Teachers’ sanction in the classroom: Effect of age,experience, gender and academic context

The moral judgement of sanction in teaching and disciplinary practices was studied in a group of 222 teachers to determine the factors that affect sanction in the classroom. Factors studied included pupils' intent, consequences, recidivism, pupils' academic level, and family stability in two contexts: discipline and schoolwork. Results showed the significant effects of these factors for each context. Age of teachers, gender and teaching level (primary or secondary school) were also investigated in the judgement of sanction. Results showed a significant main effect of age, and specific differences in the moral algebra of teachers according to gender and teaching level.     

A new way of information retrieval: 3‐D indexing and concept mapping

After a brief discussion of mind mapping and concept mapping, a model for a ‘3‐D index’ is developed which combines a concept map with an index to enable hierarchical and relational data retrieval. It is suggested that such sophisticated information retrieval methods are required for the complex and extensive electronic data sources and encyclopaedic‐type titles now being compiled.     

Biomechanics teachers can be animals

The aim of this study was to determine whether a constructivist approach, in particular a visit to a zoo, could be effective in consolidating mechanical concepts and applying those concepts to coaching and teaching. Ten students in their final year of their Bachelor of Physical Education at the University of Edinburgh participated in a visit to Edinburgh Zoo. During the visit students completed a worksheet of questions and engaged interactively in discussing how various animals are adapted mechanically to survive in their environments. Immediately after the visit they completed a questionnaire with four sections. The first section assessed whether they could apply the mechanical concepts discussed during the visit to human sports performance. The second canvassed their opinions on whether the visit was effective in reinforcing mechanical concepts, in developing 'lateral thinking' about mechanical concepts, and in improving their ability to apply mechanical concepts to coaching and teaching. The third canvassed their opinions on whether the visit would be effective for senior high school Physical Education and Sports Science students for developing mechanical concepts and applying them to coaching. The fourth section canvassed their opinions on when the visit should be conducted for Physical Education and Sports Science students in universities and in senior high schools. The results indicated that the visit was effective in reinforcing mechanical concepts and in applying them laterally to improve understanding of human sports performance. Participants believed that the visit would also be effective for senior high school students. All participants believed that the visit would be most beneficial after at least one course in biomechanics that covers the basic biomechanical principles.     

Variables in Eliciting Writing Samples

What is the impact on students' writing samples of such factors as prompt features, prewriting activities, time limits, and examiner practices? How can these variables be systematically reported?     

AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE PRIOR ECONOMIC EXPERIENCE OF PRIMARY EDUCATION STUDENTS

This paper summarises the findings of an analysis of primary education students’ backgrounds and economic experiences, relating this to their economic and industrial understanding. The research was conducted in the 1990‐91 period by the Primary Schools and Industry Centre of the Polytechnic of North London, under the sponsorship and aegis of E ATE. The project team consisted of the present writer with Merryn Hutchings (PNL) and John Ahier (Homerton College). The full research report is published by EATE as The Economic and Industrial background, understanding and attitudes of Student Primary Teachers: EATE Research Report No. 1.     

Effect of floor conditions upon frictional characteristics of squash court shoes

Vertical (FN) and horizontal (FH) forces were recorded while four vertically-loaded court shoes were dragged horizontally across six types of floor surface. Variation in coefficient of limiting friction (FH/FN) between floor surfaces was greater than that between shoes. Squash strokes were also performed on the same surfaces during which FH/FN was calculated. Slips occurred on some surfaces either at heel contact or upon attainment of full-sole contact. It is concluded that the coefficient of limiting friction obtained during full-sole contact with the floor is a suitable means of distinguishing between tractional qualities of shoes. Alternatively, this measure is an inadequate predictor of the likelihood of slips in the game of squash racquets. Dusty floor conditions produce poor traction as does a damp sealed floor. As sweat droplets are unavoidable in the game, floors sealed with urethane represent a significant hazard. Bare, clean, wooden flooring which can absorb moisture represents a better surface than a sealed floor from the point of view of traction.     

Technique and timing in women's and men's reverse one and one half somersault with two and one half twists (5335D) and men's reverse one and one half somersault with three and one half twists (5337D) 3 m springboard dives

The purpose of this study was to compare timing and technique of males and females performing reverse twisting dives in elite international competition. Video data of the dives performed at the 1999 FINA World Diving Cup were captured and digitised to obtain times and postures of the divers at specific events including takeoff and entry. Estimates of flight height and mass-normalised work done on the springboard were obtained from flight times. The data indicated that many males are able to complete an additional twist rotation because they attain more height, and therefore more time in the air, than females.