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In Croatian classrooms it is possible to observe teaching scenarios that follow the features of constructivist and traditional teaching theories and many variants and combinations of teaching didactics that are student centered and those that are teacher centered. Teachers struggle to find their way in the selection and design of a media environment that fulfils the developmental needs and ways of learning of the net generation. In many classrooms, pupils still spend most of their time seated in twos at tables aligned in three columns listening to and watching what the teacher is saying and doing (in other words, teacher-centered instruction). Teaching equipment and furniture are mostly adjusted to the needs of the traditional theories of teaching and frontal instruction. The research was carried out on a total sample of 435 pupils in the upper secondary level of education in four counties in the continental part of the Republic of Croatia in order to examine the predictors of using the new media environment for learning. The authors employed the stepwise model to determine statistically significant predictors within the model. The predictors, such as the subject specialisation of the teacher, years of service, the traditional didactics paradigm and the constructivist position paradigm account for 12.7% of the variance of the criterion variable of using the new media environment for learning. Sex, type of school and the frequency of permanent professional development were not seen as statistically significant predictors, i.e., they were not included in the stepwise regression models. The question then arises about what the other, non-investigated predictors of the new media environment for learning would be, considering that the predictors determined do not provide an explanation for the high variability of the criterion variable. Years of service and the subject specialism of the teacher are seen as the most significant predictors of using the new media environment for learning. [This report is a selected paper from the International Conference on Education (ICED-2015) (4th, St. Petersburg, Russia, Jun 26-28, 2015).]

Osborne and Waters (2002) focused on checking some of the assumptions of multiple linear regression. In a critique of that paper, Williams, Grajales, and Kurkiewicz correctly clarify that regression models estimated using ordinary least squares require the assumption of normally distributed errors, but not the assumption of normally distributed response or predictor variables. They go on to discuss estimate bias and provide a helpful summary of the assumptions of multiple regression when using ordinary least squares. While we were not as precise as we could have been when discussing assumptions of normality, the critical issue of the 2002 paper remains--researchers often do not check on or report on the assumptions of their statistical methods. This response expands on the points made by Williams, advocates a thorough examination of data prior to reporting results, and provides an example of how incremental improvements in meeting the assumption of normality of residuals incrementally improves the accuracy of confidence intervals. (Contains 1 table, 7 figures, and 5 footnotes.)

This paper is one in a series of papers interrogating some of the fundamental bases of what is seen as good professional experience in initial teacher education (ITE). This paper uses the case study of Health/Physical Education (HPE) students' perceptions of their professional experience, compared to other teaching disciplines, in one regional university to examine the seemingly taken-for-granted view that professional experience in all teaching disciplines can be assessed according to generic professional standards. In this case when HPE students were surveyed on their views of their ability to satisfy the NSW Institute of Teachers' Professional Teaching Standards during practical experience their perceptions differed from students in other disciplines. A number of reasons were posited for this including the notion that each discipline has its own particular pedagogy as suggested by Schulman (1986, 1987). Suggestions as to future research are provided.

On the basis of the role and the social exchange theories, this research investigated the direct and indirect antecedents of three dimensions of team performance (proficiency, adaptivity, proactivity) developed through cooperative education. The theoretical model examined how proactive socialization behaviors led to team socialization and team performance, and how team socialization mediated the relationship between proactive behaviors and team performance. Results from multiple linear regressions on a sample of 2905 student-workers involved in cooperative education programs globally supported the model. Theoretical and practical implications, as well as limitations and propositions for future research, were discussed. [Paper presented at the World Association for Cooperative and Work-Integrated Education, International Research Symposium on Cooperative and Work-Integrated Education, (2nd, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, 2016).]

This paper examines student attitudes towards school and learning among students in Qatar's public schools. Drawing upon student surveys administered to 1091 grade 7 and 8 students in 11 independent preparatory schools, the paper observes patterns of attitudes and behavior towards learning, school, and future aspirations. Findings show that student articulation of importance of education, finding learning in the classroom as useful, demonstration of learning behavior in and outside the classroom, and future aspirations to enroll in university are positively associated with attitudes toward going to school. Moreover, findings reveal that gender and nationality gaps exist when it comes to school engagement. Boys and Qatari students appear to have less positive attitudes toward going to school compared to girls and non-Qatari students. Once the Qatari and non-Qatari comparison groups are further disaggregated by gender, findings suggest that Qatari boys least value education. Student survey results further indicate that although overall teaching and classroom environment does not appear to have a significant influence on student attitudes toward going to school, fostering a positive culture and learning environment corresponds positively with higher attitudes toward going to schools for boys. Provided that Qatar's national vision places importance in national human capital development through education and has identified student motivation as a challenge, the paper discusses implications for policy, programs, and practice to improve student engagement and learning.

The creation of an environment conducive to learning is vitally important in the academic achievement of learners. Such an environment extends beyond the classroom and school to include the home. It is from these environments that learners draw resources, both tangible and intangible, that impact on their educational experience. While current bodies of literature focus on either school or home resources, this paper looks at both. Multiple regression analyses were conducted on the 2011 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) data to determine the resources factors that influence South African learners' performance in mathematics. The findings reveal that both school and home environments play significant roles in learners' mathematics performance. This paper therefore suggests that it is not only the socio-economic factors of schools that impact learners' mathematics performance, but also that higher levels of parental education have a significant positive influence.

The purpose of this study is to examine the factors that determine intention to adopt e-learning in Jordanian universities. Two models of e-learning that are observed among adopting institutions: E-learning as a supplement to traditional classroom mode, and total electronic learning. The respondents in this research have just been introduced to the first model. The paper takes a social, and technical approach in its investigation by using a research model based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to identify the factors that affect intention to adopt e-learning. The model identifies specific salient beliefs that may influence technology usage, such as instructors attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control, perceived usefulness, ease of use, Normative beliefs, Internet Self-efficacy, Perceived Accessibility and university support. stratified random sampling method was used to select instructors. Hierarchical Multiple Regression Analysis was used to assess the relationships in the constructs. The paper presents some findings on e-learning adoption intention determinants. It also discusses some of the implications of the findings on theory and practice.

The purpose of this study is to examine the moderating factors that effect on adaption e-learning among students in Jordanian universities. Two models of e-learning that are observed among adopting institutions are: E-learning as a supplement to traditional classroom model have been introduced by the respondents in this research. The paper takes a social, and technical approach in its investigation by using a research model based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to identify the factors that affect intention to adopt e-learning. The model identifies the age and gender as a moderator between (attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioural control) and Behavioural intention. Stratified random sampling method was used to select students. 322 from 450 students which response (71.5%) at three public and three private universities in Jordan. Hierarchical Multiple Regression Analysis was used to assess the relationships in the constructs. The paper presents some findings on e-learning adoption intention determinants. It also discusses some of the implications of the findings on theory and practice in Education.

Teachers are now experiencing the age of quantitative test-driven assessment, in which there is little weight accorded to teacher-based judgement about student progress. In the Australian context, the NAPLaN test has become a driving force in school and teacher accountability. The language of NAPLaN is one of bands and numerical scores and comparative performance, measuring schools against other "similar" schools and against a national average. The consequences of this are troubling for all teachers. For EAL/D teachers whose specialised professional knowledge relates to building the academic English language of EAL/D learners, NAPLaN is highly problematic because it takes no account of second language factors which might impact on test performance. Yet, NAPLaN data do offer rich yet largely unexploited opportunity to highlight the validity of teacher judgement in the classroom. This paper will use ESL Bandscale data in an analysis of the NAPLaN performance of EAL/D students to show how teacher judgement (captured by the ESL Bandscales) is valid and aligned with NAPLaN performance. I will demystify the power and the fallibility of large-scale assessment like NAPLaN: to identify in which contexts large-scale data analysis is useful, and its limitations in micro-settings which include the classroom. The second goal of this paper is to stress the utility of teacher data, measured quantitatively, but based on qualitative observation, when it is grounded in teacher professional knowledge. Ultimately, such arguments serve to highlight the importance of remaining grounded in strong TESOL pedagogy, despite the intense pressure to follow mainstream English (as first language) literacy responses to NAPLaN testing.

This paper reports research on the implementation of a web-based videoconferencing tool (Interwise) for synchronous learning sessions on an industrial technology course offered through a university in northern Taiwan. The participants included undergraduate students from the same course offered in two different semesters. We investigated students' perceptions of interactions with the instructor and fellow students, their confidence in utilizing the Internet (Internet self-efficacy), and the satisfaction level that students perceived throughout the learning process with Interwise. We also examined the effect of interactions and Internet self-efficacy on student satisfaction. Data collected through paper-based and online surveys were analyzed using correlation and multiple regression. The results revealed that overall, learners perceived Interwise as a tool that was moderately easy to use for synchronous learning. Learners seemed to prefer using the Interwise features, such as emotion icons, talk, or raise hand, to interact with their instructor. Learners had high confidence in gathering data or getting support through the Internet, but low confidence in resolving Internet related problems. Both learner-learner and learner-instructor interactions were significant predictors of student satisfaction, while Internet self-efficacy did not significantly contribute to satisfaction. Learner-instructor interaction was found to be the strongest predictor of student satisfaction.

Background: Through advocacy initiatives such as roadshows during "National ACP Week", the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) had increased advance care planning (ACP) engagement since 2011. Project Happy Apples (PHA), a community initiative project led by medical students from the National University of Singapore, also conducted a public exhibition to raise ACP awareness during this period. This study aimed to investigate and identify predictors of attitudes towards ACP documentation among 'ACP Week' respondents which may be used to formulate strategies to increase ACP documentation in Singapore. Methods: A cross-sectional study on ACP documentation attitudes of 262 respondents during local roadshows were conducted. Multiple logistic regression models were built to investigate the associations between demographic variables and attitudes toward ACP documentation. Results: The mean age was 43.5 years (SD = 17.4), 79 (30.15%) were males and 49 (18.7%) were healthcare professionals (HCP). 117 (44.66%) respondents had prior experience with serious illness and 116 (44.27%) had heard of ACP. Age was a significant predictor of readiness to sign official papers naming nominated healthcare spokesperson (NHS) (OR = 1.04, 95%CI: 1.02–1.07). Experience with serious illness was a significant predictor of readiness to discuss end-of-life (EOL) care with healthcare professionals (HCP) (OR = 3.65, 95%CI: 1.36–11.61). Being female was a significant predictor for readiness to speak to their nominated healthcare spokesperson about EOL care (OR = 7.33, 95%CI: 2.06–46.73). Subgroup analyses revealed that those aged 20–39 were less likely to speak to their healthcare professional about or sign official papers regarding EOL care. We also found that being a healthcare professional does not necessitate better or worse attitudes. Conclusion: Advocacy programs tailored to targeting respondents of different age groups and prior experience with serious illness may improve the efficacy of advocacy efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to examine collaboration between individuals across organizations. While both for profit and not-for-profit organizations utilize collaborative efforts, the factors that are important for bringing individuals and businesses together for collaboration still remain somewhat unresolved. In this paper, colleague similarity, the quality of pre-existing relationships, and the relative power of the other colleague are all examined for their correlation with the desirability of collaboration with that individual. In a study of pastors of small and medium sized churches in a southwestern protestant conference, we examined these areas through the lenses of homophily theory, multiplicity theories, and network positioning theories and found support for each of our hypotheses. Implications for management as well as future research directions are also presented.

The way education is being delivered has been altered via the rapid development of computer technology. This is especially the case in the delivery of English language teaching where the combination of various variables is pertinent to computer attitudes to enhance instructional outcomes. This paper reports the study undertaken to elucidate whether the correlation exists between TESOL in-service teachers' attitudes towards computer and their computer attributes scale and to explore the proportion of variance in TESOL in-service teachers' attitudes towards computer that can be explained by their cultural perception scale and computer competence scale. A questionnaire (ATCT) was utilized to obtain the necessary information about teachers' characteristics, their computer attributes, cultural perceptions, computer competence and attitudes of the sample (45) TESOL in-service teachers at Universiti Sains Malaysia. The results revealed that there was a significant correlation between teachers' computer attitudes and computer attributes. A further finding revealed that both of cultural perception scale and computer competence scale were predictors of teachers' computer attitudes; yet, cultural perception scale was the best predictor. Suggestions based on these outcomes have been offered in this paper.

This article analyses the levels of students' satisfaction and how institution provides infrastructure facilities in the field of higher education. Infrastructure is the fastest growing segment of the higher education scenario. Universities play a very vital role in a country in terms of their potential. It contributes to employment and growth. The basic objective of this paper is to look for students' satisfaction in Sri Venkateswara University. After a careful study of academic standards in higher education, an attempt is made to assess the student satisfaction in different categories of university colleges with regard to infrastructure facilities such as class room and lab facilities, amenities in the hostel, library, sports facilities etc., a framework was developed to examine the satisfaction issues surrounding university. The framework looks at the important interlinks among demographic characteristics, behavior characteristics, infrastructural facilities and overall customer satisfaction. Students first form expectations of service performance prior to purchasing or use. The customer then compares the perceived performance to prior expectations. Customer satisfaction is seen as the outcome of this comparison. The study area for this study was Sri Venkateswara University, Andhra Pradesh. The sample respondents were administered questionnaires randomly. The results of the study show that: appropriate statistical analyses such as factor analysis, correlation analysis, multiple regressions, multivariate analysis of variance, and multivariate analysis of covariance were used to fulfill the respective objectives of the study. This study also tries to highlight the importance of students' satisfaction assurance of service providers and using quality equipment in education. This paper can be useful to the planners and marketers in formulating strategies to maintain or enhance their competitiveness when compared with other universities.

Background: Financial accounting is a skills course which to a large extent can be best learned through deliberate practice. Teachers implement this by continuously assigning homeworks, encouraging good study habits, asking students to budget time for studying, and generally exhorting students to "work hard". Aims: This paper examines the impact of "study habits, skills, and attitudes" (SHSAs) on the performance of students in an introductory financial accounting college course. Sample: 395 2nd year business students in a Philippine university. Method: Data related to variables found to have influenced accounting performance in previous researches as well as SHSA variables are collected through student survey and school records. They are treated as independent variables using multiple regression analysis, with the accounting course final grade as the dependent variable. The paper also examines the factors that differentiate high- from low-performing students. Results: The study found that math proficiency, English proficiency, high school accounting, and academic aptitude influence accounting performance, supporting the findings of many previous researches on cognitive factors. Among the SHSA factors, only student perception of teacher effectiveness and level of effort influence accounting performance. Time spent studying, attendance in review classes conducted in tutorial centers, motivation, and study habits have no significant effect. Upon further analysis comparing high and low performers, study habits show up to be significant as well. In particular, students who performed better are those who did more in terms of reading ahead, doing their homework, participating in class, and cramming for exams. Conclusion: Since student perception of teacher effectiveness strongly influences accounting performance, it is critical that hiring and training of accounting faculty be given utmost importance. Level of effort and good study habits also help, but not the sheer number of study hours. (Contains 5 tables and 2 notes.)

This paper presents a statistical analysis to support the notion that the Information Systems Analyst (ISA) exam can be used as a program assessment tool in addition to measuring student performance. It compares ISA exam scores earned by students in one particular Computer Information Systems program with scores earned by the same students on the Major Field Test (MFT). The paper shows that the ISA Exam appears to measure knowledge retention in the same manner as the MFT. Since the MFT is recommended as a valid program assessment tool, the ISA Exam should be similarly recommended.

Current accountability reform requires annual assessment for all students, including students with disabilities. Testing accommodations are one way to increase access to assessments while maintaining the validity of test scores. This paper provides findings from an exploratory logistic regression analysis of predictors of four accommodations used with students who are deaf or hard of hearing: extended time, test directions interpreted, test items interpreted, and test items read aloud. Predicting factors included state policy, educational setting, teacher perspectives, and student characteristics. The paper discusses implications for assessment policies and practices with students who are deaf or hard of hearing, particularly during an era of accountability reform. (Contains 5 tables and 1 footnote.)

The purpose of this paper is threefold: first, to introduce a conceptual model for assessing undergraduate students' integrated information and communication technology (ICT) literacy capacity that involves 12 items generated from the modified version of the Australasian Survey of Student Engagement (AUSSE) questionnaire (Coates, 2010); second, to illustrate the construct validity and internal consistency of the model as implemented in a sample of undergraduate students (n = 536) enrolled in two colleges within a large Ethiopian university; and third, to further demonstrate the criterion validity of the model by examining predictive validity of the identified ICT literacy factors on student learning outcomes. A multi-method approach is used, which comprises correlation analysis, multiple regression analysis and structural equation modelling (SEM) techniques. The main finding is the support found for the 4-factor model consisting of ICT use, cognitive process, reading task and writing task. Results of the multi-method approach provide specific guidelines to higher education (HE) institutions using this approach to evaluate ICT literacy capacity and the resultant learning outcomes among their undergraduate students. The paper provides a conceptual model and supporting tools that can be used by other HE institutions to assist in the evaluation of students' ICT literacy capacities.

Because there is no commonly accepted view of what makes for good writing, automated essay scoring (AES) ideally should be able to accommodate different theoretical positions, certainly at the level of state standards but also perhaps among teachers at the classroom level. This paper presents a practical approach and an interactive computer program for judgment-based customization. This approach is based on the AES system, "e-rater"®. Through this new approach, a user can gain easy accessibility to system components, flexibility in adjusting scoring parameters, and procedures for making scoring adjustments that can be based on only a few benchmark essays. The interactive prototype program that implements this approach allows the user to customize "e-rater" and watch the effect on benchmark essay scores as well as on score distributions for a reference testing program of the user's choice. The paper presents results for the use of this approach in customizing "e-rater" to the standards of different assessments.