Relationships and learning: a review and investigation of narrative coherence in looked‐after children in primary school

This review and investigation draws on principles from attachment theory regarding the importance of early relationships and their impact on the coherence and organisation of psychological functions. Comparisons are made between the narrative coherence scores of an experimental group of 17 looked‐after children with problematic relationship histories in mainstream school and a matched control group of 17 of their peers. There were significant differences between the groups in the coherence of children's narratives, denial and avoidance in story play themes and in their use of intentionality. The paper considers the theory and discusses the results in terms of the implications for teaching, learning and intervention.     

Qualities Related to Success in Women's Physical Education Professional Preparation Program

Abstract

Sixty-nine physical education majors were used as subjects in an attempt to identify those personal and physical qualities of women physical education students which would most effectively predict success in the professional preparation program of physical education. The criteria of success included the cumulative academic index, a rating by the faculty, and a rating by the student's peer group. Predictive variables consisting of measures of physical fitness, general motor ability, temperament traits, mental ability, interests, and values were evaluated.

The single predictive variable yielding the highest positive relationship with success in the professional preparation program was physical fitness; the value and interest variables showed practically no relationship. The best combination of variables for predicting success was the physical fitness index, the active temperament trait score, and the mental ability score.     

School-community partnership models: implications for leadership

School–community partnerships have shown promise as an educational reform effort. In these partnerships, schools expand their traditional educational mission to include health and social services for children and families and to involve the broader community. Such partnerships have been found to enhance student learning, strengthen schools and support struggling neighbourhoods. Little is known, however, about the implications for school and community leadership in different types of partnerships. A previous review of the literature indicated four basic types of partnership, each with a different scope and purpose and different implications for leadership. Informed by interagency, leadership and social capital theories, this article describes the leadership practices that support each model and the dilemmas these partnership leaders face. The overall goal of the article is to deepen understanding of leadership in these models in order to strengthen the conditions for school–community partnership success.     

Handling Internet Connectivity Challenges in a Typical University Academic Library in Nigeria: A Case Study of Kenneth Dike Library

This article examines the practical ways of handling Internet connectivity challenges in a typical university academic library setting in Nigeria, using Kenneth Dike Library (KDL), University of Ibadan, as a case study. Both internal and external factors are responsible for the challenges being experienced in terms of Internet connectivity in KDL. The current state of Internet connectivity within the KDL is presented. Also discussed are an overview of the previous model of Local Area Network (LAN) within the KDL, the challenges associated with the previous model, an overview of the new LAN model and discussion/way forward. Finally, conclusion and recommendations are presented.