scholarly journals Teaching journalism in Oman: Reflections after the Arab Spring

2011 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan O'Rourke

Between 2005–2011, the New Zealand Tertiary Education Consortium (NZTEC) was contracted to the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) in the Sultanate of Oman. This long-term, long-distance off-shore education contract committed four New Zealand universities to providing degrees in four discipline areas (as well as English language support) within the Omani Colleges of Applied Science. As part of this process, AUT University’s Bachelor of Communication Studies was redeveloped for delivery in Oman. This case study will focus on the Journalism major and in particular the nature of the courses within this major, the difficulties encountered in re-developing them and the challenge of delivering them under these particular circumstances in this particular time frame. The wider picture of the type of journalism practised in Oman; what is expected of—or indeed possible for― journalists in that society; and journalism as a force for democracy in Arab countries will also be briefly discussed.

2011 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-96
Author(s):  
Barbara Russell ◽  
◽  
Gloria R L Slater ◽  

This case study reports on the findings from one of nine tertiary institutions that took part in a project funded by the Teaching and Learning Research Initiative (TLRI) in New Zealand. The research question explored how institutional and non institutional learning environments influence student engagement with learning in a higher education, university setting. Data was collected initially by means of a questionnaire; subsequently more in-depth data was gathered through semi-structured interviews with students randomly selected from those who indicated, on the questionnaire, that they were willing to be interviewed. Respondents were enrolled for the first time in this institution, but not necessarily for the first time in a tertiary education programme. A conceptual model with four strands: motivation and agency; transactional engagement; institutional support and active citizenship was used to organise the data. Findings were analysed against a synthesis of current literature and suggest that factors identified in the first three strands of the conceptual model played a significant role in student engagement with learning; active citizenship, however, did not feature highly in student responses and is an aspect of engagement that could benefit from further research.


Author(s):  
Ipek Tamara Cetiner Öztürk

As globalization becomes a necessity for organizations to continue their sustainability and existence in the world, naturally their interdependencies to other economies also emerge. After the 2008 economic crisis, TEMSA, a Turkish family-owned company operating in the transportation industry, decided to expand its products and manufacturing plants to different regions. Egypt, for the time being, was geographically a well strategic location for TEMSA's long-term manufacturing plans. In 2011, when the Arab Spring broke out, TEMSA found itself in the middle of chaos, challenged by external political and economic decisions. This chapter focuses on the case study of TEMSA Global as they entered the Egyptian market with a foreign direct investment and managing chaos between the years 2011-2012. An interview was conducted with the management team on duty at the time to collect data. As a result, it was observed that TEMSA potentially had a chance to continue its operations in the Egyptian market if the Arabian Spring had not happened. Chaos is a potential enemy for FDIs as they seek stability.


Author(s):  
Beril Yucel ◽  
Meral Güçeri

This chapter aims to present two action research case studies conducted in the English Language Schools of two universities in Turkey and discuss the long-term effects of this Professional Development activity on teachers' professional lives. In both of these studies, teachers were involved in collaborative action research. The first case study discusses a small scale collaborative Action Research project which targeted 16 English language teachers. Case Study Two, on the other hand, is a large scale project which explores 160 English language teachers' collaborative action research study. Detailed information about each case study is provided by highlighting the aims, institutional contexts, participant profiles, methodology used and findings. Teachers' perceptions about action research and the long-term impact of it on their professional growth are also discussed. Conclusion part highlights the factors that need to be taken into consideration while setting up collaborative action research projects in institutions. Finally, future research recommendations are made.


2010 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanne M. Hoare ◽  
Colin F. J. O’Donnell ◽  
Elaine F. Wright

Indicator species approaches are widely used in conservation as a shortcut to measuring attributes of species and ecosystems. A variety of indicator species concepts are in use and are applicable to a range of situations. Indicator species are increasingly being used in environmental reporting to evaluate trends in environmental attributes quantitatively. We use the most recent State of the Environment report from New Zealand as a case study to evaluate: (1) how indicator species concepts are being applied to environmental reporting and (2) the selection of individual species as indicators. At present indicator species used in environmental reporting in New Zealand reflect biases in national monitoring data towards forest-dwelling, terrestrial vertebrates that are vulnerable to predation by introduced mammals. Scientific literature generally supports links between selected taxa and the aspect of ecosystem health they are purported to indicate, but their roles as long-term indicators of environmental health have yet to be evaluated. A primary goal of State of the Environment reporting is to set a benchmark against which environmental outcomes can be monitored over time; thus it is recognized that taxa reported should represent a broader range of environmental attributes. However, selection of taxa for environmental reporting is severely constrained by limited national species monitoring data. A strategic approach to national measurement, storage and analysis of long-term monitoring data is required to support selection of representative species for environmental reporting. We support current initiatives to select taxa for future measurement and reporting in an objective, transparent manner and recommend that they encompass representation of: (1) taxonomic diversity, (2) ecosystem types, (3) key environmental pressures and (4) threat status.


2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (162) ◽  
pp. 20190526
Author(s):  
Tessa Barrett-Walker ◽  
Michael J. Plank ◽  
Rachael Ka'ai-Mahuta ◽  
Daniel Hikuroa ◽  
Alex James

More than a third of the world's languages are currently classified as endangered and more than half are expected to go extinct by 2100. Strategies aimed at revitalizing endangered languages have been implemented in numerous countries, with varying degrees of success. Here, we develop a new model regarding language transmission by dividing the population into defined proficiency categories and dynamically quantifying transition rates between categories. The model can predict changes in proficiency levels over time and, ultimately, whether a given endangered language is on a long-term trajectory towards extinction or recovery. We calibrate the model using data from Wales and show that the model predicts that the Welsh language will thrive in the long term. We then apply the model to te reo Māori, the indigenous language of New Zealand, as a case study. Initial conditions for this model are estimated using New Zealand census data. We modify the model to describe a country, such as New Zealand, where the endangered language is associated with a particular subpopulation representing the indigenous people. We conclude that, with current learning rates, te reo Māori is on a pathway towards extinction, but identify strategies that could help restore it to an upward trajectory.


2013 ◽  
Vol 2 (11) ◽  
pp. 362-369
Author(s):  
Dustin Linn ◽  
Andrea Murray ◽  
Thomas Smith ◽  
David Fuentes

Introduction: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic health condition presenting with symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and/or inattention in early childhood, adolescence and adulthood. Many patients will persist with associated symptoms throughout their life and may require long term treatment to maintain adequate control. Objective: The purpose of this article is to review the current literature in regards to diagnosis, treatment, and management of ADHD in the pediatric and adolescent population. Methods: A search was conducted using PubMed, Medline, Ovid, and CINHAL with a focus on studies and reviews in the English language from 2008 – 2013, featuring pediatric/adolescent patients across the ages of 4–17 years using the terms: “management”, “attention-deficit”, “hyperactivity”, and “treatment.” Literature referenced prior to the five-year time frame outlined herein provided foundational information on diagnostics and medications. Discussion: Stimulants, in conjunction with behavioral therapy, are standard first line treatments used in ADHD. While stimulant medications have been shown to be effective in treating symptoms associated with ADHD, there are a variety of concerns that may prevent their use. These concerns are related to adverse consequences, many of which are not supported by concrete evidence. Other pharmacotherapy options such as norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and selective alpha-2 adrenergic agonists are typically reserved as second line options. The use of novel and emerging complementary therapies will also be explored. Conclusion: Patients diagnosed with ADHD must be thoroughly evaluated when making decisions regarding treatment. Many studies and reviews support the efficacy of pharmacotherapy in treatment of ADHD; however, there is insufficient evidence regarding long-term safety of the medications. Further research is warranted to evaluate current treatment options and associated risks and benefits to guide the clinician in optimal management of these patients.


Subject Education and skills policy in New Zealand. Significance Teacher unrest including strikes, the next possible tranche in February 2019, have added urgency to the government's education system revamp for pre-school to universities to ready students for a changing workplace that is demanding different skillsets. Impacts Teacher shortages will make it harder to tackle falls in children's international comparative achievement rankings. Fewer foreign students will mean compounding tertiary education funding shortfalls. The government's education reform plan implies substantial funding increases, posing fiscal issues for the early 2020s.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tessa Barrett-Walker ◽  
Michael J. Plank ◽  
Rachael Ka’ai-Mahuta ◽  
Daniel Hikuroa ◽  
Alex James

AbstractMore than a third of the world’s languages are currently classified as endangered and more than half are expected to go extinct by 2100. Strategies aimed at revitalising endangered languages have been implemented in numerous countries, with varying degrees of success. Here, we develop a new model regarding language transmission by dividing the population into defined proficiency categories and dynamically quantifying transition rates between categories. The model can predict changes in proficiency levels over time and, ultimately, whether a given endangered language is on a long-term trajectory towards extinction or recovery. We calibrate the model using data from Wales and show that the model predicts that the Welsh language will thrive in the long term. We then apply the model to te reo Māori, the Indigenous language of New Zealand, as a case study. Initial conditions for this model are estimated using New Zealand census data. We modify the model to describe a country, such as New Zealand, where the endangered language is associated with a particular subpopulation representing the Indigenous People. We conclude that, with current learning rates, te reo Māori is on a pathway towards extinction, but identify strategies that could help restore it to an upward trajectory.


Author(s):  
Jacobus Daniel van der Walt ◽  
Eric Scheepbouwer ◽  
Bryan Pidwerbesky ◽  
Brian Guo ◽  
Max Ferguson ◽  
...  

With the advancement of digital technology, the collection of pavement performance data has become commonplace. The improvement of tools to extract useful information from pavement databases has become a priority to justify expenditures. This paper presents a case study of PaveMD, a tool that integrates multi-dimensional data structures with a data-driven fuzzy approach to identify good performing pavement sections. Combining this tool with an innovative paradigm where the focus is on repeating success can bring additional value to existing pavement databases. The case study shows that PaveMD can identify pavement sections that are performing well by comparing performance measures for the New Zealand context. In this paper, PaveMD's development is described, and its implementation is showcased using data from the New Zealand Long-Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) database. It is recommended that this approach be further developed and extended to other infrastructure databases internationally.


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