Preliminary Material / Robert F. Cavanagh and Russell F. Waugh -- The Utility of Rasch Measurement for Learning Environments Research / Robert F. Cavanagh and Russell F. Waugh -- High Stakes State-Wide Testing of the Learning Environment Outcomes / Jessica M. Elderfield and Russell F. Waugh -- A Rasch Analysis of the Astronaut Invented Spelling Test / Roslyn Neilson , Russell F. Waugh and Deslea Konza -- Applying a Rasch Model Distractor Analysis / Asrijanty Asril and Ida Marais -- Establishing the Validity of Rating Scale Instrumentation in Learning Environment Investigations / Rob F. Cavanagh -- Rasch Modelling of a Scale that Explores the Take-Up of Physics Among School Students from the Perspective of Teachers / Pey-Tee Oon and R. Subramaniam -- Comparative Pairs Marking Supports Authentic Assessment of Practical Performance Within Constructivist Learning Environments / Paul Newhouse -- A Rasch Measurement of Disorganisation / Rebecca Walker , Sarah Hopkins and Stephen Houghton -- The Gifted Classroom Satisfaction Questionnaire / Emma Tomkinson and Stephen Humphry -- An Investigation of Differential Need for Psychological Services Across Learning Environments / Adrian Young and Robert F. Cavanagh -- Evaluating Tertiary Students’ Perceptions of the English Teaching Assistants’ Role in Teaching and Learning / Sivanes Phillipson -- Secondary School Students’ Engagement in Learning Japanese as a Second Language / Yuko Asano-Cavanagh and Robert F. Cavanagh -- The Engagement in Classroom Learning of Years 10 and 11 Western Australian Students / Penelope Kennish and Robert F. Cavanagh -- Measuring Cognitive Development in Early Childhood Learning Environments / Claire Maley and Trevor G. Bond -- Index / Robert F. Cavanagh and Russell F. Waugh.

Major advances in creating linear measures in education and the social sciences, particularly in regard to Rasch measurement, have occurred in the past 15 years, along with major advances in computer power. These have been combined so that the Rasch Unidimensional Measurement Model (RUMM) and the WINSTEPS computer programs now do statistical calculations and produce graphical outputs with very fast switching times. These programs help researchers produce unidimensional, linear scales from which valid inferences can be made by calculating person measures and item difficulties on the same linear scale, with supporting evidence. These computer programs are now available to all Learning Environment researchers. This book includes 13 Learning Environment research papers using Rasch measurement applied at the forefront of education with an international flavour. The contents of the papers relate to: (1) high stakes numeracy testing in Western Australia; (2) early English literacy in New South Wales; (3) the Indonesian Scholastic Aptitude Test; (4) validity in Learning Environment investigations; (5) factors influencing the take-up of Physics in Singapore; (6) state-wide authentic assessment for Years 11-12; (7) talented and gifted student perceptions of the learning environment; (8) disorganisation in the classroom; (9) psychological services in learning environments; (10) English teaching assistant roles in Hong Kong; (11) learning Japanese as a second language; (12) engagement in classroom learning; and (13) early cognitive development in children.

Description based on print version record.