Progression in learning science balanced forces

This article is linked to the last in its intelligent concern for the purposes of activities (“play”; “building with apparatus”) that can too often become part of the “routine” of a classroom. She starts with her own sensitive observations of what children do in her own classroom and enables us to see the value of structured use of play materials. With our current concerns for science, design and technology teaching in junior and secondary schools, it is, perhaps, a timely reminder of those subjects' starting points.     

Quality of school life and attitudes to Irish in the Irish-medium and English-medium primary school

This research reports pupils’ perceptions of their quality of school life in primary schools in Northern Ireland, investigated through development and use of a culturally adapted instrument with both experimental (Irish-medium) and control (English-medium) groups. A related issue examined via a second culturally adapted instrument was the pupils’ attitudes towards the Irish language. Findings show that there is a significant difference in the perception/attitude profiles of both groups. However, the magnitude of the effects is small, with both sets of pupils being positively disposed overall towards their quality of school life. This is a noteworthy finding when the comparative under-resourcing of Irish-medium schools is taken into account. Findings also reveal that Irish-medium pupils have highly instrumental views of schooling. The research developed robust and culturally compatible instruments which offer a useful starting point for an examination of school effectiveness in the Irish-medium sector.     

ORAL HISTORY AND THE MOTIVATION TO LEARN: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY

Previous research has indicated that (1) older adults are predisposed to reflect on the meaning and integrity of their lives, (2) few legitimate opportunities to reminisce are available to the elderly, and (3) oral history has been used successfully as a teaching method with young students who worked with the elderly. The oral histories of 13 residents of a Veterans Administration Hospital nursing home care unit were collected by 11 members of the staff. The histories were reviewed by teachers and were used to establish the content of two experimental courses that were open only to residents who had been interviewed. At the conclusion of the classes, data were collected from attendance records and from the teachers, members of the staff, and friends and relatives of the residents. The data were used to assess the impact of the project on the residents and on the staff. The implications of the study for teachers and administrators and for educational researchers are discussed.     

Exploring ways that ePortfolios can support the progressive development of graduate qualities and professional competencies

Since the late-1990s, the University of South Australia has embedded seven Graduate Qualities across all programs. Subsequently, the higher education landscape has changed dramatically in terms of national policies and standards, as well as technologies available to support learning and teaching. Most higher education institutions now have their own list of qualities or attributes developed by graduates. Further changes in Australia include quality assurance accredited through a national body, such as the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency, and the development of disciplinary Threshold Learning Outcomes under the Learning and Teaching Academic Standards project. Similar changes are underway internationally. A multi-disciplinary research project at University of South Australia explored how ePortfolios might enhance this learning environment with a focus on aligning standards, Graduate Qualities and professional requirements. This paper outlines approaches taken in Engineering and Law undergraduate programs using two different ePortfolio tools (PebblePad and Mahara), where we sought to discover if this would empower learners to articulate their achievements and to understand professional frameworks. Lessons learnt and evaluation data are presented, along with recommendations to support a progressive developmental approach across programs. Whilst the experiences relate to two disciplinary areas, the approach taken can be adapted for other programs. Many of the insights gained also apply to strategies that exclude ePortfolio tools.     

‘Me at university doing teacher training – what a big laugh’: narrative and parrhesia

This paper uses Foucault’s notion of parrhesia to analyse the story of another and to interrogate teacher education in terms of the particular moral order or the forms of socialization that it uses. I examine the context of my own teaching in terms of truth‐telling and the normative expectations that were found to exist. Through reflection and analysis and using the patterns of action research came the realization that some of what we do within teacher education examines a student’s moral performance rather than their pedagogical ability. The particular moral code that fits within teaching and teacher education needs to be considered in terms of social justice and social change. It argues that there exist collegial restraints and the typifications that serve to find the kinds of students and future teachers we consider appropriate. As an example of an action research study, the paper raises many questions that need to be further considered particularly in regard to ‘regimes of truth’ within teacher education.     

Active engagement,emotional impact and changes in practice arising from a residential field trip

This study focused on the learning experiences of 50 undergraduate students undertaking a residential field trip (RFT) to Sweden as part of their Early Childhood Studies degree. Three dimensions were examined: the physical and emotional value afforded to the students from the active learning context; how this was interpreted and reflected in their knowledge, understanding and personal practice once they had left university; and the influence of factors such as age, and professional status on students' practice. The methodology was interpretive, and both deductive and inductive approaches were employed to analyse qualitative, narrative data sets derived from semi-structured questionnaires, interviews and written essays. The findings suggested that the physiological effects of hands on engagement influenced both the students' perceptions of the learning experience and their confidence to become agents of change. Subsequent changes directly attributed to the RFT experience, involved the re-evaluation of both the stereotypical pedagogic role and the way in which they related to children; students re-conceptualised their practices to reflect a more child-centred approach and increased their use of outdoor play and sustainable resources. The RFT was a catalyst that promoted empowerment, and informed both personal and professional transformations.     

Personal glimpses

The effects of failure as explained in theories of frustration, learned helplessness, reactance, attribution and achievement motivation are discussed and compared. Samplings of related research findings are cited and implications for future research as well as educational practice are proposed.     

Barriers,Successes and Enabling Practices of Education for Sustainability in Far North Queensland Schools: A Case Study

There are many documented barriers to implementing school-based sustainability. This article examines a) the barriers faced by principals and staff in two regional primary schools in Far North Queensland, Australia, well known for their exemplary practice, and b) ways the barriers were overcome. Through interviews conducted with principals and key staff, the authors found lack of time, direct funding for innovation, teacher conceptual understanding, resistance from some fellow staff to sustainability education, and being positioned as a “greenie” were presented as barriers to effective practice. The research reveals how innovation, determination, trust, and active principal support enabled the teachers to push ahead. Other educators experiencing difficulties with implementing sustainability education will likely find the discussion useful.     

Lazy leisure: A qualitative investigation of the relational uses of television in marriage

Communication researchers have examined television from the perspective of the individual's uses and gratifications, family viewing, and within specific contexts such as soap opera or Olympic coviewing. However, little is known about married couples and the role of television in their relationships. This study sought to use extensive personal interviews to examine why couples watch television together, how they perceive the role of television in their relationships, and any positive or negative effects of television use in their relationship. Results were compared to earlier research regarding family TV use, and quantitative research on couples’ uses of television. A new dimension, interpersonal control, was identified as an outcome of coviewing for married couples.     

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This article employed cluster analysis and multidimensional scaling techniques to develop a working typology of relevant compliance‐gaining message strategies. Subjects constructed and sorted strategies they reported to use in three compliance‐gaining situations. The resultant typology included “direct‐rational,” “manipulation,” “exchange” and “threat” strategies. A category of “expertise claims” strategies emerged in the solutions for a negotiating situation. Some of the obtained categories supported strategies used in Clark (1979) and Fitzpatrick and Winke (1979), providing independent support for the existence of some aspects of their taxonomies. It was concluded that future research on identifying factors influencing strategy preference strive to incorporate more relevant forms of strategy choices.