Crisis negotiations: A Preliminary investigation of facework in naturalistic conflict discourse

This article views crisis negotiations from an interaction goal perspective, with facework constituting a significant and heretofore unexplored dimension of interaction. We present a three‐dimensional model of facework used in coding perpetrator and negotiator discourse for face behaviors within three authentic negotiation interactions. Results indicate that Restore Other's Face and Restore Self's Face were the two predominant facework behaviors. While negotiators were the primary users of Restore Other's Face acts, perpetrators used mostly Restore Self's Face behaviors. No Attack Other's Face acts were observed. However, of five Attack Self's Face behaviors enacted, four occurred in a negotiation which ended in the suicide of the perpetrator. Lag sequential analysis revealed a general cycle of perpetrator use of Restore Self's Face and negotiator use of Restore Other's Face. Implications of these findings for future research and for training crisis negotiators are discussed.     

The UK market for travel E-books

Research was undertaken amongst publishers and potential users of e-book travel guides. In addition, a major UK consultant in electronic publishing was interviewed on the subject. The research demonstrated that, despite the considerable hype and enthusiasm about e-books, there is some way to go before a viable market is likely to be realised. In particular, issues of standardisation are holding up the launch of a realistic number of titles. Copyright is also a concern for the publishers. Publishers appear to be over-concerned with the book metaphor, and are not yet thinking ambitiously enough about multimedia and other added value possibilities. Unless these value added enhancements are supplied, users are unlikely to switch from print volumes.     

Narrative and Chaos Acknowledging the Novelty of Lives-in-Time

In this paper I propose that interest in narrative within the human sciences is comparable to interest in chaos within the natural sciences. In their respective ways, theories on narrative and theories on chaos are aimed at appreciating the dynamics of complex, multi-dimensional systems which otherwise resist our attempts to predict, measure, and control them. Drawing on my research and teaching in gerontology, I consider the storied uniqueness (or novelty) and narrative complexity of lives-in-time on three main levels: the individual, the interpersonal, and the institutional-cultural.     

Reality and illusion: Achieving a balance in the exhibition and treatment of Robert Gober's Untitled wax legs

In 2004–5 Robert Gober cast two sets (male and female) of reclining human legs in beeswax with individually inserted human hairs. These legs are part of a larger multi-component installation where each set of legs is installed in a bathtub filled with running water. Gober exhibited the legs at the Matthew Marks Gallery in 2005 after which they were acquired by MoMA. The legs have been shown twice since 2005; in 2007 in Basel at the Schaulager Museum, and in 2014–5 at MoMA for the Robert Gober retrospective. The legs have experienced a range of significant conditions including wax discoloration, wax efflorescence, algae bloom, soiling, pitting, and hair loss. This paper will overview the legs’ fabrication and discuss their exhibition and treatment histories.     

A Generalized DIF Effect Variance Estimator for Measuring Unsigned Differential Test Functioning in Mixed Format Tests

One approach to measuring unsigned differential test functioning is to estimate the variance of the differential item functioning (DIF) effect across the items of the test. This article proposes two estimators of the DIF effect variance for tests containing dichotomous and polytomous items. The proposed estimators are direct extensions of the noniterative estimators developed by Camilli and Penfield (1997) for tests composed of dichotomous items. A small simulation study is reported in which the statistical properties of the generalized variance estimators are assessed, and guidelines are proposed for interpreting values of DIF effect variance estimators.     

Teachers’ perspectives on mathematics education research reports

Practicing teachers’ perspectives on a set of mathematics education research reports are described. Data were gathered through email messages, group discussions, and questionnaires. Teachers identified positive influences of research on practice aligned with some of the strands of proficient mathematics teaching identified by Kilpatrick, Swafford, and Findell [2001. Adding it up: Helping children learn mathematics. Washington, DC: National Academy Press]. Teachers also gave negative critiques of the ability of research to influence practice aligned with Kennedy's [1997. The connection between research and practice. Educational Researcher, 26 (7), 4–12.] discussion of historical factors underlying the gap between educational research and practice. The variety of perspectives documented provides some empirical ground for informing actions in the areas of teacher education and research.     

Perceptions of Helpfulness of Teachers in Didactic Courses

Thirty‐five novice counselors completed a Q sort that assessed their perceptions of what was most helpful about teachers of didactic classes in their master's degree program. Participants perceived teachers who used a contextual teaching pedagogy and had an authentic, empathic, and compassionate way of being as helpful to their learning.     

Childhood risk factors and adolescent drug and alcohol abuse

Childhood risk factors for adolescent drug and alcohol abuse are reviewed. Childhood personality manifesting the difficult child syndrome and psychopathological features of hyperactivity and antisocial traits are predictive of later substance abuse, especially when these traits persist into adolescence. Key interpersonal risk factors include family mismanagement, parental substance use, low academic performance and commitment, and association with substance-using peers. A schema outlines postulated predictive paths of substance use that are comprised of various risk factors. The source of origin, time of emergence, and quantity of risk factors are proposed to account for differing levels of substance involvement.     

One‐teacher schools in America

Abstract

At the turn of the century some 200,000 one‐teacher schools were in existence in the United States. This number now stands at approximately 380. A study of these schools found them to be staffed with qualified teachers with extensive experience. The teachers are typically female and live near where they teach.

Teachers work an average of nine hours a day teaching all subjects including physical education and music. Other activities include custodial duties, driving the school bus, performing secretarial functions, ordering supplies, and lunch supervision.

Student enrollment has a present average level of 9.4, a level that helps teachers meet the needs of each student. Low enrollment may also create concern about school closures in the future. Teachers indicate that they use individualized instruction, peer tutoring, and cooperative learning. They have few discipline problems and no violence or drug issues.