Journal articles on the topic 'Ability grouping in education. Individualized instruction'

A kindergartner’s opportunities to develop reading and language arts skills are constrained by the amount of time allocated to reading instruction. In the meantime, the student’s engagement in learning tasks may increase if the instruction has been adapted to his or her prior ability through homogeneous grouping. This study investigates whether the grouping effects on kindergartners’ reading growth depend on the amount of reading instruction time and the intensity of grouping. To answer the study’s research questions requires causal inferences about concurrent multivalued instructional treatments. The authors develop a procedure of applying the method of marginal mean weighting through stratification to multilevel educational data. Results from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study Kindergarten cohort data set lend support to the theoretical hypothesis that when teachers allocate a substantial amount of time to reading instruction, homogeneous grouping helps kindergartners to gain more in reading. The authors find no effect of homogeneous grouping when the total amount of reading time is limited. They also find that the benefit of increasing reading instruction time becomes evident only if kindergarten teachers adapt instruction through homogeneous grouping.

The reading instruction, grouping practices, and outcomes for students with learning disabilities (LD) in resource room settings were examined. The study was a follow-up of an observational study done 2 years previously (Vaughn, Moody, & Schumm, 1998). Whole class instruction was the dominant grouping format although several teachers used small groups and individualized activities. Half of the special education teachers provided differentiated materials and instruction to match the learning levels of the students that they taught. Overall, no significant gains in reading comprehension were evidenced by students in this study. Results from the fluency tests also revealed inadequate student progress in reading. The failure of the present structure of the resource room to provide opportunities for a special education is discussed.

This study compares the achievement of high and low ability eighth-grade students working cooperatively during computer-based instruction. Students were grouped either homogeneously or heterogeneously on ability, and received identical instruction on a fictitious rule-based arithmetic number system. No significant differences in achievement were found between the two grouping methods. However, the mixed ability treatment substantially improved the achievement of the low ability students without an accompanying significant reduction in the achievement of the high ability students. The results indicate that designers and teachers may have little to risk in terms of achievement, but potentially much to gain in socialization and interaction, by cooperative heterogeneous grouping during computer based instruction.

The purpose of this study was to gain understanding of general and special education teachers' perceptions of grouping for reading and the types of grouping patterns that are implemented in classrooms in a diverse urban school district. Forty-nine third-grade teachers (29 general education teachers who had students with learning disabilities in their class for part of the day and 20 special education teachers) participated in the study. Individual and focus group interviews were used. The results of the interviews revealed that teachers value control over their decisions on how to group for reading. General education teachers indicated that they feel constrained by the demands of the district and school administration, whereas special education teachers believe they have more autonomy in their grouping decisions. The majority of the general educators reported predominant use of a whole class grouping format, whereas special education teachers used a more varied format. For the most part, general educators endorsed mixed-ability grouping arrangements for both social and academic reasons. Special educators, on the other hand, supported same-ability groups. The discussion provides insights into why teachers do not differentiate instruction when teaching in classrooms that have culturally, linguistically, and academically diverse student populations. The need for professional development in flexible grouping strategies is also addressed.

With the rapid updating of information technology, modern distance education network teaching is an important tool for development. In this paper, individualized instruction, constructivist teaching theory, based on the data mining technology and network technology into teaching system design and implementation of personalized navigation, it can according to each student's level of education, learning requirements and learning ability its own characteristics, to fully tap the potential information on the different types of learners access path Apriori algorithm to generate the largest set of items, according to the maximum recommended set of items to the learners for learning knowledge points. So that learners receive personalized education.

<p style="text-align: justify;">This article presents the findings of an action research study that evaluated the effectiveness of differentiated instruction in the subject of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in primary education in Greek primary schools. Effective teaching poses a challenge to all educators in all educational levels. The subject of ICT poses multiple challenges to educators due to its applied nature, the limited allocated time and the diverse needs of the students. A differentiated teaching intervention was designed and applied from January to March 2020 to 113 upper elementary students from two elementary schools in Athens. The findings of the research highlight the improvement of the quality of the students’ assessment and the level of students’ active participation due to differentiated instruction. Furthermore, the strategy of flexible grouping, the technique of “thumb it up” cards and the applied differentiated working routine proved to be highly effective. Lastly, the implementation of asynchronous working combined with hierarchical learning activities proved to be challenging to the educator due to its complexity. Based on these findings, the article discusses the importance of further research in the systematic implementation of differentiated instruction in mixed ability classrooms and in multiple subjects.</p>

Inequalities in educational opportunity are well documented. Regardless of the nature of the disadvantage—low income, underrepresented minority status, or prior achievement—students from backgrounds associated with a given disadvantage have less access to educational opportunities. In this article, we use data from the 2012 National Survey of Science and Mathematics Education to explore how resources are allocated for science instruction specifically. We focus on how three kinds of resources—well-prepared teachers, material resources, and instruction itself—are allocated to classes that are homogeneously grouped by prior achievement level. Regardless of the resource, we find that classes of students with low prior achievement (as perceived by their teachers) have less access. Some of the differences are striking, particularly regarding access to material resources, while others are more subtle. There is also evidence that some policies do not impact teachers equally. For example, time allowed for teacher professional development is perceived differently by teachers in terms of its impact depending on the achievement level of students in the class. The study supports the assertion that what is known about ability grouping in general applies in science instruction specifically. When students with low prior achievement are grouped together, their classes have less access to critical resources for science learning opportunities, potentially widening the gap between them and their higher-achieving peers.

The past few decades have seen a great amount of second language acquisition research on language learning strategies. Most of the research on strategy instruction had more practical goals than mere theoretical understanding. These practical goals are different ways of equipping learners with self-learning strategies. The latest developments in education and research, especially with the incorporation of neurosciences, psychology, and information technology have provided promising solutions to most of the problems faced by the low proficiency learners in second language acquisition. They also have given birth to numerous learning tools and methods of instruction. As a result, teachers can now rely on various sources of information and communication technology and use individualized instructional strategies to provide adequate support to these struggling learners especially for enhancing their writing skills. However, they need to be careful in providing support because an excessive amount of support may hinder the learners&rsquo; ability to work independently and develop critical thinking skills.

Abstract A chief concern regarding distance education for the health professions is quality of the experience. Distance education has the potential for expanding student access, providing individualized instruction, and promoting active learning among geographically separated members of learning groups. Students and professors who have participated in distance learning platforms have expressed concerns about technical problems, inability to interact in real time with each other, and other frustrations related to this type of delivery. The Dental Hygiene program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) has addressed these issues and enhanced an already successful program by putting the professor, a technologist, and the student in the same space, at the same time, in real time. This enhancement has substantiated the ability of distance education to provide instruction among geographically separated members of learning groups, making it a plausible solution to the shortage of educators in healthcare professions. Citation Bray KSK, Gadbury-Amyot CC, Mitchell TV. Providing Advanced Degrees in Dental Hygiene via Computer Mediated Distance Learning: A Model Program. J Contemp Dent Pract 2006 November;(7)5:096-107.

This study is a Classroom Action Research with a qualitative descriptive method, which aims to increase students' mathematical resilience when using the Different Instruction approach. The subjects of this study were 40 first-semester students of class B of Informatics Engineering and Computer Education STKIP Al Maksum Langkat. The object of this research is the students' mathematical resilience ability through the Different Instruction approach in the basic mathematics subject matter of functions. This research procedure refers to four stages, namely planning, acting, observing, and reflecting. This research was conducted in two cycles, the research was based on the criteria that reached 85% for students who produced a minimum result of 65%. The instrument used in this study was a non-test question in the form of a mathematical resilience scale given at the beginning and end of the lesson. Based on the results of the study, it can be ignored that the Instruction Differentiation approach can improve the mathematical resilience of the first semester B grade students of the PTIK study program, by grouping students based on learning styles more effective in increasing students' mathematical resilience in applying the Instruction Differentiation approach.

The study investigated the reported regressive performances of students in spatial reasoning concepts with a view to promote early spatial reasoning of lower primary school pupils across ability levels and sex. Non-equivalent experimental research design was employed. A hundred and five (105) pupils in four intact classes were exposed to six weeks intervention and subsequently post-tested. Data collected were analyzed using Analysis of Covariance. The study found significant effect of treatment on the performance of study participants in the ICT-integrated Think-Pair-Share treatment group. No significant interactive effect of ability was found though, the pupils of low-ability group benefitted more from the intervention (M = 12.32, 11.07; SD = 2.86, 2.98). There was no significant different of intervention between boys and girls across strategies and abilities. The study concluded that, while ICT-integrated learning strategies could improve output in spatial concepts of pupils at the primary school level, performances on the basis of sex-groups and ability groups have no significant interaction effect on the learners of spatial reasoning. Keywords: performance, spatial reasoning, treatment, strategies, ability group, think-pair-share, concrete-representation-abstract, learners’-self-controlled.INTRODUCTIONEarly graft of mathematic ability has been ascertained to predict later mathematical achievement and related endeavors in life [6]. Hence, the promotion of early mathematic competency is of critical importance. Established link between spatial ability and mathematics in early childhood by neuropsychological and brain imaging studies and behavioral evidences potent that math performance can be improved with spatial reasoning. Nigeria’s experience in local, national and international examinations show dwindling performances of examinees traceable to substantiated inefficient score in spatial reasoning items consistently featured [5, 1] in such standardized examinations. This was interpreted to mean that, children understanding of space pattern is necessary and demanded by the curriculum. The advent of information and communication technology (ICT) eulogized as potentially powerful and enabling tool for education change and reform is hereby engaged in learning delivery for comparative analysis of performance in learning spatial concepts among primary school pupils. METHODOLOGYNon-equivalent pretest, posttest and control group research design was adopted. The population consisted of 357,533 pupils’ enrolled in 1, 378 primary schools in Osun State (Daily Independent, 2013) characterized with male and female learners of varied academic abilities. Study sample was eked out using purposive and multi-stage sampling techniques. Primary III class was purposively selected based on the learners' age (6 – 8 years) limit in early childhood. Four schools with 105 intact class pupils were multi-stage sampled in the three major towns of the state considering available facilities for the study. Research instruments included Spatial Reasoning for Children (SpatReC), an interactive, multimedia package designed using C-Sharp (C#) programming language and follows the taxonomy based on Benjamin Blooms’ principles as revised by Anderson and Krathwohl in [8]; and Spatial Reasoning Test (SRT) used for pretest and posttest. Instruments, in a previous study [1] were adjudged validity and reliable. Learners in their intact classes were randomly assigned to study conditions namely; the three experimental groups and the one control group; three levels of cognitive ability groups - high, medium and low; and two sex groups - male and female. The intervention took forty minutes of Mathematics periods for three days in a week and six weeks in each of the schools excluding tests. ANALYSIS:Tests for significant interaction effect of treatment on groups were conducted. Result shows the test of equality of means to be significantly equal (t = 2.003, p - 0.05) in favor of equal variance assumed. The study’s subjects were thus adjudged to be reliably homogeneous (Table 1).Table 1: Test for Difference in the Participating group’s Post-test Scorest-test for Equality of MeanstdfSig.(2-tailed)Mean DifferenceStd. Error Difference95% Confidence Interval of the DifferenceLowerUpperEqual variances assumed2.003103.0481.253.626.0122.494Furthermore, the post-test scores of the research participants were subjected to a test of difference via analysis of covariance using their experimental groups as the differentiating variable and the pre-test scores as the covariate to remove the possible effect of previous learning and other confounds. The result showed significant difference in the post-test scores (F = 2.934, p - .05). It also showed from the table that, the R-squared value was 0.080 and the Adjusted R squared value stood at 0.053. This can be interpreted to mean that the maximum variance in the post test score is quite small. So other possible factors which might explain the difference in the post test scores and interact with the effectiveness of the learning strategies were sought after (Table 2).Table 2:Post-Test of Difference of Treatments Tests of Between-Subjects Effects - Dependent Variable: post test scoreSourceType III Sumof SquaresDfMean SquareFSig.Corrected Model96.677a332.2262.934.037Intercept34388.204134388.2043131.034.000GRP96.677332.2262.934.037R Squared = .080 (Adjusted R Squared = .053)The source of difference was located between the CRTL group and the CRA group (Table 3). It can be concluded that there exists significant difference among the learning strategies in improving performances.Table 3: Multiple Comparisons Post hoc TestDependent Variable: post-test score Tukey HSD(I) Treatment(J) TreatmentMean Difference(I-J)Std. ErrorSig.95% Confidence IntervalLower BoundUpper BoundCTRLTPS.413.924.970-2.002.83LSC.514.960.950-1.993.02CRA2.514*.960.049.015.02* The mean difference is significant at the 0.05 level.Would there be any interactive effect of intervention between various academic ability pupils by virtue of learning strategies? To answer this question, the post-test scores of the research participants were subjected to a test of difference via analysis of covariance. Result shown in Table 4 revealed that there is no significant interaction effect of experimental groupings and ability levels on the post-test scores (F = 1.440, p > .05). In this stance therefore, the research question is answerable in the negative.Table 4: Test of Difference of Treatment and Ability in Post-test Tests of Between-Subjects Effects Dependent Variable: post test scoreSourceType III Sum of SquaresDfMean SquareFSig.Corrected Model113.502a716.2151.440.198Intercept28102.188128102.1882495.206.000GRP * ability113.502716.2151.440.198a. R Squared = .094 (Adjusted R Squared = .029)Lastly, could any difference in performance result from variation in sexes? Despite the slight differences in group sizes, no significant difference in the performance on the basis of sex-groups (value = 0.186, > 0.05) was found. It as well showed that, there was no significant interaction found between groups and sex in describing performance of pupils in spatial reasoning (F = 0.030, p > 0.05) (Table5).Table 5: Test of Difference on Post-test in Treatment / Sex Groups DescriptivePost test scoreNMeanStd. DeviationStd. Error95% Confidence Interval for MeanMin.Max.dffsigLower BoundUpper BoundMale4118.153.190.49817.1419.1511281.030.862Female6418.273.560.44517.3819.151226103Total10518.223.405.33217.5618.881128104DISCUSSION - CONCLUSION:The application of ICT unto learning strategies was with a view to improve performance in spatial concepts in pupils of low and high ability at the primary school level. Notable results included significant effect of treatment on performance at the removal of possible effect of previous learning and other confounds. This discovery agrees with [3] whose study established that particular intervention in the experimental group might increase learner’s motivation and in turn lead to higher achievement levels for learners in the experimental group than for those in the control group. [2, 4] also found particular learning strategies - conceptual learning strategy and online tool substantially increasing math performance growth in separate studies. Ability levels’ effect on academic achievement as investigated indicated no significance in the post-test scores even after controlling for the previous learning through the pre-test. This result was at variance to [7] study on game-based learning (GBL) which found that, many students with low confidence toward learning mathematics can be restored and improve their confidence toward mathematics. Conclusively, performances on the basis of sex-groups and ability groups have no significant interaction found between ICT-integrated strategy learners of spatial reasoning. REFERENCES Adeleke, A. G. (2015) Comparative Effectiveness of ICT-Integrated Learners’-Self-Controlled, Concrete-Representational-and Think-Pair-Share Strategies in Enhancing Spatial reasoning Skills of Primary School Pupils in Osun State. A Doctoral Dissertation Submitted to Postgraduate College, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Adeleke, M. A. (2007) Strategic Improvement of Mathematical Problem-solving Performance of Secondary School Students using Procedural and Conceptual Learning Strategies. Educational Research and Review Vol. 2 (9), pp.259-263. Alrabai, F. (2014) The Effects of Teachers’ In-Class Motivational Intervention on Learners’ EFL Achievement. Applied Linguistics. 2014 Oxford University Press.Haelermans, C. - Ghysels, J. (2014) The Effect of an Individualized Online Practice Tool on Math Performance - Evidence from a Randomized Field Experiment.Jegede, P. O., Adelodun, O. A. - Okoli, B. C. (1998) Evaluation of Test Characteristics of UME Mathematics Items in the Context of Bloom’s Taxonomic Categories. Journal of Creativity in Teaching for the Acquisition and Dissemination of Effective Learning (CITADEL) Vol.3 (6) pp.233-241.Krajewski, K - Schneider, W. (2009) Early development of quantity to number-word linkage as a precursor of mathematical school achievement and mathematical difficulties: Findings from a four-year longitudinal study. Learning and Instruction, 19(6), 513-526. Ku, O., Chen, S.-Y., Wu, D.-H., Lao, A.-C.-C., - Chan, T.-W. (2014). The Effects of Game-Based Learning on Mathematical Confidence and Performance: High Ability vs. Low Ability. Educational Technology - Society, 17 (3), 65–78.Wilson, L. O. (2013) Understanding the New Version of Bloom’s Taxonomy - A succinct discussion of the revisions of Bloom’s classic cognitive taxonomy by Anderson and Krathwohl and how to use them effectively. Available at http://www4.uwsp.edu/education/ lwilson/curric/newtaxonomy.htm

The Classroom Practices Observational Study conducted by The National Research Center on the Gifted and Talented (NRC/GT) examined the instructional and curricular practices used with gifted and talented students in regular elementary classrooms throughout the United States. This article describes the procedures used in this study and the results obtained from systematic observations in 46 third or fourth grade classrooms. The observations were designed to determine if and how classroom teachers meet the needs of gifted and talented students in the regular classroom. Two students, one gifted and talented and one average ability student, were selected as target students for each observation day. The Classroom Practices Record (CPR) was developed to document the types and frequencies of differentiated instruction that gifted students receive through modifications in curricular activities, materials, and teacher-student verbal interactions. Descriptive statistics and chi-square procedures were used to analyze the CPR data. The results indicated little differentiation in the instructional and curricular practices, grouping arrangements, and verbal interactions for gifted and talented students in the regular classroom. Across five subject areas and 92 observation days, the observed gifted and talented students experienced no instructional or curricular differentiation in 84% of their instructional activities.

This three-year longitudinal study involved the use of hypermedia computer assisted instruction (CAI) to provide individualized reading instruction within a general classroom environment for students in grades K-3. The software provided reading lessons in a hypermedia format designed as supplementary material for a basal reader series. Because this project was interested in the maintenance of students with mild disabilities in the general education setting, particular attention was given to the reading progress of low-achieving students, as they appeared to be the most at risk for being referred to special education classes. Analysis of the achievement test data indicates: Year One. Entire-class significance was shown with experimental classes outperforming control classes at kindergarten, second grade, and third grade. When the classrooms were broken down into ability groups, low students in the kindergarten, second grade, and third grade experimental classes achieved significantly higher total test scores than their control peers. Year Two. No entire class significance was shown at the first, second, or third grade levels. When the classrooms were broken down into ability groups, at the first, second, and third grade levels, the low group students in the experimental classrooms had significantly higher total test scores than the students in the control classroom low groups. Year Three. When comparing entire classes on total test scores, no entire class significance was shown at the kindergarten, second, or third grade levels. When classrooms were divided into ability groups, low students in the kindergarten experimental class achieved significantly higher total test scores than the control students.

Introduction: The ability of students to engage with graphical materials supports learning in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics areas. For students with visual impairments, understanding the factors that contribute to the effective interpretation of graphics can promote meaningful access to the curricula. Methods: Forty students with visual impairments completed multiple-choice question tasks for five types of graphics presented in their medium of choice and provided difficulty ratings. The teachers of students with visual impairments rated the students on several factors. Statistical analyses investigated the relationship between performance differences and teacher-rated factors. Results: Significant differences in performance between print and tactile graphics users were found for bar graph, map, and total correct responses on all tasks. For some tasks, perceived difficulty by tactile graphic users did not align with actual performance. Teachers’ ratings of students who had Individualized Education Program goals for graphics, independence in using graphics, problem-solving ability, mathematics ability, and frequency of engaging with graphics contributed to significant differences in performance across total correct and most individual graphic results. Discussion: Although medium type was a significant contributor across graphic types, some teacher-rated variables appeared to mitigate the importance of medium on student performance. Depending on the graphic type, experience, content knowledge, skills with graphics, and confidence and motivation can all affect student performance when interpreting graphics. Implications for practitioners: Teachers should provide students with early and frequent opportunities to engage with graphics and support their problem-solving abilities regarding how to engage with different graphic types to enhance their independent use of graphics.

The primary objective of this article is to discuss the role of Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) at the undergraduate level via a survey of related literature and specific applications. CAI shares many features with other instructional modes, such as traditional classrooms and programmed instruction (PI). Many characteristics of learners affect their ability to learn and acquire new knowledge. An individual's subject-specific knowledge and general knowledge both affect comprehension. With regard to instructional design, system approaches are sometimes referred to as instructional development systems (IDS). An IDS embraces several major categories. These include a statement of goals, analysis, development of instruction, and evaluation and revision. General statements on CAI can be divided into the following areas: requirements, potential benefits, state of the art, problems, CAI as a factor in society, the roles of industry, education, and government, including the role of teacher. At least two educational requirements make CAI inevitable, i.e., the trend to individualized instruction and the growth in information to be acquired. Data processing and computer science involve the teaching of computer skills in relative isolation from other disciplines. Hence, the computer is the principal subject. Student problem solving and research is where the computer is used as a tool in some field outside computer science. A specific sphere of application is the subject. This article will relate these categories as they apply to an introductory computer concepts course taught at the undergraduate level. Another phase of this course is that it is accounting-oriented.

Abstract A sixth grade student’s ability to memorize multiplication facts was investigated. The overall goal of the work was to improve the student’s understanding and knowledge of basic multiplication facts (0-10) for the zeroes, to fives. There were 66 facts, for example 4 x 6 = 24. The student had been taught multiplication concepts in her elementary years and she did have a basic understand of the meaning of multiplication facts as shown on a pretest. She understood that 4 x 6 is a representation of four sets of six or 6 + 6 + 6 + 6 = 24. The student’s previous knowledge and history were used to develop an individualized education plan to help her have a better understanding of the concept and to memorize basic multiplication facts. The interventions were concrete, semi-concrete, and abstract models of instruction. A pretest was given prior to the sessions and a posttest was given after the sessions. The number of sessions was determined based on the student’s ability to learn the concepts. The student was successful at memorizing multiplication facts for the zeroes through fives. The next study will be to help the student achieve automaticity of the multiplication facts.

<p><em>Blended learning is a teaching technique utilizing face-to-face teaching and online or technology-based practice in which the learner has the ability to exert control over the pace, place, path, or time of learning. Schools that employ this teaching method often demonstrate larger gains than traditional programs due to their increased ability to differentiate and quickly assess student learning. This study sought to determine ways blended-learning models contribute to student success, how blended-learning schools are measuring student success, and how administrators are supporting teachers in their use of blended techniques.</em></p><p><em>In this mixed-methods study, survey data were collected from 230 teachers and 43 administrators in blended-learning programs. Interviews were conducted with teachers and administrators at two school sites in the Southwestern most region of the United States, along with classroom observations and reviews of participating schools’ Local Control Accountability Plans (California Department of Education, 2017) and mission statements. Results yielded five consistent themes: an understanding of student needs to drive individualized instruction, varied and individual success criteria, strong relationships with students tied to decision-making that fosters individual achievement, student needs as a driving force behind the development of school programs, and an increased level of student choice to combat low motivation.</em><em></em></p>

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to empower teacher candidates to integrate technology into classroom learning. The participating teacher candidates were provided with tools – iPads and software applications to enhance their ability to better meet the needs of all K-2 students. Teacher candidates had the opportunity to explore the range of pedagogical strategies the iPad facilitated through lesson planning and instructional practice. In addition, this research study found that when teacher candidates are given individualized training on the iPad, they have greater comfort with integrating it into their daily practice.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed a case study approach, using both quantitative and qualitative measures. Quantitative methods included the use of two surveys to better understand how teachers have been trained on educational technology. The qualitative analysis explored how teacher candidates utilized the iPad to better meet K-2 student learning outcomes through focus group interviews.FindingsFindings from this study suggest the need for embedded technology integration – through current graduate pedagogical coursework to better prepare K-2 teachers. Teacher candidates require time and regular practice to develop skills and understanding of how best to integrate iPad technology into their teaching. Redesigning a methodology course whereby candidates are developing a deeper understanding of pedagogy, while embedding technology into practice offers students this much needed opportunity. The findings from this study also indicate that, with appropriate training, teacher candidates have the ability to effectively integrate iPad technology into lessons which benefit student learning.Research limitations/implicationsResearchers should be asking whether teacher preparation programs are effectively training teachers for the twenty-first century classroom. This research explores this question and suggests ways to improve current programs to better prepare candidates to meet the variety of learning needs in today’s classrooms. Although the study was small in scale it has broader implications for teacher education programs.Practical implicationsAddressing the diversity of students’ learning needs present in today’s classrooms is a common goal for all teachers. As evidenced through the findings, having the ability to access a variety of learning resources, in particular, iPads, will help teacher candidates better achieve this goal. This research demonstrated how teacher candidates used the iPad to support differentiated instruction in K-2 classrooms.Social implicationsA one size fits all approach to learning does not work and teachers need to have access to every available resource, including iPad technology, to individualize learning. Findings from this study recommend providing teacher candidates with multiple opportunities to practice utilizing the iPad as a means to adapt, modify, and differentiate instruction to meet the variety of learning needs in K-2 classrooms.Originality/valueIt is important to note that while iPad integration throughout K-2 classrooms is on the rise, there is still limited research in how this technology is actually being used by teachers. This study explored how eight teacher candidates implemented the iPad as a technology tool within K-2 inclusive classrooms.

Background Musculoskeletal physical therapy involves both specific and nonspecific effects. Nonspecific variables associated with the patient, therapist, and setting may influence clinical outcomes. Recent quantitative research has shown that nonspecific factors, including patient-therapist interactions, can influence treatment outcomes. It remains unclear, however, what factors influence patient-therapist interaction. Purpose This qualitative systematic review and meta-synthesis investigated patients' and physical therapists' perceptions of factors that influence patient-therapist interactions. Data Sources Eleven databases were searched independently. Study Selection Qualitative studies examining physical therapists' and patients' perceptions of factors that influence patient-therapist interactions in musculoskeletal settings were included. Data Extraction Two reviewers independently selected articles, assessed methodological quality using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP), and performed the 3 stages of analysis: extraction of findings, grouping of findings (codes), and abstraction of findings. Data Synthesis Thirteen studies were included. Four themes were perceived to influence patient-therapist interactions: (1) physical therapist interpersonal and communication skills (ie, presence of skills such as listening, encouragement, confidence, being empathetic and friendly, and nonverbal communication), (2) physical therapist practical skills (ie, physical therapist expertise and level of training, although the ability to provide good education was considered as important only by patients), (3) individualized patient-centered care (ie, individualizing the treatment to the patient and taking patient's opinions into account), and (4) organizational and environmental factors (ie, time and flexibility with care and appointments). Limitations Only studies published in English were included. Conclusions A mix of interpersonal, clinical, and organizational factors are perceived to influence patient-therapist interactions, although research is needed to identify which of these factors actually influence patient-therapist interactions. Physical therapists' awareness of these factors could enhance patient interactions and treatment outcomes. Mechanisms to best enhance these factors in clinical practice warrant further study.

This paper describes the potential effects of grouping arrangements (in particular ability grouping) for language education in classes for disadvantaged children in Hungarian primary schools. The findings of the present paper are based on a larger study which aimed at identifying the major problems faced by disadvantaged foreign-language learners and their teachers. The paper aims to construct a detailed and comprehensive picture of the process of language learning perceived by both the children and their teachers. The main research tool was in-depth interviewing, combined with classroom observations. The research used purposive sampling and focused on rural primary schools attended by a considerable number of disadvantaged children situated in Hungary. The findings indicate that ability grouping for language instruction is a prevalent form of arrangement; however, it seems to have long-lasting negative effects on the achievement of the children in lower ability levels.

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) disrupted how educators provided supports and services for students with autism spectrum disorder. School closures and related pivoting between learning modalities were difficult for all students, but especially for students with autism, who rely on routine and often require individualized instruction. There has been limited opportunity for teachers to share their experiences of rapidly changing educational circumstances. The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to investigate how special educators and school-based specialists adapted practices for such students in response to pandemic conditions. One hundred and six educators from 40 school districts completed a written survey inquiring about the modifications they made to Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and their efforts to implement evidence-based practices. Participants reported adding individualized contingency learning plans to Individualized Education Programs, adjusting service minutes, and sometimes eliminating social goals. A thematic analysis (Braun and Clarke, 2006) of educators’ written reflections identified four themes, highlighting a renewed importance on collaboration with parents, who helped deliver intervention and monitor progress in the home setting. While students with more intense needs struggled, others actually preferred virtual instruction. This raises concerns for what will happen in the future, when social expectations resume. Despite the overwhelming challenges posed by COVID-19, participants demonstrated remarkable resiliency and innovation. Lay abstract The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) disrupted how special educators provided supports and services for students with autism spectrum disorder. School closures and the related pivoting between learning modalities (i.e. virtual, hybrid, and face-to-face) were difficult for all students, but especially for students with autism, who rely on routine and require individualized instruction. In this study, we surveyed 106 special education teachers, behavior specialists, and speech pathologists who work with autistic students to learn about how they adapted instruction to comply with the complex social distancing rules and changing expectations of the pandemic. Participants reported “making the best out of a bad situation” and “constantly using ‘trial & error’ to find the best way for our students to eLearn.” They emphasized the importance of collaboration with parents, who helped deliver intervention and monitor progress across settings. They made alterations to Individualized Education Programs, by adding individualized contingency learning plans, adjusting service minutes, and sometimes eliminating social goals. Participants were surprised that while students with more intense needs struggled, others actually preferred virtual instruction. This raises concerns for what will happen in the future, when social expectations resume. Despite the overwhelming challenges posed by COVID-19, participants demonstrated remarkable resiliency and an innovative ability to adapt instruction.

Abstract Within the Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Design (BERD) component of the Northwestern University Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, we created a mentoring program to complement training provided by the associated Multidisciplinary Career Development Program (KL2). Called Research design Analysis Methods Program (RAMP) Mentors, the program provides each KL2 scholar with individualized, hands-on mentoring in biostatistics, epidemiology, informatics, and related fields, with the goal of building multidisciplinary research teams. From 2015 to 2019, RAMP Mentors paired 8 KL2 scholars with 16 individually selected mentors. Mentors had funded/protected time to meet at least monthly with their scholar to provide advice and instruction on methods for ongoing research, including incorporating novel techniques. RAMP Mentors has been evaluated through focus groups and surveys. KL2 scholars reported high satisfaction with RAMP Mentors and confidence in their ability to establish and maintain methodologic collaborations. Compared with other Northwestern University K awardees, KL2 scholars reported higher confidence in obtaining research funding, including subsequent K or R awards, and selecting appropriate, up-to-date research methods. RAMP Mentors is a promising partnership between a BERD group and KL2 program, promoting methodologic education and building multidisciplinary research teams for junior investigators pursuing clinical and translational research.

Understanding how to appropriately choose, implement, and utilize assistive technology (AT) for students on an individualized education program (IEP) is imperative to success within a school setting and has been shown to improve with preservice teachers’ (PST) training. This study investigated the impact that a training session in which PST were exposed to a variety of AT devices/software in one university’s AT lab and given direct instruction in the Student Environment Tasks Tools (SETT) framework for selecting appropriate AT by working through a training case study would have on PST knowledge of AT and its selection. Sixty-eight PST participated in this study, and the results demonstrate that the training increased their ability to name specific AT items on a presurvey ( M = 3.56, SD = 14.88) compared to the postsurvey ( M = 9.57, SD = 25.14). The increase of number of devices and software named pre- and postsurvey was significantly greater than chance, t(67) = −7.64, p < .01). Most notably, participants could name the components of SETT on the postsurvey (94.12%) and apply the SETT framework to a hypothetical student, improving the quality and quantity of recommendations for the student. This study provides further evidence for inclusion of AT in teacher preparation programs.

University Hospitals Comprehensive Stroke and Cerebrovascular Center (UHCSCC) Registered Nurses (RNs) in the Neurological Intermediate Unit (NIU) often care for patients after Intravenous (IV) tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) has been initiated. IV tPA is a high-alert medication that has potential bleeding risks. Due to the limited opportunity for initiating IV tPA, we identified the need for enhanced education among this group of RNs. Currently, NIU RNs complete an annual competency via an online learning management system (LMS). Our goal is to identify the best teaching method to heighten the ability for the RNs to retain and apply information. This project is to evaluate if an individualized hands-on educational approach improves the RN’s knowledge of IV tPA administration. In 2015, 36 NIU RNs were given a 20 question pretest that assessed their baseline knowledge on dosing, administration, monitoring, and complications of IV tPA. Each RN then completed the annual LMS competency. Eighteen RNs from this group were randomly selected to participate in an additional 30 minute one-on-one instructional session that included both verbal information and hands-on practice. Approximately 2 weeks later, all 36 RNs completed a 20 question post test to assess knowledge retention. All of the 36 NIU RNs had some education on IV tPA prior to this study. The years of experience working as an RN varied from 6 months to 20 years. Group 1 consisting of 18 RNs that solely received LMS education averaged 50.8% on the pretest and averaged 83.3% on the post test. Group 2 consisting of 18 RNs that had the additional hands-on educational session averaged a 42.2% on the pretest and averaged 95.8% on the post test. The data was analyzed using paired t -tests, and the difference in scores were significant for both groups (P=0.000). Additionally, a 2-sample t -test found significant difference (P=0.004) in the score changes from pre to post when comparing hands-on instruction to the LMS training. Both methods of education were associated with significant increased scores on the post test. Our data suggests that the hands-on approach along with our current practice improves knowledge retention. Further research would be useful to assess retention several months post education.