Student Characteristics (student + characteristic)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Testing Students with Special Needs: A Model for Understanding the Interaction Between Assessment and Student Characteristics in a Universally Designed Environment

EDUCATIONAL MEASUREMENT: ISSUES AND PRACTICE, Issue 3 2008
Leanne R. Ketterlin-Geller
This article presents a model of assessment development integrating student characteristics with the conceptualization, design, and implementation of standardized achievement tests. The model extends the assessment triangle proposed by the National Research Council (Pellegrino, Chudowsky, & Glaser, 2001) to consider the needs of students with disabilities and English learners on two dimensions: cognitive interaction and observation interaction. Specific steps in the test development cycle for including students with special needs are proposed following the guidelines provided byDowning (2006). Because this model of test development considers the range of student needs before test development commences, student characteristics are supported by applying the principles of universal design and appropriately aligning accommodations to address student needs. Specific guidelines for test development are presented. [source]


Peer Sexual Harassment Victimization at School: The Roles of Student Characteristics, Cultural Affiliation, and School Factors

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF ORTHOPSYCHIATRY, Issue 3 2009
Shalhevet Attar-Schwartz PhD
This study examines the links between students' reports of sexual harassment victimization by peers and a number of individual and school contextual factors. It is based on a nationally representative sample of 16,604 students in Grades 7 through 11 in 327 schools across Israel who completed questionnaires during class. Hierarchical Linear Modeling was used to examine the links. Overall, approximately one in four students (25.6%) were victims of at least one unwanted and unwelcome act of harassment by peers (such as being touched or pinched in sexual manner) in the prior month. The most vulnerable groups were Israeli-Arab boys and students with negative perceptions of their school climate. The school correlates associated with higher levels of victimization were a higher share of students with less-educated parents, larger schools and classrooms, and negative school climate. The interactions between gender and school-related factors indicate that the gender patterns are different for Israeli-Arab and Jewish schools and for schools with different concentrations of students' families with low socioeconomic status. The study emphasizes the need for an ecological perspective in addressing school-based sexual harassment. [source]


Student characteristics and subculture trends in interpersonal skills workshops

INTERNATIONAL NURSING REVIEW, Issue 3 2002
C ert E d, J. Gilmartin P h D
Abstract The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of student nurses when learning interpersonal skills and to examine the impact of small group work. A qualitative methodology was used. The sample comprised 50 student nurses who were undertaking the preregistration diploma course. In-depth interviews were employed to collect the data. The findings indicated that many students resisted learning owing to a range of personal characteristics that influenced the learning process. A student typology was constructed which highlighted four types of student characteristics that emerged from the data. Significant characteristics relating to each type of student behaviour are emphasized. This report also combines the student typology with the emergence of three distinct subcultures that frequently both interrupt and enhance learning. In presenting the subcultures the implications for group work are considered in conjunction with study limitations. [source]


An Agency Theory Perspective on Student Performance Evaluation

DECISION SCIENCES JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE EDUCATION, Issue 1 2005
Michael E. Smith
ABSTRACT The emphasis in recent research on the responsibility of college and university business instructors to prepare students for future employment underscores a need to refine the evaluation of student performance. In this article, an agency theory framework is used to understand the trade-offs that may be involved in the selection of various approaches to student evaluation. Understanding these trade-offs may be particularly important as faculty members seek to balance competing obligations, such as research and service requirements, while ensuring instructional effectiveness. This article presents propositions for examining how various institutional, instructor, and student characteristics influence the selection and use of student performance evaluation techniques (i.e., exams, papers, and group assignments). In conclusion, we suggest that agency theory may serve as a foundation for understanding current evaluation practices and guiding instructors in their selection of appropriate evaluation mechanisms. [source]


Testing Students with Special Needs: A Model for Understanding the Interaction Between Assessment and Student Characteristics in a Universally Designed Environment

EDUCATIONAL MEASUREMENT: ISSUES AND PRACTICE, Issue 3 2008
Leanne R. Ketterlin-Geller
This article presents a model of assessment development integrating student characteristics with the conceptualization, design, and implementation of standardized achievement tests. The model extends the assessment triangle proposed by the National Research Council (Pellegrino, Chudowsky, & Glaser, 2001) to consider the needs of students with disabilities and English learners on two dimensions: cognitive interaction and observation interaction. Specific steps in the test development cycle for including students with special needs are proposed following the guidelines provided byDowning (2006). Because this model of test development considers the range of student needs before test development commences, student characteristics are supported by applying the principles of universal design and appropriately aligning accommodations to address student needs. Specific guidelines for test development are presented. [source]


Student characteristics and subculture trends in interpersonal skills workshops

INTERNATIONAL NURSING REVIEW, Issue 3 2002
C ert E d, J. Gilmartin P h D
Abstract The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of student nurses when learning interpersonal skills and to examine the impact of small group work. A qualitative methodology was used. The sample comprised 50 student nurses who were undertaking the preregistration diploma course. In-depth interviews were employed to collect the data. The findings indicated that many students resisted learning owing to a range of personal characteristics that influenced the learning process. A student typology was constructed which highlighted four types of student characteristics that emerged from the data. Significant characteristics relating to each type of student behaviour are emphasized. This report also combines the student typology with the emergence of three distinct subcultures that frequently both interrupt and enhance learning. In presenting the subcultures the implications for group work are considered in conjunction with study limitations. [source]


The effectiveness of an educational programme for nursing students on developing competence in the provision of spiritual care

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 20 2008
René Van Leeuwen
Aim., To determine the effects of a course for nursing students on developing competence in spiritual care and the factors that might influence the effects. Background., Studies suggest that role preparation in nursing for spiritual care is poor. For the assessment of competence, few or no explicit competency framework or assessment tools seemed to be used. Design., Quasi-experimental crossover design (pre,post-test). Method., The subjects were students from Christian nursing schools in the Netherlands (n = 97). The intervention consisted of a course in spiritual care. Competencies were measured with an assessment tool, the Spiritual Care Competence Scale. Data were analysed by t -test procedures (paired-samples t -test). At T1 vignettes were added to assess the quality of the students' own analyses. These data were analysed by a Mann,Whitney test. Regression analyses were performed on the influence of student characteristics on the subscales of the assessment tool. Results., Ninety-seven students participated in this study. Analysis showed statistically significant changes in scores on three subscales of the Spiritual Care Competence Scale between groups (T1) and over time for the whole cohort of students on all subscales (T2). Clinical placement showed as a negative predictor for three subscales of the Spiritual Care Competence Scale. Experience in spiritual care and a holistic vision of nursing both showed as positive predictors on certain competencies. A statistically significant difference was observed between groups in the student analysis of a vignette with explicit spiritual content. Conclusions., The outcomes raise questions about the content of education in spiritual care, the measurement of competencies and the factors that influence competency development. Relevance to clinical practice., The results provide nurse educators with insight into the effects of education in spiritual care on students' competencies and help them consider a systematic place for spiritual care within the nursing curriculum. [source]


Disentangling the racial test score gap: Probing the evidence in a large urban school district

JOURNAL OF POLICY ANALYSIS AND MANAGEMENT, Issue 1 2007
Leanna Stiefel
We examine the size and distribution of the gap in test scores across races within New York City public schools and the factors that explain these gaps. While gaps are partially explained by differences in student characteristics, such as poverty, differences in schools attended are also important. At the same time, substantial within-school gaps remain and are only partly explained by differences in academic preparation across students from different race groups. Controlling for differences in classrooms attended explains little of the remaining gap, suggesting little role for within-school inequities in resources. There is some evidence that school characteristics matter. Race gaps are negatively correlated with school size,implying small schools may be helpful. In addition, the trade-off between the size and experience of the teaching staff in urban schools may carry unintended consequences for within-school race gaps. © 2006 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management. [source]


How undergraduate clinical learning climates differ: a multi-method case study

MEDICAL EDUCATION, Issue 10 2008
Klarke Boor
Context, The clinical learning climate affects undergraduate medical students' behaviour, satisfaction and success. Most studies predominantly describe aspects of the clinical learning climate using quantitative methodologies, such as questionnaires. This study aimed to illuminate medical students' perceptions of the clinical learning climate, and which factors and their interactions explain differences in clinical learning climates. Methods, We carried out a multi-method case study. Twelve departments of obstetrics and gynaecology distributed the Postgraduate Hospital Educational Environment Measure (PHEEM), a reliable questionnaire measuring the clinical learning environment, among medical students. After analysis (using anova and post hoc tests), 14 medical students from the highest- and lowest-scoring departments participated in semi-structured interviews. We analysed the transcribed recordings using a content analysis approach. Researchers agreed on coding and an expert group reached consensus on the themes of the analysis. Results, We found a significant difference between departments in PHEEM scores. The interviews indicated that department and medical student characteristics determine the clinical learning climate. For departments, ,legitimacy', ,clerkship arrangements' and ,focus on personal development' were the main themes. For medical students, ,initial initiatives', ,continuing development' and ,clerkship fatigue' were the principal themes. The amount and nature of participation played a central role in all themes. Conclusions, Differences between clinical learning climates appear to be related to differing approaches to participation among departments. Participation depends on characteristics of both departments and students, and the interactions among them. The outcomes give valuable clues to how a favourable clinical learning climate is shaped. [source]


Dropping out of medical school in the UK: explaining the changes over ten years

MEDICAL EDUCATION, Issue 4 2007
Wiji Arulampalam
Context, In the context of changing admissions criteria and an expanding medical school intake in the UK, we analysed the determinants of the medical school dropout probability. Objectives, We aimed to analyse the determinants of the probability that a student will drop out of medical school during Year 1 and to compare the results of this analysis over time. Methods, We carried out logistic regression analysis for the 6 intake cohorts of 1990,92 and 1998,2000. Results, Between 1990,92 and 1998,2000, there were substantial increases in both the size of the entry cohort and the proportion of students dropping out of medical school. A logit model for the 1990,92 and 1998,2000 cohorts reveals that the probability of dropping out depended on both the medical school attended and the personal characteristics of the student, including academic preparedness. Almost none of the increase in the dropout rate between the 2 cohort groups can be explained by changes in observable characteristics of the students over this period. Instead, most of the increase in the dropout rate is associated with changes at the level of the institution and in unobserved student characteristics. Conclusions, University effects, rather than changes in observed student characteristics, explain most of the increased dropout rate over the time period considered. Candidate explanations behind these effects include: less effective admissions policies; changing curricula; greater costs of attending medical school, and a growing mismatch between student and school characteristics. Testing between these competing hypotheses is left for future work. [source]


Approaches to learning and studying in medical students: validation of a revised inventory and its relation to student characteristics and performance

MEDICAL EDUCATION, Issue 5 2004
Karen Mattick
Introduction, Inventories to quantify approaches to studying try to determine how students approach academic tasks. Medical curricula usually aim to promote a deep approach to studying, which is associated with academic success and which may predict desirable traits postqualification. Aims, This study aimed to validate a revised Approaches to Learning and Studying Inventory (ALSI) in medical students and to explore its relation to student characteristics and performance. Methods, Confirmatory factor analysis was used to validate the reported constructs in a sample of 128 Year 1 medical students. Models were developed to investigate the effect of age, graduate status and gender, and the relationships between approaches to studying and assessment outcomes. Results, The ALSI performed as anticipated in this population, thus validating its use in our sample, but a 4-factor solution had a better fit than the reported 5-factor one. Medical students scored highly on deep approach compared with other students in higher education. Graduate status and gender had significant effects on approach to studying and a deep approach was associated with higher academic scores. Conclusions, The ALSI is valid for use in medical students and can uncover interesting relationships between approaches to studying and student characteristics. In addition, the ALSI has potential as a tool to predict student success, both academically and beyond qualification. [source]


The role of precollege data in assessing and understanding student engagement in college

NEW DIRECTIONS FOR INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH, Issue 141 2009
James S. Cole
Obtaining precollege student data, including attitudes, academic performance, past and expected engagement, and family and student characteristics, is important for institutions to gain a better understanding of the first-year experience. [source]


Assessment of violence potential among school children: Beyond profiling

PSYCHOLOGY IN THE SCHOOLS, Issue 3 2001
Matthew K. Burns
The increasing level of public attention to violence in American schools makes the issue a top priority among educators. School psychologists could play an important role in identifying at-risk youth, and planning appropriate individual, school, and community interventions related to school violence. However, there is limited literature examining different assessment approaches that could be used to evaluate student risk for violence. This article reviews (a) characteristics of students "at risk" for violence, (b) informal checklists and matching student characteristics to profiles of typical violent students and (c) threat assessment based on Borum et al.'s (1999) model. Ethical and legal considerations are covered as well. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons. Inc. [source]


Estimating the Probability of Passing the National Paramedic Certification Examination

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 3 2008
Antonio R. Fernandez BS, NREMT-P
Abstract Objectives:, It is hypothesized that student and program characteristics will influence the probability of passing the national paramedic certification exam. The objective of this study was to utilize student and program characteristics to build a statistical model to determine the probability of success on the cognitive portion of the national paramedic certification exam. Methods:, The study population for this analysis consisted of graduates attempting the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) paramedic written examination from January 1, 2002, through December 31, 2002. To be included in this analysis, graduates must have been first-time testers and have completed a survey attached to the exam. Independent variables analyzed reflected program and student characteristics derived from the survey questions and the NREMT application. A multivariable logistic regression model was fit to the outcome (pass/fail) of the examination. Results:, Complete demographic and survey data were available for 5,208 (86.8%) individuals. The final multivariable logistic regression model included nine independent variables. There were two programmatic characteristics (national accreditation and instructor qualification), six student characteristics (high school class rank, years of education, required for employment, age, race, and gender), and one graduate characteristic (elapsed time since course completion) that had a significant effect on the probability of passing the examination. Conclusions:, National program accreditation, lead instructor qualifications, student educational background, and student demographics are all significantly associated with the probability of success on the national paramedic certification examination. This model can be used by program directors, paramedic program instructors, and prospective paramedic students to maximize the probability of attaining national paramedic certification. [source]