This paper reviews the idea of threshold concepts in the context of conceptual change processes students experience at the cognitive and social dimensions of learning. Literature suggests that students' ontological views play a part in the development of their prior conceptions, which could be alternative to scientifically accepted ideas. It is…

This article describes the "studio model"--a cultural model of teaching and learning found in U.S. professional schools of art and design. The studio model includes the pedagogical beliefs held by professors and the pedagogical practices they use to guide students in learning how to create. This cultural model emerged from an…

Exciting developments for New Zealand education have provided opportunities recently for teachers and other educators to express their professional aspirations in assessment. The mantle of fostering teachers' professionalism through strong relationships across the education sector and relevant stakeholder groups, and the provision of timely…

This Policy Brief identifies opportunities for states to maximize this year's virtual or hybrid environments to tailor learning and instruction for students. It draws on seven core elements for personalized, competency-based learning: (1) Learner Agency; (2) Timely, Actionable Assessments; (3) Customized Learner Supports; (4) Progression upon…

In January 2011, the Lumina Foundation published its Degree Qualifications Profile (DQP) to challenge faculty and academic leaders in the U.S. to think deeply and concretely about aligning expectations for student learning outcomes across higher education. Since then, the DQP has kindled extensive discussions about what the postsecondary degrees…

High-fidelity nursing simulation is an innovative technology that has changed the delivery of post-secondary nursing education. Overwhelming research supports the use of high-fidelity simulation in nursing to demonstrate enhanced critical thinking, caring behaviours, and collaboration. Furthermore, high-fidelity simulation provides the learner…

Re-engaging young adults who have "dropped out" of school is an important and challenging task for educators. The purpose of this study was to explore the teaching practices that encourage young people to re-engage in further learning. Through interviews with teachers and students, the study identified five major interrelated teaching…

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) professionals generate a stream of scientific discoveries and technological innovations that fuel job creation and national economic growth. Ensuring a robust supply of these professionals is critical for sustaining growth and creating jobs growth at a time of intense global competition.…

This study exploits a randomized trial of two light-touch elementary school interventions to estimate long-run impacts on postsecondary attendance and attainment. The first is a classroom management technique for developing behavioral skills in children. The second is a curricular intervention aimed at improving students' core reading skills. We…

This ethnographic case study investigated second year college students who participated in the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program at a technical college in northeastern Pennsylvania. In order to understand how learners stayed motivated in a college setting, I selected participants who were in their second year of the TAA program. A total of…

This document is an annotated, selected bibliography on competency-based education. Items include books, book chapters, journal articles, conference papers, and ERIC documents, totaling 29 entries in all. The dates on the bulk of materials range from 1974 through 1977; however, a few older items are included. Materials deal with testing,…

The Personalized System of Instruction (PSI) was tested in an introductory nursing course with 23 students using PSI and 20 in a control group receiving traditional instruction. Students using the self-instructional method achieved significantly higher grades; student acceptance of PSI was satisfactory. (SK)

Describes a method of instructing adult students in arithmetic which is used at LaGuardia College (New York) and which allows for the full implementation of mastery learning principles within a semester or quarter system and avoids some of the difficulties of the Personalized System of Instruction (PSI). (AYC)

The paper describes the Personalized System of Instruction (PSI) used in an allied health course in human physiology at the University of Texas. Distinguishing features of the PSI system of individualizing courses are mastery learning, self-pacing, and immediate feedback, with the instructor as class manager rather than lecturer. (MF)

Twenty-four measures of crystallized intelligence and fluid intelligence were obtained for samples of graduates and failures of an innovative instructional setting where computer-managed mastery learning was implemented to teach elementary electricity and electronics. Results suggest that some unconventional educational environments are not…