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The Literacy-Related Knowledge Of The Children In Two Western Australian Preprimary Centres And The Literacy-Related Practices In Their Homes, Susan M. Beilharz Jan 1999

The Literacy-Related Knowledge Of The Children In Two Western Australian Preprimary Centres And The Literacy-Related Practices In Their Homes, Susan M. Beilharz

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This study investigates both the literacy-related knowledge of two groups of children beginning their preprimary education and the literacy-related practices identified by their parents as taking place in their homes. The two groups of children were attending preprimary centres located in different suburbs of Perth; one was in a low socio-economic status northern suburb and the other was in a high socio-economic status inner metropolitan suburb. The results of a questionnaire about family literacy practices showed that there was a wide range of literacy-related practices and materials available in the majority of the households involved in the study. The results …

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The Specificity Of Skill Acquisition: Is It Task Related?, Dawn Darlaston-Jones Jan 1999

The Specificity Of Skill Acquisition: Is It Task Related?, Dawn Darlaston-Jones

Theses : Honours

The plethora of research into the area of skill acquisition and transfer has resulted in conflicting conclusions regarding the nature of transfer. Some researchers have found skill transfer to be specific to the items experienced during training (Logan, I 988, alphabet-arithmetic task; Masson, 1986, reverse reading task). Others have found transfer to be general (Speelman & Kirsner, I 997, syllogism task) or both general and specific in the same task (Greig & Speelman, 1999, algebra task). This study investigated the assumption that the task involved dictates the specific nature of skill acquisition and transfer. Sixty participants drawn from the Edith …

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A Study Of Teacher Behaviours As Interpreted By Low Achieving Passive Students, Carolyn Crook Jan 1999

A Study Of Teacher Behaviours As Interpreted By Low Achieving Passive Students, Carolyn Crook

Theses : Honours

This study explores the nature of low achieving, passive students' interpretations of teacher behaviour towards them, how these interpretations cluster into specific categories and the possibility of a mis-match existing between a teacher's intended behaviour and the student's interpretations of that behaviour. The sample consisted of four year five students, one female and three male students, who were selected from two Perth metropolitan schools. Ethnographic-case study methods were used to conduct the investigation which included fieldnotes, observations, video-taped observations, student interviews and informal teacher interviews. The study revealed that low achieving, passive students have varying interpretations of teacher behaviour. As …

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Training Methods For Shunting Inhibitory Artificial Neural Networks, Son Lam Phung Jan 1999

Training Methods For Shunting Inhibitory Artificial Neural Networks, Son Lam Phung

Theses : Honours

This project investigates a new class of high-order neural networks called shunting inhibitory artificial neural networks (SIANN's) and their training methods. SIANN's are biologically inspired neural networks whose dynamics are governed by a set of coupled nonlinear differential equations. The interactions among neurons are mediated via a nonlinear mechanism called shunting inhibition, which allows the neurons to operate as adaptive nonlinear filters. The project's main objective is to devise training methods, based on error backpropagation type of algorithms, which would allow SIANNs to be trained to perform feature extraction for classification and nonlinear regression tasks. The training algorithms developed will …

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The Perceived Effects Of Cross-Cultural Interaction On Flight Crew Training Between Anglo-Australian Flight Instructors And Asian Students, Daniel Goh Jan 1999

The Perceived Effects Of Cross-Cultural Interaction On Flight Crew Training Between Anglo-Australian Flight Instructors And Asian Students, Daniel Goh

Theses : Honours

The study investigated the perceived effects of cross-cultural interaction on ab-initio flight crew training between Anglo Australian flight instructors and Asian students. Students and instructors perceptions were sought as to whether they believed that cross-cultural interaction would impede learning. The sample included forty-eight students and nine instructors from two flying schools. Thirty-eight students were required to complete a 15 item survey and ten students and nine instructors participated in a semi-structured interview. The research identified four specific areas - language, studying and teaching methods, attitudes towards asking questions, and command decision making. Cross-cultural interaction was found to be an integral …

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Attitudes To Biotechnology And Genetically Modified Food : A Review, Juliana Rose Cannon Jan 1999

Attitudes To Biotechnology And Genetically Modified Food : A Review, Juliana Rose Cannon

Theses : Honours

Debate surrounds the introduction of new biotechnological applications such as genetically modified food (GMF). With this in mind a critical review of the debate, it's emerging themes, and approaches to measurement was undertaken. The intention of this review was to argue that while existing empirical measures have advanced our understanding of attitudes to GMF, they are limited both conceptually and methodologically. Overall, the validity and reliability of research support was compromised. Conceptually, attitudes to GMF were composed of a number of potential dimensions that have yet to be measured. Adherence to sound scale construction techniques may facilitate more reliable and …

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Loneliness Underneath Laughter : Aspects Of Alienation In The Early Plays Of Tom Stoppard, Steven Hounsome Jan 1999

Loneliness Underneath Laughter : Aspects Of Alienation In The Early Plays Of Tom Stoppard, Steven Hounsome

Theses : Honours

This thesis investigates the various states of alienation that exist in the early plays of the British dramatist Tom Stoppard. By first defining alienation (and discussing the areas of contention which surround the concept), it proceeds to argue that whilst Stoppard has been greatly revered as a comic writer his works are equally consequential for their sensitivity and insight. They depict a prolificacy of characters who fail to assimilate with their society, can no longer relate to those around them and, as is often the case, reach for, but never manage to grasp a sense of their own identity. The …

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Masculinity, Social Support And Sense Of Community : The Mens Group Experience, Julie A. Reddin Jan 1999

Masculinity, Social Support And Sense Of Community : The Mens Group Experience, Julie A. Reddin

Theses : Honours

Recently, there has been increased attention in understanding factors that influence men's health and wellbeing. This paper examines men's wellbeing and the "male crisis' in Western Society. A brief historical overview is outlined to illustrate how social change has impacted on male gender roles. Men's role in society is discussed in relation to their response to feminism, and gender identity and the concept of masculinity as a social construction is outlined. Factors such as changing gender roles and subsequent role confusion are addressed in connection with men's health. This paper will then examine men's social support systems, with a focus …

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Self Concept: Mothers And Their Children, Leanne D. Wood Jan 1999

Self Concept: Mothers And Their Children, Leanne D. Wood

Theses : Honours

Over the past 30 years divorce has been on the incline, resulting in more children living in one parent families, the majority headed by single mothers. The study of the impact of divorce and outcomes for children and their mothers has become increasingly important. According to many researchers, the study of self-concept is considered to be one of the best indicators of a person's psychological adjustment and wellbeing (Hattie, 1992; Ford, 1985). Studies have neglected to consider self-concept as a major focus and consider the relationship between the child's self-concept and their mother's self-concept. This study focuses on single mothers …

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Imagining Machines: Time & Image In The Shorter Poems Of William Carlos Williams, Stuart Campbell Jan 1999

Imagining Machines: Time & Image In The Shorter Poems Of William Carlos Williams, Stuart Campbell

Theses : Honours

A discussion of time and image in the shorter poems of William Carlos Williams. The particular focus is Williams' short poems published between the Great War and World War II. The relationship between the form of the poems, and Williams' theories on poetry, as expressed in Spring and All, and The Wedge is examined. In turn, Williams' theories are viewed in the context of Imagism, Objectivist poetics, and the modernist machine aesthetic. Williams' application of these theories is seen to create a poetic form that generates images in the reader's imagination in synchrony with the moment.

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Is There A Need For Speed? : Risky Driving Behaviour And Young Male Drivers : A Review Of The Literature, Catherine A. Ferguson Jan 1999

Is There A Need For Speed? : Risky Driving Behaviour And Young Male Drivers : A Review Of The Literature, Catherine A. Ferguson

Theses : Honours

Young male drivers have been identified as a high risk for Motor Vehicle Accident. This paper reviews three components for accident risk: the driving environment, society and individual factors associated with accident histories. Possible predictors for identifying young men at risk for accident involvement are driving behaviour, driving attitude and sensation seeking. Protective factors to reduce the incidence of risky driving in youth might include legal restrictions, increased education and training. The paper recommends that future research tests the above predictors for a relationship with accident involvement in young men.

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The Relationship Between Values And Religiosity In Adolescents, Paul F. Russell Jan 1999

The Relationship Between Values And Religiosity In Adolescents, Paul F. Russell

Theses : Honours

The current work examined the areas of religiosity, values and adolescent development. The recent literature with regard to the nature of religiosity as a measure of an individual'' commitment to a particular religion was explored. The issues of measurement and definition were outlined, and a position was taken as to the multi-dimensionality of religiosity. The recent work on values by Schwartz (1992) was also explored. Values were defined and the theory of a universal set of values, as well as the relationship of values to each other was outlined, along with the organisation of those individual values into value types. …

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Children's Reactions To Aggressive And Submissive Peers, Natalie Honey Jan 1999

Children's Reactions To Aggressive And Submissive Peers, Natalie Honey

Theses : Honours

The purpose of this study was to investigate children's attitudes towards aggressive and submissive peers. A 2 x 2 x 2 factorial design was used to test the hypotheses. The three between-subjects variables were (a) the label given to the target child (aggressive/submissive) in a vignette, (b) the nature of the behaviour displayed in a critical incident (aggressive/nonaggressive response) as described in a vignette, and (c) the sex of the participants. A sample of 169 Year 6 and 7 students was divided into four groups containing at least 20 girls and 20 boys. A survey was administered to measure the …

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The Value Of Lectures In Teacher Education: The Group Perspective, Geoffrey H. Waugh, Russell F. Waugh Jan 1999

The Value Of Lectures In Teacher Education: The Group Perspective, Geoffrey H. Waugh, Russell F. Waugh

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

This paper proposes the use of a model of large student lectures in teacher education programmes to emphasize the group perspective, rather than the individual perspective, during lecture presentation and which complement other types of instruction such as tutorials and seminars. The model involves eight variables, manipulated by the lecturer that contribute to a good lecture series with more than 100 students. These are: atmosphere in the lecture hall, structure and clarity of the lecture, the learning and information content of the lecture, lightheartedness during the lecture, a personal and helpful relationship with the students, arranged and interesting breaks during …

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The Meaning Of God Today: A Phenomenographic Study Of The Art And Language Of A Group Of Senior Secondary Students, Anne P. Devenish Jan 1999

The Meaning Of God Today: A Phenomenographic Study Of The Art And Language Of A Group Of Senior Secondary Students, Anne P. Devenish

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Relationship with the Divine is the core of Christianity and the professional concern of a number of ministries, including that of religious education. Knowledge about what God means to children and adolescents would be beneficial to teachers. However, research has provided little useful information in this area. Most research conducted so far has been quantitative in nature and does not uncover the lived experience or the participants' personal understandings of this phenomenon. The qualitative research that has been done focuses mainly on the range of concepts of God held by participants. It is concerned with uncovering some of the elements …

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The Utility Of The Anxiety Cluster Scale Of The Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale To Identify Anxiety Problems In 10 Year Old Children, Jeremy Singer Jan 1999

The Utility Of The Anxiety Cluster Scale Of The Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale To Identify Anxiety Problems In 10 Year Old Children, Jeremy Singer

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

It is widely accepted in the literature that internalised childhood psychopathology including anx1cty is best identified by child self-report, followed by observations by parents and then to a lesser extent, by teachers. Although anxiety scales are a useful way to quantify anxiety symptomatology and progress through treatment, changes to classification systems (e.g., DSM-111-R to DSM-IV) make their ability to screen for the presence of psychiatric problems difficult. This research looked at whether the Anxiety Cluster (AC) scale of the Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale (PHCSCS) can be used to identify anxiety disorders in children. Two separate studies were conducted in the …

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A Critical Analysis Of Devolution And The Corporate Reform Of Teachers' Work, Patrick O'Brien Jan 1999

A Critical Analysis Of Devolution And The Corporate Reform Of Teachers' Work, Patrick O'Brien

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The corporate transformation of bureaucratic public education in Western Australia commenced in the late 1980s. The reforms announced in the Better Schools Report (1987) aimed to devolve responsibility to schools for the purpose of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of public education. Designed to be responsive, adaptable, flexible and accountable, the administrative style accompanying the reforms is described as corporate managerialism. Devolution has impacted heavily on schools and teachers' work. Evidence presented in this thesis suggests that the corporate values and practices that dominate the organisation and management of schools create personal and professional conflict for many classroom teachers. Devolution …

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Moving To Western Australia : Decision Making Processes Of Migrants From The United Kingdom, Lynne Cohen Jan 1999

Moving To Western Australia : Decision Making Processes Of Migrants From The United Kingdom, Lynne Cohen

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

International migration has assumed a new importance during the last few decades due to the volume and increase of population movement. Two important questions are relevant to the migration process. The person has to make the decision to move and to select a place of destination. In this thesis a series of studies designed to examine the factors that led to the consideration of leaving and the attributes which contributed to the choice of destination are presented. This research begins by adopting suggestions proposed by Jahoda (1981) to ask questions and thereby increase the knowledge base. The methodological framework of …

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An Adaptive Hierarchical Fuzzy Logic System For Modelling And Prediction Of Financial Systems, Mark Kingham Jan 1999

An Adaptive Hierarchical Fuzzy Logic System For Modelling And Prediction Of Financial Systems, Mark Kingham

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

In this thesis, an intelligent fuzzy logic system using genetic algorithms for the prediction and modelling of interest rates is developed. The proposed system uses a Hierarchical Fuzzy Logic system in which a genetic algorithm is used as a training method for learning the fuzzy rules knowledge bases. A fuzzy logic system is developed to model and predict three month quarterly interest rate fluctuations. The system is further trained to model and predict interest rates for six month and one year periods. The proposed system is developed with first two, three, then four and finally five hierarchical knowledge bases to …

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Student And Teacher Perceptions Of A Season Of Sport Education In A Regional Primary School, J. G. Strikwerda-Brown Jan 1999

Student And Teacher Perceptions Of A Season Of Sport Education In A Regional Primary School, J. G. Strikwerda-Brown

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

An interpretive case study approach was employed to examine student and teacher perceptions of the implementation of a sport education in physical education program (SEPEP) in a Western Australian regional primary school. Choi’s (1992) curriculum dimensions were used as a framework. Three year seven teachers implemented SEPEP using a team teaching approach. The focus teacher, Ms Jenson, a highly regarded classroom teacher, described herself as non-sporty and lacking confidence and expertise in PE teaching. Students in her SEPEP volleyball class were considered less popular and less athletic when compared with those in the other two SEPEP classes. A focus volleyball …

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Self-Efficacy And Depression In Older Adults: Differences Between Volunteers And Non-Volunteers, Anita Govindan Jan 1999

Self-Efficacy And Depression In Older Adults: Differences Between Volunteers And Non-Volunteers, Anita Govindan

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Volunteering has been found to play an important role in the lives of older adults. The general beneficial effects of volunteering have been widely established. However an investigation on the specific effect volunteering can have on older adults' perceptions of their abilities has yet to be established. It is important to investigate whether volunteering in later life is positively associated with one's perception of oneself or one's self-efficacy. Individuals with high levels of self-efficacy tend to believe they are more capable of handling stressful situations and are less likely to feel helpless and dependent and thus feel more confident of …

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The Effects Of Budget Emphasis, Budgetary Participation, Trust And Organisational Commitment On Job Related Tension And Propensity To Create Slack : Empirical Evidence From Norway, Christin S. Buckland Jan 1999

The Effects Of Budget Emphasis, Budgetary Participation, Trust And Organisational Commitment On Job Related Tension And Propensity To Create Slack : Empirical Evidence From Norway, Christin S. Buckland

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Results of early studies (eg. Hopwood, 1972; Otley, 1978) on the effects of supervisory styles on subordinates’ job related tension have been contradictory. Subsequent studies using the contingency model to resolve these conflicting results have identified budgetary participation (Brownell, 1982a) and trust (Ross, 1994) as important moderating variables. With respect to participation, a number of prior studies found that a compatible combination of high budget emphasis and high participation was associated with better behavioural outcomes (eg. lower job related tension), than other combinations of budget emphasis and participation. Yet there has been relatively little research to investigate why this particular …

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Barbadian Teachers' Personal Practical Knowledge About Advocated Pedagogic Practices Used In The Education Of The Under-Fives, Sonja M. Anderson Jan 1999

Barbadian Teachers' Personal Practical Knowledge About Advocated Pedagogic Practices Used In The Education Of The Under-Fives, Sonja M. Anderson

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This study investigated the personal practical knowledge of twenty-one Barbadian teachers in relation to a range of pedagogic practices advocated for use in the education of children under five years of age. The investigation of this knowledge was based on an interpretative perspective. The conceptual underpinning was framed by Personal Construct Psychology (Kelly, 1995), and its methodology, the repertory grid technique. The grid was formulated and used in a sample of schools with under-fives. Findings were clarified, confirmed and elaborated by the use of in-depth interviews conducted with teachers in their classroom settings. The findings revealed that teachers construed pedagogic …

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Art And Body Image : A Journey Through Anorexia Nervosa And The Implications For Art Therapy Rituals, Peta Horrex Jan 1999

Art And Body Image : A Journey Through Anorexia Nervosa And The Implications For Art Therapy Rituals, Peta Horrex

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This thesis examines the experience of body image and self image are for a sufferer with the eating disorder anorexia nervosa. Themes and symbols are explored and interpreted in art work that was produced in six session of individual art therapy. The sessions were designed to deal with issues and problems that had been discussed previously, or that became relevant during each session. The study is conducted from an interpretive perspective. It concentrates on the transference of the internal unconscious in the artwork created by, Michelle, who suffers from anorexia nervosa. The interpretation is from a western art therapy and …

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The Psychological Impact Of Long-Term Unemployment In Mature-Aged Men : Volunteer Work As A Moderating Variable, Ming Yeu Jan 1999

The Psychological Impact Of Long-Term Unemployment In Mature-Aged Men : Volunteer Work As A Moderating Variable, Ming Yeu

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Previous research has recognised the negative psychological distress associated with unemployment for older workers aged over 40 years, as they are considered to be more at risk of being unemployed for a longer duration than other age groups. Several moderating variables of the negative effects of unemployment such as age, length of unemployment and leisure participation have also been identified. In examining the experiences of unemployment with an Australian mature-aged group of men, this study also investigated the potential moderating effect of volunteer work participation that had been noted previously but had never been explored. One-hundred and eighteen men aged …

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Refugee Settlement: Acculturation, Ethnic Identity, Ethnicity And Social Network Development, Monique Keel Jan 1999

Refugee Settlement: Acculturation, Ethnic Identity, Ethnicity And Social Network Development, Monique Keel

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Refugees arriving in Australia undergo a number of settlement processes including adaptation and acculturation, social support and network development, and an exploration of their ethnic identity. This research examines the settlement processes of mixed marriage refugees from what was Yugoslavia who arrived in Perth, Western Australia in the early to mid 1990's. A mixed marriage is one where the couple are from different ethnic backgrounds. This research has two main aims. The first aim is to examine the processes of acculturation and adaptation, the development of social support networks, and ethnic identity, within the refugees. These processes provide a framework …

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Strategies For Tutoring Written Expression In Students With Adhd And Learning Difficulties, Josephine Bishop Jan 1999

Strategies For Tutoring Written Expression In Students With Adhd And Learning Difficulties, Josephine Bishop

Theses : Honours

ADHD and learning difficulties are associated with limitations in working memory capacity which may disrupt performance of writing skills. This thesis investigated teaching strategies to improve story-writing skills in five students with ADHD and learning difficulties in writing. The strategies were based on the view that these students would write more effectively if the task imposed fewer constraints on working memory capacity (the ability to store information while performing a task). Students were taught to write stories under time constraints using the PW2R approach of five minutes to plan, five to draft and five to review. Students planned orally during …

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Head Stabilisation During Running In Place Of Children With Varying Motor Proficiency Levels, Craig Atkins Jan 1999

Head Stabilisation During Running In Place Of Children With Varying Motor Proficiency Levels, Craig Atkins

Theses : Honours

Understanding head motion in children may contribute to development of effective strategies to improve coordination of children. The purpose of this study was to investigate head motion in children during stationary running. Twelve healthy 8-year-old children participated in this study and underwent a running proficiency test based on the Test for Gross Motor Proficiency (TGMO). Subjects were then videotaped while running for one minute "on the spot". Reflective markers were digitised for analysis of head motion relative to the external environment, and relative to the trunk. Resultant and component head angular velocities were calculated for each subject over five consecutive …

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Evaluating Oral Histories For Restoration Ecology, Margaret Robertson Jan 1999

Evaluating Oral Histories For Restoration Ecology, Margaret Robertson

Theses : Honours

Significant ecological restoration is required in the agricultural regions of south-western Australia. Environmental history, including local knowledge based on long-term observation of the biophysical environment, can help guide this process. Scientists already use local anecdotal information because other information sources are absent or too recent, yet they are often skeptical of its veracity. This study focused on whether environmental oral histories can be evaluated for factual accuracy and their capacity to be useful in the restoration process. Some of the complexities associated with linking environmental histories with restoration ecology, and the role played by oral histories in establishing the link …

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Ngaligura Wangkabinyarri, Banthaga, Jardimarri = We Talk, We Listen, We Embrace : Aboriginal Mothers As A Major Contributor To Their Daughters' Participation And Achievement In Tertiary Education, Odette Haley Jan 1999

Ngaligura Wangkabinyarri, Banthaga, Jardimarri = We Talk, We Listen, We Embrace : Aboriginal Mothers As A Major Contributor To Their Daughters' Participation And Achievement In Tertiary Education, Odette Haley

Theses : Honours

This thesis examines Aboriginal mothers as one of the major variables to their daughters' participation and achievement in tertiary education. It presents the findings of research that Investigated specific nurturing behaviours of four Aboriginal mothers who assisted their adult daughters to participate and achieve in tertiary education. The research is qualitative in nature and research data was collected using interviews and ethnographic observations of the eight participants over a two and a half-year period. The observations and interviews were made of Aboriginal mothers whose daughters had achieved a degree or diploma through a university or further education institution. The findings …

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