Factor analysis is widely utilized to identify latent factors underlying the observed variables. This paper presents a comprehensive comparative study of two widely used methods for determining the optimal number of factors in factor analysis, the K1 rule, and parallel analysis, along with a more recently developed method, the bass-ackward method.…

A comparison of student performance in an introductory biology class that used a lecture-based approach (N = 15 classes; 462 students) with those that had a no-lecture approach (N = 9 classes; 238 students). All classes were taught by the principal researcher. In the no- lecture environment, shifts in student perceptions of science were…

As an alternative to conventional instruction and evaluation methods, dynamic assessment aims to promote language learning by utilising an interactive approach. As a subset of dynamic assessment, the interventionist approach to dynamic assessment focuses on mediation from implicit to explicit. In spite of its central role in language learning and…

In this study, we compared the effectiveness of two instructional approaches--modeling and generative tasks--within case-based instruction (CBI) in developing preservice teachers' classroom case analysis skills. Forty preservice teachers were randomly assigned to engage in CBI with either a modeling or generative task, working through three…

The CLASS-PreK instrument is widely used to evaluate early childhood classrooms, but how classrooms using Montessori, the world's most common alternative education system, fare on CLASS is understudied. Because CLASS focuses largely on teacher-child interactions as the situs of learning, but in Montessori theory, child-environment interactions are…

The rapid growth of culturally and linguistically diverse populations in K-12 schools has increased the need for preparing culturally responsive teachers. Yet, many pre-service teachers feel unprepared to work with diverse students. With the urgent need to connect educational theory to classroom practice, teacher preparation programs have turned…

Estimating astronomical scales requires multiple complex mental processes, such as spatial thinking and interpreting large numbers. As such, it is a nontrivial question how these estimates can be most efficiently assessed. There is reason to believe that results from previous studies probing astronomical scale estimates are possibly susceptible to…

The use of ill-structured case examples as an instructional strategy to teach ethical lessons is well-supported in the literature, however, case examples often lack an emotional or affective component. Given the importance of crafting cases for learners, more research is needed to better understand how to construct and present case examples to…

College calculus plays an important role in STEM students' degree and career aspirations. One of the key factors considered in assessing a student's ability to be successful in calculus is their proficiency in topics from prior mathematics courses such as algebra and precalculus. This study set out to examine the impact of students' precalculus…

English academic presentation (EAP) is an indispensable skill set of academic communication for university students. With the rapid development of desktop virtual reality (DVR), its application in language learning is worth exploring. The present study aimed to examine whether there is an improvement and difference in students' EAP by learning…

Anatomy and physiology courses are foundational in nursing education but are often perceived as challenging due to heavy content load. Innovative teaching methods, including social media platforms like Instagram Reels, may enhance student engagement and learning. In this quasi-experimental pre-post-test design with a control group, we examined the…

In this mixed-methods study, we investigated the relationship between instructional approach, students' self-efficacy beliefs, and students' English language proficiency, as well as the perceptions of the instructor and students regarding problem-based learning (PBL) in a College English course in China. Using path analysis, we assessed the…

This study conducted a comprehensive comparison of Item Response Theory (IRT) linking methods applied to a bifactor model, examining their performance on both multiple choice (MC) and mixed format tests within the common item nonequivalent group design framework. Four distinct multidimensional IRT linking approaches were explored, consisting of…

Bayesian methods have been said to solve small sample problems in frequentist methods by reflecting prior knowledge in the prior distribution. However, there are dangers in strongly reflecting prior knowledge or situations where much prior knowledge cannot be used. In order to address the issue, in this article, we considered to apply two Bayesian…

This study analyses the effectiveness of directed vs. minimally directed inquiry-based instructional approaches in improving students' attitudes toward physics. It specifically compares the impacts of cognitively guided instructional strategy (CGIS) and Cubing instructional strategy (CIS) on student attitudes. Using a pretest--post-test…