On the citation influence methodology of Pinski and Narin

Using Markov Chain theory we give further insight into the citation influence methodology for scientific publications which was initially described by Pinski and Narin.     

Experiential education from a cultural viewpoint: The peer evaluation meeting as a ritual of enculturation

Experiential education may be viewed as a process of enculturation; a student explores the work culture in depth and learns how to develop the personality characteristics prized by the culture. Implications of a cultural viewpoint for selection, training, and evaluation of students in an undergraduate internship in a psychiatric residential treatment center for adolescents are examined. One ritual of enculturation, the peer evaluation meeting, is discussed and recommended for its benefits to experiential education as a tool for training, providing staff identity and psychological support, and affirmation of the values of the institution.     

The relationship between qualified personnel and self-reported implementation of recommended physical education practices and programs in U.S. schools

The authors analyzed data from the School Health Policies and Programs Study 2000 to assess the associations between the presence of a district physical education coordinator and district-level physical education policies and practices recommended by federal government agencies and national organizations. The authors also examined the relationship between teacher qualifications and staff development related to physical education and self-reported implementation of recommended teachingpractices. District-level data were collected by self-administered mail questionnaires from a nationally representative sample of school districts. Classroom-level data were collected by computer-assisted personal interviews with teachers of randomly selected classes in elementary schools and randomly selected required physical education courses in middle/junior high and senior high schools. Nearly two thirds (62.2%) of districts had a physical education coordinator, and those were generally more likely than other districts to report having policies and practices that corresponded with national recommendations for high-quality physical education programs. More than two thirds of teachers (66.9%) met the criteria for teacher qualifications based on their education and certification. These teachers were more likely than others to report use of certain recommended physical education teaching practices. Teachers who participated in staff development also were more likely to use recommended teaching practices in their classrooms. Using a district physical education coordinator and teachers with appropriate qualifications as well as offering staff development opportunities on physical education may enhance school physical education programs.