Molecular representations that show chemical bonding are ubiquitous in general and organic chemistry. These help in communicating chemistry concepts that are fundamental to understanding "how" and "why" molecules interact. The goal of this dissertation work is to offer an evidence-based report on the affordances and limitations…

Modeling an inter-ring torsional profile of a simple2,2'-bithiophenemolecule has been used to illustrate the main concepts associated with basic molecular modeling within an introductory course in a master's degree on computational modeling. The methodology proposed in the activity has been used to guide and train the student along the classical…

Evidence-based assessment (EBA) requires that investigators employ scientific theories and research findings to guide decisions about what domains to measure, how and when to measure them, and how to make decisions and interpret results. To implement EBA, investigators need high-quality assessment tools along with evidence-based processes. We…

Most recent research on teacher evaluation examines evaluation's measurement properties and accountability uses. Less research studies how evaluation data can improve teaching and student learning. In other contexts, researchers have examined how teachers use data to improve their practice. From general research on teachers' data use, we apply the…

Rater-mediated assessments are a common methodology for measuring persons, investigating rater behavior, and/or defining latent constructs. The purpose of this article is to provide a pedagogical framework for examining rater variability in the context of rater-mediated assessments using three distinct models. The first model is the observation…

Models were prepared by 3D printing that can be used to demonstrate the operations required for the study of molecular symmetry. The models were designed to emphasize the order and locations of rotation axes and to clearly illustrate the more abstract reflection and improper rotation axes. The models were well-received by students in a course on…

The ability to develop and use models to explain phenomena is a key component of the "Next Generation Science Standards", and without examples of what modeling instruction looks like in the reality of classrooms, it will be difficult for us as a field to understand how to move forward in designing curricula that foreground the practice…

Many psychometric measures yield data that are compatible with (a) an essentially unidimensional factor analysis solution and (b) a correlated-factor solution. Deciding which of these structures is the most appropriate and useful is of considerable importance, and various procedures have been proposed to help in this decision. The only fully…

In this ITEMS module, we introduce the generalized deterministic inputs, noisy "and" gate (G-DINA) model, which is a general framework for specifying, estimating, and evaluating a wide variety of cognitive diagnosis models. The module contains a nontechnical introduction to diagnostic measurement, an introductory overview of the G-DINA…

A thorough appreciation of the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in molecules is crucial for new students of chemistry and critical to students continuing their studies in chemistry. We discuss current use of molecular models in education and investigate a variety of techniques used over the years to introduce students to atomic orbitals.…

International relations is often confusing for students. IR theories are introduced as parsimonious and elegant and then systematically challenged as students learn more about detailed events. There are rules, there are norms, and states follow them until they don't. East Asia increases these challenges because it often undermines IR theory.…

This article explores the development and evaluation of the Building Leadership Team Assessment Tool (BLT-AT), designed to measure Professional Learning Communities' (PLCs') use of effective school improvement practices. The BLT-AT is grounded in Ohio's inclusive instructional leadership model, which emphasizes the improvement of teaching and…

This study concerns a framework for designing Teaching-Learning Sequences that aims to integrate the implementation of scientific practices in the context of daily problems. Said framework consists of three stages (formulation of the design principles, instructional design and design of the learning activities). It is based on four design…

Synoptic assessment refers to the assessment of students' understanding of the links between the different elements of a subject. Despite its ability to promote a holistic delivery of the curriculum and deep learning, it is currently an under-researched topic in the field of educational assessment. In fact, an electronic search for the term…

The concept of 'competence' has gained traction in recent years because of its power in informing broader educational objectives, such as readiness for transition to later educational stages. The responsibility for developing competencies in learners is increasingly laid onto educational institutions via accountability arrangements. As a result,…