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Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) in Mathematics Education
Bed Prasad Dhakal,
Lekhnath Sharma
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 6, November 2016
Pages:
126-135
Received:
2 November 2016
Published:
3 November 2016
Abstract: Mathematicians generally prefer less on the use of Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) in teaching mathematics at university thinking that this mode of learning can reduce the rigor of mental thinking needed to learn mathematics. This study tries to explore whether VLE promote engaged and interactive learning environment to master’s students. It further draws critically the major opportunities and challenges that the teacher/students experienced while using VLE. This is an experimental case study, a part of a longitudinal study in CDED. Intervention is the learning platform Moodle with e-pedagogy blending with conventional mode, starting with more conventional less e-pedagogy and latter increasing the amount of e-pedagogy and lessening the conventional. VLE as case was introduced in teaching Projective Geometry among thirty-six students of Master's in Education (Mathematics). The instrument used in this study were baseline and end line survey questionnaire, observation checklist, interview-guideline and archive analysis. The results showed that students were found more interactive in learning through VLE being engaged emotionally, socially, and cognitively. Among different activities and resources in Moodle as VLE, quiz came out effective activity and videos as most preferred resource for the students of all types- fast as well as show learners. Personal computing device, internet connectivity, and teachers’ efficiency in using ICTs tools, maximizing teacher’s presence in learning support were found as major challenges in using VLE. Despite the challenges, the major opportunities that VLE contributed in F2F classes were to improve study habits, make study more active, provides opportunity to learn and re-learn and to clarify the concepts. This gives the implication that the F2F courses need to be designed integrating VLE in an appropriate way.
Abstract: Mathematicians generally prefer less on the use of Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) in teaching mathematics at university thinking that this mode of learning can reduce the rigor of mental thinking needed to learn mathematics. This study tries to explore whether VLE promote engaged and interactive learning environment to master’s students. It fur...
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A Study on Guided Peer Feedback in Group Work in an English as Foreign Language Writing Class in China
Yougen Lou,
Honglian Liu,
Yangmei Li,
Jun Yang
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 6, November 2016
Pages:
136-141
Received:
11 August 2016
Accepted:
29 August 2016
Published:
18 November 2016
Abstract: Peer feedback is a key to the quality of group work in foreign language writing classrooms. In order to better understand the use of peer feedback in writing foreign language (English) essays, a fifteen-week study was conducted by guided peer feedback in group work. 60 non-English-majored undergraduates in TG were randomly divided into 15 groups and one group member from every group was chosen as the leader of the group. This study chose three different tools – a checklist, a qualitative feedback sheet and a grading sheet, to guide peer feedback. Two English writing applied tests and an interview were utilized in this study to investigate the students’ views and attitude toward the writing teaching method of guided peer feedback. We found: (1) the method of guided peer feedback in group work could improve non-English-majored undergraduate students’ writing ability; (2) there were significant differences between males in CG and TG, and females in CG and TG; 3) non-English-majored undergraduate students in TG held the positive response for the combined writing instruction.
Abstract: Peer feedback is a key to the quality of group work in foreign language writing classrooms. In order to better understand the use of peer feedback in writing foreign language (English) essays, a fifteen-week study was conducted by guided peer feedback in group work. 60 non-English-majored undergraduates in TG were randomly divided into 15 groups an...
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Quality Evaluation Method of Dissertation for Master Degree Based on AHP
Lianhong Ding,
Zhaozhe Cui
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 6, November 2016
Pages:
142-146
Received:
15 October 2016
Accepted:
26 October 2016
Published:
15 November 2016
Abstract: How to evaluate the quality of a dissertation for master degree is important for the postgraduate education. The evaluation of dissertation is a complex assignment. The evaluation process in certain extent is accompanied by randomness, fuzziness, uncertainty/intangible and instability. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is a multiple criteria decision-aiding method developed by Saaty. In this paper a quantitative method for the evaluation of dissertation is put forward based on the analytic hierarchy process. Multiple evaluation criteria and sub-criteria are organized into a hierarchy. The relative importance of these criteria is accessed and different weight values are assigned to evaluation criteria. As the result, the evaluation process of the dissertation for master degree becomes more simple and convenient. The evaluation result is more objective and exact.
Abstract: How to evaluate the quality of a dissertation for master degree is important for the postgraduate education. The evaluation of dissertation is a complex assignment. The evaluation process in certain extent is accompanied by randomness, fuzziness, uncertainty/intangible and instability. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is a multiple criteria dec...
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Research of Moral Education for College Student in China
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 6, November 2016
Pages:
155-160
Received:
6 December 2016
Published:
7 December 2016
Abstract: In the proceeding of attending and having courses, the issue of moral education is ignored for college students. Chinese college students are supposed to attach more importance to the development of gratitude and moral education. First of all, the current situation of moral education is in the state of lacking and governments and colleges should raise their attention. What is more, this paper analyzes the reasons about the current situation in terms of parents, schools and teachers, and social atmosphere. Especially most family in China, there is the only child and parents always spoil their children, thus they lack the independence and responsibility for the society, which is also affected by the social environment. Moreover, this paper demonstrates the moral education reform in terms of college courses and social practice. Last but not least, the paper discusses and analyzes the law issue on moral education in China, especially for college students.
Abstract: In the proceeding of attending and having courses, the issue of moral education is ignored for college students. Chinese college students are supposed to attach more importance to the development of gratitude and moral education. First of all, the current situation of moral education is in the state of lacking and governments and colleges should ra...
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Research of Legal Education in the Era of Big Data
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 6, November 2016
Pages:
161-165
Received:
6 December 2016
Published:
7 December 2016
Abstract: With the rapid development of network information technology revolution, legal education suffers a huge impact under the background of big date era, the legal talents are difficult to adapt to the special needs of big date era to legal service personnel. American law school because of the impact of internet and other new things is from prosperity to decline, which also provides enlightenment for the reform of legal education of our country in the present stage. Legal education needs reform. The target and pattern localization and educational ideas, educational technology should make corresponding change, the responsibility of legal teachers should also change from knowledge controller to the bridge for students’ knowledge and ability.
Abstract: With the rapid development of network information technology revolution, legal education suffers a huge impact under the background of big date era, the legal talents are difficult to adapt to the special needs of big date era to legal service personnel. American law school because of the impact of internet and other new things is from prosperity t...
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Digital Storytelling to Promote EFL Students’ Motivation and Efficiency in Content-Based Classroom
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 6, November 2016
Pages:
166-173
Received:
14 November 2016
Accepted:
29 November 2016
Published:
16 December 2016
Abstract: Digital story, featured with short and narrative personal video using images, voice, and sound effects to convey meaning, has become a powerful form for creative and engaging student projects. To exemplify whether it functions in Chinese EFL content-based classroom, this article reports on a one-year teaching project in which students were introduced to this new method and created digital stories in small groups in a content-based course in a Chinese university. The project aims to explore how digital storytelling can influence students’ motivation and efficiency in EFL learning and to what extent. Various forms of learning products were collected, including digital story videos, slides of PowerPoint, and written reports related to their process of making digital stories. Results showed that digital storytelling opened a new door for EFL learners and can be an effective way to promote students’ motivation and efficiency in EFL content-based instruction. Implications applicable to teachers of various contexts were concluded.
Abstract: Digital story, featured with short and narrative personal video using images, voice, and sound effects to convey meaning, has become a powerful form for creative and engaging student projects. To exemplify whether it functions in Chinese EFL content-based classroom, this article reports on a one-year teaching project in which students were introduc...
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The Effect of Student Learning Strategies on Performance and Carrier Development: The Case of University for Development Studies, Wa Campus
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 6, November 2016
Pages:
174-182
Received:
24 October 2016
Accepted:
5 November 2016
Published:
23 December 2016
Abstract: In an increasingly global environment bedeviled with various social, economic and environmental challenges, the quest for education that guarantees employability has become paramount. The extent to which higher educational institutions’ curriculum responds to employability has been questioned by industry, parents and students. This study explored the learning strategies of 500 undergraduate students in higher education in the Wa Campus of the University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana and the effect on their performance and carrier aspirations. Twenty lecturers and managers of three development organisations that receive students on internship were also purposively selected. The study revealed that generally, the immediate objective of excelling in examinations has been the driving force of students’ choice of a learning strategy throughout the levels of their undergraduate studies. The results also gave an indication that students tended to adopt specific learning strategies because of impressions they have built regarding the nature of course delivery by instructors/teachers/lecturers. Even though almost all the undergraduate programmes’ curriculum involve practical work including internships in addition to expectations that as students graduate to levels 300 and 400, they will begin to apply their knowledge and network more, many more of them rather prefer memorization which they claimed increases their chances of excelling academically. The study concluded that to ensure that students are able to make a full contribution to society, institutions of higher learning need to create more opportunities for students and academia to interface with industry in order to boost students’ self-confidence and to re-orient them towards reformulating their educational objectives to mirror the requirements of industry.
Abstract: In an increasingly global environment bedeviled with various social, economic and environmental challenges, the quest for education that guarantees employability has become paramount. The extent to which higher educational institutions’ curriculum responds to employability has been questioned by industry, parents and students. This study explored t...
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The Theory of Legal Education of Non-legal Profession in Colleges and Universities
Fan Daoyan,
Khalmakshinova Svetlana
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 6, November 2016
Pages:
183-187
Received:
30 December 2016
Published:
30 December 2016
Abstract: It is necessary to strengthen the legal education of the non-legal majors in colleges and universities, to build Socialist country under the rule of law, to improve the comprehensive ability and quality of college students and to create a good campus environment. At present, the legal education of the non-legal profession in colleges and universities has the misunderstanding of the target of "compulsory education of law", the popularization of "popularizing legal education" and the poor teaching effect of "professional law". It is necessary to perfect the legal education of the non-legal profession in colleges and universities, to highlight the independence of the legal education of the non-legal profession, to strengthen the practical effect of the legal education popularization of the non-legal profession, to improve the educational law of the specialized law course, to make full use of the law department education resources.
Abstract: It is necessary to strengthen the legal education of the non-legal majors in colleges and universities, to build Socialist country under the rule of law, to improve the comprehensive ability and quality of college students and to create a good campus environment. At present, the legal education of the non-legal profession in colleges and universiti...
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Developing a Tool for Education on Sustainable Development (ESD) and Its Application in China
Tongzhen Zhu,
Virginie Albe
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 6, November 2016
Pages:
188-192
Received:
16 January 2017
Published:
17 January 2017
Abstract: This article presents a study to assess Chinese students sustainability awareness. We used the tool “Assessment of Sustainability Knowledge” (ASK), which was initially designed by the School of Environment and Nature Resource of Ohio State University. Using this tool with Chinese students needed not only translating but also changing the context to adapt it to China. The results indicated that the environmental problems are the most attractive sector for Chinese students, whose SD knowledge was mainly elaborated from the textbook.
Abstract: This article presents a study to assess Chinese students sustainability awareness. We used the tool “Assessment of Sustainability Knowledge” (ASK), which was initially designed by the School of Environment and Nature Resource of Ohio State University. Using this tool with Chinese students needed not only translating but also changing the context to...
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The Impact of Implementing the Wiki Approach on Uncovering the Hidden Curriculum in the EFL Classes
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 6, November 2016
Pages:
193-199
Received:
28 November 2016
Accepted:
12 December 2016
Published:
19 January 2017
Abstract: In a world where conflicts prevail and immoral deeds are committed every day, the actual role of teachers must be regained by uncovering the hidden curriculum. To achieve this purpose, the EFL teachers should be able to engage their students in dialogues by which they accept the differences, practice tolerance and reflect morals in their interactions. Thus, citizenship is regarded as a competence and a lifestyle. The implementation of the civic values implied in the Hidden Curriculum cannot be left to chance; the EFL teachers should play their actual and vital roles by implementing the new suggested Wiki approach to highlight and practice these values in their attempts to uncover the Hidden Curriculum. The EFL classes provide an example to achieve the previous desired goals.
Abstract: In a world where conflicts prevail and immoral deeds are committed every day, the actual role of teachers must be regained by uncovering the hidden curriculum. To achieve this purpose, the EFL teachers should be able to engage their students in dialogues by which they accept the differences, practice tolerance and reflect morals in their interactio...
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