Interactive behaviours for building independence in exceptional youth

A project, which deployed key workers (KWs) to support vulnerable young people (YPs) in post-school transition, aiming to enhance independence and employability, was evaluated. KWs and client YPs were interviewed, and KWs were observed in interaction with YPs. The clients interviewed were generally very positive about the project. Most KWs reported they used a wide range of interactive behaviours with their clients, but the correlation with behavioural observations was weak. Observation suggested a few behaviours were used frequently, but most very rarely. In particular, actually observed building active independence behaviours were very few. Implications for future research, policy and practice are discussed.     

Literacy in the pacific Islands

Alphabetic literacy and Christianity were introduced to the Pacific Islands by Protestant missionaries in the early 19th century, and promulgated through mission schools and churches. Later colonial governments introduced literacy as the basis for secular authority, with written laws, treaties, land deeds, and other official documents. The post-colonial governments (1962-present) are demanding universal literacy in European languages through the introduced social institutions of education, government, law, and economics. This shift from oral to literate societies is contributing significantly to the erosion of traditional languages and cultures.     

The effectiveness of peer tutoring in further and higher education: A typology and review of the literature

Quality, outcomes and cost-effectiveness of methods of teaching and learning in colleges and universities are being scrutinised more closely. The increasing use of peer tutoring in this context necessitates a clear definition and typology, which are outlined. The theoretical advantages of peer tutoring are discussed and the research on peer tutoring in schools briefly considered. The substantial existing research on the effectiveness of the many different types and formats of peer tutoring within colleges and universities is then reviewed. Much is already known about the effectiveness of some types of peer tutoring and this merits wider dissemination to practitioners. Directions for future research are indicated.     

Collaborative Creative Writing in Eight-Year-Olds: Comparing Cross-Ability Fixed Role and Same-Ability Reciprocal Role Pairing

This study investigated the effects of a structured procedure for collaborative writing (Paired Writing) on the quality of creative writing and attitudes to writing in 8-year-old children. Each of two classes featured an experimental collaborative writing group and a control group, which produced writing individually. In one class the experimental group collaborated in different-ability pairs with fixed roles as helper and writer; in the other class, in same-ability pairs reciprocating roles. The 8 week project involved training for the participating children. Analyses were made of quality of individual writing before and after the project and of collaborative writing during the project. Pre-post gains in individual writing were statistically significant for the cross-ability experimentals but not for their controls. Pre and post scores for same-ability experimentals were not significantly different, nor for their controls. However, the same-ability experimentals improved while their controls deteriorated, and the difference in gain between experimentals and controls was significant. Also, the collaborative writing of same-ability pairs scored significantly higher than their pre-project individual writing, although this was not the case for cross-ability pairs. Both types of Paired Writers reported finding the method easy to use and a majority showed positive attitudes to it. It was concluded that both formats of Paired Writing could be effective. However, ensuring short term gains for the more able helpers in cross-ability pairs could be problematic. Further research is needed, including trials of cross-ability reciprocal role pairing.     

Sexual consent in K–12 sex education: an analysis of current health education standards in the United States

In the USA, universities have recently developed policies and programmes on sexual consent education. But waiting until students enroll in higher education may be too late to begin this work. To examine the extent that K–12 health education standards promote sexual consent education, we conducted a pilot study and found that only two of eighteen states explicitly mentioned sexual consent in their health education standards. Using a small sample (n = 4 states), we then identified four themes as making implicit reference to sexual consent: communication skills, decision making, personal space and interpersonal relationships. Finally, in a robust sample (n = 18 states), we conducted a content analysis of published standards regarding these themes related to sexual consent. Our analysis suggests that sexual consent is likely not discussed in sex education at K–12 schools. We recommend the more explicit inclusion of sexual consent in health education curricula via the identified themes that already exist in most or all standards, emphasising the importance of teaching young people about the nuances of sexual consent and its communication before they become sexually active.     

Reflective Writing on the Cadaveric Dissection Experience: An Effective Tool to Assess the Impact of Dissection on Learning of Anatomy,Humanism, Empathy,Well-Being,and Professional Identity Formation in Medical Students

Growing evidence supports the use of reflective writing activities centered around the human cadaveric dissection experience to support and assess elements of medical student wellness. Dissection may promote personal and professional development, increase resilience, and foster a sense of connection and community. This study employed a qualitative analysis of a reflective writing exercise to explore the question: “What is the impact of the cadaveric dissection anatomy experience on the personal and professional development of medical students?” This cross-sectional study was conducted at the conclusion of the first-year anatomy module. A total of 117 United States allopathic medical students were given a questionnaire designed to elicit the students' experiences and introspection. The exercise included four reflective questions that were provided to 20 groups of six students. Grounded theory analysis was used to explore themes that arose in students' responses. Participants exhibited several common reactions to cadaveric dissection. After analyzing all responses, 266 unique open codes were identified for all four questions. These open codes were sorted into ten distinct axial codes, which are broader categorical themes of open codes. The aims of our study were to identify themes that emerged as students reflected on the impact of their dissection experience using reflective writing as a tool to capture these themes and to gather information to inform pedagogical methodologies. The researchers observed that the educational effects of dissection captured in the reflective writing resembled those found in other areas of medical education that emphasize professional identity formation and important humanistic qualities.     

Barriers to the Success of Affirmative Consent Initiatives: An Application of the Social Ecological Model

ABSTRACT

In response to evidence that one in five college women are sexually assaulted, institutions of higher education have started adopting affirmative consent policies. Affirmative consent must be voluntarily and explicitly communicated—verbally or nonverbally. A recently published article highlighted barriers to the success of affirmative consent initiatives at the intrapersonal level. To extend this discussion, we identified barriers at each level of the Social Ecological Model. In our commentary, we discuss social determinants that are particularly relevant for campus sexual assault. There are elements in young people's micro-, meso-, exo-, and macrosystems that hinder their adoption of affirmative consent practices. We focus on gender as an aspect of the macrosystem that is a formidable barrier to the success of affirmative consent initiatives, influencing each of the other levels. Finally, we discuss how sexuality education might begin to address the social determinants of sexual assault.     

Peer tutoring in reading in Scotland: thinking big

A large‐scale randomised‐controlled trial of reading tutoring in 80 schools in Scotland used the Paired Reading (PR) technique. On long‐term evaluation, cross‐age PR was significantly better than regular teaching, but same‐age was not. On short‐term evaluation, PR pupils did significantly better than control pupils in both years, and cross‐age and same‐age were similarly effective. Low socio‐economic pupils, lower reading ability pupils, girls and reading with maths tutoring groups did significantly better. Implementation was good in parts, but some important aspects of technique were rare. Reading gains were significantly greater for those with mistakes about every 2 minutes and those who stopped reading to talk every 5 to 7 minutes. Significant gains in self‐esteem were seen in same‐age and cross‐age groups, and for tutees and tutors, but not for controls. The relationship of achievement gain to quality of technique and socio‐emotional gains is discussed, with implications for practice.