Leandro S. Almeida

Science learning in virtual environments: a descriptive study

Usually, students learn more if the method of instruction matches their learning style. Since Physics and Chemistry deal with three-dimensional (3-D) objects, the ability to visualize and mentally manipulate shapes is very helpful in their learning. In fact, much of what Physics and Chemistry students know takes the form of images. However, little attention has been given to the pedagogical effectiveness of visual stimuli in those disciplines. Computers are being increasingly used as teaching tools. The new approaches include simulations, multimedia presentations and, more recently, virtual environments. Computer-based worlds are useful to visualize physical and chemical processes allowing for better conceptual understanding. Since 3-D virtual environments need to be explored and evaluated in science education, we have created a virtual environment (Virtual Water) for studying phases of matter, phase transitions and atomic orbitals at the final year of high school and first year of university levels. Based on that work, we discuss the implications of visual learning in designing strategies to cater for differences in learning modes. Our study indicates that 3-D virtual environments may help students with high spatial aptitude to acquire better conceptual understandings. However, only some parameters (interactivity, navigation and 3-D perception) have shown to be relevant and only for some topics. On the other hand, stereoscopic visualizations do not seem to be relevant, with the exception of crystalline structures.

Becoming a teacher : student teachers' experiences and perceptions about teaching practice

In an attempt to build a more comprehensive and holistic understanding of the complexity, dynamics and idiosyncrasies involved in becoming a teacher, this study focussed on the experiences of 295 student teachers. Their feelings, cognitions and perceptions regarding teaching practice were analysed using the short version of the Inventory of Experiences and Perceptions of the Teaching Practice. Results emphasise some of the difficulties experienced during this period (e.g., stress, sense of weariness and ‘vulnerability’), as well the positive perceptions of these student teachers regarding their growing knowledge and skilfulness, as well as their sense of efficacy, flexibility and spontaneity in their performance and interactions. Their perception of their accomplishments in achieving reasonable levels of acceptance and recognition within the school community and their positive evaluation of the guidance and support provided by their supervisors are also emphasised. Differences were found – in terms of gender and graduate course background – in the way these student teachers experienced some aspects of teaching practice.

Test Use in Spain, Portugal and Latin American Countries

Summary: The two main sources of errors in educational and psychological evaluation are the lack of adequate technical and psychometric characteristics of the tests, and especially the failure to properly implement the testing process. The main goal of the present research is to study the situation of test construction and test use in the Spanish-speaking (Spain and Latin American countries) and Portuguese-speaking (Portugal and Brazil) countries. The data were collected using a questionnaire constructed by the European Federation of Professional Psychologists Association (EFPPA) Task Force on Tests and Testing, under the direction of D. Bartram. In addition to the questionnaire, other ad hoc data were also gathered. Four main areas of psychological testing were investigated: Educational, Clinical, Forensic and Work. Key persons were identified in each country in order to provide reliable information. The main results are presented, and some measures that could be taken in order to improve the current tes...

Positive aspects of the teacher training supervision: The student teachers’ perspective

This paper explores the student teachers’ perceptions about the most positive aspects of the supervision provided during their teaching practice. The authors developed a study based on the reflections of a group of 224 student teachers about their cooperating teacher’s and university supervisor’s performance. Student teacher’s appraisals regarding their supervisors, the learning and progress perceived as resulting from their co-working with more experienced teachers, and the emotional aspects of this relationship are among the main aspects analysed in the study. Results show the importance attributed to the supervisors’ personal features and to the quality of the interactions established with their student teachers. These aspects were clearly regarded as an essential aspect of the student teachers’ emotional balance and resistance to the difficulties emerged during their entrance in the teaching profession. Some differences were perceived in terms of the students teachers’ evaluations regarding the moment of the practicum (beginning versus end) and the type of supervisor (university versus school). Some enquiry and suggestions for future research emerge as final contributions.RésuméCet article explore les perceptions des professeurs-stagiaires à propos des aspects plus positifs de la supervision de leur stage. Les auteurs ont développé une étude appuyée sur les réflexions d’un groupe de 224 professeurs-stagiaires en ce qui concerne la performance de leurs tuteurs de l’université et de l’école. Ces évaluations, centrées sur les différents aspects de la performance de leurs tuteurs, sur les apprentissages et sur les progrès qu’ils ont sentis comme étant le résultat du travail développé en collaboration avec ces enseignants plus expérimentés, et les aspects émotionnels de la relation de tutorat établie apparaissent comme étant les principaux aspects analysés dans cette étude. Les résultats démontrent l’importance attribuée aux caractéristiques personnelles du tuteur et à la qualité des interactions établies avec ses stagiaires. Ces aspects ont été nettement signalés comme étant essentiels à l’équilibre émotionnel du stagiaire et à sa capacité de face aux difficultés inhérentes à son initiation à la profession d’enseignant. Certaines différences ont été détectées au niveau des évaluations des stagiaires selon le moment du stage (début vs. fin) et selon l’institution du superviseur (de l’université vs de l’école). Comme contribution finale, les auteurs font certaines réflexions et donnent quelques suggestions pour des futures études.

Trait emotional intelligence and academic performance : controlling for the effects of IQ, personality, and self-concept

This article analyses the relationship between trait emotional intelligence and academic performance, controlling for the effects of IQ, personality, and self-concept dimensions. A sample of 290 preadolescents (11-12 years old) took part in the study. The instruments used were (a) Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire—Adolescents Short Form (TEIQue-ASF); (b) Children’s Personality Questionnaire (CPQ; Form A, Part A); (c) IQ test TIDI-2; (d) Adaptation Questionnaire (CAI-1); and (e) academic performance. A positive and significant correlation coefficient between trait EI measured by the TEIQue-ASF and general academic performance was found. The TEIQue-ASF showed incremental validity to predict general academic performance, after controlling for intelligence, personality, and self-concept characteristics.

Estudo de validação da bateria de provas de raciocínio (BPR-5)

This research investigates reliability and validity of the Reasoning Battery Tests (BPR-5), a reduced version of the Battery of Differential Reasoning Tests (BPRD; Almeida, 1988). It is comprised by five subtests: Abstract Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, Spatial Reasoning and Mechanical Reasoning. The participants were 1243 sixth grade to high school students from Brazil (N=771) and Portugal (N=472). The internal consistency coefficients varied from 0,62 to 0,84 and split-half coefficients 0,65 to 0,87. The factor analysis indicated an unidimensional solution accounting for approximately 55% of the total variance representing a composite score based on fluid intelligence, crystallized intelligence, visual processing ability, quantitative ability and practical-mechanical knowledge. The criterion validity coefficients based on the correlation with school success were around 0,54 (p < 0,01). It was concluded that the BPR-5 constitutes an efficient and fast way to assess general and specific abilities and could be a valuable instrument for professionals in their assessment needs.

Acesso e sucesso no Ensino Superior em Portugal: questões de género, origem sócio-cultural e percurso académico dos alunos

We analyse the impact of gender and sociocultural origin of freshmen from their college entrance exam scores and chosen undergraduate courses, as well the anticipation of difficulties in academic adaptation, and in academic success, at the end of their first year in college. The studys sample consists of 1407 freshman students from the Universidade do Minho. Results show that gender and sociocultural family background influence the courses that are chosen (most female students and students from less advantaged social class origins attended Social Science courses, whereas most male students and students from more advantaged social class origins attended Engineering courses). Higher sociocultural status and female students presented higher entrance exam scores and averaged better academic achievement at the end of their first year in college. Concerning anticipated difficulties, female students and students from Social and Economic Science courses anticipated more inter-personal difficulties, while male students and students from Engineering and Economic Science courses anticipated more difficulties in relation to learning and organizing daily activities. The anticipation of learning difficulties was associated in a negative and statistical way with entrance exam scores and academic achievement.

Adaptação académica em estudante do 1º ano: diferenças de gênero, situação de estudante e curso

Considering the developmental and contextual approaches in the study of academic adjustment, psychosocial development and academic achievement of first-year college students, the authors analyze the personal and academic experiences of a student sample from University of Minho (n=1273). It was administrated the Questionario de Vivencias Academicas (QVA; Almeida & Ferreira, 1997), organized into 17 subscales considering personal, interpersonal and environmental dimensions of academic adjustment and success. The results present some mean differences between the groups by gender, student status and major in graduation. The conclusion is that these factors should be taken into account in college politics and practices if we want to produce an increase the chances of accademic success among students.

The Socioemotional Experiences of Student Teachers During Practicum: A Case of Reality Shock?

ABSTRACT The authors focused on the teaching practice experiences of 224 student teachers. Participants’ viewpoint was assessed using the Inventory of Experiences and Perceptions of the Teaching Practice (Caires & Almeida, 2001) at the beginning and the end of the practice year. The authors examined changes in their perceptions and the effect of personal and contextual variables on the students’ experiences. Special attention was given to students’ socioemotional adjustment and its predictors. Results show growing levels of adaptation and satisfaction, and the influence of gender, graduate course background, 4th-year grade, and school setting on their experiences. School resources and acceptance, supervisors guidance and support, and the feeling of vocational fulfillment were identified as determinant factors of students’ socioemotional adjustment. Based on some of the most significant findings of the present study, the authors reflect on some implications for future intervention and research.

Facilitar a aprendizagem: ajudar aos alunos a aprender e a pensar

Recent learning theories point out active student’s role and, logically, his previous training for assuming this responsability. Assuming learning as stable and personal meaning knowledge, it is important that school and teachers develop capacities, attitudes and behaviours of higher autonomy and self-regulation in the students. Such regulation presupposes, on one side, students’ self-knowledge in terms of personal characteristics and capacities, and in the other side an attentive analysis of the specificities of each school task. Cognitive training and learning strategies development programs, most of them based in Educational Psychology theories, are assumed today as instruments to attend these objectives. In order to have a successful school to all or for the generality of students, the teachers’ training and the existence of psychologists in the schools are the most important requirements.