The fit of five models (Roe's, Meir's and Knapp and Knapp's circular order; Gati's hierarchical; and Lunneborg and Lunneborg's four-factor) with Roe's eight vocational interest fields was analyzed using a randomization test of hypothesized order relations and factor analysis. Results showed that Meir's and Gati's models best represented Roe's…

A connectionist model of category learning, attention learning covering map (ALCOVE), is described. The application of the model across a variety of category learning tasks is reviewed, and it is compared with other models. ALCOVE is shown to be superior to double-node and configural cue models. (SLD)

Presents a conceptual framework for putting program theory into operation. The framework incorporates variables that reflect theoretical concepts and implementation issues addressed in program evaluation. It organizes variables into input, process, and output categories. Discusses implications for program evaluation. (SLD)

For the exploratory analysis of a matrix of proximities or (dis)similarities between objects, one often uses cluster analysis (CA) or multidimensional scaling (MDS). Solutions resulting from such analyses are sometimes interpreted using external information on the objects. Usually the procedures of CA, MDS and using external information are…

In this paper, we present a data-based user modeling framework that uses both unsupervised and supervised classification to build student models for exploratory learning environments. We apply the framework to build student models for two different learning environments and using two different data sources (logged interface and eye-tracking data).…

In this commentary, the authors discuss some of the issues regarding the use of diagnostic classification models that practitioners should keep in mind. In the authors experience, these issues are not as well known as they should be. The authors then provide recommendations on diagnostic scoring.

In this article, the authors argue for the use of ecological models of development in studies of teachers prepared through alternative certification (AC) programs. Previous studies of candidates in AC programs have focused on variables that describe their demographic characteristics. An ecological approach focuses on persons and situates their…

It has been generally accepted that teaching does not meet the criteria of a profession, at least as exemplified by the more mature professions of medicine and law (Abbott, 1988; Darling-Hammond & Youngs, 2002; Etzioni, 1969; Howsam, Corrigan, Denemark, & Nash, 1976). Teaching is most often referred to as a semiprofession; Myers's (2008 [this…

In the last three decades, several strands of research have produced compelling evidence justifying a focus on the family with a particular emphasis on early years in order to raise literacy standards. Partners in Literacy is an evidence-based model which is built on these key research findings, these are: (1) Families and parents are critical to…

As course management systems (CMS) gain popularity in facilitating teaching. A forum is a key component to facilitate the interactions among students and teachers. Content analysis is the most popular way to study a discussion forum. But content analysis is a human labor intensity process; for example, the coding process relies heavily on manual…

Weaknesses in the structure, levels, and sequence of Bloom's taxonomy of cognitive domains emphasize the need for both a new model of how individual learners process information and a new taxonomy of the different levels of memory, thinking, and learning. Both the model and the taxonomy should be consistent with current research findings. The…

The report describes a series of studies carried out to develop methods by means of which observers can describe tasks in terms of their ability requirements. The general objective was to provide an instrument which could be utilized to describe both laboratory and operational tasks along a comprehensive set of specifically defined ability…

Lays down a theoretical framework to use in constructing theory useful for understanding certain kinds of policy outcomes. Available from The American Academy of Political and Social Science, 3937 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19104; $15.00 annually. (Author/IRT)

Discusses advantages and disadvantages of the lecture method as an instructional form; circumstances where lectures serve a useful purpose; the general lecture model, which includes an introduction, presentation, and summary; and three variations on this general model--interactive, demonstrational, and interactive demonstration lectures. (MBR)

This study attempted to expand the dichotomous classification scheme typically used by researchers to describe teaching incentives and to offer administrators and teachers an "alternative" framework within which to develop incentive systems. This study is built on a previous one, but used a much larger sample (n=969). Elementary, middle,…