Nonparametric discovery and analysis of learning patterns and autism subgroups from therapeutic data

The spectrum nature and heterogeneity within autism spectrum disorders (ASD) pose as a challenge for treatment. Personalisation of syllabus for children with ASD can improve the efficacy of learning by adjusting the number of opportunities and deciding the course of syllabus. We research the data-motivated approach in an attempt to disentangle this heterogeneity for personalisation of syllabus. With the help of technology and a structured syllabus, collecting data while a child with ASD masters the skills is made possible. The performance data collected are, however, growing and contain missing elements based on the pace and the course each child takes while navigating through the syllabus. Bayesian nonparametric methods are known for automatically discovering the number of latent components and their parameters when the model involves higher complexity. We propose a nonparametric Bayesian matrix factorisation model that discovers learning patterns and the way participants associate with them. Our model is built upon the linear Poisson gamma model (LPGM) with an Indian buffet process prior and extended to incorporate data with missing elements. In this paper, for the first time we have presented learning patterns deduced automatically from data mining and machine learning methods using intervention data recorded for over 500 children with ASD. We compare the results with non-negative matrix factorisation and K-means, which being parametric, not only require us to specify the number of learning patterns in advance, but also do not have a principle approach to deal with missing data. The F1 score observed over varying degree of similarity measure (Jaccard Index) suggests that LPGM yields the best outcome. By observing these patterns with additional knowledge regarding the syllabus it may be possible to observe the progress and dynamically modify the syllabus for improved learning.

Empowering engineering students through employability skills

A professional course program like engineering strives to get the maximum number of its students placed through campus interviews. While communication skills have been added in all the engineering courses with the aim to improve their performance in placement, the syllabus mostly concentrates on the development of four language skills. The students are not made aware of the employability skills and their significance. This essay intends to enlist the importance of skills and why students need to be aware of the skills they possess and how they can work on packaging their candidature around a few skills. The discussion starts by addressing the apparent gap between academic programs for engineering students and industry skills requirements. A list of vital employability skills from the standpoint of engineering students follows, with a discussion on how to potentially develop such skills through campus life. The essay stresses the role of academia in filling this gap by acting as facilitators in a three-step process (i.e., awareness, self-analysis, and acquisition). The author concludes that the combination of both employability skills along with an engineering degree should ensure students meet the high expectations of the employers.

Imaginarios sociales de adolescentes y docentes en torno al cuerpo, la corporalidad y la actividad física. Estudio cualitativo en un colegio de Bogotá, 2014-2015.

Problema. Esta investigación se aproxima al entorno escolar con el propósito de avanzar en la comprensión de los imaginarios de los adolescentes y docentes en torno al cuerpo, la corporalidad y la AF, como un elemento relevante en el diseño de programas y planes efectivos para fomento de la práctica de AF. Objetivo. Analizar los imaginarios sociales de docentes y adolescentes en torno a los conceptos de cuerpo, corporalidad y AF. Métodos. Investigación de corte cualitativo, descriptivo e interpretativo. Se realizaron entrevistas semi-estructuradas a docentes y a estudiantes entre los 12 y 18 años de un colegio público de Bogotá. Se realizó análisis de contenido. Se compararon los resultados de estudiantes por grupos de edades y género. Resultados. Docentes y estudiantes definen el cuerpo a partir de las características biológicas, las diferencias sexuales y las funciones vitales. La definición de corporalidad en los estudiantes se encuentra ligada con la imagen y la apariencia física; los docentes la entienden como la posibilidad de interactuar con el entorno y como la materialización de la existencia. La AF en los estudiantes se asocia con la práctica de ejercicio y deporte, en los docentes se comprende como una práctica de autocuidado que permite el mantenimiento de la salud. Conclusiones. Para promover la AF tempranamente como una experiencia vital es necesario intervenir los espacios escolares. Hay que vincular al cuerpo a los procesos formativos con el propósito de desarrollar la autonomía corporal, este aspecto implica cambios en los currículos.

Moléculas simples com aplicação na medicina

O trabalho apresentado, foi realizado no âmbito do mestrado em Química para o ensino, da Universidade de Évora e tem como tema " Moléculas Simples de Aplicação na Medicina". A abordagem deste tema deve-se à necessidade cada vez maior de um ensino que motive os alunos e lhes proporcione um gosto maior pelo estudo das ciências, uma vez que cada vez mais os jovens estudantes revelam pouca motivação e gosto pelo estudo das áreas científicas quer ao nível do ensino secundário quer ao nível do ensino superior. Pretende-se também tentar compreender e explicar o porquê das suas desmotivações e tentar adaptar novas abordagens a temas que suscitem nos jovens um maior interesse, uma melhor compreensão da importância das ciências, da tecnologia na vida quotidiana de todos nós no que respeita ao nosso bem-estar e à nossa saúde. Numa primeira parte é feita uma revisão sobre os principais conteúdos propostos a desenvolver em sala de aula, conteúdos esses que sustentam o estudo do xénon como anestésico e dos perfluorocarbonetos como substitutos do sangue. A segunda parte integra um programa orientador, seguindo as metodologias e estrutura do programa homologado pelo ME para o 12º ano de escolaridade, e protocolos de algumas actividades de carácter experimental laboratorial propostas. Estas actividades têm como finalidade estimular a curiosidade e facilitar a consolidação das matérias. ABSTRACT: The present study was carried out under the Master's Degree in Chemistry for Teaching, taught at the University of Évora under the theme "lmplementation of Simple Molecules in Medicine". The approach to this issue is due to an increasing need for teaching that motivates students and sharpen their senses for the study of science because, increasingly, young students show little motivation and passion for the study of science, both at secondary school and higher education terms. The aim is also trying to understand and explain the reason of their discouragement and try new approaches to issues that raise young in a better understanding of the importance of science and technology in everyday life for all of us in what concerns to our welfare and our health. ln the first part there is an overview of the major content areas to develop in the classroom. These contents support the study of xenon as an anesthetic and perfluorocarbons as blood substitutes. The second part includes the syllabus, following the methodologies and structure of the curriculum approved by the ME to the 12th grade and protocols of some activities for an experimental laboratory. These activities intend to stimulate curiosity and facilitate the consolidation of materials.

El desarrollo de foros estudiantiles como estrategia para fortalecer la enseñanza de la Cívica. La experiencia del Primer Foro Regional de Gobiernos Estudiantiles

With the implementation of the new Civics Syllabi, new expectations are opened so that the civil education is approached in a more integral way. This will let the teachers explore different techniques to develop their students´ citizenship competences, in order for them to join a society where local, national and global participation allow them to take relevant and committed attitudes. The execution of the Regional Students´ Government Forums is an example on how education contributes to create opportunities for leading students, so that they can have spaces to reflect, give their opinions and offer solutions to the problems that society is facing, and that at the same time, in the future they will be assumed by these students when they have their full citizenship.