Investigating preservice teachers' professional growth in self-regulated learning environments.

Educational reforms have suggested that the ability to self-regulate learning is essential for teachers' professional growth during their entire career as well as for their ability to promote these processes among students. This study observed teachers' professional growth along 3 dimensions: self-regulated learning (SRL) in pedagogical context, pedagogical knowledge, and perceptions of teaching and learning. The authors examined 194 preservice teachers' professional growth in 4 learning environments: e-learning (EL) and face-to-face (F2F) learning, either supported by SRL (EL + SRL; F2F + SRL) or unsupported by SRL (EL; F2F). SRL support was based on the IMPROVE metacognitive self-questioning method (B. Kramarski & Z. R. Mevarech, 2003). Mixed quantitative and qualitative analyses showed that preservice teachers in both supported SRL conditions outperformed their unsupported peers on all professional growth measures. Moreover, EL + SRL teachers exhibited the highest SRL ability (cognition, metacognition, motivation), pedagogical knowledge (designing a learning unit), and student-centered learning perceptions (self-construction of knowledge). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The effective resolution measurements in scope of sine-fit test

This paper presents a detailed analysis of the effective resolution (efr) measurements in scope of the IEEE Standard 1057 sine-fit test. The results explain not only a poor repeatability in the efr measurement but also give some hints how to improve it. The two-point method proposed here enables the compensation of the inherent bias influence on the efr accuracy. The idea is accomplished by using the correct standard deviation in the efr definition. The standard deviation depends on the amplitude V and dc bias C of a pure sine wave stimulus     

How can self‐regulated learning be supported in mathematical E‐learning environments?

Abstract This study compares two E-learning environments: E-learning supported with IMPROVE self-metacognitive questioning (EL+IMP), and E-learning without explicit support of self-regulation (EL). The effects were compared between mathematical problem-solving and self-regulated learning (SRL). Participants were 65 ninth-grade students who studied linear function in Israeli junior high schools. Results showed that EL+IMP students significantly outperformed the EL students in problem-solving procedural and transfer tasks regarding mathematical explanations. We also found that the EL+IMP students outperformed their counterparts in using self-monitoring strategies during problem solving. This study discusses both the practical and theoretical implications of supporting SRL in mathematical E-learning environments.     

Using computer algebra systems in mathematical classrooms

Abstract This paper describes a research whose main focus is the use of Computer Algebra Systems (CAS) in mathematical classrooms and the didactical possibilities linked with its use. The possibilities of integrating Self-Regulated Learning (SRL) within the CAS environment are brought into focus. Forty-three Israeli students (mean age 13.3) were assigned to two learning algebraic groups. The first group received explicit meta-cognitive SRL with CAS (CAS + SRL); the second group was exposed to CAS without SRL (CAS). Empirical results from the experimental and case study designs revealed that (CAS + SRL) students outperformed (CAS) students on algebraic thinking and that (CAS + SRL) students regulated their learning more effectively.     

The effects of metacognition and email interactions on learning graphing

Abstract  The purpose of this study was twofold: First, to investigate the effects of metacognition and email interaction between teacher-student on learning to interpret and construct graphs. Second, to describe the email interaction on three levels of interaction: tutorial, metacognitive and life. Participants were 50 ninth-grade students (boys and girls) who studied graphs in two classes. One class ( n  = 25) was exposed to EXCEL software embedded within email interaction (EMAIL) and the other class ( n  = 25) was exposed to EXCEL software embedded within email interaction and metacognitive instruction (EMAIL + META). Results indicated that the EMAIL + META students significantly outperformed the EMAIL students on graph interpretation and graph construction. In particular the effects were observed on students' ability to explain mathematical reasoning and on reducing misconceptions regarding graphs. Furthermore, qualitative analysis of the EMAIL messages indicated that the EMAIL + META students frequently used different levels of interaction in their email interactions than the EMAIL students.