JOURNAL OF EDUCATION
Year:2019 | Volume:34 | Issue:4 (136) |Papers Count:9

Model construction is an integrated approach aimed at a better understanding and acquisition of scientific/epistemological concepts and skills. To try this approach, a special learning environment was designed and constructed for the 8th grade science course. A number of experts and science teachers were consulted and related research literature was reviewed. Then a set of 50 female 8th graders were selected and divided into two groups, one of which participated in the course activities within the designed setting using the provided technologies. Data analyses show that the experimental group learned the concepts much better than the control group, just as they did in regard to the modeling practices.

To determine the effects of self-concept, attitude, and interest on the math performance of 21082 eight graders participating in four TIMSS studies from 2003-2015, and the trend of these effects, factor analysis, effect size, and structural modeling were utilized. Findings indicate that self-concept can predict math performance, both directly and indirectly, followed by interest and attitude. However, the latter two have a negative impact on performance which calls for further studies to determine the reasons. As for the trends of these effects, data analyses show that the changes in performance, and in the three variables, are not unidirectional. From 2003 to 2007, despite an increase in self-concept and attitude scores, the average performance score has decreased. Within the 2007-2011 period the performance score has increased while the scores on self-concept and interest in math have decreased. Within the third interval, in spite of increase in performance score, the scores on all three other variables show a decrease.

During the past decade many researchers have studied the effectiveness of solution-based group counseling in improving characteristics such as self-efficacy, social adaptation, and academic motivation among school age children. Many of these studies have reported significant improvements, yet the exact impact is not known. To estimate this impact, a set of 24 studies meeting the methodological requirements of this study and conducted in high schools from 2007-2017 was selected to be meta-analyzed. The results of this analysis show that the impact is high (0. 8) as the treated groups show an improvement of %47. Furthermore, the effect size on solving personal, inter-personal, and academic problems was estimated to be 0. 23, 0. 57, and 1. 57 respectively corresponding to 16. 7, 36. 6, and 57. 5% improvement. It is, therefore, suggested that this approach be utilized more extensively across schools.

A basic question asked by many philosophers has been about the criteria by which a person’ s sophistication is measured and the characteristics by which a sophisticated/well educated person is identified. Given the prominence of AbooAli Sinaa (Avicenna), the present paper is aimed at identifying such criteria from his perspective. To this end, all his writings in Farsi, along with all the original works written on his philosophical thoughts were content analyzed. Findings indicate that the concept of sophistication is considered by him alongside other concepts such as God as the creator of the universe, causality as the dominance system, and teleology. Epistemologically he views a sophisticated person within the realm of universe, having a will and variable ethics. Anthropologically, he thinks of a well-educated person as one who is social, wise, and possesses spiritual originality. Such descriptions set aside Avicenna from other philosophers. The root of this distinction lies in his view of the universe, the essence of human, and the relationship between God and human. Overall, a sophisticated human is one who believes in God, is healthy, rational, and moral, seeks knowledge and is knowledgeable, and has a job.

The capability approach presented by Amartya Sen, the infamous economist, has changed the very foundations and methods of measuring personal and social welfare. Many of the areas of scientific study have adapted this approach in order to expand their frameworks for measurement. Public educational systems are not an exception. Based on the review of literature on this topic, a set of basic capabilites for elementary school students was extracted and then put to the perusal of a number of Iranian experts in education in order to be modified and adapted to the Iranian socio-cultural norms and then ranked in terms of significance. The final set includes: social communication, ability to choose, patience and tolerance, law-oriented, learning, critical thinking, ability to debate, public reasoning, creativity, respect, emotional integrity, technological literacy, narrative imagination, reading and writing skills, attending and protecting other species, playfulness/recreational and sport activities, aspiration, acknowledging national and personal heritage, and a balance between national and global perspective.

Among teachers employed by the Ministry of Education, there are those whose university level training is funded by the ministry in exchange for their commitment to work. Another group of teachers are those selected through the national employment examination from among university graduates who go through a short training course after being employed. The effectiveness of these two groups is what has been examined herein. A sample of 100 male and female teachers in physical education from five school districts in South Tehran, along with their schools’ principals and assistant principals were given the Standard Effectiveness Scale with the overall internal consistency of 0. 81. Data analyses revealed that the effectiveness of both groups is above average and with no significant difference. The opinions of school administrators also supported this finding.

The importance of schooling in shaping the future of the society requires continuous evaluation/surveys and identification of shortcomings, especially in the newly invented smart schools. To engage in such a pathology the Techno-Social Model, wherein not only the structures are considered, but socio-cultural dimensions are also reviewed, was deemed appropriate. From among 210 teachers working in smart elementary schools for girls in Qom, a categorical sample of 132 teachers was selected from all districts. A questionnaire of acceptable validity with the internal consistency of 0. 98 was constructed and used to collect data. Data analyses revealed that in the respondents’ opinion, the techno-structural aspects of smart schools in Qom score below average, while the cultural-administrative dimensions score at the average level showing defect in all five constituents. According to the participating teachers, there is a significant gap between the current state and the desired one, in regard to this type of school. Increasing and updating instructional tools, as well as the awareness of both teachers and parents in this regard are recommended.