Dalarna University College Electronic Archive
Not a member yet
13986 research outputs found
Sort by
Defining and measuring quality in students' mathematical writing : a systematic literature review
No full textMathematical communication, encompassing writing in, about, and for mathematics, is a critical competency. Defining excellent mathematical writing standards, however, remains challenging. To address this, we conducted a systematic review of 48 scholarly works on quality in mathematical writing. Our findings reveal mathematical writing for different purposes under scrutiny, including general mathematical writing, proof writing, reflective writing, expository writing, and descriptive writing during problem solving. To assess quality, researchers explore a variety of facets, such as syntax and semantics. Progression pathways vary, with both quantitative and qualitative evaluations-analysing text structure, writing style, and the use of different semiotic elements. It seems that in mathematics education, a consensus on quality measurement remains elusive. Proof writing is a notable exception. Among reviewed articles examining proof writing, a common set of standards emerges and provides valuable guidance. We propose that mathematical writing, perhaps especially in the context of reporting solutions in problem solving, can draw from proof writing standards. 'Good' mathematical writing would then require students to focus on (1) defining assumptions and assigning variables; (2) producing a coherent narrative, including relevant calculations (semantic issues); (3) using correct language, representations, and mathematical symbols (syntax issues); and (4) attending to what is appropriate in the context
The benefits of caregiver singing and receptive music in dementia care : a qualitative study of professional caregivers' experiences
No full textBACKGROUND: For persons with dementia, receptive music may reduce negative expressions and increase positive ones. Caregiver singing (CS) is an intervention aimed at facilitating care situations and involves caregivers singing for or together with persons with dementia during care activities. In the literature, CS is commonly addressed as a music activity rather than a care intervention. The aim was to describe caregivers' experiences of the reactions of persons with dementia when using CS and receptive music in dementia care. METHOD: The data comprised three focus group interviews with 12 professional caregivers in dementia care, analysed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: the analysis resulted in two themes: "CS increases interaction and builds companionship" and "Receptive music soothes, awakens memories and reflects the person's self". CONCLUSION: Both CS and receptive music was shown to have positive influences, and while the results were sometimes intertwined, CS was shown to better facilitate problematic care situations
Attitudes of Spanish speakers in Sweden towards code-switching
No full textEl multilingüismo se ha vuelto más común hoy en día debido a la globalización y las redes sociales en Internet. Cuando una persona bilingüe mezcla dos idiomas en la misma oración, se llama cambio de código. El objetivo de esta investigación es investigar la actitud hacia el cambio de código entre los hispanohablantes residentes en Suecia y la frecuencia con la que lo utilizan. Al utilizar la variable edad, estamos investigando si el uso y las actitudes difieren según la edad del informante. El estudio se realizó en Suecia. Los métodos aplicados fueron un cuestionario en Google Forms y tres entrevistas. Con base en el análisis, descubrimos que el cambio de código sirve para múltiples propósitos. Descubrimos que cuanto más jóvenes eran los informantes, más común era el cambio de código. También descubrimos que losinformantes de 25 a 49 años tienen una actitud más positiva del uso del cambio decódigo con la familia y los amigos, mientras que el uso del cambio de código en el trabajo o en la escuela es más aceptado por los informantes de 50 años en adelante. Todos nuestros informantes coincidieron en que el cambio de código enriquece el intercambio cultural en Suecia.Multilingualism has become more common nowadays due to globalization and social media on the Internet. When a bilingual person mixes two languages in the same sentence it is called code-switching. The aim of this research is to investigate the attitude towards code-switching among Spanish speakers residing in Sweden and how frequently they use it. By using the variable age, we are investigating if the use and the attitudes differ by the age of the informant. The study was made in Sweden. The methods applied were a questionnaire in Google Forms and three interviews. Based on the analysis, we found that code-switching serves multiple purposes. We found out that the younger the informants were, the more common it was to code-switch. We also discovered that the informants aged 25-49 years have a more positive attitude towards using code-switching with family and friends, while the use of code-switching at work or at school is more accepted by informants from 50 years old and up. All our informants agreed to the fact that code-switching enriches the cultural exchange in Sweden
Interkulturalitet och islam : Lärares strategier för att bemöta fördomar och främja förståelse
No full textThis study investigates how teachers in Swedish secondary school’s address Islam in their religious education and the strategies they employ to navigate challenges related to stereotypes and preconceived notions. Drawing on interviews with six teachers, three from multicultural school environments and three from non-multicultural schools, the research reveals significant differences in teaching approaches based on school context. In multicultural schools, teachers actively incorporate the cultural and religious diversity of their students into the classroom, using these experiences to promote intercultural dialogue, mutual understanding, and critical reflection. By emphasizing commonalities between religions, they foster inclusivity and tolerance while encouraging students to challenge stereotypes. These teachers also address the diversity within Islam itself, highlighting variations in practice and belief systems to provide a nuanced understanding of the religion. In contrast, teachers in non-multicultural schools face unique challenges due to students ’limited exposure to cultural and religious diversity. Preconceived notions about Islam, often shaped by media portrayals, dominate the classroom discussions. To counteract these stereotypes, teachers adopt structured and fact-based methods, focusing on presenting accurate information and encouraging students to critically evaluate their own beliefs and assumptions. The lack of direct student experiences with religious or cultural diversity makes this work particularly demanding. The findings are analysed using Edward Said’s Orientalism, which illuminates how Islam is often constructed as “the other” in Western narratives, as well as theories of interculturality, which stress the potential of diversity to build bridges between different cultural groups. The study highlights the pivotal role of teachers in shaping students’ understanding of Islam and fostering respect for diversity. It emphasizes the importance of tailoring pedagogical approaches to specific school contexts and integrating critical media literacy into education to challenge stereotypes and promote inclusive learning environments
Identifying hazardous alcohol use in primary care using phosphatidylethanol : Timing of screening matters
No full textBACKGROUND AND AIMS: Alcohol is a well-established risk factor for numerous health conditions, making screening for hazardous alcohol use in healthcare a critical task. While self-reported data suggest that alcohol consumption varies across seasons, this seasonal fluctuation has not yet been confirmed using objective biological markers. This study aimed to measure whether phosphatidylethanol (PEth) captures variations in hazardous alcohol use across two temporal resolutions: month of the year and day of the week. DESIGN: Observational cross-sectional study based on data from medical records. SETTING: Healthcare services, Region Dalarna, Sweden, between 2017 and 2023. PARTICIPANTS/CASES: Adult patients (n = 62 431, 50% females) screened for hazardous alcohol use with PEth within primary care. MEASUREMENTS: This study utilizes test results from PEth, with results >0.30 μmol/l defined as hazardous alcohol use. We compared the prevalence of hazardous alcohol use across months and weekdays using logistic regression while adjusting for sex, age, smoking status, the Charlson Comorbidity Index and psychiatric diagnoses. FINDINGS: The prevalence of hazardous alcohol use increased between May and August, ranging from 13.2% to 15.9%, compared with 10.7% in November. This corresponds to a 48% relative increase in the peak month of July [prevalence ratio (PR) = 1.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.33-1.64]. Hazardous alcohol use was also more prevalent among patients tested on Mondays (13.0%) compared with Thursdays, with the lowest prevalence (12.0%). The difference was particularly pronounced among female patients, with a 14.0% higher relative prevalence on Mondays (PR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.02-1.27). CONCLUSIONS: In Sweden, the prevalence of hazardous alcohol use appears to fluctuate seasonally and, to a lesser extent, across weekdays, as measured by blood tests for phosphatidylethanol, a biomarker for hazardous alcohol use. November showed the lowest prevalence and July the highest, consistent across age, sex and the year of the observational period. Hazardous alcohol use showed a slight elevation of prevalence during Mondays compared with Tuesday to Friday
Känslor och värderingar i argumenterande texter : En appraisalanalys av argumenterande elevtexter från nationella provet i svenska årskurs 9
No full textTidigare forskning visar att det är en utmaning att kunna sätta ord på hur elever uttrycker känslor och skapar engagemang i argumenterande texter, vilket kan påverka både undervisning och bedömning. Syftet med studien är därför att undersöka hur känslor och värderingar kommer till uttryck i argumenterande texter skrivna under det nationella provet i svenskämnet av elever i årskurs 9 och huruvida dessa uttryckta känslor och värderingar korrelerar texternas betyg. Studien har sin utgångspunkt i appraisalteorin som även används som analysverktyg genom textanalys. Appraisalteorin har tre huvudingångar som sammantaget kan benämnas som värderande uttryck. I föreliggande studie används två av huvudingångarna, attityd och gradering samt respektive underkategorier. Resultatet visar att värderande uttryck i niondeklassarnas argumenterande texter främst visar sig genom uppskattning som innebär en värdering gentemot företeelser i världen samt genom bedömning av människors beteende. Dessa värderande uttryck förekommer både direkt och indirekt. De värderande uttrycken är främst graderade genom att höja och sänka styrkan i attityderna. Studien visar även att en text med fler uttryckta attityder ofta verkar ha en högre kvalitet och att fler graderingar, främst ord som sänker intensiteten, kan relateras till ett lägre betyg. Studien bidrar med kunskap om vad som behöver lyftas fram i undervisningen för att utveckla elevers skrivförmåga. Studien bidrar även med en ytterligare nyans till det metaspråk som redan finns kring känslor och värderingar i text, vilket möjliggör en dialog i klassrummet kring dessa språkliga resurser, dels mellan lärare och elever, dels lärare sinsemellan.
Mémoire de licence: Les perceptions des enseignants de FLE sur l'utilisation des ressources audiovisuelles en classe : Analyse basée sur des entretiens et des observations de classe de six enseignants de lycée en Suède
No full textCette étude qualitative examine l’intégration des ressources audiovisuelles dans l’enseignement du français langue étrangère (FLE) dans des lycées suédois. Elle s’appuie sur les réflexions de six enseignants de français exprimées lors des entretiens individuels et sur des observations decours afin de mieux comprendre l’utilisation des ressources audiovisuelles en classe. Les résultats de l’étude montrent une utilisation répandue des ressources audiovisuelles due àleur caractère authentique et les avantages qu’elles offrent dans l’apprentissage de la compréhension orale, la prononciation et l’acquisition du vocabulaire. Cependant, malgré les avantages perçus, les enseignants reconnaissent des risques tels que la distraction des élèves, l’observation passive et la difficulté à trouver des ressources adaptées. L’étude souligne l’importance d’un équilibre entre ressources audiovisuelles et méthodes classiques (utilisation de livres scolaires, leçons magistrales) ainsi que la nécessité d’une approche pédagogique réfléchie et adaptée pour une utilisation efficace de ces ressources.This qualitative study examines the integration of audiovisual resources in teaching of French foreign language (FFL) in Swedish high schools. The study is based on the reflections of six French teachers, through individual interviews and classroom observations to better understand the use of audiovisual resources in the classroom.The study’s findings reveal a widespread use of audiovisual resources due to their authenticity and their ability to provide ease in comprehension, pronunciation and vocabulary acquisition. However, despite the perceived advantages, teachers acknowledge risks, such as student distraction, passive observation, and difficulty in finding suitable resources. The study highlights the importance of balancing audiovisual resources with traditional methods (e.g., textbooks, lectures) and the need for a thoughtful and adaptive pedagogical approach to ensure the effective use of these resources
Views on concept in mathematics education
No full textThere is a diversity in the field of mathematics education regarding how the term “concept” is used. In this study, a concept analysis is carried out, analyzing the use of the notion concept in some frequently used frameworks within mathematics education. The study takes an analytic philosophic approach, using an analyzing instrument based on a philosophical literature review resulting in two distinctions used for interpreting views on concept. It was found that intersubjective positions are more common than subjective ones. Furthermore, a main diversity concerns whether concepts are mental representations that have reached a certain level of development, or non-mental abstract objects. When mental and non-mental positions are combined, it becomes difficult to consistently describe the nature of concepts. This leads to unclear theoretical frameworks, and in the long run scientific results become less useful to interpret and compare
Experiencing fertility preservation in adolescence - a qualitative interview study indicating gender disparities in AYAs diagnosed with cancer
No full textINTRODUCTION: Fertility counselling on options for fertility preservation is increasingly implemented for children and adolescents at time of cancer diagnosis. Sperm cryopreservation has been standard of care for male patients during several decades and the procedure is not expected to delay the onset of cancer treatment. However, oocyte cryopreservation in female adolescents remains controversial, the reasons include the need of ovarian stimulation, gynecological exams and interventions, in all a potentially distressing experience for patients without previous experience of this type of examination or without previous sexual debut. With this study we wished to investigate how adolescent cancer patients experience fertility preservation procedures aiming at semen banking or oocyte cryopreservation. METHODS: Adolescent patients diagnosed with cancer that underwent fertility preservation at the Reproductive Medicine Clinic of Karolinska University Hospital were invited to participate in the study. Inclusion required the ability to communicate in Swedish or English. Exclusion criteria were current age under 15 at time of the interview and ongoing cancer treatment. The study had a qualitative study design and phenomenological approach with semi-structured individual face-to-face interviews. Ten interviews with six female and four male study participants were conducted between June and August 2023. RESULTS: The analysis resulted in three identified main themes: Communication about the risk of infertility and the fertility preservation, Freezing gametes - the process and healthcare encounters, and The decision to preserve gametes for one's own sake. Gender specific gaps in communication about fertility risks and fertility preservation procedures were found, with young females expressing a wish for improved communication and reporting experiences of discomfort during the procedures needed for oocyte cryopreservation, whereas young men were generally satisfied with their experience. Limitations include a risk of responder bias since not all patients who were contacted agreed to interview. DISCUSSION: Although gender disparities were identified in this study, fertility preservation was perceived as a positive experience and mitigated fertility-related distress in both male and female adolescent patients. Our study adds to the scarce literature on adolescents of both sexes undergoing fertility preservation and underscores the importance of specialized communication in fertility counselling and treatment of AYAs diagnosed with cancer
Extracted step parameters during the timed up and go test discriminate between groups with different levels of cognitive ability-a cross-sectional study
No full textBACKGROUND: Identifying cognitive impairment at an early stage is important to enable preventive treatment and lifestyle changes. As gait deviations precede cognitive impairment, the aim of this study was to investigate if step parameters during different Timed Up and Go (TUG) conditions could discriminate between people with different cognitive ability. METHODS: Participants (N = 304) were divided into the following groups: (1) controls, n = 50, mean age:73, 44% women; (2) Subjective cognitive Impairment (SCI), n = 71, mean age:67, 45% women; (3) Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), n = 126, mean age: 73, 42% women; and (4) dementia disorders, n = 57, mean age: 78, 51% women. Participants conducted TUG and two motor-cognitive TUG-conditions: TUG while naming animals (TUGdt-NA) and reciting months in reverse order (TUGdt-MB). Tests were video recorded for data extraction of valid spatiotemporal parameters: step length, step width, step duration, single step duration and double step duration. Step length was investigated with the step length/body height ratio (step length divided by body height). Logistic regression models (adjusted for age, sex and education) investigated associations between step parameters and dichotomous variables of groups adjacent in cognitive ability: dementia disorders vs. MCI, MCI vs. SCI, and SCI vs. controls. Results were presented as standardized odds ratios (sORs), with 95% confidence intervals (CI95) and p-values (significance level: p < 0.05). The areas under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curves were presented for the step parameters/conditions with the highest sORs and, where relevant, optimal cutoff values were calculated. RESULTS: Step length showed greatest overall ability to significantly discriminate between adjacent groups (sOR ≤ . 67, CI95: .45-.99, p = ≤ . 047) during all group comparisons/conditions except three. The highest sOR for step-length was obtained when discriminating between SCI vs controls during TUGdt-MB (sOR = .51, CI95:.29- .87, p = .014), whereby the area under the curve was calculated (c-statistics = .700). The optimal cut-off indicated a step length of less than 32.9% (CI95 = 22.1-43.0) of body height to identify SCI compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that step length may be important to assess during TUG, for discrimination between groups with different cognitive ability; and that the presented cut-off has potential to aid early detection of cognitive impairment. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05893524 (retrospectively registered 08/06/23)