Defining attitude for science educators

A distinct and complex definition of attitude is evolving within the literature. A mental readiness to respond and a correlational consistency between attitude and behavior—although controversial and in need of further study and analysis—remain viable subcomponents within the definition. Most agree that evaluation is the heartbeat of attitude. The impact of social influence on attitudes is becoming increasingly important. Attitudes are learned and not inherited.     

Academic induction for teacher educators

This paper is a reflective exploration of major challenges facing new teacher educators as they make the transition into the academy, and of ways that best support them. The transition problems identified in the emerging body of literature about teacher educator career entry were offered for comment to a small group of new teacher educators in an Australian regional university. Their responses added complexity and nuance, suggesting a heterogeneity of entry pathways and experiences, as well as avenues for further inquiry. Consideration of the resulting issues leads to wider questions about the place of teacher education in the academy. In turn, this leads to question if the challenges faced by newly appointed teacher educators are distinctive from those experienced by all new academics. The paper argues for multidisciplinary cohorts for induction, and makes recommendations for systematic, inclusive induction programs for all new academics, including teacher educators. The paper concludes with two further recommendations. First, large‐scale research is required to inform us about the contemporary teacher education workforce. Little is currently known about entry and career pathways, nor of the impact of recent policy and funding changes such as research performativity measures and increasing employment of sessional staff. Second, induction must be seen as an organisational and professional responsibility shared by many, including new and experienced academics, faculties, departments, institutions and professional associations.     

Examining insurance needs for childbirth educators

In this column, the author presents three questions that childbirth educators may ask themselves in order to decide whether or not they should invest in insurance coverage.     

Birth control update for childbirth educators

Since the last in a series of childbirth education classes discusses contraception, educators must know about various family planning methods. Oral contraceptives (OCs) comprise combined OCs, phasic OCs, and minipills. Combined OCs inhibit secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, which in turn keeps the follicle-stimulating hormone from inducing the ovarian follicle to grow and keeps luteinizing hormones from activating ovulation. They also thicken cervical mucus. Minipills also thicken cervical mucus and render the endometrium unreceptive to fertilized egg implantation. They do not always inhibit ovulation, however. OCs can induce side effects, such as nausea, hypertension, increased risk of atherosclerosis, and fatigue. The IUD prevents pregnancy either by inhibiting implantation of a fertilized egg or by an inflammatory reaction of the endometrium resulting in a release of macrophages which may destroy sperm. The no-longer-produced Dalkon Shield IUD increased the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease and damaged the reputation of other IUDs. Rare IUD complications are uterine perforation, salpingitis, tubal scarring, pelvic inflammatory disease, and infertility. Diaphragms, cervical film, and condoms serve as barriers between the egg and sperm. The main problem with barrier methods is the increased risk of developing toxic shock syndrome. Spermicide increase the effectiveness of diaphragms, cervical caps, and condoms. Vasectomy keeps sperm from arriving at storage sites. Shortterm side effects are swelling, discomfort, and occasional rejoining of the cut ends of the vas. Research hints at a link between vasectomy and prostate cancer. Some complications of tubal ligation are urinary tract infections, accidental electrical burns, and pelvic infections. Natural family planning methods include withdrawal, the rhythm method, and the sypto-thermal method. Controversial injectable contraceptives are Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) and Noristerate (norethisterone enanthate).