The construct of image and the conduct of change in education

In this article, the author discusses the concept of the individual as essentially autonomous. Subsequently, each individual, in theory, is capable of directing the course of his/her own life. Yet, as persons, we are continually required to confront and even overcome new challenges in life. The potential of every human being to respond to such life experiences in a positive or constructive manner is considered in this article. In short, an individual's power to assume control over unanticipated events, as opposed passively to allowing those events to command the dictates of human existence, is examined. The role and importance of education in equipping individuals to confront and adapt to new life situations is debated. Submissions made by theorists such as Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Viktor Frankl and Paulo Freire are also included.     

‘You know what you've done right and what you've done wrong and what you need to improve on’: New Zealand students' perspectives on feedback

This study was designed to explore children's understanding of formative assessment and its effects on their learning, in order to establish what learners perceive as important to help them improve their learning. The study found that children have a good understanding of the concepts of feedback, and can articulate clearly the elements most useful for helping them to improve their learning. A key finding of the study was that although there is consistency about the factors involved in good assessment, there is variation in the type of feedback seen as effective in demonstrating those factors. Issues relating to possible gender differences in the reception of feedback, and in what is perceived as helpful, emerged during the study. Recommendations for future research include the need to explore these, followed by the identification of implications for classroom use if a gender‐based link relating to formative assessment is found.     

366 Days,366 Books

I made a New Year’s resolution to read a book a day in 2012.In 2013,you can too.     

The molecular scattering of light from certain organic liquids

An attempt is made to discover in the molecular scattering of light a method by which atomic linkages in molecules may be recognized. The essential features of the method are described. There are rather serious difficulties in its application to complex molecules, two of which are suggested. Nevertheless, it may be claimed that the work is not without result, because frequencies attributable to linkages which hold externally substituted atoms or groups seem to be relatively undisturbed by positional effects.In conclusion, the authors wish to express their indebtedness to Mr. G. M. J. Mackay whose interest in this problem made the present work possible.     

Positive youth development and gender differences in high performance sport

ABSTRACT

We examined positive youth development within a high performance sport environment. Youth football players (N = 455; Males = 315; Females = 140) completed a range of questionnaires including: the Youth Experiences Survey for Sport; Self-Confidence subscale of the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory–2 Revised; Sport Competence Inventory; Prosocial and Antisocial Behaviour in Sport Scale; and the modified Coach-Athlete Relationship questionnaire. The players reported a relatively high level of self-confidence, competence and positive youth experiences. They felt a strong coach-athlete relationship and displayed higher levels of prosocial than antisocial behaviour. Males scored significantly higher than females on self-confidence, perceived self-competence, antisocial behaviour to teammates and opponents, relationship with their coach, and cognitive skills. Findings suggest a relationship between high performance sport environments and positive youth development.