicionaron como agentes de cambio para superar las dificultades encontradas y poder incluir una pedagogía más inclusiva en sus prácticas diarias. Este estudio contribuye al campo de la Lingüística Aplicada, al crear conciencia sobre los problemas reales de la enseñanza y de las situaciones escolares que enfrentan a diario los profesores de inglés, específicamente, todas aquellas relacionadas con las luchas de uno mismo (Méndez, 2017)