Developing and Evaluating a Computerized Adaptive Mathematical Test

in Stemmler, Mark; Lautsch, Erwin; Martinke, Dirk (Eds.) Configural Frequency Analysis (CFA) and other non-parametrical methods: Gustav A. Lienert Memorial Issue. (2008)

The theoretical basis underlying the construction of a CAT is summed up and the item response theory explained. In comparison with a classical paper-and-pencil test, the characteristics and the advantages ... [more ▼]

The theoretical basis underlying the construction of a CAT is summed up and the item response theory explained. In comparison with a classical paper-and-pencil test, the characteristics and the advantages of a CAT are exposed. After performing a thorough analysis of the data, we developed a CAT based on the responses of 3590 children to a standardized mathematical test. The software presents a great amount of flexibility and allows treating multiple-choice items, as well as items with free response options and graphical items. Some results of an empirical evaluating study are presented. We showed that qualities of power, flexibility and economy of time of the CAT do not imply the loss of the classical psychometric properties of a paper-and-pencil test; we analyze the carry-over effect between the computerized and the paper-and-pencil test situation and as well as the relations between mathematical skills and general cognitive abilities. [less ▲]

Developing and Managing Moon and Mars Settlements in Accordance with International Space Law

in Proceedings of the 71st International Astronautical Congress 2020 (2020, October)

Despite still being a few decades in the future, the idea of establishing an extra-terrestrial settlement on another celestial body, being it the Moon or Mars, has never been so strong. Moving from the ... [more ▼]

Despite still being a few decades in the future, the idea of establishing an extra-terrestrial settlement on another celestial body, being it the Moon or Mars, has never been so strong. Moving from the premise that future Moon and Mars settlements shall not take place in a lawless space, this paper addresses the question of how to develop and manage them in accordance with international space law. To this end, it conducts a systematic analysis of the Outer Space Treaty (OST), with the goal of assessing the scope of the freedom to use celestial bodies under international space law. Based on this analysis, and building on the successful experience of the International Space Station, the paper proposes the development of open international settlements made of shared modular facilities. In accordance with the principles of adaptive governance and subsidiarity, the paper argues that the regulation of such settlements should be based on a multi-level framework integrating international recommendations and bilateral arrangements. Under the proposed governance scheme, international recommendations should provide a general framework enabling the development of the settlement, while leaving its management to the mutual agreement of the parties. Finally, the paper presents four essential goals to be achieved by the recommendations and ultimately concludes by arguing that while international cooperation in the development and management of extra-terrestrial settlements is not a legal obligation, it may very well be the only political option that we have to preserve the peaceful uses of outer space. [less ▲]

Developing and validating a short-form questionnaire for the assessment of seven conscientiousness facets in educational large-scale assessments

Scientific Conference (2018, November 09)

The influence of personality on academic outcomes has been demonstrated consistently in previous research. In particular, conscientiousness and its lower order facets generally show the strongest ... [more ▼]

The influence of personality on academic outcomes has been demonstrated consistently in previous research. In particular, conscientiousness and its lower order facets generally show the strongest predictive validity for academic success. MacCann et al. (2009) constructed a 68-item questionnaire for the comprehensive assessment of different conscientiousness facets in secondary education. However, such questionnaires are arguably too long for the use in large-scale educational assessments. Investigating the influence of conscientiousness facets within large-scale educational assessments is, nevertheless, crucial for advancing our knowledge of the differential influence of facets on various academic outcomes. Short and psychometrically sound questionnaires are thus required. Currently, no short and yet comprehensive questionnaire assessing the lower order facets of conscientiousness, that is suitable for large-scale educational assessments exists. Therefore, within the present investigation we develop a short-form instrument based upon the seven-factor version (59 items) of the questionnaire presented by MacCann et al. (2009), by using an exhaustive search algorithm and traditional item selection methods. Our sample consists of a large and representative dataset comprising all 9th grade students in Luxembourg from the Luxembourgish national school monitoring system (N = 6325; see epstan.lu), who answered French and German adaptations of the original 59-item questionnaire. We specified the exhaustive search algorithm to select the best possible combination of four items for each lower order facet, by considering goodness of fit criteria, factor saturation statistics, and measurement invariance between the German and French version. In addition, we used Mokken scale analysis and assessed the congruence of item wordings and theoretical definitions of each lower order facet to ensure content validity. We finally selected four to five items per scale based on our analyses. We found good fit statistics for all lower order facet scales (CFI >.95, RMSEA < 0.05), and acceptable to good factor saturation statistics for all but one of these scales (McDonalds ω > 0.7). On top of that, all scales show either scalar invariance, or partial scalar invariance between the German and French language version. The result of our investigation is a short and psychometrically sound instrument for the assessment of the lower order facets of conscientiousness. It is specifically tailored towards the unique context of the multilingual Luxembourgish educational system, and can be used in the upcoming Épstan cohorts. [less ▲]

Developing arithmetic skills in kindergarten through a game- based approach: a major issue for learners and a challenge for teachers

in International Journal of Early Years Education (2022)

Developing children’s language learner strategies at primary school.

in Education 3-13. Special Issue: What can primary languages offer the curriculum? (2012), 40(4), 379-399

This article discusses the strategy repertoires and strategy development of six English children who learned foreign languages at primary school. My study differs from mainstream research, in that it ... [more ▼]

This article discusses the strategy repertoires and strategy development of six English children who learned foreign languages at primary school. My study differs from mainstream research, in that it focuses on young children and on the development of their strategies, draws on sociocultural theory and uses ethnographic methods. My findings show that the six children developed a range of strategies over the course of a calendar year in spite of receiving no direct strategy instruction. The primary classroom encouraged learner autonomy and stimulated children to reflect on their learning which, in turn, enabled them to refine their strategies. [less ▲]

Developing composite nanofibre fabrics using electrospinning, ultrasonic sewing, and laser cutting technologies

in International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology and Education (2016), 9(3), 192-200

In this study, we combine Nylon 6 nanomembranes with tulle and organza fashion fabrics to construct a full-scale, flying kite. For the first time, this work demonstrates the processing of electrospun ... [more ▼]

In this study, we combine Nylon 6 nanomembranes with tulle and organza fashion fabrics to construct a full-scale, flying kite. For the first time, this work demonstrates the processing of electrospun nanofabrics using laser cut and ultrasonic technologies. The composite fabrics were analysed for their morphological and mechanical properties. The fracture strain of the nanomembrane–tulle composites increased 58–171% compared to the control samples due to nanofibre entanglements on the open weave structure of tulle. The ultrasonic sewn fabric regions endured 169% greater applied stress with the addition of the organza fabric and the seaming process compared to the nanomembrane–tulle composite. [less ▲]

Developing early number competencies through games played in school and at home

in Bergqvist, Ewa; Österholm, Magnus; Granberg, Carina (Eds.) et al Proceedings of the 42nd Conference of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education (2018, July 07)

Most research studies show that initial number knowledge constitutes the basis for understanding several major principles of mathematics. Moreover, early number competencies are considered as strong ... [more ▼]

Most research studies show that initial number knowledge constitutes the basis for understanding several major principles of mathematics. Moreover, early number competencies are considered as strong predictors of mathematics outcomes at the end of the first grade and even later on (Jordan, Kaplan, Ramineni & Locuniak, 2009). In preschool, the development of these competencies should obviously not give rise to formal learning but is developed through significant activities. However, while everyday situations offer significant contexts, they are still not sufficient to develop the basic number competencies necessary for first grade children (Cannon & Ginsburg, 2008). Adults have to create opportunities to learn mathematical competencies. Mathematical games can meet this requirement. The MathPlay project aims to develop early number competencies through games implemented in school and/or at home. According to the literature, early number competencies consist in counting, conservation ability, magnitude comparison, and (de)composition of numbers. To develop these competencies, we decided to adapt 8 well-known family games. To evaluate the effect of this play-based approach on the development of number competencies, an instrument was created and validated. A quasi-experimental research design (pre/post-test) was implemented in four countries: Luxembourg, Belgium, France and Switzerland. Seven hundred and twenty-five children from all these countries participated in this study. They were divided into one control group and one experimental group with two treatment conditions, X1 (with games at school), and X2 (with games both at school and at home). The post-test was administrated at two moments: just after the intervention and eight weeks later. Data is currently being analysed. This communication will present the first outcomes and will answer our research question: what is the immediate and deferred effect of this play-based approach (X1-X2) on students’ number competencies? [less ▲]

Developing Europe’s Rural Regions in the Era of Globalization (DERREG): An Interpretative Model for Better Anticipating and Responding to Challenges for Regional Development in an Evolving Internationalisation- Vorstellung eines Projektes im 7. EU-Forschungsrahmenprogramm

Poster (2009)

Developing intercultural citizenship education in the language classroom and beyond

in Argentinian Journal of Applied Linguistics (2015), 3(2), 9-29

In this article we argue that the aims and objectives of foreign language teaching can and should be combined with those of education for citizenship. We call this intercultural citizenship, which others ... [more ▼]

In this article we argue that the aims and objectives of foreign language teaching can and should be combined with those of education for citizenship. We call this intercultural citizenship, which others refer to as world, global or cosmopolitan citizenship. We begin by explaining the purposes of foreign language teaching and then introduce the notion of criticality in education systems. We also analyse the notion of education for citizenship and focus upon its potential for encouraging learners to identify with groups of people taking action beyond the limits of the state and its boundaries. Finally, we illustrate intercultural citizenship in practice. [less ▲]

Developing intercultural competence through education

Book published by Council of Europe Publishing (2014)

This is the third book in the Pestalozzi series. The first, Teacher education for change, dealt with the underlying philosophy of the Pestalozzi Programme and its approach to education in general and ... [more ▼]

This is the third book in the Pestalozzi series. The first, Teacher education for change, dealt with the underlying philosophy of the Pestalozzi Programme and its approach to education in general and teacher education in particular. The second Intercultural competence for all, looked at the various implications of promoting the development of intercultural competence as a main concern of mainstream education. This work takes a step further towards the full integration of intercultural competences as a key element within the education system. It aims at offering an educational rationale and conceptual framework for the development of intercultural competence, as well as a clear description of its constitutive elements to be developed in and through education. [less ▲]