Vocational Higher Secondary Education in Kerala: A Status Study of Students, Pass Outs and Training Components

This study analyses the socio-economic backgrounds and entrepreneurial profiles of the students and pass outs of the Vocational Higher Secondary Education in Kerala and the academic achievements of the Vocational Higher Secondary students and pass outs in Kerala in terms of their performance in the examinations. The study also analyses the quality and availability of the various training and support facilities of the Vocational Higher Secondary Schools in Kerala, nature and rate of employment and higher studies among the pass outs of the Vocational Higher Secondary Education in Kerala and the awareness of students, pass outs, teachers and principals regarding the goals and objectives, mode of implementation, apprenticeship training and higher study and employment opportunities of the programme of the Vocational Higher Secondary Education in Kerala.

Recruitment And Training Of Managers In The Public Sector Concerns In Kerala

Public undertakings have been assigned a significant role to play in the systematic socio-economic development of India. My interest in the subject was kindled while I was doing my Masters Diploma in Public Administration at the Indian Institute of Public Administration, New Delhi during 1960-61. It was further strengthened by my teaching of the subject in different courses offered by me at the School of Management Studies and in several programmes organised by various voluntary and training organisations like the Institute of Management in Government, Trivandrum, Centre for Management Development, Trivandrum, etc. The several years in which I served as a member of the faculty in the School of Management Studies, University of Cochin,gave me the opportunity to come into close contact with different public sector concerns and their managers at various levels. This rich opportunity gave me a better insight into the problems faced by these concerns. The present study is a result of the interest so developed.

Alignment Model and Training Technique in SMT from English to Malayalam

This paper investigates certain methods of training adopted in the Statistical Machine Translator (SMT) from English to Malayalam. In English Malayalam SMT, the word to word translation is determined by training the parallel corpus. Our primary goal is to improve the alignment model by reducing the number of possible alignments of all sentence pairs present in the bilingual corpus. Incorporating morphological information into the parallel corpus with the help of the parts of speech tagger has brought around better training results with improved accuracy

Evaluation of the agricultural vocational training programmes conducted by the Krishi Vigyan Kendras (Farm Science Centres) in Indian Punjab

Krishin Vigyan Kendras-KVKs (Farm Science Centres) have been established by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research in 569 districts. The trust areas of KVKs are refinement and demonstration of technologies, and training of farmers and extension functionaries. Imparting vocational trainings in agriculture and allied fields for the rural youth is one of its mandates. The study was undertaken to do a formative and summative (outcome and impact) evaluation of the beekeeping and mushroom growing vocational training programmes in the Indian state of Punjab. One-group pre and post evaluation design was employed for conducting a formative and outcome evaluation. The knowledge tests were administered to 35 beekeeping and 25 mushroom cultivation trainees, before and after the training programmes organized in 2004. The trainees significantly gained in knowledge. A separate sample of 640 trainees, trained prior to 2004, was selected for finding the adoption status. Out of 640, a sample of 200 was selected by proportionate sampling technique out of three categories, namely: non-adopters, discontinued-adopters and continued-adopters for evaluating the long-term impact of these training programmes. Ex-post-facto one-shot case study design was applied for this impact analysis. The vocational training programmes have resulted in continued-adoption of beekeeping and mushroom cultivation enterprises by 20% and 51% trained farmers, respectively. Age and trainee occupation had significant influence on the adoption decision of beekeeping vocation, whereas education and family income significantly affected the adoption decision of mushroom cultivation. The continued adopters of beekeeping and mushroom growing had increased their family income by 49% and 24%, respectively. These training programmes are augmenting the dwindling farm income of the farmers in Indian Punjab.

Enlarging a training set for genomic selction by imputation of un-genotyped animals in populations of varying genetic architecture

Background: The most common application of imputation is to infer genotypes of a high-density panel of markers on animals that are genotyped for a low-density panel. However, the increase in accuracy of genomic predictions resulting from an increase in the number of markers tends to reach a plateau beyond a certain density. Another application of imputation is to increase the size of the training set with un-genotyped animals. This strategy can be particularly successful when a set of closely related individuals are genotyped. ----- Methods: Imputation on completely un-genotyped dams was performed using known genotypes from the sire of each dam, one offspring and the offspring’s sire. Two methods were applied based on either allele or haplotype frequencies to infer genotypes at ambiguous loci. Results of these methods and of two available software packages were compared. Quality of imputation under different population structures was assessed. The impact of using imputed dams to enlarge training sets on the accuracy of genomic predictions was evaluated for different populations, heritabilities and sizes of training sets. ----- Results: Imputation accuracy ranged from 0.52 to 0.93 depending on the population structure and the method used. The method that used allele frequencies performed better than the method based on haplotype frequencies. Accuracy of imputation was higher for populations with higher levels of linkage disequilibrium and with larger proportions of markers with more extreme allele frequencies. Inclusion of imputed dams in the training set increased the accuracy of genomic predictions. Gains in accuracy ranged from close to zero to 37.14%, depending on the simulated scenario. Generally, the larger the accuracy already obtained with the genotyped training set, the lower the increase in accuracy achieved by adding imputed dams. ----- Conclusions: Whenever a reference population resembling the family configuration considered here is available, imputation can be used to achieve an extra increase in accuracy of genomic predictions by enlarging the training set with completely un-genotyped dams. This strategy was shown to be particularly useful for populations with lower levels of linkage disequilibrium, for genomic selection on traits with low heritability, and for species or breeds for which the size of the reference population is limited.

Knowledge Building in Landscape Architecture

The objective of this study was to develop an internet-based seminar framework applicable for landscape architecture education. This process was accompanied by various aims. The basic expectation was to keep the main characteristics of landscape architecture education also in the online format. On top of that, four further objectives were anticipated: (1) training of competences for virtual team work, (2) fostering intercultural competence, (3) creation of equal opportunities for education through internet-based open access and (4) synergy effects and learning processes across institutional boundaries. This work started with the hypothesis that these four expected advantages would compensate for additional organisational efforts caused by the online delivery of the seminars and thus lead to a sustainable integration of this new learning mode into landscape architecture curricula. This rationale was followed by a presentation of four areas of knowledge to which the seminar development was directly related (1) landscape architecture as a subject and its pedagogy, (2) general learning theories, (3) developments in the ICT sector and (4) wider societal driving forces such as global citizenship and the increase of open educational resources. The research design took the shape of a pedagogical action research cycle. This approach was constructive: The author herself is teaching international landscape architecture students so that the model could directly be applied in practice. Seven online seminars were implemented in the period from 2008 to 2013 and this experience represents the core of this study. The seminars were conducted with varying themes while its pedagogy, organisation and the technological tools remained widely identical. The research design is further based on three levels of observation: (1) the seminar design on the basis of theory and methods from the learning sciences, in particular educational constructivism, (2) the seminar evaluation and (3) the evaluation of the seminars’ long term impact. The seminar model itself basically consists of four elements: (1) the taxonomy of learning objectives, (2) ICT tools and their application and pedagogy, (3) process models and (4) the case study framework. The seminar framework was followed by the presentation of the evaluation findings. The major findings of this study can be summed up as follows: Implementing online seminars across educational and national boundaries was possible both in term of organisation and technology. In particular, a high level of cultural diversity among the seminar participants has definitively been achieved. However, there were also obvious obstacles. These were primarily competing study commitments and incompatible schedules among the students attending from different academic programmes, partly even in different time zones. Both factors had negative impact on the individual and working group performances. With respect to the technical framework it can be concluded that the majority of the participants were able to use the tools either directly without any problem or after overcoming some smaller problems. Also the seminar wiki was intensively used for completing the seminar assignments. However, too less truly collaborative text production was observed which could be improved by changing the requirements for the collaborative task. Two different process models have been applied for guiding the collaboration of the small groups and both were in general successful. However, it needs to be said that even if the students were able to follow the collaborative task and to co-construct and compare case studies, most of them were not able to synthesize the knowledge they had compiled. This means that the area of consideration often remained on the level of the case and further reflections, generalisations and critique were largely missing. This shows that the seminar model needs to find better ways for triggering knowledge building and critical reflection. It was also suggested to have a more differentiated group building strategy in future seminars. A comparison of pre- and post seminar concept maps showed that an increase of factual and conceptual knowledge on the individual level was widely recognizable. Also the evaluation of the case studies (the major seminar output) revealed that the students have undergone developments of both the factual and the conceptual knowledge domain. Also their self-assessment with respect to individual learning development showed that the highest consensus was achieved in the field of subject-specific knowledge. The participants were much more doubtful with regard to the progress of generic competences such as analysis, communication and organisation. However, 50% of the participants confirmed that they perceived individual development on all competence areas the survey had asked for. Have the additional four targets been met? Concerning the competences for working in a virtual team it can be concluded that the vast majority was able to use the internet-based tools and to work with them in a target-oriented way. However, there were obvious differences regarding the intensity and activity of participation, both because of external and personal factors. A very positive aspect is the achievement of a high cultural diversity supporting the participants’ intercultural competence. Learning from group members was obviously a success factor for the working groups. Regarding the possibilities for better accessibility of educational opportunities it became clear that a significant number of participants were not able to go abroad during their studies because of financial or personal reasons. They confirmed that the online seminar was to some extent a compensation for not having been abroad for studying. Inter-institutional learning and synergy was achieved in so far that many teachers from different countries contributed with individual lectures. However, those teachers hardly ever followed more than one session. Therefore, the learning effect remained largely within the seminar learning group. Looking back at the research design it can be said that the pedagogical action research cycle was an appropriate and valuable approach allowing for strong interaction between theory and practice. However, some more external evaluation from peers in particular regarding the participants’ products would have been valuable.

Förderung des kritischen Denkens thailändischer Deutschlernender durch Training des kritischen Lesens im Deutschunterricht

Die vorliegende Dissertation untersucht das Leseverhalten thailändischer Deutschlernender mit dem Ziel, ihre Fähigkeit zum kritischen Lesen unter Anwendung des MURDER-Schemas im fremdsprachlichen Deutschunterricht zu fördern. Neben der Lesefertigkeit soll aufgrund der bestehenden Zusammenhänge zusätzlich das kritische Denken der Lernenden gefördert werden.

Las comisiones locales de Educación Intercultural : una respuesta comunitaria a la interculturalidad.

Monográfico con el título: 'La educación en una sociedad multicultural'. Resumen basado en el de la publicación

Conflicto y diálogo intercultural.

Se presenta memoria final de proyecto educativo que propone la aplicación de una metodología basada en el diálogo constructivo, la reflexión y la comunicación para la integración de la comunidad gitana y la superación de conflictos. Se realiza en el IES Francisco de los Cobos en Úbeda, Jaén. Los objetivos son: afrontar desde una posición teórica, práctica y dialógica, el problema del conflicto entre culturas, de la inmigración y de la creciente multiculturalidad de nuestras aulas; incentivar la comunicación intercultural; organización de jornadas de educación intercultural; creación del taller 'jugar y pensar'.

Educación intercultural : nuevos retos y propuestas en los centros de adultos.

Se presenta memoria final de proyecto educativo que pretende facilitar el aprendizaje del español como medio integrador del desarrollo personal, social y cultural de los inmigrantes de la zona. Por otro lado, se pretende sensibilizar a la población autóctona frente al racismo y la xenofobia con el propósito de evitar situaciones de riesgo social y desarraigo cultural en el colectivo de inmigrantes. Se realiza en el CEPER Albuñol en Albuñol, Granada. Los objetivos son: crear un clima de participación y aceptación entre todo nuestro alumnado; mejorar su sentimiento de autoestima; afirmar la identidad cultural y personal de cada uno de nuestros alumnos; facilitar la comunicación intercultural; facilitar la adquisición de una formación instrumental básica; crear aptitudes positivas de comprensión y de solidaridad entre diferentes grupos. Los resultados son: se ha mejorado la autoestima de nuestro alumnado a la hora de realizar tareas propias; se ha creado un clima de aceptación y participación; se ha facilitado la comunicación intercultural mediante la realización de actividades conjuntas; se ha facilitado la colaboración con otros organismos e instituciones; se ha potenciado el uso de las nuevas tecnologías en nuestro centro; se han mejorado las condiciones de participación en nuestras aulas y a su vez de forma paralela en nuestro municipio.

Primer Encuentro del Consejo Regional de la Regi??n de Murcia con Consejos Escolares de Centro : la escuela intercultural en la Regi??n de Murcia

El libro recoge las actas del primer encuentro regional de consejos escolares, reunidos para debatir sobre un tema de gran impacto en la Regi??n de Murcia: la situaci??n de la interculturalidad en los centros escolares. De las conferencias, ponencias, mesa redonda y comunicaciones se puede obtener un perfil bastante ajustado de la poblaci??n inmigrante, su procedencia, las tasas de escolarizaci??n, su distrubuci??n por municipios y centros, su situaci??n acad??mica inicial, los programas espec??ficos de atenci??n promovidos desde la administraci??n, la formaci??n del profesorado, las actuaciones espec??ficas de atenci??n a la diversidad y las propuestas de otras instituciones y organismos: ayuntamientos, ONGs, asociaciones, etc.

I Seminario Regional de Educaci??n Compensatoria e Intercultural en Primaria

La Consejer??a de Educaci??n y Cultura, El Centro de Animaci??n y Documentaci??n Intercultural (CADI) y el CPR Murcia II organizan estas Jornadas con el objetivo de dar a conocer la alta cualificaci??n del profesorado de educaci??n compensatoria e interculturalidad y las ??ltimas tendencias de la educaci??n intercultural, entre ??stas, una propuesta de organizaci??n escolar de compensatoria en EI y EP, el espa??ol como lengua extranjera en primaria, la intervenci??n compensatoria de acuerdo al modelo de programas, etc..

Formaci??n espec??fica en compensaci??n educativa e intercultural para agentes educativos

El recurso puede consultarse desde la p??gina educativa de la Comunidad Aut??noma de la Regi??n de Murcia (EDUCARM)

Educaci??n intercultural y democracia

Ponencia presentada en las terceras jornadas de Educaci??n y Democracia en Murcia. Los autores plantean la estrecha relaci??n entre educaci??n intercultural y democracia. No es posible una educaci??n en el respeto a la diferencia, en el reconocimiento pr??ctico de la igual dignidad de toda persona si no es en una organizaci??n democr??tica de la sociedad. La escuela ha de actuar en la doble direcci??n de reforzar y enriquecer la identidad cultural de cada grupo manteniendo sus signos b??sicos; y a la vez, ir creando espacios y equipamientos comunes para que esos grupos puedan inteactuar, es decir, pensar la educaci??n intercultural desde la pedagog??a del encuentro intercultural. La educaci??n intercultural pasa necesariamente por la adqusici??n de actitudes de tolerancia y respeto y se caracteriza por la promoci??n y defensa de los valores democr??ticos, valoraci??n del pluralismo ling????stico, cultivo metodol??gico del di logo y aceptaci??n de las diferencias como factor de maduraci??n.