ARC Research Seminar
For further information or to register your attendance, please contact Pam Firth.
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Topic: Young Learners' Project: Understanding the Dynamics of Early Literacy Assessment
Date: 8 December 2009 | Presenter: Esther Chan
Abstract:
How can early literacy be assessed? What do children's correct and incorrect answers to standardised assessment tasks reveal about early literacy? In this seminar, some of the problems with assessing the literacy knowledge and skills of young children (preschool to first year of school) using a standardised assessment approach will be discussed. Experience from the early literacy assessment of around 110 prep children from the Young Learners' Project will be used to illustrate these issues. Based on the assessment observations, and an extensive literature review of early literacy, child development and developmental assessment, a child-centred holistic approach to early literacy assessment is suggested.
Further information: Young Learners' Project
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Topic: An Exploration of Factors that Influence the Judgement of the Nurse’s Performance in the Operating Suite
Date: 12 November 2009 | Presenter: Patricia Nicholson
Abstract:
Assessment of the candidate in clinical practice presents a multitude of problems due to the complex nature and chaotic clinical environment, making the process difficult for obtaining reliable data. Major difficulties are experienced due to the large number of variables present during the assessment process, including assessor characteristics which impact on the assessment process. Despite the substantial body of literature examining the psychological factors influencing judgement in performance appraisal settings, there is a lack of empirical research into the decision-making processes adopted by the assessors, including investigation into the factors that may influence the process across varying contexts (i.e. workplace and training).
The purpose of this study is to explore background variables in an attempt to discover trends, patterns or links that describe what exists in situations requiring observation of clinical practice. The aim of the study is to examine validity and inter-rater reliability of a Performance Based Scoring Rubrics that has been designed to measure workplace competencies in the operating suite. Identification of factors that affect inter-rater reliability is also being explored in the study. The presentation will include the validation of both Analytical and Holistic Rubrics using the Rasch Model for partial credit scoring. The use of video-clips in controlling extraneous variables that may impact on inter-rater reliability during the assessment of the performance will be included in the presentation.
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Topic: Evaluation of the Netbook Trial
Date: 13 October 2009 | Presenter: Dr Jim Pettigrew
Abstract:
Earlier this year, the Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development deployed approximately 10,000 small laptops called Netbooks to students in Years 5-8. The Netbook Trial has introduced these computers into approximately 343 schools in order to encourage one-to-one (student-to-computer ratio) learning in schools. At this seminar, Dr Jim Pettigrew explained the essential features of the Netbook Trial evaluation, and pointed towards various research opportunities that have arisen alongside the evaluation.
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ARC News
Achievement Improvement Zones Data Collection
The basis of Patrick Griffin’s work within the AIZ is focused primarily on the use of data to improve teaching practice and student achievement.
ARC Events
5 November 2009: Appreciation of Remarkable Contributors
22 July 2009: ARC Food Experience
17 July 2009: ARC Planning Day 2
2 July 2009: Research Seminar Day at Drummond Base
8 April 2009: Staff / Student Get Together
4 February 2009: ARC Planning Day 1