Ecologia Radical - Empower Through Education: Standardized Tests

The Two Sigma Effect

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Can tutoring make a dramatic difference in how much a child learns? A famous study says it does. In 1984, the University of Chicago’s Benjamin Bloom published a paper that showed that being tutored was a more effective way of learning than conventional classroom instruction. Not just a little more effective, but tremendously more effective. In fact, Bloom found that tutored children outperformed children receiving conventional classroom instruction by a whopping two standard deviations, or two sigmas. According to Bloom, “the average tutored student was above 98% of the students in the control class.” (<a href="http://web.mit.edu/bosworth/MacData/afs.course/5/5.95/readings/bloom-two-sigma.pdf">http://web.mit.edu/bosworth/MacData/afs.course/5/5.95/readings/bloom-two-sigma.pdf</a>) In fact, “90% of the tutored students … attained the summative achievement reached by only the highest 20% of the students under conventional instructional conditions.” <br /><br />Unfortunately, there are a couple of obvious problems with conventional tutoring: it’s labor intensive and therefore it’s very expensive. Almost immediately after Bloom’s study was published, academics began experimenting with a cheaper and more practical alternative: computer tutoring. There are now many commercial tutorial products, and there’s been a great deal of new research. Where do we stand, 30 years after Bloom? <br /><br />A major recent paper by Kurt VanLehn of Arizona State University looked at a large selection of studies—over 100—to see what could be learned about tutoring today. (<a href="http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00461520.2011.611369#.U0BMP61dXwo">http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00461520.2011.611369#.U0BMP61dXwo</a>) VanLehn divided instruction into categories: no tutoring, or conventional classroom instruction; computer-based intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) that were based on a simple question-and-answer format; computer-based ITSs that were based on a step-wise progression; and human tutoring. <br /><br />The assumption has been that computer tutoring lags behind human tutoring, so what VanLehn found was surprising. Answer-based ITS represented a 0.31 sigma improvement over conventional classroom instruction, ITS systems based in step-wise progression resulted in a 0.75 sigma improvement, and human tutoring results in a 0.79 sigma improvement. Human tutoring does seem to be the most effective form of tutoring, but only by a tiny margin.<br /><br /> The improvements found with tutoring are quite substantial, though not as large as the improvements Bloom found. To find out why, VanLehn took a closer look at Bloom’s data. In the original studies, students took quizzes after each work unit. They moved on to the next unit if their scores were adequate; otherwise, they studied the original unit further. Classroom students moved on when their scores were at least 80%, while tutored students only moved on when their scores were 90% or above. VanLehn surmises that setting the threshold higher for mastery may be another aspect of the astonishing results Bloom observed. <br /><br />In his blog Of That, Brandt Redd says there’s an emerging consensus about how to make computer-aided tutoring approach or maybe even achieve a two-sigma level of improvement. One of the most critical factors is that students should only advance when they’re truly prepared for the next level. Asynchronous learning, or advancing at an individual rate, is a related and important technique. (<a href="http://www.ofthat.com/2011/09/tackling-blooms-2-sigma-problem.html">http://www.ofthat.com/2011/09/tackling-blooms-2-sigma-problem.html</a>) <br /><br />What makes computer tutoring so effective? It’s theorized that immediate feedback is one of the most important reasons it works so well. Feedback keeps students from getting completely off track and wasting time. <br /><br />Clearly, the ability to work at a pace that’s comfortable for each individual is another critical  piece of the puzzle. This “work at your own pace” dictum has become central to many tutoring platforms, such as Salman Khan’s super-successful online math instruction platform, Khan Academy. <br /><br />Some theorists, such as Ken Koedinger of Carnegie Mellon, feel that computers may just be inherently better than humans as teachers. Data collected by a computer can be analyzed to determine how to maximize learning for each individual. In fact, Koedinger thinks learning is so complex that it requires a computer to thoroughly explore it. <br /><br />For instance, Koedinger points to the spacing effect as one area where computers can be extremely helpful. It’s long been known that people learn best if they revisit the information to be assimilated at spaced intervals, rather than trying to learn information all at once. Coupled with the fact that people learn at different rates, tracking an optimum learning schedule for all the children in an entire classroom would represent an overwhelming amount of work for a teacher. Fortunately, this is the kind of chore a computer is happy to do.  <br /><br />
With the new Common Core curriculum, it’s more important than ever that children be given the tools that will enable them to succeed, and the advantages of computer tutoring shouldn’t be overlooked. One interesting approach currently in testing uses computers to analyze essays, looking specifically for the features that yield better test results in the Common Core rubric.  WriteTecNYC (yes, based in New York City), has developed proprietary algorithms that predict how well or how poorly a student performs.  The feedback is immediate and a student can accurately gauge their improvement over time.  Currently WriteTecNYC’s software at <a href="http://www.writetecnyc.com/">www.writetecnyc.com</a> is available for free in beta, but it is not clear how long this option will be available.  Whether parents embrace using analytical test prep tools like this or not, computer grading will continue to be rolled out.  Students who need an edge will likely use the most effective tools to maximize test results and improve their testing abilities over time. <br /><br />Lani Carroll is a writer living in Colorado Springs. She loves Colorado microbrews and those rare moments when she can find the perfect word without resorting to a thesaurus. She's long been interested in the correlations between test scores and achievement. She can be found at her Google+ Profile.</div>

The Two Sigma Effect

Can tutoring make a dramatic difference in how much a child learns? A famous study says it does. In 1984, the University of Chicago’s Benja...

Get A Job By Taking Mechanical Aptitude Test

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />

<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The increasing population and crave of
knowledge among people has led to a great rise in competition. As a result, it
has really become very difficult these days to find a job. The numbers of
jobless people is on the rise, and it is very important for one to find a job
if he/she wants to sustain their lifestyle and the family. Finding a job is
more difficult in those areas that require mechanical testing as their criteria
because of a more competitive environment there. Sites that provide </span><a href="http://www.mechanicalaptitudetest.org/"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">mechanical aptitude test</span></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> prove to
help a long way to get a job in these areas. So, now you no more need to get
very close to the dream job that you have always wanted and get stranded due to
the testing.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPnu0rcy-pXELDlZBK2zz1L4tEKH78t0P4kSjXAhB8EJMo7qWFqjbTrpuQr-J5T-8jyjs4c-OuueM8Iz1PegUi5kyRfj5yU3rUxC36bHB2wI3K_jAhpZUqRJ9OX1OgWXAzjoScH-F7VH8j/s1600/mechanicalimage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPnu0rcy-pXELDlZBK2zz1L4tEKH78t0P4kSjXAhB8EJMo7qWFqjbTrpuQr-J5T-8jyjs4c-OuueM8Iz1PegUi5kyRfj5yU3rUxC36bHB2wI3K_jAhpZUqRJ9OX1OgWXAzjoScH-F7VH8j/s1600/mechanicalimage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">How
mechanical aptitude test helps you?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">These sites that provide aptitude test
and tests like </span><a href="http://www.mechanicalaptitudetest.org/"><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">bennett mechanical comprehension test</span></a><span style="background: white; color: #000099; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">provide you with all sorts of information that you will be needing to
easily clear your next mechanical comprehension test for scoring a job. These
tests cover most of the mechanical questions that are generally asked for these
jobs, and also provide an easy explanation by breaking down them nicely. Their
staff will also take active part in answering all your doubts and questions
that you may be having in your mind with respect to the subject.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">They will provide you
with multiple resources like Online test, sample questions, premium ebooks, mechanical
formulas, Logical reasoning test, blog and many more which will guide you with
the whole mechanical test process. These resources will help you gear up for
the whole process and will instill confidence in you that you will be getting
the job with ease by clearing the test. You can even go for </span><a href="http://www.mechanicalaptitudetest.org/"><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">free mechanical
aptitude test</span></a><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> if you don’t want to spend money on it. They too
well serve the purpose, and you will be saving a few bucks too!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">There are many jobs
like Fire fighters job, police officer’s job, plumbing jobs, engineering jobs
etc that require mechanical test. So being verse in it with the help of
mechanical aptitude test will ensure that you don’t have any trouble in getting
these jobs. Thus, if you want to provide yourself the guarantee of landing a
great job, start taking mechanical aptitude tests today from a good online test
that will make you ready to face these mechanical tests.</span></div>
</div>

Get A Job By Taking Mechanical Aptitude Test

The increasing population and crave of knowledge among people has led to a great rise in competition. As a result, it has really becom...

Acadsoc – A resourceful online guide and hub to learn Spanish

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />

<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
You can find several lifelong
benefits by learning a foreign language. If you have plans to learn a foreign
language, then Spanish can be a great choice as it is amongst the most used
languages in the world. If you fascinated by the culture and traditions of
Spain, then you can enjoy that better if you learn the Spanish language. For
leaning a new language, you must have dedication and memorization. It requires
repetition to learn new words and phrases. Acadsoc is a great online
educational site for learning Spanish from native tutors, for more info you can
refer <a href="http://support.acadsoc.com/online-spanish-tutoring-6-232-648.html" target="_blank"><span style="background: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 150%;">http://support.acadsoc.com/online-spanish-tutoring-6-232-648.html</span></a>.
Since the language used in more than 20 countries across the world, it is worth
learning this language.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A great hub for Spanish learning</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
If you want to learn Spanish and
gain knowledge in the language, then you can visit website of Acadsoc. It is a
hub and teaching platform for learning multiple languages. Being an academic
online society, Acadsoc provides professional and skilled tutors in different
languages. It is an amazing opportunity for the students to learn the language
from the native tutors online. In fact, you will get tutorials for different
languages if you visit this website. As you know learning a new language can
improve your cognitive skills and memory power and learning Spanish from
Acadsoc can be a perfect way to improve your memory enhances your cognitive
skills.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Fun to learn</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Acadsoc provides outstanding
opportunities and excellent environment to learn new languages. It is a
platform to learn different languages and acts as a consultancy for students
who would like to pursue their education abroad. If your main aim is to learn
Spanish, you can learn the language in the most interesting and fun way if you
learn it from Acadsoc. The experienced tutors of Spanish in this hub make you
understand the language in the most interesting and easy method. Since they
understand the significance of spoken Spanish and its practical knowledge, they
inspire the students to converse in this language whenever possible.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Know the areas of weaknesses</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Acadsoc helps you to learn Spanish
perfectly and encourage the students to speak to improve the fluency of it. By
adopting such unique methods, they help you to know the language better and
identify your weak areas. Aside, this online academy equips the students with
sufficient skills and knowledge to perform well in the Spanish classes and
score good grades in school. You can also visit the website if you need any
guidance or professional help for getting higher education abroad. By visiting
the website, you can understand the different institutes, courses offered,
admission procedures and their fee structure. </div>
</div>

Acadsoc – A resourceful online guide and hub to learn Spanish

You can find several lifelong benefits by learning a foreign language. If you have plans to learn a foreign language, then Spanish can...

The World's Richest Women And Their Wealth

So often, women become invisible in various sectors due to these sectors traditionally – and most often currently - being dominated by men. Though, these sectors have traditionally been the domain of men this is increasingly changing - due to recognition of equality. There are, then, no longer good reasons to exclude women from any positions of power or placement, by virtue of their sex. Women are doctors, scientists, engineers, etc., and are <a href="http://blogs.tribune.com.pk/story/16808/women-are-just-as-capable-as-men-they-dont-need-reserved-seats/">equally capable</a> as men in these capacities. To really see this in action, you need only see how many women are some of the richest people in the world.<br/><br/><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-807" height="366" src="http://trla.us/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/708662-gina-rinehart.jpg" width="650" /><br/><h2><strong>Liliane Bettencourt </strong></h2><br/>With an estimated wealth of $30 Billion, <a href="http://www.therichest.com/celebnetworth/celebrity-business/men/liliane-bettencourt-net-worth/">Ms Bettencourt</a> is regarded as the wealthiest women in 2014. The source of her wealth makes it obvious why: She is the principle shareholder in the world’s largest cosmetic company, L’Oreal. The company was founded by her father and she remains the sole heir. She is also is the richest <em>person</em> in France, as of March 2013.<br/><h2><strong>Christy Walton</strong></h2><br/><a href="http://www.forbes.com/profile/christy-walton/">Ms Walton</a> is the richest woman in America and second richest person in the world, with a net work approximately of $28.2. Like Bettencourt, Walton inherited her wealth – but via marriage, rather than blood. She is the widow of the John Walton, who is the son of Wal-Mart’s founder, Sam Walton. Wal-Mart, as <a href="http://retailindustry.about.com/od/walmartworldslargest/">About.com reports</a>, “is both the largest retail chain in the U.S. and the largest retail organization in the world.” Her wealth then is self-explanatory.<br/><h2><strong>Miuccia Prada</strong></h2><br/>Perhaps the most interesting, Ms Prada’s surname clearly gives away the source of her enormous wealth – at an estimated $12.4 B. Miuccia took the lead, after her mother, for the fashion company Prada. <a href="http://www.forbes.com/profile/miuccia-prada/">She holds a doctorate</a> in Pedagogical Sciences from the prestigious Univeristy of Milan. Pedagogical science is the study of education, in its various formats – Ms Prada has no doubt used her intellectual gifts and skills when she made the company grow.<br/><h2><strong>Abigail Johnson </strong></h2><br/>With an estimated worth of $12.7 B, Ms Johnson is the President of <a href="https://www.fidelity.com/">Fidelity Investments</a>. The company specialises in all sorts of financial services, from stock trading, various kind of <a href="http://www.digicash.co.za/services/">debit collections</a>, and so on. Ms Johnson is <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/abigail-johnson-the-1600000000000-woman-8092776.html">also regarded as</a> “the most powerful woman in the global fund management business”.<br/><h2><strong>Anne Cox Chambers</strong></h2><br/>The 93-year old is regarded as the oldest of the richest women in the world. With an estimated worth of $12 B. James Cox was a US Presidential candidate in 1920 and was the founder of <a href="http://www.coxenterprises.com/">Cox Enterprises</a>, the organisations she now leads. The company is a leader in “communications, media and automotive services”.<br/><br/>These fascinating and justifiably rich women help show that men alone are not the only people rich on this planet. Yes, many of these inherited their wealth, but so did many men. But inheriting wealth is not the same as keeping or maintaining it: that they’ve been able to do so, and in some cases grow the business, is testament that they’re not just acting from glorified hand-outs but hard work.<br/><br/>This article was written by James Matthews who is an avid reader and tech geek. He's also a fan of the great outdoors and when he's not writing up a storm that's where you'll find him ;)

The World's Richest Women And Their Wealth

So often, women become invisible in various sectors due to these sectors traditionally – and most often currently - being dominated by men. ...

What Is Behavioral Based Interview Training?

Behavioral interview is where one utilizes his/her life and work experience to show specific skills that an employer may be looking for.<br/><br/> <br/><br/>Behavioral based interview training will give individualized training to those who aim to improve their skills as an interviewer or to those individuals who wish to showcase their best side in an interview. With an interview coach,they can give you the edge that you need. Even if you cannot meet them in person, many can give <a href="http://interviewadvantage.co.uk/">telephone interview support</a>.<br/><br/>Employers already have a picture of who they want to have whenever they’ve posted a job. Employers already have ideal qualities or “core competencies” in mind. These are usually based on evaluations and observations of people who have exhibited exceptional performance in the company environment. Employers have different tastes and needs, one may rank analytical ability higher than leadership, another may value teamwork more than leadership, the list goes on.<br/><br/><b>A One of a Kind Training</b><br/><br/>How do we know what qualities or competencies the interviewer is looking for? The first thing we need to look in of course would be the advertisement the company have posted. A job posting usually tells you what they are looking for or it may give you hints on what they think is an essential for the position.<br/><br/>Another avenue that we may look on is the company website. A company website offers information straight from the source and it also tells us the values they value and adhere in. It would also tell us what principles they take pride on and what you can expect from their employees and company as a whole. Though this may help you give a general idea, it is best to remember that when applying for a position we must also be able to meet the interviewer’s specific needs. This is where we can help.<br/><br/>Now that we have found out what competencies are critical to specific position, what do you need to do to send it across the interviewer that you are the perfect fit for the role?<br/><br/>Trying to beat around the bush when faced with what you may call an impossible question would only prove that you do not have what it takes. When faced with competency-based questions, one can use the mnemonic, STAR; to give you a guide when there are moments you just don’t know what to do.<br/><br/><b>S-Situation</b><br/><br/><b>T-Task</b><br/><br/><b>A-Action</b><br/><br/><b>R-Result</b><br/><br/>For example, the company wants you to prove to them that you have the two core competencies, creativity and leadership, that they are looking for in a candidate. The best way to prove this is by using a past experience where you’ve demonstrated these core competencies.<br/><br/>The more recent the experience, the better. If one has little or no work experience, don’t fret, one can always rely on personal experience.<br/><br/>The answer you have come up with would be very much improved when you use the STAR mnemonic, which helps you give you concrete, clear, to the point, and strong answers. When we know where we are going, we avoid rambling and hesitating.<br/><br/>Let’s say someone asked you when you’ve demonstrated your leadership abilities. The way we apply STAR would be:<br/><br/>You’ve decided to use your experience as an organizer of a fashion show.<br/><br/><b>S stands for situation</b><br/><br/>I want to organize a fashion show to raise money for the victims of the recent Typhoon Haiyan.<br/><br/>I know someone from University that has now become a great fashion designer. I gave him a call and he agreed to donate dresses for the event. Problem was, all dresses that he donated were in size 8, a size that most models in the event would not be able fit in.<br/><br/><b>T stands for task</b><br/><br/>The task that needs to be addressed is to make sure that nobody would feel left out or offended, while allowing me to use size 8 clothes. Everybody has to feel secure that they were indeed part of the event too.<br/><br/><b>A stands for action</b><br/><br/>I said to myself, if one designer can’t provide all that we need, why not try to contact other designers? This gave me the flexibility that I need. It allowed us to have a wider range in dress sizes and make everyone involved, all without sacrificing the designer whose designs I want to showcase. I also delegated some of my responsibilities to make them feel that they are indeed part of the show.<br/><br/><b>R stands for result</b><br/><br/>It was a complete success! Everyone had a great time and was really, really happy. Nobody felt left out and we were able to raise a lot of money at the same time!<br/><br/>Do not be surprised if the interviewer asks a lot of follow up questions. Be prepared! Humans have a tendency of glazing our achievements and interviewers want to know what really happened, in short, they want to know the whole back story.<br/><br/>This process is called funneling. Interviewers funnel out what you say to make sure that you are telling the truth and that what you have said is the way that things did happen. They want to know if you’ve got the self-awareness because questions about one competency could tell a lot about your other competencies as well.<br/><br/>They are on the lookout for things that you may have hidden, like for example, how you got on with someone who gave you a lot of problems.<br/><br/>It’s not that they think you’re a liar or anything; it’s just that they want to make sure it is as you describe it. It all comes down to understanding what really happened in certain situations.<br/><br/>People often have their own way of seeing things in their favor, and this would often lead the interviewers to wonder and ask, “Why did he react that way? I thought you were handling it so well?”<br/><br/>An interview coach will help you go through your CV and help you choose ideal examples of situations that would make you stand out. Situations that clearly showcase those core competencies your potential employer will be looking for.<br/><br/>Don’t let dreams stay as dreams. Now is the time for action! Make sure your story isn’t just beginning, make sure your story is complete.

What Is Behavioral Based Interview Training?

Behavioral interview is where one utilizes his/her life and work experience to show specific skills that an employer may be looking for. B...