Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Education Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Qualitative

Discipline
Institution
Publication Year
Publication
Publication Type
File Type

Articles 361 - 390 of 454

Full-Text Articles in Education

Out-Of-Classroom Experiences: Bridging The Disconnect Between The Classroom, The Engineering Workforce, And Ethical Development, Brian A. Burt, Donald D. Carpenter, Matthew A. Holsapple, Cynthia J. Finelli, Rob M. Bielby, Janel A. Sutkus, Trevors S. Harding Jan 2013

Out-Of-Classroom Experiences: Bridging The Disconnect Between The Classroom, The Engineering Workforce, And Ethical Development, Brian A. Burt, Donald D. Carpenter, Matthew A. Holsapple, Cynthia J. Finelli, Rob M. Bielby, Janel A. Sutkus, Trevors S. Harding

Brian Burt A.

The extant research on engineering ethics instruction shows that students receive ethics instruction within the engineering curricula. Unfortunately, the methods used in engineering undergraduate classrooms are described as ‘‘abstract’’ and have mixed results related to impacting students’ ethical development. Thus, exploring how out-of-classroom experiences—as a curricular alternative—influences students’ ethical development is warranted. This is an exploratory investigation to determine how out-of-classroom experiences influence students’ ethical development. The authors define ethical development using three constructs: knowledge of ethics, ethical reasoning, and ethical behavior. We draw upon a conceptual model that suggests students’ ethical development is impacted by what takes place inside …


Healthcare Providers' Knowledge, Experience And Challenges Of Reporting Adverse Events Following Immunisation: A Qualitative Study, Adriana Parrella, Annette J. Braunack-Mayer, M S. Gold, Helen S. Marshall, Peter Baghurst Jan 2013

Healthcare Providers' Knowledge, Experience And Challenges Of Reporting Adverse Events Following Immunisation: A Qualitative Study, Adriana Parrella, Annette J. Braunack-Mayer, M S. Gold, Helen S. Marshall, Peter Baghurst

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Background

Healthcare provider spontaneous reporting of suspected adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) is central to monitoring post-licensure vaccine safety, but little is known about how healthcare professionals recognise and report to surveillance systems. The aim of this study was explore the knowledge, experience and attitudes of medical and nursing professionals towards detecting and reporting AEFI.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study, using semi-structured, face to face interviews with 13 Paediatric Emergency Department consultants from a tertiary paediatric hospital, 10 General Practitioners, 2 local council immunisation and 4 General Practice nurses, recruited using purposive sampling in Adelaide, South Australia, between …


A Qualitative Exploration Of The "Critical Window": Factors Affecting Australian Children's After-School Physical Activity, Rebecca M. Stanley, Kobie Boshoff, James Dollman Jan 2013

A Qualitative Exploration Of The "Critical Window": Factors Affecting Australian Children's After-School Physical Activity, Rebecca M. Stanley, Kobie Boshoff, James Dollman

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Background: The after-school period is potentially a "critical window" for promoting physical activity in children. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively explore children's perceptions of the factors influencing their engagement in physical activity during the after-school period as the first phase in the development of a questionnaire. Methods: Fifty-four South Australian children age 10-13 years participated in same gender focus groups. Transcripts, field notes, and activity documents were analyzed using content analysis. Through an inductive thematic approach, data were coded and categorized into perceived barriers and facilitators according to a social ecological model. Results: Children identified a number …


Multidisciplinary Integrated Parent And Child Centres In Amsterdam: A Qualitative Study, Vincent Busch, Henk F. Van Stel, Johannes R. De Leeuw, Edward Melhuish, Augustinus J. Schrijvers Jan 2013

Multidisciplinary Integrated Parent And Child Centres In Amsterdam: A Qualitative Study, Vincent Busch, Henk F. Van Stel, Johannes R. De Leeuw, Edward Melhuish, Augustinus J. Schrijvers

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Background: In several countries centres for the integrated delivery of services to the parent and child have been established. In the Netherlands family health care service centres, called Parent and Child Centres (PCCs) involve multidisciplinary teams. Here doctors, nurses, midwives, maternity help professionals and educationists are integrated into multidisciplinary teams in neighbourhood-based centres. To date there has been little research on the implementation of service delivery in these centres. Study Design: A SWOT analysis was performed by use of triangulation data; this took place by integrating all relevant published documents on the origin and organization of the PCCs and the …


Integrating Mobile-Phone Based Assessment For Psychosis Into People's Everyday Lives And Clinical Care: A Qualitative Study, Jasper E. Palmier-Claus, Anne Rogers, John Ainsworth, Matt Machin, Christine Barrowclough, Louise Laverty, Emma Barkus, Shitij Kapur, Til Wykes, Shon W. Lewis Jan 2013

Integrating Mobile-Phone Based Assessment For Psychosis Into People's Everyday Lives And Clinical Care: A Qualitative Study, Jasper E. Palmier-Claus, Anne Rogers, John Ainsworth, Matt Machin, Christine Barrowclough, Louise Laverty, Emma Barkus, Shitij Kapur, Til Wykes, Shon W. Lewis

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Background: Over the past decade policy makers have emphasised the importance of healthcare technology in the management of long-term conditions. Mobile-phone based assessment may be one method of facilitating clinically- and cost-effective intervention, and increasing the autonomy and independence of service users. Recently, text-message and smartphone interfaces have been developed for the real-time assessment of symptoms in individuals with schizophrenia. Little is currently understood about patients' perceptions of these systems, and how they might be implemented into their everyday routine and clinical care. Method: 24 community based individuals with non-affective psychosis completed a randomised repeated-measure cross-over design study, where they …


Descriptions Of Clinical Teaching Excellence In The First Two Years Of Medical School: The Views Of Academic And Community-Based Preceptors, Patricia Anne Stubenberg Jan 2013

Descriptions Of Clinical Teaching Excellence In The First Two Years Of Medical School: The Views Of Academic And Community-Based Preceptors, Patricia Anne Stubenberg

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The changing dynamics in patient care, along with the increasing role of early clinical experiences and community-based teaching models, can be a catalyst in furthering important research and training for clinical teaching excellence. Curricular challenges as well as limited scholarly work generate educational possibilities for study. Embracing a strong educational doctrine of teaching excellence in undergraduate medical education will help shape the future of health care and ultimately enhance patient care.

This grounded theory study (a) described and explained descriptions of teaching excellence among first and second year academic and community-based preceptors in the Longitudinal Clinical Experience (LCE) program at …


Student Dropout From The Perspectives Of Junior High Counselors In Northeast Mississippi, Kelly Ann Bennett Jan 2013

Student Dropout From The Perspectives Of Junior High Counselors In Northeast Mississippi, Kelly Ann Bennett

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

I investigated fifteen junior high counselors' understandings about student dropout, particularly about identification of and interventions for students at risk for dropping out of school. As an educator, I desired to research the phenomenon of student dropout to understand how to better reach these types of students. Research is available concerning student dropout from the perspectives of teachers, principals, and student dropouts; however, little research on student dropout from the viewpoint of counselors exists. I utilized a qualitative design, in particular a descriptive case study, to develop understanding of the counselors' perspectives of student dropout. Data collection included individual and …


Exploring Factors That Contribute To Academic Persistence For Undergraduate Hispanic Nontraditional Students At Hispanic Serving Institutions In The Southeast, Floralba Arbelo Marrero Jan 2013

Exploring Factors That Contribute To Academic Persistence For Undergraduate Hispanic Nontraditional Students At Hispanic Serving Institutions In The Southeast, Floralba Arbelo Marrero

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined the academic persistence of 10 undergraduate Hispanic nontraditional students enrolled at a public and a private not for profit Hispanic Serving Institution in the southeastern region of the United States, each in their last year of a bachelor degree program. Using a phenomenological research design and an ecological and sociocultural framework the findings indicated that family context, personal aspirations, campus environment within Hispanic Serving Institutions, life challenges, and English language learning each play a vital role in the persistence behaviors of this population. These factors interact at the student and institutional levels to provide students with internal …


An Exploratory Study Of Customer Vulnerability: A Cross-Segment Approach, Taryn Aiello Jan 2013

An Exploratory Study Of Customer Vulnerability: A Cross-Segment Approach, Taryn Aiello

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to explore the concept of customer vulnerability across varying service industries. While the concept of customer vulnerability has been debated in business, marketing, sociology, and psychology scholarly literature, there has been little research conducted that specifically investigates consumers’ perceptions of vulnerability during the service exchange. Specific to this research, customer vulnerability is defined as experiences in which consumers participate in a service exchange with a firm during a time of individual or shared medical, physical, emotional, or spiritual necessity, whether the vulnerability is experienced during the course of the transaction or whether consumers arrive …


Environmental Education Through The Lens Of Diverse Elementary School Students In The United States: A Phenomenographic Study, Brissa Yazmin Quiroz Jan 2013

Environmental Education Through The Lens Of Diverse Elementary School Students In The United States: A Phenomenographic Study, Brissa Yazmin Quiroz

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Global environmental change is occurring, putting our planet under pressure. Children need to understand not only why the environment is important, but also their role as citizens of a globalized society and their necessary contribution to solving global problems. Students carry their own perspectives about the environment and education, and these differing perspectives should be a significant topic for environmental education research. Recent research studies have included the conceptualization of nature and the environment through children's eyes; yet, no studies have examined the concept of environmental education through the eyes of diverse children. Minority voices and experiences are not frequently …


"These Rights Go Beyond Borders And Pieces Of Paper": Urban High School Teachers And Newcomer Immigrant Youth Engaging In Human Rights Education, Juliet A. Schiller Jan 2013

"These Rights Go Beyond Borders And Pieces Of Paper": Urban High School Teachers And Newcomer Immigrant Youth Engaging In Human Rights Education, Juliet A. Schiller

Doctoral Dissertations

This qualitative study explored the ways that two ninth and tenth grade teachers and their newcomer immigrant students engaged in HRE using elements of critical pedagogy at an urban pubic high school. Research data included eight months of classroom observations and interviews with two teachers and nineteen of their students across four of their classrooms. In this study, the complexity of engaging in HRE with newcomer students was brought to light as two teachers enacted their vision of critical pedagogy, human rights content and learning goals, as well as English language instruction.

The findings in this study conveyed that engaging …


An Analysis Of University Tv Spots Aired During National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Bowl Subdivision Football Games, Daniel Alford Roberts Jan 2013

An Analysis Of University Tv Spots Aired During National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Bowl Subdivision Football Games, Daniel Alford Roberts

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Public universities who participate in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Football Bowl Subdivision produce and air university TV spots during televised college football games. The purpose of this research was to analyze TV spots of public universities who participate in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Football Bowl Subdivision and determine if university TV spots were successful based on the official theme from the university and how the viewing audience perceived the university TV spot. This research used a qualitative paradigm that involved two phases: Phase I was a content analysis followed by Phase II, …


Characteristics Of Contemporary U.S. Progressive Middle Schools, Jan Ware Russell Jan 2013

Characteristics Of Contemporary U.S. Progressive Middle Schools, Jan Ware Russell

Antioch University Full-Text Dissertations & Theses

Progressive education has a long history within the American K-12 education system dating back to the late 1800s. During this period, two very distinct ideologies represented progressive education: 1) administrative progressives supporting standardization as a means of efficiency and 2) pedagogical progressives supporting child-centered learning based upon a well-rounded education. This study looks at 82 contemporary pedagogical progressive schools to identify common characteristics. Child-centered learning, community integration, and democratic decision-making were the three overarching philosophies covered in this study. Data was collected through an online survey of school leaders. The majority of research surrounding progressive education is qualitative and focuses …


A Study Of The Faith Experiences Of Concordia University Wisconsin Lutheran Education Trained Teachers In Public Education, Adam D. Paape Jan 2013

A Study Of The Faith Experiences Of Concordia University Wisconsin Lutheran Education Trained Teachers In Public Education, Adam D. Paape

Doctor of Education (EdD)

In this study of Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW), Lutheran Church -- Missouri Synod (LCMS) education graduates teaching in public education, I examined the following research questions: Do the participants identify challenges in living faithfully in public school settings? How have the participants made it possible to express their faith in public school settings? How has the faith of the participants grown as a result of serving in public school settings? How have the participants nurtured faith in others as they have served in public school settings? CUW and the LCMS trained the participants in this study to be teachers within …


Closing Up Shop: Meditations On The Departmental/Programmatic Elimination Experience, Susan Beth Donoff Dec 2012

Closing Up Shop: Meditations On The Departmental/Programmatic Elimination Experience, Susan Beth Donoff

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Departmental and programmatic eliminations represent a new paradigm in the history of American higher education. Hastened by a national economic recession and competing state funding priorities, public post-secondary institutions have turned to academic attrition as a solution to continuous budgetary shortfalls. As a means of addressing the lived experience of faculty members and department chairs, the following qualitative case study explores perceptions of implementing departmental and/or programmatic eliminations.

Utilizing uncertainty reduction theory as a conceptual framework, interviewed faculty in saved units experienced considerable strategic uncertainty, failing to understand why they had been selected for elimination. Guided by a college-wide strategic …


Ideas, Hints, And Tricks: So Much More Than What's On The Surface: Assessing Reference Services At Academic Libraries, Paula M. Adams Oct 2012

Ideas, Hints, And Tricks: So Much More Than What's On The Surface: Assessing Reference Services At Academic Libraries, Paula M. Adams

Georgia Library Quarterly

Much of what's missing from the discussion of assessing reference services is the dire need to fully realize the value of qualitative assessment. The need for more academic libraries to utilize this method of gathering statistics can open up a much needed discussion concerning the nuanced impact of reference services on student learning outcomes and the broader picture of higher education.


Women's Access To The Superintendency: Pathways From The Elementary Ranks, Julie Marie Powell Jul 2012

Women's Access To The Superintendency: Pathways From The Elementary Ranks, Julie Marie Powell

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to describe the experiences of six women superintendents who began their careers as elementary principals. The central question was: What can we learn from the lived experience of women who came from a background as elementary educators and advanced to the superintendency in a variety of district contexts within Michigan’s traditional public school system?

The research design was a qualitative, interpretive, multiple case study approach using the data collection method of interviewing. Two conceptual frameworks – expectations states theory and feminist poststructuralism – provided the context for this research. Portraits of each of the …


Food Handling Perceptions, Practices, Knowledge And Barriers In Native American Primary Food Handlers Of Young Children In New Mexico, Lindsay O'Connell Jul 2012

Food Handling Perceptions, Practices, Knowledge And Barriers In Native American Primary Food Handlers Of Young Children In New Mexico, Lindsay O'Connell

Health, Exercise, and Sports Sciences ETDs

Food borne illness among Native American populations exceeds that of majority populations. Due to the unique cultural diversity in New Mexico, these inequities are even greater. Attitudes and behaviors towards food are influenced by social and cultural contexts, yet, there has been limited research relating to the knowledge and perceptions of minority populations. A qualitative research design using focus group methodology was used in this study. The Health Belief Model was used as the theoretical framework. The purpose of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the food safety practices and beliefs of primary food handlers within Native …


A Phenomenological Study Of Motivations, Experiences And Reflections As Related To Teacher Training And Development In Tanzania, Melinda Ingiaimo Jun 2012

A Phenomenological Study Of Motivations, Experiences And Reflections As Related To Teacher Training And Development In Tanzania, Melinda Ingiaimo

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In third world countries where education often takes a back seat to survival, teachers struggle to prepare themselves to shape the destiny and future of the upcoming generation. This study examined the phenomena of Tanzanian teacher preparation with special emphasis on the motivating factors, common experiences and reflections of participants concerning their preparation process for teaching in a government funded school. This study inquired into the immediate teaching environment and the ongoing teacher development processes. Fifteen Tanzanian teachers were purposefully chosen for this study and data was gathered utilizing a semi-structured interview, a survey and a focus group. The teacher …


Standing In The Gap: A Study Of College-Bound Latinas' Resilience In Completing High School Within An At-Risk Environment, Shane York Apr 2012

Standing In The Gap: A Study Of College-Bound Latinas' Resilience In Completing High School Within An At-Risk Environment, Shane York

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to look at the life experience factors that led to high school graduation through the eyes of resilient Latinas between the ages of 18 and 25. A grounded theory approach was used in combination with Paulo Freire's praxis and a resiliency conceptual framework to derive constructs directly from the data itself. Participants were selected through a purposive, snowball method until saturation was met. Extensive qualitative interviews were employed to gather the data used to derive theory. All data were coded and reviewed in light of the three research questions. Validity and trustworthiness were established …


Use Of The Pyramid Model For Supporting Preschool Refugees, Jennifer J. Hurley, Saveta Saini, Rachel A. Warren, Alissa J. Carberry Feb 2012

Use Of The Pyramid Model For Supporting Preschool Refugees, Jennifer J. Hurley, Saveta Saini, Rachel A. Warren, Alissa J. Carberry

College of Education and Social Services Faculty Publications

Response to Intervention (RtI) is being applied to early childhood settings for the support of positive behavior and social development through the Pyramid Model (Fox, Carta, Strain, Dunlap & Hemmeter, 2010). This qualitative study assessed the use of the Pyramid Model for preschool aged refugee children living in a refugee resettlement community. Many young refugee children have experienced trauma (George, 2010) and some experience behavior and social challenges (Almqvist & Brandell-Forsberg, 1997). Twenty-five preschool service providers were interviewed about their use of the Pyramid Model for the support of preschool refugee students. Themes to be shared include how ECEs are …


A Comparative Review Of “How To” Books For Parents Of Adhd Children And “How To” Books For Parents Of Typical Children, Bora Pajo, Paul H. Stuart Dr. Jan 2012

A Comparative Review Of “How To” Books For Parents Of Adhd Children And “How To” Books For Parents Of Typical Children, Bora Pajo, Paul H. Stuart Dr.

All Faculty and Staff Scholarship

Although an increasing number of children are diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and take medications to control their behaviors, a well-publicized controversy persists about whether ADHD refers to a common neurobehavioral disorder of childhood or to various medicalized temperamental, educational, and cultural differences and difficulties of children. Moreover, behaviors indicative of ADHD are commonly found among all children—although with different frequencies. This paper aims to identify and compare the type of information provided to parents of ADHD and non-ADHD diagnosed children through readily available self-help books. Searches using popular online bookstores were conducted to rank and select the …


Through The Eyes Of Gay And Male Bisexual College Students: A Critical Visual Qualitative Study Of Their Experiences, Matthew K. Robison Jan 2012

Through The Eyes Of Gay And Male Bisexual College Students: A Critical Visual Qualitative Study Of Their Experiences, Matthew K. Robison

Educational Policy Studies Dissertations

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgender (LGBT) college students have a history of suffering from discriminatory, marginalizing, and prejudicial attitudes and practices on American college and university campuses. Implementing a critical qualitative methodology, this study examined the lived experiences of 9 out gay and bisexual male college students at an urban research university located in the southeastern United States. The study focused on three research questions:

1) What is the college experience like for an individual who identifies as an out gay or male bisexual student?

2) What does safety mean to an individual who identifies as an out gay or …


A Child With Two Motherlands: Child Sojourners And Cultural Identity, Krayushkina Tatiana Jan 2012

A Child With Two Motherlands: Child Sojourners And Cultural Identity, Krayushkina Tatiana

Master's Capstone Projects

The main focus of the research for my Master’s Project has been children who sojourn in a different culture for several years. When studying social phenomena, social scientists often focus on adults, representing their perceptions and attitudes towards these phenomena. Children are assumed to follow the parents as silent absorbents of the parents’ views, decisions and attitudes. I, however, have foregrounded the perspectives and voices of children themselves. In this research, I have explored the following:

How children view their cultural identity/ies;

how they practice agency in choosing one;

how identity/ies change over time;

and what influences such changes

In …


Understanding Faculty Donors: Giving At Historically Black Colleges And Universities In The Southern Region Of The United States, Curtis Proctor Jan 2012

Understanding Faculty Donors: Giving At Historically Black Colleges And Universities In The Southern Region Of The United States, Curtis Proctor

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative research study was to investigate the motivational factors that lead to faculty giving to their employing institutions. Giving practices in relation to the life experiences and independent influences of faculty members who were employed at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) were examined. In addition this study contributes to the limited amount of literature provided on HBCUs institutional advancement offices as well as the effectiveness of their solicitation efforts as perceived by faculty members employed at the colleges and universities. Three research questions were considered in this study. First, what life experiences contribute to the …


Socialization To Interdisciplinary: Faculty And Student Perspectives, Susan K. Gardner, Jessica Spelke Jansujwicz, Karen Hutchins, Brittany Cline, Vanessa Levesque Jan 2012

Socialization To Interdisciplinary: Faculty And Student Perspectives, Susan K. Gardner, Jessica Spelke Jansujwicz, Karen Hutchins, Brittany Cline, Vanessa Levesque

Publications

Interdisciplinary research and education are a growing emphasis in United States institutions of higher education but relatively little is known about the doctoral students engaged in these atypical programs. The purpose of this study was to understand the socialization process of 18 students involved in a large-scale, federally funded, interdisciplinary research project focused on sustainability at one university. Using Weidman, Twale, and Stein’s framework of graduate student socialization, themes emerged related to (a) their distinctive characteristics and cultures, (b) the learning process, (c) balance, (d) uncertainty, and (d) support. Recommendations for policy and practice are included.


Methodological Orientation Of Research Articles Appearing In Higher Education Journals, Sherri E. Ritter Jan 2012

Methodological Orientation Of Research Articles Appearing In Higher Education Journals, Sherri E. Ritter

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to understand the methodologies authors in higher education journals used to obtain knowledge in their fields. This study looked at five peer-reviewed journals of higher education and analyzed the methods of research employed by the authors to help them answer their respective research questions. The methods of research are qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods. Additionally, this study examined the effects of author, gender, and academic rank on the selection of research methods.


Participant Experiences From Chronic Administration Of A Multivitamin Versus Placebo On Subjective Health And Wellbeing: A Double-Blind Qualitative Analysis Of A Randomised Controlled Trial, Jerome Sarris, Katherine H M Cox, David A. Camfield, Andrew Scholey, Con Stough, Erin Fogg, Marni Kras, David J. White, Avni Sali, Andrew Pipingas Jan 2012

Participant Experiences From Chronic Administration Of A Multivitamin Versus Placebo On Subjective Health And Wellbeing: A Double-Blind Qualitative Analysis Of A Randomised Controlled Trial, Jerome Sarris, Katherine H M Cox, David A. Camfield, Andrew Scholey, Con Stough, Erin Fogg, Marni Kras, David J. White, Avni Sali, Andrew Pipingas

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Background While many randomised controlled trials have been conducted on multivitamins, to our knowledge no qualitative research exploring the subjective experience of taking a multivitamin during a clinical trial has been reported. Methods Semi-structured and open-ended written questions were incorporated into a 16-week double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, parallel groups trial of once-daily multivitamin administration. At the final study visit (week 16), three open-ended questions were posed to elucidate any positive, negative or unusual experiences from taking either the multivitamin or matched placebo. Qualitative thematic analysis was undertaken by researchers who were blind as to treatment condition of participants, and triangulation (independent …


Voices In The Playground: A Qualitative Exploration Of The Barriers And Facilitators Of Lunchtime Play, Rebecca M. Stanley, Kobie Boshoff, James Dollman Jan 2012

Voices In The Playground: A Qualitative Exploration Of The Barriers And Facilitators Of Lunchtime Play, Rebecca M. Stanley, Kobie Boshoff, James Dollman

Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Objectives: To explore children's perceptions of the factors influencing their engagement in physical activity during the "critical" lunchtime period, using a social-ecological framework. Design: This study was an in-depth descriptive qualitative design. Methods: Fifty-four South Australian children aged 10-13 years participated in same-gender focus groups. Transcripts, field notes and activity documents were analysed using content analysis. Using an inductive thematic approach, data were coded and categorised into perceived barriers and facilitators according to a social-ecological model. Results: Children identified a range of environmental, social and intrapersonal barriers and facilitators. Bullying/teasing, the school uniform and school rules were exposed as explicit …


Lessons For Teachers: What Lower Secondary School Students Tell Us About Learning A Musical Instrument, Geoffrey Lowe Jan 2012

Lessons For Teachers: What Lower Secondary School Students Tell Us About Learning A Musical Instrument, Geoffrey Lowe

Research outputs 2012

In this study I set out to investigate why many students drop out from elective instrument programmes, particularly in lower secondary school. I examined the values and beliefs a sample of students in their first year in secondary school attach to learning an instrument, and the impact of the instrument lesson upon these values and beliefs. Forty-eight year 8 students (aged 12-13) from the Perth metropolitan area participated in eight focus groups. The study found that, while participants had strong cognitive and affective reasons for learning, their competence beliefs were fragile, due in part to the dislocation associated with the …