The Application of "True Feelings" in Primary School Composition Teaching

Abstract. We describe the development and validation of an instrument for measuring the affective component of primary school teachers’ attitudes towards self-regulated learning. The questionnaire assesses the affective component towards those cognitive and metacognitive strategies that are especially effective in primary school. In a first study (n = 230), the factor structure was verified via an exploratory factor analysis. A confirmatory factor analysis with data from a second study (n = 400) indicated that the theoretical factor structure is appropriate. A comparison with four alternative models identified the theoretically derived factor structure as the most appropriate. Concurrent validity was demonstrated by correlations with a scale that measures the degree to which teachers create learning environments that enable students to self-regulate their learning. Retrospective validity was demonstrated by correlations with a scale that measures teachers’ experiences with self-regulated learning. In a third study (n = 47), the scale’s concurrent validity was tested with scales measuring teachers’ evaluation of the desirability of different aspects of self-regulated learning in class. Additionally, predictive validity was demonstrated via a binary logistic regression, with teachers attitudes as predictor on their registration for a workshop on self-regulated learning and their willingness to implement a seven-week training program on self-regulated learning.

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Time-Based Prospective Memory in Schoolchildren

Zeitschrift für Psychologie ◽

10.1027/2151-2604/a000053 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 219 (2) ◽

pp. 92-99 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Babett Voigt ◽

Ingo Aberle ◽

Judith Schönfeld ◽

Matthias Kliegel

Keyword(s):

Primary School ◽

Prospective Memory ◽

Age Differences ◽

Memory Retrieval ◽

Primary Schools ◽

School Age Children ◽

School Age ◽

Older Children ◽

Strategic Monitoring ◽

Primary School Age

The present study examined age differences in time-based prospective memory (TBPM) in primary school age children and tested the role of self-initiated memory retrieval and strategic time monitoring (TM) as possible developmental mechanisms. Fifty-four children were recruited from local primary schools (27 younger children, mean age = 7.2 ± 0.55 years, and 27 older children, mean age = 9.61 ± 0.71 years). The task was a driving game scenario in which children had to drive a vehicle (ongoing task) and to remember to refuel before the vehicle runs out of gas (TBPM task, i.e., the fuel gauge served as child-appropriate time equivalent). Fuel gauge was either displayed permanently (low level of self-initiation) or could only be viewed on demand by hitting a button (high level of self-initiation). The results revealed age-dependent TBPM differences with better performance in older children. In contrast, level of self-initiated memory retrieval did not affect TBPM performance. However, strategies of TM influenced TBPM, as more frequent time checking was related to better performance. Patterns of time checking frequency differed according to children’s age and course of the game, suggesting difficulties in maintaining initial strategic TM in younger children. Taken together, the study revealed ongoing development of TBPM across primary school age. Observed age differences seemed to be associated with the ability to maintain strategic monitoring.

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