Publication Date: 2019
Journal Of Educational Research - Uk (19400675)112(3)pp. 421-428
The authors investigated the effect of a mathematical curriculum (CU) developed based on verbal and practical activities on the mathematical competency (MC) and learning behaviors (LB) of preschool children. In a quasi-experimental design, 60 children (5- to 6-year-old girls) were selected using the accessible sampling method. The children were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group, and the relevant concepts were taught to the children in both groups. While the control group received the typical kindergarten education based on the usual textbooks and worksheets, the CU was taught to the experimental group. Structural equation modeling was used to model the data and statistical evaluation. The results demonstrated a significant difference between the two groups in MC and LB. The CU significantly improved MC directly, and indirectly through the improvement of LB (i.e., engagement and learning focus, verbal behaviors, and type of activity). © 2019, © 2019 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
Publication Date: 2015
Journal Of Research In Medical Sciences (17351995)20(4)pp. 387-392
Background: Identifying the strengths and weakness points is one of the effective methods to analyze current status, and prioritizing actions based on the gap between current and optimal status is necessary for short-term and long-term planning in departments and colleges. The aim of this study was to determine the gap between current and optimal status of curriculum leadership in the postgraduate courses in two Iranian universities. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a sample of 212 faculty members from the two Iranian universities (one medical and one nonmedical) was randomly selected through stratified random sampling method. Data were collected by using a researcher-made questionnaire, with 55 items categorized in four areas of main dimensions in curriculum leadership. The validity of the questionnaire was determined by curriculum studies scholars, and the reliability was confirmed as the Cronbach’s alpha calculated 0.969. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics according to the variables. Results: There was a gap in all dimensions and roles. The maximum gap (−1.70) with the highest frequency (98%) were related to “improving the educational atmosphere” dimension. As for items, the maximum gap (−2.41) was related to “society needs and expectations and the labor market” in “curriculum development and revision” dimension. Conclusion: The negative gap between all dimensions of curriculum leadership implies faculty members’ dissatisfaction. Curriculum leadership at universities, colleges and departments of the study in all aspects need to be improved. Hence, it is necessary for managers to make use of the viewpoints of the faculty members to decrease the gap. © 2015, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2010
Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences (18770428)9pp. 2069-2073
In the world of curriculum development, quality of education, actual move toward decentralization, and maximum participation of instructors in curriculum planning are the major concerns of specialists. After 1980s, curriculum mapping was introduced as one of the most important strategies for improving quality of education, culture of participation and collaboration in educational institutions. This strategy can help students' performance, improve the quality of education. In addition, researches showed that institutionalization of curriculum mapping in educational institutes has a positive effect on organizational culture and space. In this article, curriculum mapping is explained as a strategy for gaining these desired outcomes. © 2010 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Publication Date: 2009
Information Sciences and Technology (17355206)24(4)
