Abstracts - Earli

hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) techniques. Results indicated that 7.2 % or less of thevariability in the motivational variables was between classrooms whereas variation betweenschools never account for more than 3.2% of the variance. For academic achievement, variationbetween classrooms is much stronger than on motivational variables. Findings of these studiessuggest that differences in motivation are more related to the individual characteristics than toschools or classrooms characteristics. This does not imply that schools or classrooms have noimpact but that they presumably use similar practices or interventionsSimulation-based e-learning to support learning at workVirpi Slotte, WSOYpro, FinlandPäivi Tynjälä, University of Jyväskylä, FinlandSimulations provide a possibility to solve real-world problems through work-related scenarios.The purpose of the present study is to examine simulation-based, work-related e-learning from thelearners’ point of view. Data were produced from 124 sales personnel of the company whoresponded to the questionnaires in 2006. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used toprovide a comprehensive understanding of the learners’ experiences of the use of the simulationbasedcourse. The results showed that majority of the participants regarded the simulation as apositive way of improving the customer service skills. We argue that the reasons for a high rate ofpositive participant responses are attributable to the proper opportunity to integrate learning withpractice. The work has relevance for corporate training providers considering incorporatinglearning tasks so that learners can examine their work in the light of the conceptual tools provided.Probabilistic thinkingDóra Nagy, University of Szeged, HungaryProblem raising We look out the window and, seeing the dark clouds, we postpone the excursionplanned for the day. The reason: it is highly likely that, based on our experience, after theappearance of the dark clouds, there will be rain. Such thought form is called probability andcorrelative thinking Aim: The main aim of the research was to determine the level and thedevelopment of probabilistic thinking of high school students. Method The tool of the researchwas a worksheet with seven open-ended exercises on it. The worksheet consisted of tasks fromwell-known, international and new self-made exercises. It makes possible to compare ourstatements with the international results. Results: We used different statistical and qualitativeanalysing methods. In most of the cases our results proved the statements of previous researches.Initially, probabilistic thinking is in strong relationship with correlative thinking.Integrating literature with visual art: Textbook design reflecting official curricular goalsYael Poyas, University of Haifa, IsraelBillie Eilam, University of Haifa, IsraelRelations between literature textbooks’ literary artwork (LAW) and its accompanying visualartwork (VAW) were examined in light of curricular goals. This study constituted new terrain,differing substantially from previously studied text-image relations in learning materials. Althoughthese unique relations between LAWs and VAWs were investigated from a philosophical-artisticperspective they were hardly investigated in the school curriculum context. The study objectiveswere: (a) to analyze the general features and organization of the learning materials, includinginstructional support to LAWs, VAWs, and LAW-VAW relations; (b) to analyze and characterizethe attributes of each of the selected LAWs and VAWs, in light of the curriculum’s official goals– 461 –