scholarly journals Ungdomstrinn i utvikling: Hvilke faktorer påvirker læreres kollektive engasjement for å stimulere elevers skriftlige ferdigheter i skolefagene?

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Eyvind Elstad ◽  
Eli Lejonberg ◽  
Knut Andreas Christophersen

I de siste årene har nasjonale utdanningsmyndigheter initiert flere skole-utviklingsreformer. En av disse reformene er «Ungdomstrinn i utvikling»: en nasjonal satsing med tilbud om støtte til lokalt utviklingsarbeid i klasseledelse, regning, lesing eller skriving. Et særpreg ved denne typen skoleutviklings-reformer er at kompetanse skal utvikles på kollektiv basis blant skolens personale på tvers av skolefag. En rekke utfordringer knyttet til design og gjennomføring har imidlertid blitt påpekt. Det er ledelsen på en skole som har ansvaret for å kommunisere reformens intensjoner og lede reformens arbeids-prosesser på skolen. Samtidig er det et kjennetegn ved læreryrket i Norge at lærerne har høy beslutningsautonomi. Med en slik bakgrunn er det interessant å studere styrkene i empiriske relasjoner mellom tydelig skoleledelse, lærernes opplevde autonomi og oppfattet nytte av å diskutere med kollegaer. Alle lærerne ved 5 ungdomsskoler deltok i en tverrsnittsundersøkelse basert på spørreskjema. Skolene disse lærerne arbeidet ved, deltok i en satsing på å stimulere skriving som grunnleggende ferdighet. Strukturell likningsmodellering ble brukt for å beregne styrken i de empiriske relasjonene mellom begreper som inngår i en teoretisk begrunnet modell. Begrepene baserte seg på flere indikatorer. Tydelig kommunisert lederskap er klart positivt relatert til lærernes kollektive diskusjon om skriving, som igjen er sterkt positivt relatert til lærernes kollektive vurdering av satsingen. Tydelig lederskap er derimot bare svakt, men positivt relatert til lærernes opplevde beslutningsautonomi, som igjen er svakt positivt relatert til lærernes kollegadiskusjoner. Imidlertid er ikke opplevd autonomi relatert til lærernes kollektive vurdering av satsingen. Implikasjoner for ledelse og for-bedringsarbeid drøftes.Nøkkelord: Ungdomstrinn i utvikling, kollektivt lærerengasjement, skoleledelse, opplevd autonomi, skolebasert kompetanseutvikling, utdanningsreformDevelopment at lower secondary level:Which factors influence teachers’ collective engagement for stimulating students’ writing skills in school subjects?AbstractIn recent years, Norwegian national education authorities have initiated several school improvement reforms. One of these is “Ungdomstrinn i utvikling” (Development at lower secondary level): a national reform which supports schools to encourage classroom management, numeracy, reading or writing. A characteristic of these school improvement reforms is that competencies are to be developed on a collective basis among school staff across school subjects. However, a number of challenges related to the design and implementation of “Ungdomstrinn i utvikling” have been identified. While the school administration is responsible for communicating the intentions of the reform and for its implementation, the teaching profession in Norway is characterized by teachers’ high level of decision autonomy. In this context, it is interesting to study the strengths of empirical relations between school leadership and the perceived autonomy of teachers as well as the perceived benefits of discussion with colleagues and the drive in teachers’ collective endeavor. All teachers at five secondary schools participated in a cross-sectional study based on a questionnaire. These schools all participated in an initiative to promote writing as a basic skill. Structural equation modeling was used to calculate the strengths of empirical associations between concepts from a theoretical model, based on several indicators. Clearly communicated leadership is strongly and positively related to the perceived benefit from discussions with colleagues about writing, which again is strongly and positively related to the drive of teachers’ collective endeavor. Clearly communicated leadership is only weakly, but positively, related to teachers’ sense of autonomy, which again is weakly, but positively, related to the drive of teachers’ collective endeavor. However, the teachers’ perception of autonomy is not related to the teachers’ overall perception of the school reform. Implications for leadership and improvement are discussed.Keywords: teachers’ collective engagement, lower secondary level, school leadership, perceived autonomy, school-based development of competencies, educational reform

2019 ◽  
Vol 56 (4) ◽  
pp. 570-599 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth Leithwood ◽  
Jingping Sun ◽  
Randall Schumacker

Purpose: This study tested a set of variables mediating school leadership’s influence on students referred to as “The four paths model.” Each path in the model includes variables with significant direct effects on student learning and which are malleable to practices included in an integrated model of effective school leadership. Research Design: Evidence for the study were responses to a survey by 1,779 teachers in 81 Texas elementary schools about the status of school leadership and all 13 variables on the four paths. Student achievement data were provided by results of state tests combining all subjects and all grades, while the count and percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch was used to estimate socioeconomic status. Confirmatory factor analysis, regression analysis, and structural equation modeling were used to analyze the data. Findings: Results uncovered a more nuanced and complex set of relationships among the four paths and their component variables than was specified in the original version of the model. School leadership significantly influenced student learning only through variables on one path, while variables on the other three paths influenced student learning only through their contribution to variables on that one path. Conclusions: Results point to the value of future research about the relationships among variables on the four paths, as well as efforts to identify latent variables among the observed variables in the study. Results of the study can be used by school leaders to more productively focus their school improvement efforts.


Crisis ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Ruthmarie Hernández-Torres ◽  
Paola Carminelli-Corretjer ◽  
Nelmit Tollinchi-Natali ◽  
Ernesto Rosario-Hernández ◽  
Yovanska Duarté-Vélez ◽  
...  

Abstract. Background: Suicide is a leading cause of death among Spanish-speaking individuals. Suicide stigma can be a risk factor for suicide. A widely used measure is the Stigma of Suicide Scale-Short Form (SOSS-SF; Batterham, Calear, & Christensen, 2013 ). Although the SOSS-SF has established psychometric properties and factor structure in other languages and cultural contexts, no evidence is available from Spanish-speaking populations. Aim: This study aims to validate a Spanish translation of the SOSS-SF among a sample of Spanish-speaking healthcare students ( N = 277). Method: We implemented a cross-sectional design with quantitative techniques. Results: Following a structural equation modeling approach, a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) supported the three-factor model proposed by Batterham and colleagues (2013) . Limitations: The study was limited by the small sample size and recruitment by availability. Conclusion: Findings suggest that the Spanish version of the SOSS-SF is a valid and reliable tool with which to examine suicide stigma among Spanish-speaking populations.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 177-185
Author(s):  
Daniela Moza ◽  
Laurențiu Maricuțoiu ◽  
Alin Gavreliuc

Abstract. Previous research established that an independent construal of the self is associated with higher self-esteem, which, in turn, is associated with increased happiness. Regarding the directionality of these relationships, theoretical arguments have suggested that self-construal precedes self-esteem and that self-esteem precedes happiness. However, most research in this area is cross-sectional, thus limiting any conclusions about directionality. The present study tested these relationships in 101 Romanian undergraduates using a 3-wave cross-lagged design with a 6-month time lag between every two waves. Structural equation modeling analyses revealed that self-esteem is an antecedent of both happiness and dimensions of independent self-construal (i.e., consistency vs. variability and self-expression vs. harmony). In other words, one’s positive evaluation of self-worth precedes one’s self-perception as being a happy and independent person. The findings are discussed with respect to the theoretical and practical implications, along with limitations and suggestions for future research.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Sebastian Holzwarth ◽  
George Gunnesch-Luca ◽  
Roman Soucek ◽  
Klaus Moser

Abstract. The current study analyzes how two components of perceived organizational communication (vertical and horizontal) are related to employee turnover intentions via three types of affective commitment foci (organization, supervisor, and team). Using second-order confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling techniques with a large cross-sectional dataset ( n = 3,317), our results show that, in line with social cohesion theory, vertical communication (e.g., supportiveness from the organization) is strongly related to affective organizational commitment, whereas horizontal communication (e.g., supportiveness from colleagues) is primarily related to affective team commitment. Additionally, both communication dimensions are related to affective supervisory commitment. Finally, these three foci of affective commitment incrementally explain and differentially mediate the relationship between perceived organizational communication and turnover intention.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (21) ◽  
pp. 6156
Author(s):  
Insu Cho ◽  
Young Hoon Kwak ◽  
Jaehyeon Jun

Universities pays a lot of attention and investment in the technology commercialization for its sustainable development and social contribution under Korean government-driven policies. However, when compared to US or European universities, the outcomes of the technology commercialization in universities are relatively inactive. Therefore, this study aims to propose a new idea-oriented framework of University-Technology Commercialization (UTC). To achieve this, this study explores the sustainable mechanism from idea to technology commercialization in the volatile environment by employing dynamic capabilities framework. This study employed structural equation modeling (SEM) to identify causal relationships among the variables with a 2014 to 2016 dataset from ‘Higher Education in KOREA’. This study collected national and cross-sectional data from different time periods to design our longitudinal study. Our study examines UTC activities related to sustainable idea development mechanism from dynamic capability framework. The results show the importance of start-up clubs as a first step for idea exploration in university technology commercialization and patents as important for both technology transfers and start-ups. Our findings offer new UTC directions for university policy makers.


2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 446-463 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wilmar B. Schaufeli

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to integrate leadership into the job demands-resources (JD-R) model. Based on self-determination theory, it was argued that engaging leaders who inspire, strengthen, and connect their followers would reduce employee’s levels of burnout and increase their levels of work engagement. Design/methodology/approach – An online survey was conducted among a representative sample of the Dutch workforce (n=1,213) and the research model was tested using structural equation modeling. Findings – It appeared that leadership only had an indirect effect on burnout and engagement – via job demands and job resources – but not a direct effect. Moreover, leadership also had a direct relationship with organizational outcomes such as employability, performance, and commitment. Research limitations/implications – The study used a cross-sectional design and all variables were based on self-reports. Hence, results should be replicated in a longitudinal study and using more objective measures (e.g. for work performance). Practical implications – Since engaged leaders, who inspire, strengthen, and connect their followers, provide a work context in which employees thrive, organizations are well advised to promote engaging leadership. Social implications – Leadership seems to be a crucial factor which has an indirect impact – via job demands and job resources – on employee well-being. Originality/value – The study demonstrates that engaging leadership can be integrated into the JD-R framework.


2021 ◽  
pp. 089020702110140
Author(s):  
Gabriel Olaru ◽  
Mathias Allemand

The goal of this study was to examine differential and correlated change in personality across the adult lifespan. Studying differential and correlated change can help understand whether intraindividual trait change trajectories deviate from the norm and how these trajectories are coupled with each other. We used data from two large longitudinal panel studies from the United States that covered a total age range of 20 to 95 years on the first measurement occasion. We used correlated factor models and bivariate latent change score models to examine the rank-order stability and correlations between change across three measurement waves covering 18 years ( N = 3250) and four measurement waves covering 12 years ( N = 4145). We examined the moderation effects of continuous age on these model parameters using local structural equation modeling. The results suggest that the test–retest correlations decrease with increasing time between measurements but are unaffected by participants’ age. We found that change processes in Extraversion, Openness, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness were strongly related, particularly in late adulthood. Correlated change patterns were highly stable across time intervals and similar to the initial cross-sectional Big Five correlations. We discuss potential mechanisms and implications for personality development research.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-44
Author(s):  
Koawo Edjah ◽  
Francis Ankomah ◽  
Ebenezer Domey ◽  
John Ekow Laryea

AbstractStress is concomitant with students’ life and can have a significant impact on their lives, and even how they go about their academic work. Globally, in every five visits by patients to the doctor, three are stress-related problems. This study examined stress and its impact on the academic and social life among students of a university in Ghana. The descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed. Using the stratified and simple random (random numbers) sampling methods, 500 regular undergraduate students were engaged in the study. A questionnaire made up of Perceived Stress Scale and Students’ Life Satisfaction Scale was used to gather data for the study. Frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviation, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), with AMOS were used for the analyses. It was found that majority of the students were moderately stressed. Paramount among the stressors were academic stressors, followed by institutional stressors, and external stressors. Stress had a significant positive impact on the academic and social life of students. It was concluded that undergraduate students, in one way or the other, go through some kind of stress during the course of their study. It was recommended that the university, through its Students’ Affairs, and Counselling Sections, continue to empower students on how to manage and deal with stress in order to enhance their academic life.


2021 ◽  
pp. 136843022199008
Author(s):  
Mustafa Firat ◽  
Kimberly A. Noels

Bicultural identity orientations have rarely been examined in relation to both perceived discrimination and psychological distress. Furthermore, these constructs have usually been studied in isolation, but their intersection is essential for understanding intercultural relations in multicultural societies. Using cross-sectional data from 1,143 Canadian undergraduate students from immigrant families, this study explored the relationship between perceived discrimination and psychological distress, and how bicultural identity orientations might mediate this relationship. The structural equation modeling results indicated that perceived discrimination was associated with higher levels of psychological distress and hybrid, monocultural, alternating, and conflicted orientations, but lower levels of complementary orientation. Alternating and conflicted orientations were related to higher psychological distress, whereas the other orientations were not. Alternating and conflicted orientations mediated the relationship between perceived discrimination and psychological distress, whereas the other orientations did not. The findings are discussed in light of theories on identity integration, rejection–identification, and acculturation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 401-414
Author(s):  
Tomoki Nakamizo ◽  
John Cologne ◽  
Kismet Cordova ◽  
Michiko Yamada ◽  
Tetsuya Takahashi ◽  
...  

AbstractPast reports indicated that total-body irradiation at low to moderate doses could be responsible for cardiovascular disease risks, but the mechanism remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between radiation exposure and atherosclerosis, an underlying pathology of cardiovascular diseases, in the Japanese atomic bomb survivors. We performed a cross-sectional study measuring 14 clinical-physiological atherosclerosis indicators during clinical exams from 2010 to 2014 in 3274 participants of the Adult Health Study cohort. Multivariable analyses were performed by using a structural equation model with latent factors representing underlying atherosclerotic pathologies: (1) arterial stiffness, (2) calcification, and (3) plaque as measured with indicators chosen a priori on the basis of clinical-physiological knowledge. Radiation was linearly associated with calcification (standardized coefficient per Gy 0.15, 95 % confidence interval: CI [0.070, 0.23]) and plaque (0.11, 95 % CI [0.029, 0.20]), small associations that were comparable to about 2 years of aging per Gy of radiation exposure, but not with arterial stiffness (0.036, 95 % CI [− 0.025, 0.095]). The model fitted better and had narrower confidence intervals than separate ordinary regression models explaining individual indicators independently. The associations were less evident when the dose range was restricted to a maximum of 2 or 1 Gy. By combining individual clinical-physiological indicators that are correlated because of common, underlying atherosclerotic pathologies, we found a small, but significant association of radiation with atherosclerosis.


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