Organisation in the nursery

The importance of continuing professional development (CPD) is increasingly recognised as an important contributor to school improvement. Successful CPD involves gaining the commitment of teachers to the process, and to sustaining and supporting their involvement in activities that are beneficial to both their professional growth and the development of their school and the children. This article describes a whole school improvement initiative that sought to do just that: a partnership, in which Hampshire inspection and advisory service; University College, Winchester; and the teachers at Lee-on-the Solent Junior School, worked together to enable practitioner research to become both a reality, and a powerful contributor to both personal development and school improvement.     

Contemporary approaches to learning science: technologically-mediated practical work

This paper describes the current state of science education in Arab states and anticipates some of the challenges faced by those states as they reform their science education. After discussing problems of illiteracy, access and quality we provide contextual information about the structure of the educational systems and describe recent efforts to reform them. We focus on issues pertaining to science curriculum and textbooks, language, religion, student learning in science, science teacher education and science education research and summarise the challenges and opportunities for research faced in each area. We conclude the paper by proposing a set of policy and research recommendations that could aid in the development of lasting solutions for recurring problems.     

In defence of a pedagogy of the heart: theory and practice in the use of imaginal knowledge

This article outlines one of the theoretical approaches to pedagogy of the heart, drawing specifically on the work of Hillman and his concept of imaginal knowledge. Imaginal knowledge, as opposed to evidence-based and critical pedagogy, illuminates the imagination and moves the heart towards humanistic action. In this paper, we argue that this is an area neglected in the education of professionals. The paper provides a number of methodological strategies for integrating education of the heart with critical and evidence-based knowledge. These strategies deal with how to evoke the imagination and move the heart and then progress to issues of classroom communication and the management of emotions. The context is the teaching of supporting sciences to health professionals in the university sector.     

Environmental Education as a Model for Constructivist Teaching

Abstract

Current literature related to science instruction often includes a discussion of the philosophy of constructivism. The authors describe four main components of a constructivist science lesson or unit. A review of commonly used environmental education materials was conducted to look for these components. Parallels between teaching strategies used in environmental education and constructivist methods are discussed.     

Three Randomized Controlled Trials of Early Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation on Means-End Problem Solving in 9-Month-Olds

This study examines whether feeding infants formula supplemented with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) improves cognitive function of 9-month-olds. Participants included 229 infants from 3 randomized controlled trials. Children received either formula supplemented with docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid, or a control formula beginning at 1–5 days (12-month feeding study), or following 6 weeks (6-week-weaning study) or 4–6 months of breastfeeding (4-to 6-month weaning study). Infants were assessed with a 2-step problem solving task. In the 12-month feeding and 6-week weaning studies, supplemented children had more intentional solutions (successful task completions) and higher intention scores (goal-directed behaviors) than controls. These results suggest that LCPUFA supplementation improves means-end problem solving.     

Prevalence and correlates of resistance training skill competence in adolescents

The aim of this study is to examine the prevalence and correlates of adolescents’ resistance training (RT) skill competence. Participants were 548 adolescents (14.1 ± 0.5 years) from 16 schools in New South Wales, Australia. RT skills were assessed using the Resistance Training Skills Battery. Demographics, BMI, muscular fitness, perceived strength, RT self-efficacy, and motivation for RT were also assessed. The proportion demonstrating “competence” and “near competence” in each of the six RT skills were calculated and sex differences explored. Associations between the combined RT skill score and potential correlates were examined using multi-level linear mixed models. Overall, the prevalence of competence was low (range = 3.3% to 27.9%). Females outperformed males on the squat, lunge and overhead press, whereas males performed better on the push-up (p < .05). Significant associations were seen for a number of correlates, which largely differed by sex. Muscular fitness was moderately and positively associated with RT skills among both males (β = 0.34, 95%CIs = 0.23 to 0.46) and females (β = 0.36, 95%CIs = 0.23 to 0.48). Our findings support a link between RT skills and muscular fitness. Other associations were statistically significant but small in magnitude, and should therefore be interpreted cautiously.     

A relational model of supervision for applied psychology practice: professional growth through relating and reflecting

Supervision is a critical component of initial training and continuing professional development for applied psychology practitioners, and effective supervision is significantly related to the quality of the relationship between supervisor and supervisee. The core task of supervision is to engage in a relational process that provides containing and security, thus facilitating professional growth through reflection on experience. Two key arguments are proposed in this paper: (i) models that support theory-to-practice connections are essential for both supervisees and supervisors and (ii) models informed by psychological theory that place relating and reflecting at the heart of the supervisory process promote practitioner development and effective outcomes for clients. One model – the Relational Model of Supervision for Applied Psychology Practice (RMSAPP) – is outlined, and the systemic, psychodynamic and attachment lenses privileged within it are explored. The paper concludes with the strengths and challenges of the model, along with suggestions for future research directions.     

Research: Gender and Race Differences in the Perceptions of Sexual Harassment

This study examined the influence of gender and race on the perception of sexual harassment and on recommended punitive measures for the potential harasser by college judicial boards. Significant gender-based differences were found in perception of an ambiguous sexual harassment situation. Significant differences by race of the harasser were not found in the perception of harassment or recommendation of punitive measures. Results suggest a possible shift in race relations among college students as well as differences in the way men and women perceive ambiguous sexual harassment situations. Implications for college counselors and administrators are discussed.     

The effect of sensory awareness training on interpersonal social distance in fourth graders

The use of sensory awareness training and the place of training (youth hostel or regular classroom) were systematically controlled in 4 fourth-grade classrooms. The Horace Mann-Lincoln Social Distance Scale was given. A 2-way nested analysis of variance produced significant effects of intervention training in both settings. This supports the hypothesis that sensory awareness and personal contact promote lessening of social distance within groups. The training methods described in this study can easily be adapted for use in elementary classrooms as a part of group activities and as a counseling technique.