Silent Films and Strange Stories: Theory of Mind,Gender, and Social Experiences in Middle Childhood

In this study of two hundred and thirty 8‐ to 13‐year‐olds, a new “Silent Films” task is introduced, designed to address the dearth of research on theory of mind in older children by providing a film‐based analogue of F. G. E. Happé's (1994) Strange Stories task. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that all items from both tasks loaded onto a single theory‐of‐mind latent factor. With effects of verbal ability and family affluence controlled, theory‐of‐mind latent factor scores increased significantly with age, indicating that mentalizing skills continue to develop through middle childhood. Girls outperformed boys on the theory‐of‐mind latent factor, and the correlates of individual differences in theory of mind were gender specific: Low scores were related to loneliness in girls and to peer rejection in boys.     

Mapping not tracing: qualitative educational research with political teeth

In this article, we deploy ideas from Deleuze and Guattari to argue for the importance of engaging in educational research practice designed to be productive (mapping) rather than representational (tracing). First, we introduce the significance of our approach for educational research practice. Second, we unpack key constructs from Deleuze and Guattari required for constructing our argument, and we outline the shape of mapping as productive or transformative research practice. Third, we share critical summaries of several studies that utilized mapping to engage in this kind of research practice. Finally, we discuss the nature, effects, and relevance of mapping as educational research practice.     

Constructions of childhood in school: Power,policy and practice in Irish education

This article considers the structuring of adult/child relations in Irish primary schools in terms of the absence of children's voice in much school practice. Drawing on the work of Foucault and Giddens, the article highlights how teacher constructions of childhood are framed within a 'needs' discourse, which precludes consideration of children's rights and status within school. The extent to which children accept or resist such construction is mediated by their age, gender and social class. Policy in relation to according children greater rights of consultation in school, as recommended in recent Irish legislation, will only be effective where teachers and children are afforded the opportunity to consider their relationship in terms of the exercise of power generally between adults and children, with implications for the rights and responsibilities of all parties in the educational encounter.     

Self-cultivation and the legitimation of power: Governing China through education

A revival of Confucianism in post-Mao China helped the government legitimate its power in the face of a new socio-political and economic situation. This paper specifically explores the role of Confucian self-cultivation in China’s governance. Drawing on Beetham’s theory of legitimation of power and Weber’s tri-typology of authority, we argue that self-cultivation, appealing to ingrained cultural values and traditions, fulfils the criteria of legitimation of power through two principles, namely, differentiation and community interest. In the context of suzhi education (education for quality) and China’s national university entrance exam (gaokao), we interrogate tensions and paradoxes between the need for a presentation of modern and liberal authority and the CCP’s one-party rule. The paper illustrates the complexity of China’s authoritarianism and the intricacies and intrinsic relevance of self-cultivation in current practice.     

香港巴塞尔,沙漠中的绿洲?

本届香港巴塞尔艺术展(Art Basel HK)早在举办前就已收获了艺术圈的足够关注和期待,开幕当天雷暴雨的天气也并未消减业内人士对于此的热情。这是两年前MHC瑞士展会集团收购香港艺博会(Art HK)后的首次试水,香港艺博会自2008年成立5年后进而成为亚洲最重要的国际级博览会之一,几乎奇迹般地将香港这片艺术沙漠变为亚太地区的艺术交易重镇。对于瑞士人来说,如何借鉴巴塞尔与迈阿密海滩巴塞尔艺术展的欧美模式,使之恰当地融入亚洲艺术市场的环境中,成了主办方的首要课题。     

A bioengineering analysis of human muscle and joint forces in the lower limbs during running

A two‐dimensional, dynamic bioengineering model of the lower limbs was developed in order to estimate muscle and joint forces present during running at 4.5 m s ^‐1. Data were collected from four subjects using a force platform and cine film. Individual X‐rays and anthropometric data from the lower limbs were utilized to produce accurate bone models of the subjects’ legs. Electromyographic verification of the model was undertaken while a runner was undergoing treadmill running at 4.5 m s^‐1. Results indicate that peak muscle forces of 22 times subject body weight (22 BW) could be present in the quadriceps muscle group and 7 BW in the gastrocnemius. The anterior shin muscles were found to be active for the first 9% of stance phase only, and compressive loads of 33 BW were found in the knee joint. The relationship between these nigh forces in the lower limbs and running related injuries is discussed.