Engaging young string players in metacognition

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 659-670 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne M. Power ◽  
Sarah J. Powell
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Chamber Orchestra ◽  
Performing Arts ◽  
Role Models ◽  
Dynamic Control ◽  
Music Program ◽  
Technical Issues ◽  
Youth Music

This article is about one focus of a two-year project researching the Penrith (NSW Australia) Youth Music Program offered at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre. The Penrith Youth Music Program has been designed to encourage young string players through a program of guided rehearsals and tutorials with mentoring by performers from the Australian Chamber Orchestra. This article focuses on a part of the research that has engaged the young string players in reflection on their own progress. Eight young string players are the focus here, drawn from the whole study that encompasses 27 instrumentalists. In focus groups they were asked at intervals (at the end of each session of three ensemble rehearsals, spaced approximately 6 weeks apart) about their learning and about their practice strategies. This article presents the voices of the eight instrumentalists as they talk about technical issues, ensemble cuing, issues of balance and dynamic control. It also provides data that benefits in performance were achieved without an increase in the reported time given to practice but rather through thoughtful attention by the instrumentalists to their practice and to the proximity of the expert mentors as role models.

An Opportunity for E-Democracy in Rebuilding Lower Manhattan

2011 ◽  
pp. 751-758
Author(s):  
Claudia G. Green ◽  
Suzanne K. Murrmann
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Performing Arts ◽  
Internet Technology ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Citizen Satisfaction ◽  
Lower Manhattan ◽  
Online Format ◽  
Use Of Internet ◽  
The City

Following the events of September 11, 2001 (9-11), the Civic Alliance to Rebuild Downtown New York established a forum for the purposes of gathering citizen opinions on the nature of the rebuilding of New York City’s Lower Manhattan area. Citizens gave their opinions on the development of space for a memorial, performing arts spaces, museums, restaurants, hotels, residences and businesses. This effort was named “Listening to the City.” Civic Alliance organized two types of citizen opinion-gathering strategies: face-to-face focus groups and online dialog focus groups (www.listeningtothecity.org). The purpose of this article is to assess citizen satisfaction with veness of the online format of citizen involvement in making decisions regarding the rebuilding of Lower Manhattan following the attacks of 9-11. The results contribute to our understanding of the use of Internet technology in gathering citizen opinions in urban development and planning.

Neil Black

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Michele Fiala
Keyword(s):  
Chamber Orchestra ◽  
Role Models ◽  
Musical Settings ◽  
Tone Production ◽  
Oxford University ◽  
School Of Music

Neil Black was an internationally known oboist and a professor at London’s Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Black attended Oxford University and earned a degree in history. Three years after finishing at Oxford, he became principal oboist for the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Later in his career, he became the principal oboist for the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields and the English Chamber Orchestra. In this chapter he discussed his beginnings in music, ideas on tone production, reeds, and technique. He further shared his thoughts on flexibility in musical settings, solo playing, and pedagogy. He also reminisced about his role models and his memorable concerts.

An Opportunity for E-Democracy in Rebuilding Lower Manhattan

2011 ◽  
pp. 1306-1310 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. G. Green ◽  
S. K. Murrmann
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Performing Arts ◽  
Internet Technology ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Citizen Satisfaction ◽  
Lower Manhattan ◽  
Online Format ◽  
Use Of Internet ◽  
The City

Following the events of September 11, 2001 (9-11), the Civic Alliance to Rebuild Downtown New York established a forum for the purposes of gathering citizen opinions on the nature of the rebuilding of New York City’s Lower Manhattan area. Citizens gave their opinions on the development of space for a memorial, performing arts spaces, museums, restaurants, hotels, residences and businesses. This effort was named “Listening to the City.” Civic Alliance organized two types of citizen opinion-gathering strategies: face-to-face focus groups and online dialog focus groups (www.listeningtothecity.org). The purpose of this article is to assess citizen satisfaction with veness of the online format of citizen involvement in making decisions regarding the rebuilding of Lower Manhattan following the attacks of 9-11. The results contribute to our understanding of the use of Internet technology in gathering citizen opinions in urban development and planning.

Online synchronous Focus Groups and research continuity during the COVID-19 pandemic (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Gabriela Calvo-Valderrama ◽  
Arturo Marroquín-Rivera ◽  
Erin Burn ◽  
Laura Ospina-Pinillos ◽  
Victoria Bird ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Web Conferencing ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Public Health Emergencies ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Technical Issues ◽  
E Mail

BACKGROUND Although focus groups are a valuable qualitative research tool, face-to-face meetings may be difficult to arrange and time consuming. This has been further compounded by the COVID-19 global pandemic, where the subsequent lockdown and physical distancing measures implemented, caused exceptional challenges to all human activity. Online Focus Groups (OFGs) are an example of one alternative strategy, requiring investigation. At present, OFGs have mostly been studied and used in high-income countries with little information relating to their implementation in Low-and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). OBJECTIVE Our aim is to share our experiences of conducting OFGs through a web conferencing service and provide recommendations for future research. METHODS As part of a broader study, OFGs were developed with adults and adolescents (13-16) in Colombia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through a convenience sampling method, we invited eligible participants via e-mail in two different cities of Colombia to take part in OFGs conducted via Microsoft Teams®. Researcher notes and discussion were used to capture the participant and facilitator experiences as well as practical considerations. RESULTS We conducted 10 OFGs with a total of 42 participants. Data obtained met our expectations and the online methodology did not compromise the quality of our results. Technical issues arose but different measures were taken to minimize them: using a web conferencing service that was familiar to participants, sending written instructions and performing a trial meeting prior to the OFG. Adolescent participants unlike their adult counterparts, were fluent in using web conferencing platforms and did not encounter technical challenges. CONCLUSIONS OFGs have great potential in research settings especially during the current and any future public health emergencies. It is important to keep in mind that even with the advantages that they offer, technical issues (i.e., internet speed and access to technology) are major obstacles in LMICs. Further research is required and should carefully consider the appropriateness of OFGs in different settings.

Responsibility in the Face of Adversity

2017 ◽  
Vol 52 (2) ◽  
pp. 288-307
Author(s):  
Natasha Arndt ◽  
Luzelle Naudé
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
South African ◽  
Peer Relations ◽  
Role Models ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
Social Systems ◽  
Black African ◽  
Black South African ◽  
The Face ◽  
Responsibility Education

The aim of this study was to explore Black South African adolescents’ sense of self as it emerges through their direct and indirect environments. Black African adolescents ( N = 57; 52.63% male; 47.37% female) participated in eight focus groups, which were analyzed thematically. The emphasis fell on the interconnectedness and interdependency between individuals and social systems. The importance of family and peer relations, as well as the juxtaposed needs of belonging and separation, was also reiterated. This research highlighted adolescents’ awareness regarding the importance of reciprocity and interdependence in relationships. Not only was the need for having role models articulated, but also for being role models. They were acutely aware of the sacrifices made (especially by their parents) investing in their development, and were feeling responsible for “paying back” (to their family and community). Due to bearing this responsibility, education and scholarship were viewed as essential aspects of adolescents’ sense of self.

scholarly journals M100. LOOSELEAF: DEVELOPING A MOBILE-BASED APPLICATION TO MONITOR DAILY CANNABIS USAGE IN YOUTH AT CLINICAL HIGH-RISK OF PSYCHOSIS: APP DEVELOPMENT AND USABILITY TESTING

2020 ◽  
Vol 46 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S173-S173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olga Santesteban-Echarri ◽  
Ga Hyung Kim ◽  
Preston Haffey ◽  
Jacky Tang ◽  
Jean Addington
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
User Experience ◽  
Data Transmission ◽  
Mobile Application ◽  
Emotional Experience ◽  
Cannabis Use ◽  
Clinical High Risk ◽  
Bug Report ◽  
Technical Issues

Abstract Background Youth at clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR) often use cannabis, which can have a negative impact on their attenuated psychotic symptoms (APS). Our overall goal is to develop an app that will monitor cannabis use and its impact on APS. Objectives: (1) To describe the development of a mobile-based application named LooseLeaf (LL) to monitor daily cannabis use of individuals at CHR through participatory design; and (2) To test initial usability, discover and fix technical issues, and ensure correct data transmission of LL. Methods Two two-hour focus groups were run with CHR participants, age 12–30. Opinions of participants on (i) application content, (ii) graphic design, and (iii) user experience of the different features (i.e., home screen, inventory, questions, feedback, and calculator) were gathered from the first focus group. Based on the comments from the first focus group, a usable prototype of the application was created and was shown to the second focus group. The second focus group provided further feedback on the user experience of each feature, and finalized the application’s name and logo. The focus groups were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim for analysis. Following Braun and Clarke’s guidelines, data obtained from the focus groups was qualitatively analyzed with thematic analysis to identify patterns in responses. The application was refined accordingly. Then, six healthy controls and two CHR participants used LL for one week to test its effectiveness in monitoring cannabis use. On days that participants used cannabis they answered LL’ questions about how much cannabis they used, how they used, their subjective emotional experience, and what their social and environmental context was during and after using cannabis. When they did not use cannabis, LL asked questions about their subjective emotional experience and how they felt about not using cannabis. LL included a bug-report feature that participants were encouraged to use when they encountered problems. Qualitative data about LL was gathered through the 23-item Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) covering questions about engagement, functionality, aesthetics, information provided, and subjective quality of LL. Descriptive statistics were calculated for the quantitative data from MARS. Results Participants favored a minimal and neutral design, buttons with icons, and color-coding of the emotions. Participants named the application “LooseLeaf” and helped to refine its features. The final design of the application consisted of 11 questions about cannabis consumption and feelings associated with it (i.e., euphoria, anxiety, and psychosis-like experiences). Over the one-week usability testing period, LL had an 85.7% response rate. The bug-report feature was used 13 times by seven participants to flag technical issues and provide suggestions to improve user experience of LL. The App received a good overall score on the MARS. LL’s functionality, aesthetics, information, and safety rated high. Few customization options, lack of willingness to pay for applications in general, and technical issues resulted in lower engagement and subjective quality scores. LL’s perceived impact score was good. Discussion The application’s development process was based on the feedback of CHR youth. This provided important information on the design and content needed to build a user-centric mobile application. LL demonstrated initial usability, an effective bug-report feature, and some technical issues and problems with data transmission. The MARS, interviews, and bug-reports provided effective feedback for refining LL for the next phase of development.

A Troubled/Troubling History

Ballet Class ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 129-156
Author(s):  
Melissa R. Klapper
Keyword(s):  
Twentieth Century ◽  
African American ◽  
Native American ◽  
African Americans ◽  
Performing Arts ◽  
Role Models ◽  
Local Communities ◽  
African American Children ◽  
The Creation ◽  
American Children

Ballet has been and continues to be among the least diverse of the performing arts. Until well into the twentieth century, most African American children who wanted to take ballet class were forced to go to segregated studios, which played significant roles in local communities. African Americans also faced very limited opportunities for ballet careers. There were important exceptions who served as role models, and the creation of the Dance Theatre of Harlem in 1969 helped challenge the racist assumptions that dancers of color could not master the ballet aesthetic. A number of prominent Native American ballerinas faced less discrimination. Recent diversity initiatives are slowly improving the situation in both recreational and professional ballet.

Engaging the Public on Technical Issues

2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brendan Breen ◽  
Elizabeth Atherton ◽  
Steve Barlow
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Radioactive Waste ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
The Public ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Technical Issues ◽  
The Uk

United Kingdom Nirex Limited (Nirex) is responsible for providing the UK with environmentally-sound and publicly-acceptable options for the long-term management of radioactive materials generated by the Nation’s commercial, medical, research and defence activities. An important part of Nirex’s responsibilities in developing these options is to build acceptance of its concepts through effective dialogue and engagement with a wide range of stakeholders. One of the options developed by Nirex for the long-term isolation of intermediate-level and some low-level from the accessible environment is to place these wastes in a deep underground repository, excavated in stable rock formations. The repository would remain accessible to allow future generations to have the choice of continuing to store the waste, or to dispose of the wastes by sealing and closing the repository. In conducting the scientific and technical research on this phased disposal concept, Nirex wanted its work programmes to take account of any public concerns with regard to radioactive waste and its management and proposed to develop its understanding of such concerns through public engagement. In October 2001, Nirex engaged an independent organisation to conduct a series of focus group discussions. Focus group meetings were arranged in 4 locations across the UK, selecting varying groups in terms of age, lifestage and socio-economic circumstances in order to engage a broad cross-section of the UK population. Each group attended two, 2-hour sessions on successive evenings. The first session was a general discussion of the issues of nuclear energy and radioactive waste. The second session focused on the more specific detail of the Nirex Phased Disposal Concept. Explanatory material was given to participants at each session. The work has provided some very useful information on issues, which the focus groups considered significant. The groups were able, in the short time available, to grasp many important issues and to provide their views across a range of technical areas. This work has helped Nirex to better understand ways of engaging the public in technical issues and to appreciate some of the key areas and concerns on the more technical areas associated with phased disposal. Several technical queries were identified, which the facilitators were unable to answer during the focus group discussions — Nirex has subsequently provided answers to these questions and made these available on the Nirex Bibliography. This paper describes the approach taken for the focus groups and outlines key findings from the work and some implications for Nirex in communicating technical issues to the public.

scholarly journals Internal Medicine Residents’ Perceptions of Nephrology as a Career: A Focus Group Study

Kidney360 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (10) ◽  
pp. 1050-1057
Author(s):  
Natalie Beck ◽  
Seth Furgeson ◽  
Michel Chonchol ◽  
Jessica Kendrick
Keyword(s):  
Internal Medicine ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Medical School ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Role Models ◽  
Role Model ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
University Of Colorado ◽  
Internal Medicine Residents ◽  
The University

BackgroundInterest in nephrology as a career has declined dramatically over the past several years. Only 62% of nephrology fellowship positions are filled for the upcoming 2020 appointment year. The purpose of this study was to identify perceptions, attitudes, motivators, and barriers to a career in nephrology among internal medicine residents.MethodsWe recruited focus groups of internal medicine residents (N=25) from the University of Colorado, and asked questions aimed at exploring perceptions, attitudes, and barriers to a career in nephrology, and ways to increase interest in nephrology. All focus groups were conducted on the University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus. Focus group sessions were recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis was used to identify key concepts and themes.ResultsResidents described many barriers to a career in nephrology, including lack of exposure, lack of advances in the field, low monetary compensation, high complexity, lack of role models/mentors, and low-prestige/noncompetitive nature of the field. Most residents had no exposure to outpatient nephrology. Lack of new therapeutics was a significant deterrent to nephrology. Nephrology teaching in medical school was described as not clinically relevant and too complicated. Several residents felt they were not smart enough for nephrology. Only three residents had a role model within nephrology. Residents used the word “stigmatized” to describe nephrology, and discussed how low prestige decreased their interest in a field. Participants expressed suggestions to increase interest in nephrology through earlier and more outpatient nephrology exposure, enhanced interactions with nephrologists, and research and advancements in the field.ConclusionsResidents identified several modifiable barriers to a career in nephrology. Changing how nephrology is taught in medical school, enhancing interactions with nephrologists through increased exposure, and highlighting research and advancements in nephrology may change the perception of nephrology and increase the number of residents entering the field.

scholarly journals The many positive impacts of participating in outreach activities on postgraduate students

2011 ◽  
pp. 13-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
GT Harrison ◽  
KL Hanford ◽  
BT Cheesman ◽  
G Kaur ◽  
SD Franklin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Role Models ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
School Students ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
The Many ◽  
Positive Impacts

Postgraduate students are excellent role models for school students, where their passion and energy play a vital role in engaging younger students and spreading enthusiasm and excitement about science. However, participating in outreach is not a one way activity for these postgraduate students. Through focus groups we show that the postgraduate students perceive that there are many benefits for themselves. These benefits are identified and discussed. This paper also contrasts the postgraduate with their undergraduate counterpart in terms of their contributions to engagement activities.

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