• Journal of the Korean School Mathematics Society
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.377-397
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• 2008

In today's secondary school mathematics curriculum, assessment is to be focused on evaluating the student's mathematical thinking rather than finding the correct solution to the problem. A descriptive evaluation method is therefore introduced to the school districts and suggested as an alternative assessment method in K-12 school mathematics. Descriptive evaluation method is widely available for use in schools, but there are barriers to using it since the teachers are forced to use the method by the school districts. In this research, we surveyed 120 secondary school mathematics teachers in Seoul and the surrounding metropolitan area to understand the status and the perception about using descriptive evaluation. The goal of the study was to find and understand the direct implications of using the new assessment method in secondary mathematics classes. The study showed that most of the mathematics teachers used the descriptive assessment method during their regular exam periods which is given twice per semester. Most of the open-ended problems used for descriptive evaluation were medium or high level math questions which were graded by the teachers at least 3 times to ensure objective evaluation. The teachers stated that objectivity in grading, administrative situation, and development of descriptive problems were the difficult barriers in descriptive evaluation. The teachers in the survey also commented that teachers' administrative responsibility should be reduced and that school environment in general should be improved for the new assessment method to become successful. Finally, the study showed that development of more descriptive problems with specific grading guidelines need to be developed for each grade level.

• School Mathematics
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.401-422
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• 2008

In the current school curriculum, an alternative assessment method which focuses more on the problem solving process rather than the final solution is being investigated. The goal is to evaluate students' understanding of the subject. A descriptive evaluation is being suggested as a way of examining the thought process of the students by a structured analysis of the problem solving process. But currently, there are not enough descriptive problems available for teachers to effectively carry out the alternative assessment method in the elementary school mathematics curriculum. In this research, we surveyed 197 elementary school teachers in Seoul to determine the status of descriptive evaluation in elementary school mathematics and to understand the teachers perception about the new assessment method. The goal of the survey was to find an effective implication of the new assessment method in elementary mathematics classes. The research showed that the elementary teachers use this assessment method about 4 to 7 times per month in their classes. They give descriptive problem test anytime they think it is appropriate during the Instruction of the topic. More than 90% of the teachers were using this assessment method to improve students' creativity and mathematical thinking. The teachers in the survey also commented that the teachers' administrative responsibility should be reduced and that the school environment in general should be improved for the new assessment method to be successful. Finally the study also showed that development of more descriptive problems in each grade level is needed to progress the new assessment method.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.981-986
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• 2013

Background: The Pap smear has an important value in the early diagnosis of cervical cancer, a serious problem in womens health. This study aimed to determine the status of Turkish women regarding participation in Pap smear testing and affecting factors. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted on married women between 18-61 years of age selected from those who applied to the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Polyclinic of Atat$\ddot{u}$rk University in Erzurum between June-August 2010 for any reason. Data were collected using a questionnaire determining socio-demographic features and analyzed by descriptive statistics (mean, Sd, range, frequency, percentage) and Chi-square test. A level of p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Sixty six of the 301 women (21.9%) indicated that they heard a Pap smear test and 16.6% of women had experienced a test. The number of women participating increased with age, duration of marriage, number of births, knowledge about the Pap smear and perception of risk for cervical cancer. Conclusions: The importance of the Pap smear test needs to be explained to Turkish women by health staff, to increase awareness and participation in regular screening.

• Journal of Korean Home Economics Education Association
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.51-65
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• 2015

The purpose of the study was to describe the operating status of "Logic and Writing in Home Economics Education(HEE)" course and the students' perception about the course. For this study, the syllabuses of "Logic and Writing" course in HE education department were reviewed. The survey method was used in this descriptive study. Respondents in this study were 116 students taking the "Logic and Writing in Home Economics Education" course. Questionnaires from the students were collected through on-line and off-line mail. The results of the study were as the follows: First, goals of the "Logic and Writing in HE Education" course were as the follows in order: to enhance writing skill about various subjects related to Home Economics; to foster HE teachers' professionalism through persuasive power logically; to foster writing skill logically; to prepare HE teacher recruitment exam; and to foster teaching skills to enhance students' writing. The student evaluation methods in the course were mainly attendance, examination, tasks, discussion and presentation, and class participation. Second, degree of satisfaction of students taking the course was higher than average. The student respondents perceived that the course was helpful to improve their logical thinking and critical analytical skill, writing skill related to HE education and education, ability to express one's opinion clearly and exactly, understanding of the fundamental concept of logic and the structure and method of the essay, comprehensive understanding of HE education, and ability to solve the problems specifically. However, they responded that it was difficult to practice writing, to discuss and debate frequently, to follow uncertain assessment criteria, and to present frequently. They wanted the instructor to give the feedback more frequently.