Reading‐retarded Icelandic Children: the discriminant validity of psychological tests

Discriminant validity of several psychological tests was investigated for a sample of reading‐retarded and normal Icelandic fifth grade children. Differentiation was greatest on verbal intelligence, accounting for 40% of the variation, and on various other verbal tests accounting for almost 40% of the remaining variation. Benton Visual Retention Test was the only visual‐spatial test that discriminated between the two groups. Apart from verbal intelligence the Expressive scale of the Luria‐Nebraska Neuropsychogical Battery discriminated most highly between the groups and was the only measure with incremental validity over the intelligence measures. Cluster analysis revealed two reading‐retarded subgroups. One was an undifferenti‐ated group characterized by lowered level of performance on all measures and heterogeneous individual profiles. The second cluster was very compact with specific delay on verbal measures, possibly indicating sequencing difficulties. The results indicate the need for an adequate intelligence measure in Iceland and the development of refined measures of specific verbal skills.

     

The Interplay between Habitus,Social Variables and Occupational Preferences

European researchers have recently introduced Bourdieu’s habitus theory and research methods into the research field of career development. The advantage of Bourdieu’s theory is to overcome the theoretical problems that in this field have resulted from overemphasis on individual aspects of career development at the expense of social aspects. The habitus concept allows for the dichotomy between the individual and the social dimensions to be overcome. The research reported here looks at the interplay between habitus, social variables and career preferences but in a younger age group than has previously been studied. It also wonders whether habitus groups exist in the relatively homogenous population of Iceland at a relatively young age, i.e., before divergence in the educational system. Analyses resulted in five habitus groups being formed on the basis of endorsement of cultural and leisure activities. Furthermore, the five groups differed both in terms of sex composition and — importantly — of preferred future occupations. It was concluded that habitus groups form readily and have important implications for research and practice within the field of career counselling. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Teamwork in Establishing a Professional Learning Community in a New Icelandic School

The focus of the action research reported here is on how leaders and teachers used teamwork in developing a professional learning community in a new compulsory school in Iceland. Collaboration is a critical issue in schools as it can improve practice that supports student achievement. Results from the TALIS 2008 study show that Icelandic teachers are below international averages regarding joint teaching and supporting each other. Findings from this action research study showed signs of an emerging collaborative structure among some teams but also a lack of feedback among peers. Teachers expressed difficulty in putting into practice their growing sense of professionalism. The research findings suggest that peer coaching should be supported to encourage staff to engage in critical reflection and transforming practice.