論理的思考の方略化を図る国語科の学習デザイン : アクティブ・ラーニングを視点とした高学年説明的文章の指導の在り方

　育成すべき資質・能力の中核「深く考える（思考力）」の構成要素として，「論理的思考力」及び「メタ認知・学び方の学び」が挙げられている。これを受け，これまでも重視されてきた論理的思考をさらに自覚的なものにすること，つまり「論理的思考の方略化」を図ることが必要であり，そのための学習デザインを検討することが求められると考える。本研究は，国語科の説明的文章を教材とした学習指導において，アクティブ・ラーニングを視点として学習デザインの要件を措定，実践を通して具体化し，その有効性を検証するものである。小学校第５学年児童を対象に実践を行い，論理的思考を促す課題に取り組む学習場面において，学習者の行為である「認知プロセスの外化」の様相から「論理的思考の方略化」の実際を分析・考察した。その結果，「論理的思考の方略化」を図る学習デザインの要件として，探究的な課題（単元レベル）と論理的思考を促す課題（１時間レベル）の設定，対話の重視，パターンや原理を含む教材の選択，思考ツールとしての教具の工夫，学習の振り返りの取り組みの６点が有効であることを明らかにした

Comparative Effects of Acupressure at Local and Distal Acupuncture Points on Pain Conditions and Autonomic Function in Females with Chronic Neck Pain

Acupressure on local and distal acupuncture points might result in sedation and relaxation, thereby reducing chronic neck pain. The aim was to investigate the effect of acupressure at local (LP) and distal acupuncture points (DP) in females with chronic neck pain. Thirty-three females were assigned to three groups: the control group did not receive any stimuli, the LP group received acupressure at local acupuncture points, GB 21, SI 14 and SI 15, and the DP group received acupressure at distal acupuncture points, LI 4, LI 10 and LI 11. Verbal rating scale (VRS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), muscle hardness (MH), salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) activity, heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV) values and satisfaction due to acupressure were assessed. VRS, NDI, STAI and MH values decreased after acupressure in the LP and the DP group. HR decreased and the power of high frequency (HF) component of HRV increased after acupressure in only the LP group. Although acupressure on not only the LP but also the DP significantly improved pain conditions, acupressure on only the LP affected the autonomic nervous system while acupuncture points per se have different physical effects according to location

The Influence of Acupressure at Extra 1 Acupuncture Point on the Spectral Entropy of the EEG and the LF/HF Ratio of Heart Rate Variability

Acupressure applied on the Extra 1 acupuncture point results in sedation, thereby reducing bispectral index (BIS) values. Mental status and hypnotic agents influence the autonomic nervous system. We hypothesized that acupressure at the Extra 1 point would induce sedation and change sympatho-parasympathetic nerve balance. We investigated the effect of acupressure at the Extra 1 point on the EEG spectral entropy values and heart rate variability (HRV). Forty-eight volunteers (24 males and 24 females) were randomly assigned to the control or Extra 1 group. The control group received acupressure at a sham point and the Extra 1 group received acupressure at the Extra 1 point. Acupressure was applied for 5 min. The record of the EEG spectral entropy values and HRV started 5 min before acupressure and stopped 5 min after acupressure. Acupressure significantly reduced the EEG spectral entropy values in both groups, but the values of the Extra 1 group were significantly smaller than those of the control group (P < .01). Acupressure significantly decreased the LF/HF ratio of HRV in both groups (P < .05). When divided upon gender, although acupressure tended to decrease the LF/HF ratio, the ratio significantly decreased during and after acupressure only in females of the Extra 1 group (P < .05). We concluded that acupressure on the Extra 1 point significantly reduced the EEG spectral entropy in both the genders, but affected the LF/HF ratio of HRV only in females