The efficacy of hospitalization of nonorganic failure-to-thrive children: a meta-analysis

This study ascertained the efficacy of hospitalization of children with nonorganic failure to thrive (NOFTT). A meta-analysis was performed on previously published research findings which met certain criteria for inclusion in the analysis. Two categories of outcome measures, physical growth pattern and psychosocial development, were quantitatively synthesized separately using standard meta-analytic techniques. Hospitalization was found to significantly enhance the probability of sustained catch-up physical growth among NOFTT children, but only a comparatively small effect size for hospitalization on their psychosocial development was documented. There remains need for prospective longitudinal study of effectiveness in treating NOFTT children. But meta-analysis is a powerful technique which introduces scientific rigor to the review of study results, none of which is singularly conclusive.     

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Three Approaches to Teacher Training and the Role of Religious Education as a Professional Subject

Beginning with the classic dilemma in teacher training of the relationship between theory and practice, the view is taken that the most appropriate starting point is practice, followed by reflection upon practice. School experience is seen as central, rather than peripheral, to teacher training. There are, however, different levels, characteristics and structures of reflection upon experience. Three levels and types of approach are identified: the curriculum process approach, the teacher‐role approach and the personalised approach. These are described in relation to three different courses of training and the strengths and weaknesses of each are considered. General issues regarding the nature of a professional subject, the relationship of a professional subject to education studies and the relationship of a professional subject to school experience are discussed and exemplifications offered in terms of religious education.