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Descriptors:
Physical Education; Teaching Methods; Articulation (Education); Preservice Teacher Education; Physical Education Teachers; Grounded Theory; Problem Solving; Constructivism (Learning); Teacher Educators; Preservice Teachers; Pedagogical Content Knowledge; Decision Making; Focus Groups; Interviews; Graduate Students

Abstract:
Examining how teacher education influences preservice teachers' (PSTs) application of content knowledge, decision making when planning for teaching, creation of innovative teaching practices and design of aligned instruction, has significant implications for understanding learning to teach. The purpose of this study was to explore the extent to which the constructivist pedagogies (e.g., interactive community discussions, problem solving, group challenges) employed by teacher educators through the implementation of a rich task (Macdonald, Hunter, & Tinning, 2007) assisted PSTs in their understanding and construction of knowledge about instructional alignment. Data collection employed rich tasks and focus-group interviews with a sample of 31 physical education teacher education (PETE) PSTs enrolled on a one-year Graduate Diploma Physical Education program. Data were analysed inductively (Patton, 1990) using the constant comparative method (Rubin & Rubin, 1995). Results revealed that PSTs varied in their articulation of the various elements of instructional alignment that were captured in the rich task. Through the use of such constructivist strategies as problem solving, group discussions, and critical friends, PSTs understood and valued the process of instructional alignment as they moved from feelings of fear and apprehension to being confident in their own development. Areas of strength and deficiency that were noted in the PSTs' attempts to design instructionally aligned lessons will guide the teacher educators in revising program components and their own practice. (Contains 1 figure and 5 tables.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Student Attitudes; Secondary School Students; Early Adolescents; Bullying; Child Rearing; Family Environment; Parenting Styles; Semi Structured Interviews; Focus Groups; Victims; Qualitative Research; Conflict; Spouses; Family Violence; Intervention; Prevention

Abstract:
The present paper uses a qualitative method in order to study the ways in which bullying is discursively organized among young adolescent students in relation to the family factors related to it. Only a few studies have linked aspects of parenting and family functioning to bullying through the use of students' discourses despite the fact that family views and policies have a significant impact on bullying and the role the adolescent takes in relation to it, as well as the phenomenon. In the present study, 5 schools with a total number of 90 students in 14 focus groups participated through semistructured interviews. The analysis was facilitated by QSR NVivo, and three themes emerged under the heading of family-related factors of bullying: (a) difficult home environment with many conflicts between the spouses or between the parents and the young adolescents, (b) parenting styles such as parental overprotection, lack of supervision, or excessive control, and (c) domestic abuse. The findings of this study confirm patterns of bullying and its relation to familial factors in the international literature. The implications of the findings are discussed in light of intervention, as well as prevention. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Stakeholders; Therapy; Foreign Countries; Psychologists; Educational Psychology; Focus Groups; Disabilities; Intervention; Counselor Role; Leadership; Delivery Systems; Interviews; Supervision; Documentation

Abstract:
This project follows a survey into the role of UK educational psychologists (EPs) in delivering therapeutic interventions to children and young people. Four educational psychology services (EPSs) that identified themselves as providing effective therapeutic practice were selected on the basis of their qualitative responses to the survey. Site visits included analysis of service documentation, an interview with the Principal Educational Psychologist (PEP) and focus groups with EPs and with stakeholders, multi-agency partners and commissioners of EPSs. Thematic analysis yielded a number of key themes. Those relating to how the service context can support the delivery of therapeutic interventions included: "contracting and promoting"; "leadership"; "opportunities to practice"; "supervision"; "time and resources"; and "training". (Contains 1 table and 1 figure.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Sexuality; Residential Care; Dating (Social); Focus Groups; Adolescents; Feedback (Response); At Risk Persons; Trust (Psychology); Gender Differences

Abstract:
Minimal attention has been focused on difficulties for youth in residential care regarding building healthy dating relationships, despite the significant risks to this group of adolescents. This study provided a unique opportunity to conduct focus groups with youth in residential care on issues surrounding dating relationships. The majority of youth feedback centered on the themes of desiring support developing relationship boundaries, establishing trust in relationships, understanding the consequences of sexual activity, and having real world examples regarding dating relationships. The data were examined for differences between the genders and recommendations for next steps provided. (Contains 2 tables.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Educational Policy; Foreign Countries; Professional Recognition; Learning Theories; Communities of Practice; Focus Groups; Employment Qualifications; Interviews; Mail Surveys; Questionnaires; Context Effect; Labor Force; Educational Change; Child Care; Teacher Attitudes

Abstract:
This article reports on the views of early years practitioners in England from settings that were identified as "reluctant to engage" with one of the government's key policies, the introduction of Early Years Professional Status (EYPS), to drive forwards workforce reform. Focus groups, interviews and a survey were undertaken in 2009 with 35 respondents in 15 early years settings. The article uses concepts from Wenger's situated theory of learning (1998) to locate the policy and practitioners' views of its implications in its socio-historical context with regard to early years professionalisation. The findings are considered against a conceptual framework for successful workforce reform to suggest how, by addressing areas of perceived "restrictive" practice, the move to increase status and professional qualifications in early years may become more inclusive of the current workforce. (Contains 2 tables.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Parent Child Relationship; Foreign Countries; Educational Needs; Facilitators (Individuals); Context Effect; Preschool Teachers; Preschool Children; Parents; Semi Structured Interviews; Focus Groups; Economically Disadvantaged; Social Support Groups; Early Childhood Education; Program Effectiveness

Abstract:
Supported playgroups are a service model used widely in Australia with the dual focus of providing stimulating early childhood environments for children and supportive environments for parents. This article describes research findings from a recent doctoral study that explored three supported playgroups in western Sydney. In particular it focuses on the multi-dimensional and complex facilitation role in these groups. It shows how the creation of inclusive and engaging playgroup environments was inextricably tied to eight categories of support that a diverse range of parents experienced. The research findings demonstrate how effective facilitation in these groups led to parents experiencing increased emotional support, decreased feelings of isolation and inequality and increased confidence in parenting. It also draws attention to the training needs of early childhood professionals who undertake the complex role of facilitation in groups that work with parents and children together. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Acceleration (Education); Rating Scales; Urban Schools; Academically Gifted; Rural Schools; Suburban Schools; Rural Urban Differences; Teacher Attitudes; Social Influences; Emotional Experience; Student Needs; Teachers; Longitudinal Studies; Extracurricular Activities; Teacher Surveys; School Policy; Parent Attitudes; Measures (Individuals); Focus Groups

Abstract:
Despite extensive research supporting its use, including the 2004 publication of "A Nation Deceived," acceleration is an underutilized strategy for meeting the academic needs of gifted and talented students. Parents' and educators' attitudes and beliefs about acceleration influence the extent to which it is implemented in schools. This study investigated gifted and talented educators' attitudes toward acceleration using a 7-point rating scale measuring concerns about acceleration, beliefs about acceleration, and support for specific acceleration strategies. Data indicated there were no differences in attitudes among teachers from rural, suburban, or urban school districts. Overall, the least popular acceleration strategies were also the easiest to implement, but caused the greatest change in students' environments (i.e., grade-skipping and early entrance to kindergarten). As expected, the educators were most troubled by social issues and least concerned about academic issues related to acceleration. (Contains 6 tables.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Academically Gifted; Student Attitudes; Play; Rural Schools; Focus Groups; Online Surveys; Talent; Urban Schools; Suburban Schools; Socialization; Barriers; Attention Control; Learning Motivation; Retention (Psychology); Teamwork; Problem Solving; Cognitive Development; Social Development; Physical Development

Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to explore the concept of play through the eyes of talented and gifted (TAG) fifth- and sixth-grade students. Three focus groups consisting of fifth- and sixth-grade TAG students were conducted in one urban, one suburban, and one rural school district in the Midwest. Students were asked to describe the value of play in the cognitive, physical, and social domains. Additional open-ended questions were asked about the importance of play and its relevance to their lives. From these results, an online survey was created. Data from an additional 162 fifth- and sixth-grade TAG respondents substantiated that play is a significant activity for learning and socializing in the general classroom, gifted programs, and outside their classrooms. Despite its importance, students experienced structural barriers for time to play. Putting the Research to Use: Results of this study hold implications for teachers to acknowledge the value of play as a tool for learning. Children see play as a renewal activity. They see play as motivating and as a way to increase attention, retention, and focus in learning. Children emphasized that play develops teamwork and problem-solving skills. Play enhances meaningful activities in the talented and gifted program as well as the general classroom. Results of this study suggest that parents should acknowledge their children's need for play in all three domains (cognitive, physical, and social) and allow time for self-directed play after school with limits on scheduled activities. (Contains 4 tables.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Homosexuality; Phenomenology; Focus Groups; Social Attitudes; Social Behavior; Social Theories; Hermeneutics; Educational Administration; Administrators; Interviews; Fear; Social Bias; Administrator Education; Policy Formation; Anxiety; Emotional Response

Abstract:
Purpose: The article's purpose is to highlight a national qualitative study that generated a model for understanding how society's actions and attitudes affect and inform the lived experiences of lesbian/gay (LG) educational leaders. Research Methods/Approach: Three bodies of literature informed the methods of the study: queer legal theory, critical phenomenology, and poststructural hermeneutics. Seventeen volunteer participants identified as out or closeted LG educational leaders and replied via e-mail (to a safe contact) to a national invitation to participate. To provide anonymity, a virtual laboratory allowed participants to interact anonymously through the use of focus groups, interviews, written responses, and private/public messaging tools. Data analysis was conducted after themes or categories emerged and data was coded and categorized. Findings: The findings culminated in conclusions illustrated in the "Cycles of Fear" model. First, study participants moved from silence to voice and back again, with varying intensity. Second, participants move beyond oppression was extremely difficult. Third, participants conquered fear and oppression, thereby creating gains. Fourth, experiences of fear were integrated into participants' very being--their identity. Fifth, as leaders' strength/visibility increased, society's homophobic fears created increased intolerance and hostility. Finally, when a new fear cycle began, the leaders became stronger and more resilient. Implications for Research and Practice: The discussions, conclusions, and the model drawn from this study's findings are instructive for (a) LG educational leaders who have had very little support in their professional and personal lives, (b) leadership preparation programs/professors that/who in the past have ignored this populations' existence and oppression, (c) policy makers, and (d) further research--the model can serve as a data analysis tool for future studies, and the anonymous research design could be duplicated to lower the risk for LGBT participants. (Contains 1 table, 1 figure, and 9 notes.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Foreign Countries; Ideology; Language Planning; Language Maintenance; Interviews; Focus Groups; Romance Languages; Ethnography; Languages; Language Minorities; Classification; Cross Cultural Studies; Immersion Programs; Language Attitudes; Native Speakers; Second Language Learning; Social Class

Abstract:
This special issue devoted to Catalonia--one of the most successful and longstanding language movements in Europe--gives a unique opportunity to understand some of the complex social dynamics engendered as language revival unfolds and to appreciate the value of in-depth interviewing, focus groups, and ethnographic work in making sometimes subtle change-in-progress visible. With 30 plus years of proactive language planning behind it, Catalonia is a living laboratory for exploring the social dynamics and ideological transformations set in motion by language normalization projects. For the nearby Basque language advocates with whom the author works, the strong institutional support language revival has enjoyed along with the extensive immersion schooling program (now under some attack), has been a source of envy not easily reproducible in their own context. Nevertheless there are many parallels between the dynamics described for Catalonia and the Basque Autonomous Community. In her commentary to the papers by Pujolar and Gonzalez, Soler, and Frekko in this issue, the author will note some of the parallels but focus more generally on the lessons these studies hold for scholarship on minority language revitalization projects in general. Lessons that have to do with the value of ethnographic work on language ideology; the importance of class as a factor in language revitalization; the challenges of cross national comparison; and the necessity for refining ways of categorizing speakers. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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