Redefining the meaning of teaching: A work in progress

Abstract

Particular elements of a new initial certification program are described. The use of inquiry, collaboration, and reflection as teaching strategies resulted in new learning for preservice teachers, experienced teachers, and university faculty involved in the program. Each partner in the endeavor indicated an increased understanding of these strategies as effective tools for teaching and learning at every level of the profession. Furthermore, a vision of professional development for experienced professionals in the context of their work with novice teachers emerged. Guidelines for the design and implementation of such programs are proposed.     

THE IMPACT OF AN INSERVICE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM ON THE GERONTOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES OF GERIATRIC RECREATIONAL SERVICE PROVIDERS

The impact of an inservice program on practitioners’ gerontological knowledge and attitudes was examined. A nonequivalent control group design was used to conduct the study. The experimental group was made up of geriatric recreational service providers attending the first of two annual one‐week inservice educational programs. An outdoor resource management undergraduate level class served as the control group. The experimental group relative to the control group underwent a significant increase in their gerontological knowledge. Neither group experienced a significant change in their attitudes regarding the social value of the elderly or personal anxiety toward aging. The amount of change experienced in gerontological knowledge by program participants was significantly influenced by the degree of contact the individual had had with elders but not by their educational background. Educational background and degree of contact were not significantly associated with change in gerontological‐related attitudes. Implications for persons involved in designing and developing educational programs are discussed.     

Collaboration and partnership in question: knowledge,politics and practice

The paper provides a framework from which to critique orthodox assumptions about the processes of collaboration, especially in relation to the concepts of public space and power. Key issues are the private-public distinction and the metaphor of ‘public space’. The critique is rooted in alternatives to orthodox, Liberal humanist political perspectives in philosophy and draws on real examples of collaboration. Some of these are from my own experiences of a number of small-scale, policy-oriented, research projects and evaluations, both commissioned and university-originated. Suggestions are made about implications for the genesis of a politics of connection leading to collective actions.     

Nurses' use of computer databases to identify evidence for practice--a cross-sectional questionnaire survey in a UK hospital

The objectives of this study were to determine nurses' use of electronic databases to inform practice. A questionnaire survey of 114 nurses working on five acute wards in a large inner city teaching hospital investigated their general use of computers and the three databases, CINAHL, MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library. Eighty-two qualified nurses responded (response rate 72%). The results show limited confidence and low frequency in using the databases. Thirty-four per cent expressed low confidence using CINAHL. Twenty-seven per cent used CINAHL on a regular basis. Twenty-two per cent never used it. Eighteen per cent were unaware that it was available locally. Knowledge and use of MEDLINE was even lower with only 18% using it regularly. Knowledge of the Cochrane Library was extremely limited, with 75% unaware of its existence. Use of a home computer and higher education were associated with higher frequency of use of CINAHL and MEDLINE. If nurses are to make use of electronic resources to contribute to evidence-based practice, effort needs to be put into ensuring that already qualified nurses have basic computer skills and specific knowledge of available resources. More emphasis should be placed on 'evidence-based' resources, such as the Cochrane library, as sources of information for practice.     

Book reviews

Authors and Electronic Publishing, a report produced by Alma Swan and Sheridan Brown, Key Perspectives Ltd Association of Learned and Professional Society Publishers (ALPSP) 2002. Members, £50 (US$100); Non-members £100 (US$200). ISBN 090734123-3 My Life in Science by Sydney Brenner BioMed Central Ltd, 2001; rev. edn including personal photos, 2002. Pp. 199. Paper, £14.99 recommended retail price; £10.49 for BioMed Central users ( www.biomedcentral.com/info/brenner.asp ). ISBN: 0-9540278-0-9 Understanding Copyright… in a Week by Graham P. Cornish Institute of Management, published by Hodder & Stoughton, 2000. £6.99. ISBN 0-340-78241-2 Towards Consensus on the Electronic Use of Publications in Libraries – Strategy Issues and Recommendations by Thomas Dreier Gottinger Bibliotheksschriften, 2001. Pp. 120. Paperback. Available at: http://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/tecup/towacons.pdf . ISBN 3-930457-16-4. ISSN: 0943-951X     

Physical activity,physiological, and psychomotor performance: a study of variously active older adult men

This research examined varying levels of physical activity and psychomotor and physiological function in variously active older men. Very active moderately active, and low active participants were tested on simple (SRT) and choice reaction time (CRT), coincidence-anticipation timing (CAT), and VO2max. No significant differences for age or height were found, although percentage of fat, and weight were statistically different. Active groups were leaner and lighter. VO2max was significantly different between groups, as physically active groups yielded geater values. SRT and CAT also yielded significantly different results with more active participants showing better performance. No between-groups significant differences resulted for CRT. Generally, increased levels of physical activity were related to superior physiological outcomes and improved psychomotor peformance.