Projects
Response-to-intervention research to improve learning from text in late elementary education. Stimulating text-learning strategy use, text comprehension, and knowledge acquisition through differentiated mind map interventions. Ghent University
The proposed research entails the implementation of a response-to-intervention model in late elementary education. Here, a multi-tiered mind map intervention is provided to improve textlearning strategy use, text comprehension, and knowledge acquisition through three levels of support: i.e., whole-class instruction, small group instruction, and one-on-one coaching. The research includes instrument development, quasi-experimental repeated ...
What works for whom? A study of the differential effectiveness of instructional characteristics. KU Leuven
Recent studies show that the average reading performance of Flemish elementary school students is declining and that the group of low-achieving students is increasing. In addition, the average learning gain for reading of Flemish elementary school students is small. The contribution of generic instructional characteristics to students' reading performance has been extensively reported. Using a differential effectiveness approach, this ...
What works for high risk students? Looking for clues to improve their academic outcomes KU Leuven
What works for high-risk students? Looking for clues to improve their academic outcomes.
Gudrun Vanlaar (Supervisors prof. B. De Fraine & prof. J. Van Damme)
Educational research shows that students with a low socioeconomic status (SES), an immigrant background, and/or special educational needs are more vulnerable for academic underachievement. This doctoral project focuses on the question how the gap between high- and ...
Students' use of vector calculus in electrodynamics KU Leuven
Using mathematical concepts and techniques to describe natural phenomena is a challenging but important task in all branches of physics. Although typically well trained in rote mathematical calculation, students often lack an understanding of the mathematical concepts and fail to correctly apply these in a physics context. Student difficulties related to such issues are particularly apparent in an intermediate electrodynamics course that ...
Goal-oriented educational tools in interaction with students and teachers KU Leuven
Schools are under pressure. The urgent shortage of teachers, the growing diversity amongst students, the loss of quality and the actual school drop-out rates are daily challenges for schools and society. There are no clear-cut solutions, but strengthening and better deploying (technological) educational tools already offers a way out: teachers can be supported by EdTech companies; digital platforms facilitate differentiation and targeted, ...
Moving language barriers. A mixed-methods study of the implementation of school-based language policies in primary schools KU Leuven
All schools in Flanders are mandated to implement a school-based language policy in order to enhance students’ proficiency in Dutch, the language of instruction (Corson, 1990; Mullis et al., 2016). To date, little empirical evidence is available on how schools implement their SLP, and whether it enhances language teaching and learning. This dissertation investigated whether schools manage to implement a policy that effectively promotes ...