Much has been learnt about the advantages of computer-based self-access language learning (SALL). However, little is mentioned about the pitfalls of using SALL to promote learning independence. This article presents a study of some university students' use of SALL. It reports their responses to the integration of SALL into an ESL course. The subjects were required to do a SALL project to improve their English, develop interest in computer-based self-learning and enhance learner autonomy. On completion, they were asked to submit an individual portfolio about their SALL activities. Afterwards, a separate anonymous questionnaire was used to solicit their feedback on the effectiveness of SALL. Results from the two channels were surprisingly opposite: the former was positive while the latter was negative. A further analysis reveals that the subjects did not gain much from the project, and their positive comments were made as a part of their assignment. Comparatively, the negative comments mirrored their true feelings. According to the feedback, it would be less successful if SALL was treated as a compulsory learning task. Besides, to make SALL really helpful to the learners, the teachers' guidance is indispensable, particularly at the initial stages.
[Copyright of Computer Assisted Language Learning is the property of Routledge. Full article may be available at the publisher's website:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09588221.2010.511588]

The distributive law or distributive property is a fundamental algebraic property in the arithmetic of numbers and algebraic expressions. This paper reports on an investigation of students' understanding of the distributive law through task-based interviews from the perspectives of constructivists. It explores students' lack of appreciation of the algebraic structure underpinning the distributive law, particularly amongst students who were already proficient in arithmetic and the distributive law. A total of 203 students from one secondary school of average standard in Hong Kong participated in this study, which adopted a cross-sectional approach. Thirty-three students were then interviewed. The study showed that although some students made progress in the understanding and application of the distributive law, others could not make sense of the meaning of variables and algebraic rules. Therefore, their algebra remained a routine instrumental application of rules, and their understanding of the algebraic structure was incomplete. This paper concludes with a discussion on how the tasks used in the interviews provided teachers with an innovative alternative to deepening students' understanding of letters as variables and the distributive law.
[Copyright of Pedagogies: An International Journal is the property of Routledge. Full article may be available at the publisher's website:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/1554480X.2010.486156 ]

The aims of this study were to examine the factor structure of the attitudinal questionnaire items from Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2003 and to investigate low- and high-performing students' mathematics self-concept in East Asian societies and in the USA. The participants were 24,119 eighth-graders, 4856 from Japan, 4972 from Hong Kong, 5379 from Taiwan and 8912 from the USA. Exploratory factor analyses (EFAs) were conducted revealing a same factor structure across the four societies. The MANOVA results showed that (1) the US students reported a statistically significant higher mathematics self-concept than students in Hong Kong, Taiwan, or Japan; (2) across the four societies, high-performing students had statistically significant higher self-concept than low-performing students; and (3) the US low-performing students' self-concept was higher than Japanese high-performing students' self-concept. The implications of these findings are discussed.
[Copyright of Educational Psychology is the property of Routledge. Full article may be available at the publisher's website:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01443410.2010.501102]

Background: Traditionally, paper cases are used as 'riggers' to stimulate learning in problem-based learning (PBL). However, video may be a better medium because it preserves the original language, encourages the active extraction of information, avoids depersonalization of patients and allows direct observation of clinical consultations. In short, it exposes the students to the complexity of actual clinical problems.
Aim: The study aims to find out whether students and facilitators who are accustomed to paper cases would prefer video triggers or paper cases and the reasons for their preference.
Method: After students and facilitators had completed a video PBL tutorial, their responses were measured by a structured questionnaire using a modified Likert scale.
Results: A total of 257 students (92%) and 26 facilitators (100%) responded. The majority of students and facilitators considered that using video triggers could enhance the students' observational powers and clinical reasoning, help them to integrate different information and better understand the cases and motivate them to learn. They found PBL using video triggers more interesting and preferred it to PBL using paper cases.
Conclusion: Video triggers are preferred by both students and facilitators over paper cases in PBL.
[Copyright of Medical Teacher is the property of Informa Healthcare . Full article may be available at the publisher's website:
http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/01421591003686260]

This study determines the impact of problem-based learning on a preuniversity geography class. Learning activities include problem analysis, information collection, an examination of concepts, oral presentations, and group summaries in relation to current and perennial geographical issues of local and/or global concern. Assessment for learning and assessment of learning were done by the teacher, classmates, and students themselves. Results showed that students could analyze problem statements and present their understanding systematically but varied considerably in organization, argument, and quality of thinking. To seek improvements, teachers should become more active facilitators while encouraging students to learn as problem solvers. Teacher training and school-based support are needed for creating a collaborative inquiry-oriented atmosphere in the classroom.
[Copyright of Journal of Geography is the property of Taylor & Francis. Full article may be available at the publisher's website:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00221341.2010.501112]