A systematic review of environmental interventions to improve child language outcomes for children with or at risk of primary language impairment

Systematic reviews are important as a key source of information for commissioners and for developing practice in speech and language therapy (SLT) and early years. Interventions in this field are often complex and are delivered in community settings. This paper applies a systematic review of environmental interventions in early years for children with speech, language and communication needs. Interventions for primary language impairment may be divided into those which are child-focused and those which are focused on the environment. In both cases, the aim is to effect changes in the child's language skills. The paper introduces the context of evidence-based practice and commissioning of such interventions and argues that systematic reviews may be combined with other evidence to provide information which is fit for purpose for commissioners and for practitioners in the field.     

家庭游戏及面临的挑战

通过对家庭视频/电脑游戏和视频/电脑游戏设备的使用情况,对家庭视频/电脑游戏推广和使用的影响因素,如家庭经济状况、性别和年龄差异、游戏观念、游戏角色及游戏类型等进行详细地分析,指出这些影响因素决定了家庭对游戏的接受程度,也决定了家长在家庭视频/电脑游戏中所扮演的角色。家庭视频/电脑游戏也面临的诸多挑战,如游戏中的暴力内容、安全性、游戏时间与空间、健康问题和游戏的社交性等。     

Social support within an on-line cancer community: an assessment of emotional support,perceptions of advantages and disadvantages,and motives for using the community from a communication perspective

This study investigated an on-line cancer support community emphasizing communication concerns important to the community administrators. The researcher conducted an on-line survey of participants (N v = v 103) focused on their on-line communication activities and social support. The results indicate a modest negative correlation between emotional support received on-line and perceived stress, differences in emotional support scores based on perceptions of disadvantages of on-line support groups, and different motives for using the community between people with cancer and family members. The study also describes suggestions based on the results that were made to community administrators and which could be used by other on-line support communities.     

Peer to peer support: the disappearing work in the doctoral student experience

This paper reflects on the importance of study groups in contributing to a positive postgraduate experience and explores specific concepts, such as ‘disappearing behaviours’ in contrasting the ‘official’ languages of universities with the beneficial behaviours found through study groups. Additionally the paper advocates the systematic inclusion of strategies such as study groups in the postgraduate experience. Funding arrangements and research frameworks for higher education in Australia focus on student progress and completion, as well as comparison of research quality within and between universities. As a result, there is a significant emphasis on timely completion of postgraduate degrees. This paper posits that there is an apparent contradiction between the indicators of success in this area, such as completion rates and annual progress reports and the positive contribution that study groups can make to the doctoral student experience.     

Bursaries and Student Success: a Study of Students from Low-Income Groups at Two Institutions in the South West

This article draws on quantitative and qualitative data from two institutions to compare the student experience of those with and without bursary awards. Using the student life cycle model, the article examines the ways in which bursaries impact on the student experience before they enter the institution, in the early weeks of their studies and as they progress through their programmes. At these two institutions, students with bursaries were more likely to be retained and to perform well during the first year than those without bursaries. The study found that bursaries can ease financial pressures during their transition to higher education (HE) and that institution‐specific bursaries can affect students’ perceptions of an institution and their commitment to succeed. After 2006, those institutions wishing to charge variable fees will be required to provide bursary support for low‐income students. The findings from this article suggest that HE providers should consider the timing of the bursary payments and the implicit message the bursary sends to applicants if they want to ensure that their bursaries have a positive impact on the student experience.     

Distinctiveness of curriculum provision at 14 to 16 for students with learning difficulties: opportunities and challenges

In this article, Hazel Lawson, principal lecturer in education at the University of Plymouth, Sue Waite, a researcher at the University of Plymouth, and Christopher Robertson, lecturer in special and inclusive education at the University of Birmingham, discuss the curriculum for students with severe and profound and multiple learning difficulties at ages 14 to 16. This phase of schooling, referred to as Key Stage 4 in the English system, is characterised, in mainstream settings, by examination processes. Drawing upon research work carried out for the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, they argue that developing a distinctive curriculum offer for students with severe and profound and multiple learning difficulties in Key Stage 4 presents both opportunities and challenges. Setting their argument in the context of current proposals for the reform of education between the ages of 14 and 19 in England, they highlight issues including the desire to maintain breadth and balance while meeting individual needs and preferences; progression towards more facilitative pedagogies and a diversity of contexts for learning; and tensions between providing continuity and introducing change intended to promote increased student autonomy. This article will be of direct interest to policy makers and practitioners in mainstream and specialist settings.     

ALPSP Affairs

The ALPSP Electronic Developments Committee has now been in existence for two years; this article reviews its origins, its activities to date and possible future directions.