Boy talk/girl talk: is it the same at animal exhibits?

The differences which gender may make to pupils’ science learning are being explored by researchers working in formal and non‐formal settings. In out‐of‐classroom research there is a particular reference to behaviour in interactive science centres. This paper explores responses of primary school groups to animal exhibits. Folklore suggests that girls are more likely to be attracted to animals and be interested in biological science. The data obtained from recording, transcribing and analysing the content of conversations of primary school groups at different types of animal exhibits, live animals in a zoo, museum animals and robotic animal models in a natural history museum are presented. Overall there is remarkable similarity in conversational content, but groups with only boy pupils name specimens more whereas groups with girls only make more emotive comments.     

Teachers and local sure start programmes — Their numbers,roles and some issues surrounding their appointment

This paper examines the numbers and roles of those teachers employed as teachers in 249 Sure Start local programmes. It looks at their roles and the numbers appointed in relation to: regions of the country; the length of time programmes have been running and the lead agency of the programme. It discusses the perceptions of respondents, through narrative discourse, and throws light on the attitudes of some staff within programmes on the concept of including teachers in integrated centres delivering children's services. This information may be useful for strategic planners and programme managers when discussing the issues surrounding the employment of teachers in Children's Centres.