Exploring the Group Prenatal Care Model: A Critical Review of the Literature

Few studies have compared perinatal outcomes between individual prenatal care and group prenatal care. A critical review of research articles that were published between 1998 and 2009 and involved participants of individual and group prenatal care was conducted. Two middle range theories, Pender’s health promotion model and Swanson’s theory of caring, were blended to enhance conceptualization of the relationship between pregnant women and the group prenatal care model. Among the 17 research studies that met inclusion criteria for this critical review, five examined gestational age and birth weight with researchers reporting longer gestations and higher birth weights in infants born to mothers participating in group prenatal care, especially in the preterm birth population. Current evidence demonstrates that nurse educators and leaders should promote group prenatal care as a potential method of improving perinatal outcomes within the pregnant population.     

Integrating expanded school mental health programs and school‐based health centers

This article provides background on national movements toward expanded school mental health (ESMH) programs and school‐based health centers (SBHCs), and presents advantages and challenges of joining these two systems of child and adolescent health care. Delivering ESMH through SBHCs promotes an interdisciplinary approach, health–mental health care integration, and benefits including enhancing referral bases, improving screening of problems, and enhanced confidentiality and privacy. But this integrated approach also presents challenges including managing referrals and significant needs, handling crises, building a focus on prevention and mental health promotion, handling administrative demands, and coping with limited resources. These challenges, ideas for overcoming them, and future directions for this promising service delivery approach are discussed. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 40: 297–308, 2003.     

Ethics of care in participatory health research: mutual responsibility in collaboration with co-researchers

In the field of participatory health research (PHR) and related action research paradigms, limitations of standard ethical codes and institutional review processes have been identified. PHR is highly situational and relational, part of a hierarchical health care context and therefore ethics of care has been suggested as a helpful theoretical approach that emphasises responsibilities and relationships. The purpose of this article is to explore the value of Tronto’s second-generation ethics of care for reflection on ethical challenges experienced by academic researchers. Using the design of a collaborative auto-ethnography, this article starts from a story of a researcher who deals with dilemmas in responsibility to care for co-researchers with lived experiences during a PHR study in the field of acute psychiatric care. By analysing the challenges together with all co-researchers, using a framework of ethics of care, we discovered the importance of self-care and existential safety for an ethical PHR practice. The reflexive meta-narrative shows that the ethics of care lens is useful to untangle moral dilemmas in all participatory research-related paradigms for all engaged.     

Government,business and the public: The role of environmental education in creating sustainable urban places

This paper focuses on the need to further environmental education research within a context in which local government, local business and tertiary institutions are viewed as interlinked components of the development process. Research and interaction with local stakeholders offers an opportunity to chart a path that intersects and then fuses environmental education with that of environmental and development practice. The paper focuses on three research initiatives that highlight the intrinsic need to create a learning society and how to gain more robust recognition for the role of environmental education research as a developmental process. The three research initiatives deal with the integration of environmental management systems thinking in local government (case 1), how a local government envisaged environmental education campaign constitutes challenges for environmental education research (case 2), and how pollution highlights the need for partnerships in addressing the Polluter Pays Principle (case 3). Findings from the research underscore the lack of environmental concerns within the decision-making process in local government. Paucity of capacity to monitor and act on challenges within this sector also point to the need for coordinated action against industrial misdemeanours, where self-regulation is still far from a reality. Most importantly, we argue that environmental education research and practice should contribute to the strengthening of facilitation skills and systems thinking amongst researchers who work within networks of stakeholders who must ensure sustainable urban places in the future.     

实践视角下对信息技术与课程整合的再认识

当前,信息技术与课程整合的理论研究与实践存在较大差距。要弥补这些差距,需要从两个方面进一步认识:一是实践者需要审视这些理论的切合性,二是理论研究者也需要转变研究视角。面对各类信息技术与课程整合的定义与各种整合观,广大教师需要从实践的角度选择和理解,认清信息技术的工具作用与整合的双向互动要求。信息技术与课程整合理论的研究也需要不断改进,力求让研究过程与成果面向各类课程,服务于具体实践。     

研究型大学虚拟科研组织的组建模式与运行机制

虚拟科研组织是应用虚拟组织的概念和设计思想,把不同的研究者或者研究集体通过信息技术连接在一起,形成一个相对稳固的动态研发联盟。在全球化、信息化时代,研究型大学面临大科学背景下知识生产方式的巨大变革,面向跨学科的、复杂的、实践的研究课题的新型学术价值观正在形成,日趋完善的e-Science技术体系为学科分化与融合提供了强大的信息技术平台。构建基于本校或者跨越多个学术机构的虚拟科研组织成为研究型大学应对冲击与挑战的必然选择。虚拟科研组织在其建立之初,要充分论证对其组建的可行性、持续发展的可能性、组织形式和组建模型,运行过程中需慎重设计研究项目的选择、资源协调、组织文化、激励约束机制和保密机制等日常运行机制。     

Measuring what matters: Using technology to assess multidimensional learning

In this article we describe the challenges associated with assessing complex competencies envisioned as the targets of learning in the 21st century. Such competencies typically reflect the integration of multiple dimensions of knowledge and skill. Technology plays a crucial role in their assessment, from conceptualisation through design, data gathering and interpretation of results. We use the case of science proficiency to illustrate challenges associated with the assessment of the intended products of multidimensional learning and the benefits provided by technology. We frame assessment development as an evidence-centered design process and illustrate it by using cases drawn from middle school science. We then turn to ways in which assessment systems need to evolve to expand the scope of what can be done in the creation and use of valid, reliable and equitable assessments of complex, multidimensional learning. We conclude by discussing policy implications of technology-based assessment systems with an emphasis on measuring what matters versus measuring what is easy, since what we choose to assess will become the focus of instruction. Major advances in assessment policy and practice require investment in the development, validation and deployment of technology-based assessments that reflect the multidimensional competencies identified by contemporary research and theory.     

Strategic Management of Educational Technology—The Importance of Leadership and Management

Through case study research critical leadership and management tasks are identified regarding the integration of educational technology in teaching at research universities. The institutions studied, regardless their different characteristics and approaches, face common difficulties in engaging ‘second‐wave’ faculty. Furthermore, the coordination of different support units such as edtech centres, IT support, teaching and learning labs or the libraries to offer well‐rehearsed educational technology services is challenging. Strong leadership is critical to motivate faculty and to assist support units to overcome sub‐cultural differences. Similarly, solid management practice is indispensable. Incentive, reward and support structures need to be adjusted to new realities and a well coordinated workflow needs to be designed.     

Strategic Management of Educational Technology—The Importance of Leadership and Management

Through case study research critical leadership and management tasks are identified regarding the integration of educational technology in teaching at research universities. The institutions studied, regardless their different characteristics and approaches, face common difficulties in engaging’ second-wave’ faculty. Furthermore, the coordination of different support units such as edtech centres, IT support, teaching and learning labs or the libraries to offer well-rehearsed educational technology services is challenging. Strong leadership is critical to motivate faculty and to assist support units to overcome sub-cultural differences. Similarly, solid management practice is indispensable. Incentive, reward and support structures need to be adjusted to new realities and a well coordinated workflow needs to be designed.

     

Advanced Generalist Practice

Abstract

An enormous challenge faces social work educators as we prepare for the twenty-first century. Most significant is the scramble to understand and respond to contemporary challenges, notably managed health care and welfare reform. The authors present the conceptualization and implementation of an advanced generalist concentration curriculum. Teaching strategies and assignments in a MSW academic and field curriculum are used to illustrate the integration of knowledge necessary to a three-tiered model of practice at the micro, mezzo and macro levels. Finally, results of an alumni survey are presented that lend credence to our contention that graduates are well-prepared to function effectively in today's practice environment.     

Key Concepts From Health Promotion Evaluations: What Psychology Needs to Know

Competing perspectives and debates about the meaning of health promotion and the best ways to evaluate the effectiveness of initiatives that focus on enhancing wellness pervade the literature. Given the emergence of health promotion, the impetus for outcomes-based practice in psychology, and the push for evidence-based care in the health system (Thorogood & Coombes, 2000), demonstrations of value and effectiveness are fundamental to the sustainability of mental health promotion activities. Psychology (and counseling as a sub-set field) needs to place itself as a profession vital to the sustainability of wellness initiatives. This paper proposes that psychologists’ awareness and understanding of six key concepts from health promotion evaluation are essential for advancing psychology as a profession and enhancing applied practice for wellness initiatives. The key concepts include: formative, process and outcome evaluations, the qualitative/quantitative debate, the ecological nature, the participatory approach, the focus on community and the underlying philosophies of empowerment and utilization. The use of key concepts from health promotion evaluation strategies support psychologists to a) deal with issues of major public health importance and b) collaborate with other disciplines for the benefit of the public (Sartorius, 1999). Finally, this paper makes recommendations to secure psychology’s place as a vital contributor to future research directions in health promotion, in part because of adherence to the scientist-practitioner model.Whilst Psychology is the generic term used here to represent the broad field, counseling as a sub-set in the discipline is particularly relevant for the ideas and issues discussed. Rather than adding the sub-set qualifier each time the broad field is referred to, the reader in this context is encouraged to hold this perspective of the place of counseling in regard to psychology as they work through the materials presented.     

School Health Promotion to Increase Empowerment,Gender Equality and Pupil Participation: A Focus Group Study of a Swedish Elementary School Initiative

A school health promotion project was carried out in an elementary school in Sweden where active participation, gender equality, and empowerment were leading principles. The objective of the study was to understand challenges and to identify social processes of importance for such a project. Focus group interviews were conducted with 6 single-sex groups (7–12 year olds) in grade 1–2, grade 3–4, and grade 5–6 on 2 occasions. The analysis used a grounded theory approach. The analysis identified the core category “normalization processes of violence and harassment.” It is argued that school health promotion initiatives need to be aware of normalization processes of violence and, which may be counter-productive to the increase of empowerment and participation among all pupils.     

Using action research to address the mental health needs of older people: a reflection and discussion of real‐world problems

Action research provides an opportunity to implement and understand the process of change in practice settings, as well as develop theoretical insights into complex social situations. The provision of mental healthcare for older people within the general hospital is one such situation, and this paper presents a discussion and reflection on the use of action research in this setting. The background to the project is described, followed by a discussion of three major issues that emerged for us: the extent to which we were able to promote democracy and maintain and demonstrate democratic behaviour, the problems and pitfalls of operationalising grounded theory methodology within an action research approach, and the challenges of developing an authentic and credible account of the care of older people with mental health needs. This paper aims to add to a discourse regarding action research and will be of value to researchers using this approach across a range of health, social care and educational settings.     

Cost analysis of prenatal care using the activity-based costing model: a pilot study

The cost of prenatal care in a private nurse-midwifery practice was examined using the activity-based costing system. Findings suggest that the activities of the nurse-midwife (the health care provider) constitute the major cost driver of this practice and that the model of care and associated, time-related activities influence the cost. This pilot study information will be used in the development of a comparative study of prenatal care, client education, and self care.     

The Telos of Information Technology in a Transitional Culture: Implications for the Globalization of Korean Higher Education

Taking Kyonggi University of Korea as a case example, the authors describe how its varied initiatives in the realm of information technology (IT) integration are affecting pedagogical and research practice, both theoretically and practically, with emphasis given to balancing access to higher education and quality. They also examine the impacts of IT in Korean society at large. They conclude with a summary consideration of the challenges to intellectual social life engendered or empowered by the embrace of high technology by academe.     

Integrating games as a means to develop e-learning: Insights from a psychological perspective

Although the Education sector has pioneered the use of technology, the pace of technological change has outstripped the slower processes of theoretical development and critical reflection, so the field is highly fragmented and lacks a comprehensive evidence base to support future development. In this paper, we consider how the insights offered by games and a psychological perspective can address the current challenges. Both games and e-learning specialists are facing similar challenges and would therefore benefit from adopting a more integrated approach in the future. We demonstrate how this integration can best be achieved by viewing the challenges through a psychological lens which informs theory, research and practice in user-centred design, supports the development of more widely applicable theories of learning and pedagogy, recognises of the complexity of the contexts in which learning occurs and offers an established evidence-based framework to aid integration at the theoretical level. This emphasises the continued importance of classic concepts such as transfer, cognitive load and the increasing blurred boundaries between formal and informal learning, but also in terms of methodology and as a catalyst for future debate and discussion.     

Learn to use and use to learn: Technology in virtual collaboration experience

This study examined how global learning teams utilized technology in a virtual collaboration to solve complex problems. The study offers an in-depth explanation of why and how the learning teams used technology to support computer-mediated communication. A model of technology application at different stages of virtual collaborative process is proposed. The model can be used to maximize potential of global teams and facilitate further integration of virtual collaboration into university curricula. Time difference and lack of nonverbal cues were identified as challenges the global teams faced. The benefits of virtual collaboration were the opportunities to: learn how to use technology in a meaningful way; practice using technology to solve problems; and broaden one's perspective by communicating with people from different cultures.     

一流大学科教融合的制度与实践:坎特伯雷大学的经验

科教融合是当代大学的重要理念和一项基本原则,科教融合包括科研与教学互动、科研与教学之间的成果转化及学生参与科研活动等,新西兰坎特伯雷大学在这方面的经验值得借鉴。受教育法律和学术审核等制度的影响,坎特伯雷大学建构了创新性的科教融合制度,如在章程和战略规划等重大制度中确立科教融合,通过师资管理、机构改革等核心制度推进科教融合。除此以外,还形成了全组织、多形式、重视外显化的实践策略体系。同世界许多大学一样,坎特伯雷大学在科教融合方面也遭遇了不小的挑战,但无论怎样,科教融合这一理念都是高等教育一个基本原则之一。     

信息技术与市场营销教学整合的效果研究

信息技术与市场营销教学整合是信息技术背景下的营销人才培养和教学改革的需要,整合效果及其影响因素的分析是其中的重要方面和尚待解决的问题。本研究结合市场营销课程教学特点,分析信息技术与课程教学整合效果及其影响因素,并在局部地区进行整合效果的调查和数据分析,为信息技术背景下的市场营销课程的教学实践以及教学改革提供参考。