Characterising the impact performance of field hockey sticks

Published research on field hockey equipment is scarce. The aim of this research was to investigate methods for characterising the impact performance of field hockey sticks. Three sticks were used with fundamental frequencies in the range 74?C154?Hz. Striking an initially still ball with a stick was identified as the preferred method for characterising performance. Impacts were simulated at mean velocities of 19?m/s at toe and 16?m/s at the shaft. The mean apparent coefficient of restitution and standard deviation were ?0.32?±?0.05 at the toe and ?0.18?±?0.02 at the shaft. The foundation work presented here provides the foundations for developing a methodology for characterising the impact performance of field hockey sticks.     

The Enduring Effects of Early-Learned Ideas and Local Folklore on Children’s Astronomy Knowledge

Research in Science Education - The research described here examined the sources of knowledge of astronomy of children (age 3–18) in China and New Zealand, together with the development of...     

Releasing the socio-imagination: children's voices on creativity,capability and mental well-being

With increasing concerns in the UK about the positive mental well-being and flourishing of children, this research, using drama and creative writing with primary school teachers, children and a theatre company, looks at the links between creative processes and children's well-being. This pedagogy applies a capability approach and we use this lens to examine children's critical reflections on the project. Interview data highlight the link between agency, social imagination and subjective well-being. The study offers some concrete examples of the ways in which creative processes can move beyond an outcome-based understanding of the curriculum by offering a legitimate space for children to explore their values and develop competencies which are crucial for well-being in the 21st century.     

Interactive TV as an option in early childhood teacher education

Abstract

The qualitative study examined the processes and approaches to collaboration, reflection, and dialogue of preservice and mentoring teachers who were engaged in a yearlong internship experience. Within the context of a university course grounded in constructivism, social constructivism, and the concept of teacher as researcher, the study explored the social interactions of the teachers throughout the course of the school day. Teachers were observed in the process of planning and reflecting on daily classroom activities through collaborative meetings with a focus on the teaching and learning process. The preservice teachers were educated in the use of the main principles described by the Reggio Emilia Approach ‐ collaboration reflection, and dialogue (Edwards, Gandini &; Forman, 1998) and thus, served as a guide for the collaborative interactions with the mentoring teachers.     

Film—General

INTRODUCTION TO FILM by Robert S. Withers (New York: Barnes & Noble, 1983---$6.95, paper)

OPPORTUNITIES IN FILM by Jan Bone (Available from VGM. Career Horizons, 4255 West Touhy Avenue, Lincolnwood, Illinois 60646-1975 for $5.95 paper or $7.95 hardcover)

CHARLIE CHAPLIN: A BIO-BIBLIOGRAPHY (227 pages, $35.00)

Karen M. Stoddard, SAINTS AND SHREWS: WOMEN AND AGING IN AMERICAN POPULAR FILM (174 pages, $27.95)

THE NEW LATIN AMERICAN CINEMA: AN ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY (1983---$4.00, paper)

100th number of CINE CUBANO ($7.00)

The American Film Institute has begun (and ended) its Monograph series with four volumes. All are available from University Publications of America (44 North Market Street, Frederick, MD 21701; each is $25.00 in hardcover and $10.00 in paperback)

WOMEN AND FILM: BOTH SIDES OF THE CAMERA by E. Ann Kaplan (New York: Methuen, 1983---$10.95, paper)

ROLLING BREAKS AND OTHER MOVIE BUSINESS by Aljean Harmetz (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1983---$14.95)     

Stimulators and barriers towards social innovations in public libraries: Qualitative research study

Public libraries have a huge potential to be creators and facilitators of social innovation in communities and society. Qualitative research based on interviews with 27 librarians showed that social innovation in libraries can take the form of educational and cultural activities, leisure and networking activities and social support services. The main goal of the research was to find out what factors support and make these innovations difficult in public libraries. A four-layer model of barriers and stimulators for social innovation is presented, which includes structural, local, organizational and personnel levels. The model could serve to inform librarians, their stakeholders and governments about all levels of barriers and stimulators connected to innovation of library services and social re-positioning of public libraries in the future.     

Navigating Two Cultures

We investigated the culture of a responsibility-based physical activity program called Project Effort as well as the school culture of its participants. Five children who had at least one full semester of participation in the program participated in the study. We collected data from participants' individual interviews and observations of their involvement at school and in Project Effort. Findings revealed a distinct incongruence between the participants' perceptions of the atmosphere of the after-school program and school. Although explicitly similar values were emphasized between Project Effort and school, participants suggested these values were distorted between the two settings. For example, the empowerment values in Project Effort (e.g., respect, responsibility) were perceived as a discipline approach in the school setting. Participants' perceptions of cultural differences functioned as a barrier to the transfer of program values to the school context.