Meta-Analysis of Pragmatic and Theoretical Research: A Critique

Meta-analysis refers to a set of statistical procedures used to summarize and integrate many empirical studies that focus on one issue. This numerical method of integrating research findings is said to be superior to the narrative type of reviews because it is more objective, reliable, and rigorous. Moreover, the meta-analytic approach is supposedly capable of resolving research controversies, strengthening empirical hypotheses, and discovering new relationships among variables. In this study, these claims are examined and found to be wanting. Some objections to the use of meta-analysis as a means of substantiating theoretical assertions are raised with reference to the rationale of experimentation and to how knowledge evolves. It is concluded that it is inappropriate to apply meta-analysis to integrate theoretical research.     

Method of Knowledge and the Challenges of the Planetary Society: Edgar Morin's Pedagogical Proposal

Edgar Morin is one of the most important contemporary European philosophers. His name has recently also become well known on the American continent, especially in South America, where his works have given rise to several interesting cultural initiatives. The analysis of his pedagogical proposal can be a stimulating adventure for educators and teachers alike. Morin's proposal to link methodologically what is disjoined suggests re-establishing the connection between thought and action, in order to re-establish on rational and critical bases the ethical principles of solidarity and responsibility and enable us to face the challenges of our times.     

哈佛医学院医学人文课程体系设置探析

哈佛医学院医学人文课程体系较为完整系统.以描述哈佛医学院必修课课程设置为主体,从基础医学教育阶段的职业导论、病人—医生Ⅰ与病人—医生Ⅱ、社会与人口科学相关课程以及医学探索四大类课程和临床见习与实习阶段的病人—医生Ⅲ、临床管理相关课程以及凯普斯课程三大类课程出发,分别对各门课程的主要内容、课时安排、教学方法、评价方式等进行阐述.并以介绍十六大类五十余门选修课的课程设置为补充,剖析哈佛医学院医学人文课程体系发展现状.提出改革必修课程、完善选修课程、促进医学人文教育与专业教育整合的几点建议.     

妇产科临床见习教学中融入人文素质教育的探讨

妇产科由于涉及到患者较多的隐私而经常出现患者不愿配合教学的情形,使妇产科临床教学工作及实习质量受到影响.本文采用标准化病人教学来解决这一妇产科临床见习教学中的矛盾,并探讨妇产科临床见习教学中融入人文素质教育的意义.将100名临床见习医学本科生随机分为试验组和对照组(各50人),分别对两组病史采集、实践操作和病历书写能力进行比较,并对所在组教学模式提升人文素质的效果进行评价.结果显示试验组OSCE考核成绩显著高于对照组(P＜0.01),且该组学生的人文素质也得到很大提高(P＜0.01).妇产科临床见习教学中融入人文素质教育,将理论知识与临床实践有机结合,既培养了学生的专业技能,又提高了人文素质.     

Religious Studies Collections and Information Literacy: A Snapshot of a University Library

Academic library collections are maintained to support programs and research at their home institutions. Information literacy, the formal instruction in the use of library resources, has become one of the essential programs in higher education. There is little research that shows how collection development, information literacy, and religious studies programs can be coordinated to produce successful partnerships. The authors, coordinators of Information Literacy and Collection Development, examined the religion collection, including purchase, usage, and circulation statistics. Information literacy courses in relation to the religious studies program were also investigated. After analyzing this data, the authors identified challenges, as they exist at their home institution, which includes a deficiency in both the religion collection and information literacy classes taught for the religious studies program. The authors conclude that much work is needed to advance successful collaborations between libraries and the religious studies departments, and academic librarians will need to examine their own religion collections to address similar challenges.     

The Creation of the Wabash Center Internet Guide

SUMMARY

This article describes the process through which the Wabash Center Guide to Internet resources in religion was conceived and developed. The resulting structure of the Guide is described, and comments are made concerning possible ways in which the Internet can contribute to the learning process in theology and religious studies. A vision for the future of this Guide or other similar efforts is also outlined.     

Re-Examination of Classroom Rules

Abstract

This article provides a contemplative, research-based discussion of classroom management by examining classroom rules. The introduction contains a discussion establishing the importance of effective classroom management strategies. The article also provides a consideration of the literature to gain a better understanding of ineffective and effective rules.     

From Classroom to Controversy: Conflict in the Teaching of Religion

What happens when a class assignment becomes a source of controversy? How do we respond? What do we learn? By describing the controversy surrounding an assignment on religion and representation, this article examines conflict's productive role in teaching about New Religious Movements (NRMs) and religion. It suggests that we consider how our personal and institutional dispositions toward conflict influence our pedagogies. Moreover, it urges us to consider how teaching conflicts within and/or between disciplines can enhance our learning objectives and stimulate students' ability to think critically.