SING — A Computer Program for Grouping Students for Instruction

The least weasel, Mustela rixosa (Bangs), smallest of known carnivores, has been shown by Glover Allen (1933) to be a circumpolar species occurring from Norway through Siberia and southwards to northern Italy and the Caucasus. It also occurs in Japan. In North America its distribution is from Alaska southwards to Montana and Nebraska, through Minnesota, Wisconsin, northern Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio, southeastern western Pennsylvania, and the mountains of North Carolina. Over this enormous range it appears to be sporadically distributed, or so uncommon, except at occasional times and places, that it is rare in collections; in many of the States included in its range, it was unknown until this century. In many large areas where it might be expected, it is as yet unrecorded. Among these are South Dakota, Iowa, northern southern Ontario, New York, West Virginia, and Virginia. It was reported in Minnesota as early as 1857, and the eastern subspecies was described from western Pennsylvania in 1901. 1904 found it reported in Ohio, 1905 in Nebraska, 1907 in Wisconsin, 1916 in North Carolina, 1925 in Illinois, 1927 in North Dakota, and 1928 in Indiana. Covert, in 1881, (Covert, Adolphe B., 1881, Natural in History of Washtenaw County, Michigan, p. 193) listed five species of weasel under names which today are not all readily assignable. One of these was indubitably the least weasel, but his specimens appear to have been lost or destroyed. Ned Dearborn, then at the University of Michigan's School of Forestry, in 1932 recorded the first Michigan specimen which can be verified today. This was caught by a cat at Rochester, in Oakland County. In March, 1936, I secured a second specimen from a cellar hole in Bloomfield Hills, Oakland County, and shortly after that, a mounted specimen from a farmer in Rochester. Fourth and fifth specimens were secured at Rochester in the winter of 1936-1937. A fur dealer of that town had received six that same winter, the first he had ever seen. With a view to the possibility of establishing a state-wide distribution for the species, it was decided to canvass the fur dealers of the state for additional records and specimens. To each of the 500 licensed fur dealers of Michigan an envelope was sent February 9, 1939, containing a letter stating that I was interested in determining the distribution of the least weasel in Michigan; a brief definition of the species which did not contrast it with other species occurring here; a sign for placing on a wall where trappers would see it, showing a picture of a least weasel, offering fifty cents a head for the first six specimens from any county, and giving directions for mailing; a government post card with form to be filled out stating how many least weasel skins had been seen from what 412

An audio-tutorial minicourse system of instruction is being developed for the college algebra and trigonometry courses offered at Indiana University-Purdue University at Fort Wayne. This system of instruction is patterned after the one developed by S. Postlethwait. At present a college algebra course, MA 153, is being taught using audio-tutorial minicourses. In the spring semester two trigonometry courses, MA 112 and MA 154, are planned to be taught using this system of instruction. Also, a fourth course, MA 111, will be taught using this system in the spring, 1980, semester. Much mathematics is more easily understood by using graphs. In many minicourses students are required to draw graphs. It is difficult to convey how one graph is “shifted” to obtain another graph using printed materials. As a result, a computer program was developed to create audio-visual review lessons of graphing concepts covered by the audio-tutorial minicourses. A review lesson may contain not only simple concepts such as point plotting, but also dynamic displays of graphs and their transformations. Creation of a review lesson is divided into four steps: (1) coordinate system definition, (2) function definition,(3) example definition, and (4) example viewing. The user is guided through each step via a series of menus. A sophisticated ten minute review lesson may take only 15 to 30 minutes to create. The program is written in TUTOR and runs on the University of Illinois PLATO system.

The purpose of the study is to investigate the effects of mind mapping with cooperative learning (MMCL) and cooperative learning (CL) on: (a) programming performance; (b) problem solving skill; and (c) metacognitive knowledge among computer science students in Malaysia. The moderating variable is the students' logical thinking level with two categories: high logical thinking (HLT) ability and low logical thinking (LLT) ability. Past research has shown problems with regard to computer programming. Many discussion and debates among computer science experts agree that there are problems due to the traditional method used to teach computer programming which did not contribute to the development of above dependent variables. There were gaps or deficiencies identified in students' knowledge in computer programming in each phase of the programming processes. The critical problem, which was due to the lacking of skills in analyzing programming problems, was identified at the first phase of the programming processes. This problem consequently will have an effect on the next phase of a programming sequence. Based on the literature, the above independent variables identified can be used to help lessen the burden at the first phase of the programming processes. The study further investigated the effects of MMCL and CL among the students with high logical thinking (HLT) and low logical thinking (LLT) on the three above mentioned dependent variables. A quasi-experimental study with posttest-only control group method that employed a 3 × 2 Factorial Design was applied in the study. The sample consisted of 127 students from 2 classes in three Universiti Teknologi MARA campuses which were all randomly selected and assigned to the treatment groups (MMCL and CL) and control (T) group. The equivalence of all groups was established using the homogeneity test between the three groups based on the students' Malaysian Education Certificate (SPM) grades in Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, Physic, and Chemistry subjects. The results showed that the students in MMCL and CL groups have significant positive overall effects in programming performance, problem solving skill, and metacognitive knowledge. Students taught via the MMCL method significantly outperformed the students taught via the T method in programming performance and metacognitive knowledge. Meanwhile, students taught via the CL method significantly outperformed the students taught via the T method in metacognitive knowledge. Even though there was no significant effect between MMCL and CL on any dependent variables, the descriptive statistics for programming performance and metacognitive knowledge between the three instructional method groups did show some positive effects. For the effects of instructional methods on programming performance mean scores, there were two major findings. First, the results showed that the overall mean scores for programming performance for the students taught via MMCL method were higher than the CL group whose scores were, in turn, higher than the scores of the students taught via the T method. Second, both HLT and LLT students' mean scores in programming performance for MMCL method were higher compared to the mean scores acquired by the CL and T methods. For the effects of instructional methods on metacognitive knowledge mean scores, there were two major findings. First, the results showed that the mean scores for metacognitive knowledge for the LLT students taught via MMCL method was higher than LLT students taught via CL method whose scores, in turn, were higher than the LLT students taught via the T method. Second, the results showed that the HLT students taught via the CL method outperformed the HLT students taught via the T method in metacognitive knowledge. The results of this study also showed that the difference between HLT and LLT students among the three instructional methods were significant, overall in both programming performance and problem solving skills. Further analysis revealed that the HLT students taught via both MMCL and CL methods significantly outperformed the LLT students taught via the same method in problem solving skills. Finally, the results showed that there were no significant interaction effects between the instructional methods and the students' logical thinking levels for programming performance, problem solving skills, and metacognitive knowledge scores. The findings of this study suggest that mind mapping with cooperative learning method (MMCL) is preferred compared to CL and T methods in programming performance, problem solving skills, and metacognitive knowledge for students of all logical thinking levels.

The Apple Guide interactive instructional system was designed and developed by the Instructional Products group at Apple Computer. This effort consisted of simultaneous creation of three separate components: a system extension, or engine, that provides the interface and features of the system; a set of Guides, or databases, that contain the instructions; and a set of tools for authoring and compiling the databases. The paper describes Apple Guide and offers examples, potential pitfalls, and tips for creating such a complex instructional system. >

Do workers benefit from proximity to other workers with similar skill sets? This question dates back at least to Alfred Marshall. We use occupation groups to proxy skill sets and show that the answer likely depends on geographical levels, as well on regional hierarchy. Using longitudinal Swedish data, we document robust evidence consistent with highly localized spillovers at the level of sub-city districts between individuals in similar occupations. We further demonstrate less distance-sensitive benefits of working in districts and regions, characterized by high overall density (of employees in other occupations). We find no evidence of benefits from overall density outside Sweden’s three main metropolitan areas.

Summary Single-dose pharmacokinetic variables of pyrimethamine were studied in horses. Pyrimethamine (1 mg/kg of body weight) was administered iv and orally to 6 adult horses, and plasma samples were obtained at frequent intervals thereafter. Plasma pyrimethamine concentration was assayed by gas chromatography, and concentration-time data were analyzed, using a pharmacokinetic computer program. The iv and oral administration data were best described by 3-compartment and 1-compartment models, respectively. The median volume of distribution at steady state after iv administration was 1,521 ml/kg and the median elimination half-time was 12.06 hours. Mean plasma concentration after oral administration fluctuated between a maximal concentration of 0.18 µg/ml and 0.09 µg/ml (24 hours after dosing). Bioavailability after oral administration was 56%.

A framework for studying individual variation in tactile map reading is offered and a set of research guidelines suggested. It is argued that the reading may be viewed as a many-leveled skill or set of skills, and that differences are best understood from an information processing rather than a psychometric perspective. Possible kinds of individual variation are distinguished, corresponding to differences in basic tactile abilities, amount of knowledge of the problem domain, different cognitive styles, and differences in affective factors. It is argued that the divergences must be related to a full task analysis.

This paper documents the development and piloting of the OECD Skills Profiling Tool. The OECD Skills Profiling Tool assesses three types of skills: occupation-specific skills; foundational skills (literacy, numeracy and digital skills); and a set of noncognitive skills using academically validated self-reported tests. After completion of the assessment, the OECD Skills Profiling Tool generates two sets of results: a personalised skill profile, which can be benchmarked against other users; and a list of suggested occupations that make use of those skills. In December 2021, 270 users and 38 career guidance counsellors in Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru tested the OECD Skills Profiling Tool. This paper describes the selection of assessment instruments, the methodology used to generate the results provided by the OECD Skills Profiling Tool and the outcomes of the piloting phase of the tool.

This article provides a soft skills detailed analysis. This group of skills, and the paper will prove that, represents one of the modern designer’s professional skills main components. The «soft skills» concept essence and structural components are revealed. The following categories of soft skills were studied: key emotional qualities of a person, skills of managing their own emotions, skills of interaction with the outside world and in society, as well as skills formed by individual characteristics of human thinking. The non-technical skills importance in the designer study is determined, their formation process is also studied. Next, the content of «soft skills», required for the formation of undergraduate students, who master the direction of training 54.03.01 «Design», is determined. In this article, in addition, the competencies provided for by the Federal State Educational Standard for Higher Education, which are directly related to the process of forming such skills in students of the «Design» direction are examined. Within the framework of this article, the analysis of the modern, dynamically developing system of the higher education is carried out. On its basis, the necessity of introducing such structural and organizational elements into the training process of future bachelors, which will most likely contribute to the soft skills formation is proved. The role of the higher school teacher in the process of the designer’s soft skills forming is also defined. The soft skills of the future design bachelor are considered by the author not only as a set of knowledge, skills and abilities, but also the sum of personal qualities based on tolerant, humanistic, ethical principles. According to the author, the human personality of the future designer finds the most complete expression at the level of professional and social culture. The article proves the necessity of applying a system-value approach in the process of preparing bachelor’s degrees in design. In turn, one of the most significant components of this approach is soft skills.

Clinical Faceoff: The Complex Tibial Plafond Fracture: ORIF or Circular External Fixation?

Alaska Instructional Diagnostic System (AIDS) provides testing and instructional support in four parts: a comprehensive set of mathematics objectives, instructional resources to identify promising instructional materials or practices, a communications network to make the system accessible in remote areas of Alaska, and provisions for staff development. For additional information contact Allen Barnes, Director, Southeast Region Resource Center, 127 S. Franklin Street, Juneau, AK 99801.

Academic credit system (ACS) is an instructional management system in higher education. Based on this system, grade point average (GPA) is the main measurement to summarize undergraduates’ overall performance. The paper aims to compare commonly used GPA calculation methods, then analyzes the different GPA calculation results based on the unique data of some university. In this study, experimental results show that GPA calculation method based on the standard scores is the most scientific and reasonable. At last, the paper provides information and advice to use GPA for acknowledgement, awards, and as partial evidence for admission to other colleges and universities.

This article is based on the multi-dimensional humanized teaching ideas of the Internet, this paper constructs the structural model of the higher vocational college-enterprise cooperative education service platform system based on the block chain technology by using the distributed ledger, decentralization, tamper-proof, traceability and fault tolerance. The system mainly consists of three sub system: The instructional management system, information management system and authentication management system are composed, and the three sub system are analyzed and modeled.KeywordsHigher vocational educationBlockchain technologyEducation service platformCertification system

The article considers understanding as a social and cognitive phenomenon, analyses the conditions for the formation of understanding in oral and written communications. Text comprehension is a fundamental element of human literacy, since without comprehension it is impossible to use information, reflect and draw conclusions, on the basis of which it is possible to achieve goals and participate in social life. Thus, in the modern world it is one of the key elements of socialisation. Understanding the text is based not only on the technical skills of reading and writing, but also on the general outlook of a person, his ideas about different areas of life. Studies conducted during mass distance learning have shown that a break in personal teacher-student communication during training had a negative impact on the reading skills of schoolchildren. In addition to regularity, both social attitudes and value views of parents, as well as the cognitive experience of the student, the level of his speech development are important for effective reading and understanding. Reading is considered by the authors not just as a set of cognitive skills, but also as a social action. Studies show that the reading skills and comprehension of new knowledge by schoolchildren are influenced by: the socio-economic status of the family, the attitudes and principles adopted in it. The article also shows that a long time spent by schoolchildren on the Internet negatively affects both their comprehension of texts and empathy. In addition, the problems of integrating the individual into the digital environment and the impact of digitalisation on consciousness and thinking are analysed. On the background of the growth of leisure preferences on the Internet, there is a decrease in the importance of reading for schoolchildren. An increase in school load also negatively affects interest in reading. The authors hypothesise that social stratification between schoolchildren with different levels of literacy can be reduced by using earlier teaching of semantic reading. The authors show that the study of these issues is important not only for pedagogical and psychological sciences, but also for sociology.

This paper discusses some of the problems that are faced by educators and systems developers as they attempt to develop and implement, on a broad scale, effective technological systems for the instruction, administration and management of education. To date millions of dollars have been expanded in developing instructional administrative and management systems for education. Yet with a few prominent exceptions there has been little broad scale impact on public elementary and secondary education. Because of this fact interest in and support for new research on the application of computers to educational problems has nearly dried up at the Office of Education, the National Institute of Education and the National Science Foundation. Work is needed to find out why this lack of broad-scale impact and what needs to be done to improve the situation.