Enabling critical reflection on research supervisory practice

This paper describes the development of an instrument—The Reflective Supervisor Questionnaire (RSQ). The RSQ maps the domain of research supervisory practice as a facilitative process involving educational tasks and activities. It is designed to assist research supervisors explore, by means of self‐reflection and reflection on feedback from others, how they practise supervision. In developing the RSQ 58 items were generated describing 5 hypothesised constructs derived from prior research. The resulting instrument was tested on postgraduate research students in 2 institutions. The questionnaire correlated highly with an established questionnaire supervision scale and with an overall satisfaction measure. Four factors identified in an exploratory analysis closely approximated the hypothesised constructs and extended the theoretical framework being developed. These 4 factors identified 4 subsets of facilitative supervisory practice: Progressing the Candidature, Mentoring, Coaching the Research Project, and Sponsoring Student Participation in Academic/Professional Practice. Issues in the interpretation of the findings and the possible usage in academic development programs of an instrument based on them are discussed.     

A Study of the Variables Influencing Academic Library Staff's Attitudes Toward Marketing

This article aims to present an insight into some of the factors influencing the attitudes of academic library staff in three UK university libraries toward marketing and how these factors could be incorporated into an existing model. An online questionnaire about attitudes to marketing and personality was completed by 54 academic library staff from three UK universities. Four academic library management staff were also selected for in-depth interviews. The results indicated that academic library staff have a positive attitude toward marketing and feel that it is vital in the current environment. The research found that personality factors such as extroversion and openness to change, experience and training influenced marketing attitudes. It also revealed that academic library staff were unclear of the definition of marketing, leading to a possible misunderstanding and mistrust of the terminology. The research discovered a gap in marketing knowledge and understanding that must be addressed for marketing success to be achieved. The findings supported the definition of marketing for individual academic libraries as a prerequisite to strategic marketing planning and the importance of considering the attitudes of staff when implementing marketing strategy.     

Adult learners’ use of flexible online resources in a blended programme

This paper presents a case study of a blended programme for adults and discusses findings from a mixed‐methods investigative study of learners’ and tutors’ experiences of the programme. The programme employs a set of flexible online resources, which are activity‐based and designed to provide choice in study routes and modes of learning. Our research has identified four main strategies used by learners when working with these resources: universalists, butterflies, changelings, and minimalists. We discuss these strategies and consider the value learners feel they have gained from the flexible programme. The strategies identified have implications for course designers and facilitators, requiring an increased emphasis on the course process over course content, and support for the development of learners’ confidence.

Wie erfahrene Anfänger flexible Online‐Mittel in einem Vermischten Programm benutzen

Dieses Papier präsentiert als Fallstudie ein gemischtes Programm für Erwachsene und bespricht die Ergebnisse einer mit gemischten Methoden durchgeführten Studie und die Erfahrungen von Anfängern und Tutoren mit diesem Programm. Das Programm verwendet eine Reihe auf Selbsttätigkeit beruhender flexibler Online‐Mittel, die die Wahl der Studienwege und Lernweisen unterstützen sollen. Unsere Forschung hat vier von Anfängern verwendete Hauptstrategien identifiziert, die mit diesen Mitteln arbeiteten: Universalisten, “Schmetterlinge”, Wechsler, und Minimalisten. Wir besprechen diese Strategien und prüfen, was die Anfänger unserer Meinung nach von der Nutzung dieser flexiblen Programme glauben gewonnen zu haben. Die identifizierten Strategien haben als Implikationen für Kurs‐Entwickler und Vermittler eine vergrößerte Betonung auf den Kurs‐Prozess über den Kurs‐Inhalt zu legen und die Entwicklung von Selbstvertrauen der Anfänger zu unterstützen.

Les apprenants adultes et l’utilisation des ressources en ligne « souples » dans le cadre d’un programme mixte

Cet article présente une étude de cas, celle d’un programme mixte destiné aux adultes et examine les résultats d’une étude approfondie des expériences vécues par les étudiants et les tuteurs au cours de ce programme, menée en mélangeant plusieurs méthodes. Ce programme a recours à un ensemble de ressources souples en ligne, qui sont fondées sur des activités et conçues pour fournir des choix d’itinéraires d’étude et de modes d’apprentissage. Notre recherche a identifié quatre stratégies principales utilisées par les apprenants lorsqu’ils travaillent avec ces ressources: les universalistes, les papillons, les mutants et les minimalistes. Nous comparons ces stratégies et examinons quelle valeur les apprenants pensent avoir retirée du programme souple. Les stratégies identifiées ont des implications pour les concepteurs et facilitateurs des cours car elle demandent que l’on porte une attention plus grande au processus du cours plutôt qu’au contenu et qu’on soutienne le développement de la confiance des apprenants.

Los alumnos adultos y el uso de los recursos en línea flexibles dentro de un programa mixto

Este artículo presenta el estudio de caso de un programa mixto para adultos y examina los resultados de un estudio y investigación (llevado a cabo a través de un abordaje plurimetodólogico) de las experiencias vividas por los alumnos y tutores del programa. Este programa utiliza un conjunto de recursos flexibles en línea que son basados en actividades y diseñados para ofrecer alternativas en la elección de los itinerarios de estudio y los modos de aprendizaje. Nuestra investigación ha identificado cuatro estrategias principales utilizadas por los alumnos cuando están trabajando con esos recursos: los universalistas, las mariposas, los mutantes y los minimalistas. Discutimos de esas estrategias y examinamos el valor que los alumnos piensan que han sacado del programa flexible. Las estrategias identificadas conllevan consecuencias para los diseñadores y facilitadores de cursos como la necesidad de mayor énfasis en el proceso del curso (más que en el contenido propio) y al mismo tiempo un apoyo para el desarrollo de la confianza de los alumnos.     

Tomorrow’s a mystery: constructions of the future and ‘un/becoming’ amongst ‘early’ and ‘late’ career academics

Abstract

Constructing a secure sense of a professional future has become increasingly difficult for early career researchers, whilst concerns about present and future job in/security have also been expressed in relation to already-established academics. In this paper, we draw on qualitative data from a U.K. study to explore everyday conceptualisations of the future for both ‘early career’ and ‘late career’ academics, in the context of increased fears and actualities of occupational precarity. We utilise theories of the social construction of time, as well as a conception of precarity and ‘precarization’ utilised by Butler (2009a, 2009b) and Lorey (2015), relating to ‘politically induced’ forms of insecurity that are a direct product of neoliberalism. The research reveals a variety of forms and levels of concern and anxiety by both groups for their own futures, and for the future of the academy as a whole.     

Retrieval comparison of EndNote to search MEDLINE (Ovid and PubMed) versus searching them directly

Using EndNote version 7.0, the authors tested the search capabilities of the EndNote search engine for retrieving citations from MEDLINE for importation into EndNote, a citation management software package. Ovid MEDLINE and PubMed were selected for the comparison. Several searches were performed on Ovid MEDLINE and PubMed using EndNote as the search engine, and the same searches were run on both Ovid and PubMed directly. Findings indicate that it is preferable to search MEDLINE directly rather than using EndNote. The publishers of EndNote do warn its users about the limitations of their product as a search engine when searching external databases. In this article, the limitations of EndNote as a search engine for searching MEDLINE were explored as related to MeSH, non-MeSH, citation verification, and author searching.     

The informationist in Australia: a feasibility study

OBJECTIVES: A clinical informationist could provide the best available published evidence in response to clinicians' questions identified during the process of care. This study sought to assess the feasibility of an informationist service and to propose a model for its delivery in an Australian teaching hospital. Whilst similar services are increasing in the UK, with a long history in the USA, this is the first Australian study in an acute public hospital. METHODS: The views of 40/49 (82%) medical staff at the Daw Park Repatriation General Hospital, South Australia were canvassed using a questionnaire designed to address key issues relating to a proposed service. RESULTS: Doctors were receptive to its potential benefits, perceived it as relevant and likely to be used, and were interested in a pilot. They typically indicated a required response time of 24 h. They expressed limited concerns other than a likely high workload for such a service, and reported currently searching infrequently for evidence in response to clinical questions, citing time issues and unavailability of computers as current key barriers to pursuing clinical questions. CONCLUSIONS: An informationist service is feasible. Results suggest that a pilot could be run in an area of acute medicine where questions about therapy and diagnosis are likely to proliferate, and the informationist should attend consultant ward rounds and clinical meetings, aiming to provide a response within 24 h.     

A study of the light sensitivity of birch bark

Birch bark is commonly found in indigenous collections in Canadian museums. It is empirically known that light can cause the cambium side of birch bark to change colour. The purpose of this research is to better assess the light sensitivities of various colours of birch barks, and the manner, degree, and rate of colour change during light exposure. Six barks with different colours were used: beige, yellow, orange, orange-brown, red, and brown. Samples were exposed to daylight through a north-facing window (window), LED light from an enclosed chamber (LED), and the Newport-Oriel microfade tester (MFT). Window and MFT samples received a total light dose of approximately 25 Mlux-hours, and LED samples, 182 Mlux-hours. Colour monitoring of the samples showed that almost all barks initially darkened and then faded. Daylight through window caused the most rapid and extensive darkening and fading. Bluewool (BW) ratings for window samples were the lowest (most light sensitive). The MFT and LED samples showed a similar degree of colour change, with the same dose, despite the difference in intensity. Ratings of MFT samples are within one BW step difference compared to LED samples. The rate and extent of initial darkening depended on the colour of the bark; the middle range orange-toned barks showed the most rapid and extensive darkening followed by fading.     

Student ratings and various instructional variables from a within-instructor perspective

The relationship between class size, instructional method, course level, reason for enrollment, and student ratings of instruction was assessed from a within-instructor perspective. Two hundred fifty-four pairs of courses taught by the same instructor were correspondingly identified and subjected to a stepwise multiple regression procedure. Only class size was found to be a significant predictor of ratings once individual differences between instructors were controlled, hence underlining the importance of (1) taking cognizance of the size of the course when using student ratings of instructors as a measure of teaching effectiveness, and (2) controlling for systematic variation due to instructor idiosyncracies in instructional research.     

Combining Data on Criticality and Frequency in Developing Test Plans for Licensure and Certification Examinations

Job analysis is a critical component in evaluating the validity of many high-stakes testing programs, particularly those used for licensure or certification. The ratings of criticality and frequency of various activities that are derived from such job analyses can be combined in a number of ways. This paper develops a multiplicative model as a natural and effective way to combine ratings o f frequency and criticality in order to obtain estimates of the relative importance of different activities for practice. An example of the model's use is presented. The multiplicative model incorporates adjustments to ensure that the effective weights of frequency and criticality are appropriate.