Introduction to the Special Issue on Perspectivesand Experiences on Mentoring Undergraduate Students in Research: Part II

Abstract

This issue is the second of a special PRIMUS two-part issue collecting articles on undergraduate research from experienced faculty mentors. We offer it as a valuable resource for faculty leading undergraduate research programs. This issue presents a collection of papers offering advice on a variety of specific topics important for leaders of undergraduate research programs. Issues of finding and designing appropriate and accessible research projects, assessing undergraduate research, and publicizing it in the media are addressed.     

Teen Perceptions of the Promotion of Safer Sexual Practices: A Focus Group Study

Teens' own thoughts on fostering safe sexual practice are important perspectives in promoting adolescent sexual health yet are relatively absent in the literature. This focus group study explored teens' perceptions about the supports and challenges that exist as teens strive to engage in healthy sexual practices. Seventy-five teens participated in 11 focus groups using a semi-structured interview guide. School-based health centers provided the setting and facilitated sample recruitment. Focus groups were audiorecorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using the focus group guide as a template and typologies, or clusters of concepts, were extracted to establish teen perceptions of the factors that support and challenge their ability to engage in safe sexual practices. The socio-ecological model provided the framework to identify these factors within the individual, family/parent, relational (peer/partner), community, or societal spheres of influence. Results discussed the importance of parents, the value of confidentiality, respect for teen decision-making, relationships skills, developmental aspects of the adolescent years, and social interpretations of gender. These findings revealed important considerations as adults develop policies, messages, and programs designed to promote safe sexual behavior in teens.     

人力资源管理实践与企业绩效关系研究评述

本文总结了近期人力资源管理实践与企业绩效之间的关系的研究概况 ,分别从理论和实证研究的角度总结了研究的成果以及存在的不足 ,并展望了进一步研究的方向和在中国开展此项研究的前景     

Collaborative working in a large pharmaceutical company: Developing better practices through a structurational schema

This paper presents the ongoing case study of a large pharmaceutical organisation currently undertaking a number of changes to their work practices. These collaborative changes are being facilitated by groupware systems. In many instances this has led to the rejection of or resistance to the more complex tools. The paper outlines research, based on a perspective informed by structuration theory, that provides the organisation with an approach to supporting staff in this new ‘collaborative environment’. An example, drawn from the case study, shows how such support might be developed and presents a set of recommendations for supporting a particular group, based on this research schema.     

Transition to formal schooling: Do transition practices matter for academic performance?

This study examined whether the transition practices implemented in preschool-elementary school pairs contribute to children's academic development during the first year of elementary school. Participants were 398 children who moved from 36 preschools to 22 elementary schools in two Finnish towns. Children were tested in respect to their reading, writing, and math skills in the preschool spring and in the grade 1 spring. The most common practices reported by preschool teachers were discussions about the school entrants and familiarizing preschool children with the school environment and the new teacher. Multilevel latent growth modeling showed that the more the preschool teachers and elementary-school teachers implemented various supportive activities during the preschool year, the faster the children's skills developed from preschool to grade 1 spring. Co-operation over curricula and passing on written information about children between the preschool and the elementary school were the best predictors of the children's skills, although they were the least commonly used practices. The need to restructure the transition to elementary school and the use of multiprofessional resources are discussed.     

The impact of peer mentoring on pupils’ emotional literacy competencies

Research suggests that peer mentoring can positively impact on emotional literacy competencies. This study explored the effects of peer mentoring on the emotional literacy competencies of Year 7 peer mentees using a quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test control group design. Results supported the hypothesis that peer mentoring has a positive impact on the emotional literacy competencies of mentees with low to average levels of emotional literacy at pre-intervention. Results also showed a significant negative correlation between attendance at sessions and perceived Conduct Problems. Unexpectedly, results indicated adverse effects of reading mentoring on the emotional literacy competencies of control participants.     

“毛泽东思想和中国特色社会主义理论体系概论”课价值基点的三维分析

大学生思想政治素质的实际水平是"概论"课的微观价值基点;"概论"课独特的价值地位是"概论"课的中观价值基点;国际国内社会的政治经济文化现实是"概论"课的宏观价值基点。"概论"课作为理论课,衡量其价值的科学标准最终只能是社会实践。     

实施党建质量管理 促进“三高”学院建设——重庆工贸职业技术学院党建质量管理体系建设的探索与实践

重庆工贸职业技术学院创新党建工作的理念和方法,将ISO9001质量管理体系引入学院党建领域,提高了学院党建工作水平,达到了促进三高学院建设的目的     

人力资本视角下高绩效组织的构建——基于海大集团的案例研究

从人力资本的视角,以海大集团股份有限公司为例,研究其全流程服务模式构建过程中人力资源实践,通过提升服务营销团队的人力资本专用性,探讨其高绩效组织的核心竞争力。     

独立学院通信原理课程教学改革与实践

根据独立学院的培养目标和教学要求,为提高教学质量和效果,对通信原理课程实施了一系列教改举措,其中包括教学内容、教学方法、教学手段和实验教学等方面的改革。实践表明,这对于提高学生的学习能力和实践能力十分有益,并取得了良好的教学效果。