Improving Information Problem Solving skills in Secondary Education through embedded instruction

This empirical study consists in an investigation of the effects, on the development of Information Problem Solving (IPS) skills, of a long-term embedded, structured and supported instruction in Secondary Education. Forty secondary students of 7th and 8th grades (13���15 years old) participated in the 2-year IPS instruction designed in this study. Twenty of them participated in the IPS instruction, and the remaining twenty were the control group. All the students were pre- and post-tested in their regular classrooms, and their IPS process and performance were logged by means of screen capture software, to warrant their ecological validity. The IPS constituent skills, the web search sub-skills and the answers given by each participant were analyzed. The main findings of our study suggested that experimental students showed a more expert pattern than the control students regarding the constituent skill ���defining the problem��� and the following two web search sub-skills: ���search terms��� typed in a search engine, and ���selected results��� from a SERP. In addition, scores of task performance were statistically better in experimental students than in control group students. The paper contributes to the discussion of how well-designed and well-embedded scaffolds could be designed in instructional programs in order to guarantee the development and efficiency of the students��� IPS skills by using net information better and participating fully in the global knowledge society.

Using problem-based learning for introducing producer theory and market structure in intermediate microeconomics

This paper shows how instructors can use the problem���based learning method to introduce producer theory and market structure in intermediate microeconomics courses. The paper proposes a framework where different decision problems are presented to students, who are asked to imagine that they are the managers of a firm who need to solve a problem in a particular business setting. In this setting, the instructors��� role isto provide both guidance to facilitate student learning and content knowledge on a just���in���time basis

Solving Large Location-Allocation problems by Clustering and Simulated Annealing

Globalization involves several facility location problems that need to be handled at large scale. Location Allocation (LA) is a combinatorial problem in which the distance among points in the data space matter. Precisely, taking advantage of the distance property of the domain we exploit the capability of clustering techniques to partition the data space in order to convert an initial large LA problem into several simpler LA problems. Particularly, our motivation problem involves a huge geographical area that can be partitioned under overall conditions. We present different types of clustering techniques and then we perform a cluster analysis over our dataset in order to partition it. After that, we solve the LA problem applying simulated annealing algorithm to the clustered and non-clustered data in order to work out how profitable is the clustering and which of the presented methods is the most suitable

Payments for environmental services in watersheds: insights from a comparative study of three cases in Central America

We have compared three cases of payments for water-related environmental services (PES) in Central America, in terms of socioeconomic background, opportunity costs of forest conservation and stakeholders��� perceptions on the conditions of water resources and other issues. We found that, in general, the foregone benefits from land uses alternative to forest cover are larger than the amount paid, which apparently contradicts the economic foundation of PES schemes. A number of possible explanations are explored. The results also suggest that trade-offs between different environmental and social goals are likely to emerge in PES schemes, posing some doubts on their ability to be multipurpose instruments for environmental improvement and rural development. We also found that PES schemes may work as a conflictresolution instrument, facilitating downstream -upstream problem solving, though at the same time they might introduce changes in social perceptions of property rights.

L' Aprenentatge basat en problemes a trav��s de casos cl��nics simulats. Una proposta metodol��gica de disseny i avaluaci�� docent

RESUM Les exig��ncies actuals de la professi�� de d���infermeria requereixen que la doc��ncia vagi orientada a interrelacionar els diferents rols a desenvolupar enla pr��ctica di��ria, per adquirir experi��ncia en l���aprenentatge i aix�� augmentar la qualitat de les cures d���infermeria. Per assolir aquest objectiu ��s important l���aprenentatge basat enproblemes. Aquest pret��n en primer lloc que els estudiants aprenguin all�� que permet desenvolupar-se enla vida professional de la manera m��s natural possible a partir d���una idea clara i profunda de l���evid��ncia sobre la que s���ha d���actuar. Amb aquesta finalitat es vandissenyar casos cl��nics amb uns objectius que requerien la integraci�� de coneixements, actituds i valors, en diferents fases a desenvolupar en un per��ode de temps predeterminat. Tamb�� ens vam proposar una estrat��gia docent que permet��s a l���estudiant incorporar el coneixement cient��fic que d��na suport a la pr��ctica assistencial per aproximar teoria i pr��ctica. Es pret��n que els estudiants busquin una resposta basada en la millor evid��ncia cient��fica disponible, per prendre una decisi�� respecte a les cures del pacient. Els objectius de l���estudi s��n: Avaluar globalment l���aprenentatge basat en la simulaci�� de casos Avaluar com els estudiants valoren la integraci�� del model d���infermeria i del proc��s d���atenci�� en l���aprenentatge basat en la simulaci�� de casos. Valorar les sensacions percebudes per l���estudiant durant la simulaci�� del cas. Valorar l���actitud d el���estudiant en relaci�� a la incorporaci�� de l���evid��ncia cient��fica per una millora en la pr��ctica cl��nica. Avaluar el grau de dificultat manifestat per l���estudiant en relaci�� al proc��s de documentaci��. Avaluar la idonietat de l���argumentaci�� i la decisi�� de l���estudiant a la pregunta formulada en el cas cl��nic. Metodologia: L���assignatura d���Infermeria Medicoquir��rgica. Adult I del Departament d���Infermeria de la Universitat de Vic, va iniciar una experi��ncia d���aprenentatge basat en la resoluci�� de problemes, amb estudiants de 2on curs. Les professores responsables dels seminaris van realitzar una avaluaci�� de l���experi��ncia a trav��s d���una enquesta. Aquesta es responia al cap d���un mes de la simulaci�� al laboratori, quan es contrastaven els resultats obtinguts en aquesta entre professores i estudiants despr��s de visualitzar la gravaci�� feta durant el mateix. En el context del seminari de simulaci�� de casos, es va introduir una pregunta/problema, a partir de la que els estudiants, en grup, havien de documentar-se amb el suport d���una guia. Per valorar l���actitud davant aquesta pregunta/problema es va dissenyar un qustionari tipus Likert. L���avaluaci�� del grau de dificultat s���ha registrat a trav��s d���unes escales de puntuaci��. Per a l���avaluaci�� de la decisi�� presa, es van valorar les s��ntesis resum entregades en els treballs escrits pels diferents grups. Resultats: La realitzaci�� de la simulaci�� en el laboratori va ser avaluada per un alt percentatge d���estudiants (68,8%) amb puntuacions entre 6 i 8 mentre que un 26,6% la van situar en tre 9 i 10, nom��s un 4,7 % la van puntuar amb 5. La integraci�� del model d���infermeria va ser valorada pel 86% amb una puntuaci�� entre 7 i 10. La valoraci�� global de la simulaci�� va ser qualificada pels estudiants amb una puntuaci�� de 8 (34,4%) seguida d���un 28,1% amb una consideraci�� de 7. Un 7,2% van puntuar entre 9 i 10. El 93,3% van assegurar que con��ixer les fonts documentals els serviria per millorar l���assist��ncia, el 86,7% esperen obtenir arguments s��lids respecte les seves desicions si la documentaci�� consultada ��s de qualitat. Un 77,8% dels estudiants consideren estar m��s satisfets al saber incorporar la presa de decisions basada en evid��ncies. Respecte el grau de dificultat en el proc��s de documentaci�� la dificultat m��s gran la presenten en com buscar en les bases de dades de refer��ncies bibliogr��fiques. Conclusions: L���aprenentatge dels estudiants a trav��s de la simulaci�� de casos ��s una estrat��gia v��lida que l���estudiant valora positivament al mateix temps que permet desenvolupar habilitats per a la pr��ctica professional. L���estrat��gia docent dissenyada per integrar les evid��ncies en la presa de decisions es considera positiva, no obstant, despr��s d���analitzar els resultats, s���han de modificar alguns aspectes per a la seva millora; tutoritzar per a millorar el proc��s de documentaci�� i incidir m��s en la cr��tica i reflexi��, de manera que les troballes de la investigaci�� siguin canalitzades cap a la pr��ctica.

Aprendre a Ensenyar a Resoldre Problemes

La finalitat general del projecte ��s la millora de la formaci�� dels estudiants de magisteri i de professorat, pel que fa a la seva visi�� i els seus coneixements sobre l'ensenyament i aprenentatge de les matem��tiques, a partir d'una redefinici�� de les diferents assignatures de did��ctica de les matem��tiques. Es pren l'aprenentatge de l'ensenyament de la resoluci�� de problemes com a eix vertebrador de les assignatures, introduint la realitat de l'aula per mitj�� de la interpretaci�� de casos professionals gravats en videoclips. El projecte pret��n elaborar materials docents aix�� com dissenyar i experimentar noves metodologies, tant en l'��mbit presencial com virtual, i al mateix temps fomentar la coordinaci�� del professorat que imparteix les assignatures de did��ctica. Tot el material es recollir�� en una base de dades en l'ADRE, que permetr�� la consulta tant presencial com virtual dels materials docents i casos professionals recollits per parts de l'alumnat i professorat. Els objectius a assolits responen a la finalitat del projecte i estan relacionats amb moltes de les prioritats de la convocat��ria, ja que impliquen, entre altres coses, la producci�� de material docent, l���experimentaci�� de noves metodologies i la interrelaci�� entre teoria i pr��ctica professional.

Productivity in southern European small firms: When and how work organization complements process innovation

The aim of this paper is to analyse the effects of human capital, advanced manufacturing technologies (AMT), and new work organizational practices on firm productivity, while taking into account the synergies existing between them. This study expands current knowledge in this area in two ways. First, in contrast with previous works, we focus on AMT and not ICT (information and communication technologies). Second, we use a unique employer-employee data set for small firms in a particular area of southern Europe (Catalonia, Spain). Using a small firm data set, allows us to analyse the particular case of small and medium enterprises, since we cannot assume they have the same characteristics as large firms. The results provide evidence in favor of the complementarity hypothesis between human capital, advanced manufacturing technologies, and new work organization practices, although we show that the complementarity effects depend on what type of work organization practices are used by a firm. For small and medium Catalan firms, the only set of work organization practices that improve the benefits of human capital and technology investment are those practices which are more quality oriented, such as quality circles, problem-solving groups or total quality management.

Dise��o e implementaci��n de un capturador de paquetes de red

En l'actualitat les xarxes de comunicacions s��n b��sicament digitals; el cam�� que s'ha avan��at en els darrers quaranta anys ha estat molt llarg, amb un desenvolupament tan r��pid que ha fet que qualsevol previsi�� qued��s molt endarrerida abans d'hora (o que de vegades se sobreestim��s aquest desenvolupament, com va passar amb el

Assessorament curricular i orientaci�� als docents sobre estrat��gies en la resoluci�� de problemes matem��tics

A l'escola on treballo s'est�� fent l'avaluaci�� interna de l'��rea de matem��tiques, concretament en la tasca de resoluci�� de problemes. Durant el mes de gener es van passar uns exercicis de resoluci�� d'El Quintet als alumnes de cicle superior; els mestres van valorar on s'havien com��s els errors, si eren per comprensi��, per mec��nica de les operacions o per resposta incorrecta, i els resultats obtinguts van demostrar que els errors es produ��en en diferents parts del problema. Aix�� va fer pensar als docents que les dificultats de progr��s per part dels alumnes eren en el propi proc��s d'ensenyament, que no era complet o que hi havia aspectes que no es treballaven prou. Per tant, l'inter��s dels mestres ��s saber: on es cometen errades, per qu�� i com es pot aconseguir un treball millor.

Decision Support Methods for Global Optomization

Immobile location-allocation (LA) problems is a type of LA problem that consists in determining the service each facility should offer in order to optimize some criterion (like the global demand), given the positions of the facilities and the customers. Due to the complexity of the problem, i.e. it is a combinatorial problem (where is the number of possible services and the number of facilities) with a non-convex search space with several sub-optimums, traditional methods cannot be applied directly to optimize this problem. Thus we proposed the use of clustering analysis to convert the initial problem into several smaller sub-problems. By this way, we presented and analyzed the suitability of some clustering methods to partition the commented LA problem. Then we explored the use of some metaheuristic techniques such as genetic algorithms, simulated annealing or cuckoo search in order to solve the sub-problems after the clustering analysis

Resoluci�� de problemes i m��tode de raonament en l'educaci�� matem��tica

Des del principi dels temps hist��rics, la Matem��tica s'ha generat en totes les civilitzacions sobre la base de la resoluci�� de problemes pr��ctics.Tanmateix, a partir del per��ode grec la Hist��ria ens mostra la necessitat de fer un pas m��s endavant: l'evoluci�� hist��rica de la Matem��tica situa els m��todes de raonament com a eix central de la recerca en Matem��tica. A partir d'una ullada als objectius i m��todes de treball d'alguns autors cabdals en la Hist��ria dels conceptes matem��tics postulem l'aprenentatge de les formes de raonament matem��tic com l'objectiu central de l'educaci�� matem��tica, i la resoluci�� de problemes com el mitj�� m��s eficient per a coronar aquest objectiu.English version.From the beginning of the historical times, mathematics has been generated in all the civilizations on the base of the resolution of practical problems. Nevertheless, from the greek period History shows us the necessity to take one more step: the historical evolution of mathematics locates the methods of reasoning as the central axis of the research in mathematics. Glancing over the objectives and methods of work used bysome fundamental authors in the History of the mathematical concepts we postulated the learning of the forms of mathematical reasoning like the central objective of the mathematical education, and the resolution of problems as the most efficient way to carry out this objective.

Optimal information transmission in organizations: Search and congestion

We propose a stylized model of a problem-solving organization whoseinternal communication structure is given by a fixed network. Problemsarrive randomly anywhere in this network and must find their way to theirrespective specialized solvers by relying on local information alone.The organization handles multiple problems simultaneously. For this reason,the process may be subject to congestion. We provide a characterization ofthe threshold of collapse of the network and of the stock of foatingproblems (or average delay) that prevails below that threshold. We buildupon this characterization to address a design problem: the determinationof what kind of network architecture optimizes performance for any givenproblem arrival rate. We conclude that, for low arrival rates, the optimalnetwork is very polarized (i.e. star-like or centralized ), whereas it islargely homogenous (or decentralized ) for high arrival rates. We also showthat, if an auxiliary assumption holds, the transition between these twoopposite structures is sharp and they are the only ones to ever qualify asoptimal.

Resoluci��n de problemas de materiales como herramienta de aprendizaje aut��nomo

El principal objetivo de la actividad es proporcionar herramientas al alumnado para consolidar losconocimientos te��ricos adquiridos en el ��mbito de los materiales, mediante aprendizaje aut��nomobasado en la resoluci��n de ejercicios pr��cticos.

Remote collaborative multi-user informal learning experiences: design and evaluation

This paper presents a customizable system used to develop a collaborative multi-user problem solving game. It addresses the increasing demand for appealing informal learning experiences in museum-like settings. The system facilitates remote collaboration by allowing groups of learners tocommunicate through a videoconferencing system and by allowing them to simultaneously interact through a shared multi-touch interactive surface. A user study with 20 user groups indicates that the game facilitates collaboration between local and remote groups of learners. The videoconference and multitouch surface acted as communication channels, attracted students��� interest, facilitated engagement, and promoted inter- and intra-group collaboration���favoring intra-group collaboration. Our findings suggest that augmentingvideoconferencing systems with a shared multitouch space offers newpossibilities and scenarios for remote collaborative environments and collaborative learning.

Functional remediation for bipolar disorder

Neurocognitive impairment constitutes a core feature of bipolar illness. The main domains affected are verbal memory, attention, and executive functions. Deficits in these areas as well as difficulties to get functional remission seem to be increased associated with illness progression. Several studies have found a strong relationship between neurocognitive impairment and low functioning in bipolar disorder, as previously reported in other illnesses such as schizophrenia. Cognitive remediation strategies, adapted from work conducted with traumatic brain injury patients and applied to patients with schizophrenia, also need to be adapted to individuals with bipolar disorders. Early intervention using functional remediation, involves neurocognitive techniques and training, but also psychoeducation on cognition-related issues and problem-solving within an ecological framework.