scholarly journals “The School for the Travellers and the Blacks”: Student and Teacher Perspectives on “Choosing” a Post-Primary School with a High Concentration of Disadvantage

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 777
Author(s):  
Hannagh Mc Ginley ◽  
Elaine Keane

Since the formation of the Irish State, the participation and attainment in education of members of the Irish Traveller community have been low. In terms of school-related factors, research points to Travellers perceiving the curriculum as irrelevant, experiencing problematic relationships with peers and teachers, a strong sense of not belonging, and low teacher expectations. This paper draws on the findings of a wider study which explored how an intercultural approach to education was conceptualised and enacted, with particular reference to Travellers, in one urban DEIS (disadvantaged) post-primary school in the West of Ireland (St. Greg’s) with a highly diverse student population. Located in the interpretivist/constructivist paradigm, and informed by critical race theory, an in-depth qualitative case study research design was employed. Data collection involved twenty-eight semi-structured interviews with teacher and student participants, including Traveller and “other” minority ethnic students, as well as White settled Irish students. Data analysis involved several coding stages, and the development of categories. In this paper, we examine one of the categories, the participants’ perceptions of the school as being a school “for the Travellers and the Blacks” and its “reputation” in this regard, as well as the factors impacting the “choice” of the school by different groups of students. Both teacher and student participants were aware of the school’s negative reputation and how this was associated with the socio-demographic composition of its student population. Regarded as the school “for the Travellers and the Blacks”, it was seen as a “tough” school and one in which academic expectations were low. Choosing St. Greg’s was perceived as being related to having a family history of attending the school, not being able to access other schools, and the school providing supports and “freebies”. The findings are discussed in the context of previous research, focusing in particular on critical issues of school socio-demographics, reputation, and choice. The paper concludes with observations about the problematic nature of Ireland’s increasingly segregated schooling system and recommendations about how the education system might better work to include and support Traveller and other minority ethnic students in post-primary education.

Rheumatology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 60 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mandeep Ubhi ◽  
Shirish Dubey ◽  
John Reynolds ◽  
Caroline Gordon ◽  
Tochukwu Adizie ◽  
...  

Abstract Background/Aims  Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) affect patients from minority ethnic backgrounds, with many patients experiencing symptoms that affect their daily lives despite receiving long-term controller medication. Work is a large part of most people’s lives, yet little has been explored into how people from minority ethnic backgrounds cope at work whilst living with SLE. We conducted a study to understand the impact of SLE on working lives of South Asian patients. The aim was to identify and develop support mechanisms that could assist them with remaining at work. Methods  Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten patients of South Asian origin with SLE to explore their work experiences. Patients were recruited from three rheumatology centres in the West Midlands, UK and were interviewed between November 2019 and March 2020. Interviews were audio-recorded and typed by an independent transcribing company. Returned transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis and QSR NVivo 12 software was used to organise and manage the data. Results  The majority (n = 8) of patients were female. Eight patients were from an Indian background, and two were from a Pakistani background. Half of all patients were educated to degree level. The age range of patients was 23 - 58 years old (S.D = 10.79), and disease duration varied between 3 months-33 years (S.D = 9.52). All patients had permanent jobs; six were in full-time employment, and four were in part-time employment. Four main themes emerged from the data: 1) Disease related factors; impacting work ability; 2) Employment related factors; impacting work ability; 3) Personal and cultural related factors; impacting work ability; 4) Recommendations for improvement were made by patients. Conclusion  In this novel study we highlight patients’ experiences of being at work. This study reports low awareness of SLE and mixed support in the workplace. Patients discussed work to varying degrees with their clinicians and needed further information for employers that was not available nor provided by their clinicians. The study reports cultural barriers in understanding SLE that could lead to lack of family support to remain in employment. Moreover, recommendations made in this study require further investigation and could be used by clinicians and Lupus UK to support patients of South Asian origin at work. Disclosure  M. Ubhi: None. S. Dubey: None. J. Reynolds: None. C. Gordon: None. T. Adizie: None. T. Sheeran: None. K. Allen: None. R. Jordan: None. S. Sadhra: None. J. Adams: None. R. Daji: None. K. Kumar: None.


Mousaion ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samson Mutsagondo ◽  
Getrude Maduyu ◽  
Godfrey Tsvuura

This paper discusses the challenges of records management that arise from the use of adapted buildings as records centres in Zimbabwe, despite the advantages of using such buildings. A qualitative research approach was used as well as a case study research design. Data were collected from seven officers of the Gweru Records Centre through semi-structured interviews. Personal observation was used to triangulate findings from interviews. It was found that the use of adapted buildings as records centres was a cheaper and quicker way of establishing records centres throughout the country. However, a number of preservation, security and management challenges cropped up as the conditions of the buildings and the environment of the adapted buildings were not conducive to the proper and professional management of records. This study is important in that it explores the prospects and challenges of using adapted buildings as records centres in Zimbabwe, an area that has not been researched by many authors. This provokes archival authorities and the government to seriously consider establishing purpose-built records and archival centres.


Author(s):  
Anja Čuš ◽  
Julian Edbrooke-Childs ◽  
Susanne Ohmann ◽  
Paul L. Plener ◽  
Türkan Akkaya-Kalayci

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a major mental health problem associated with negative psychosocial outcomes and it most often starts in early adolescence. Despite this, adolescents are rarely involved in informing the development of interventions designed to address their mental health problems. This study aimed to (1) assess adolescents’ needs and preferences about future interventions that are delivered through smartphones and (2) develop a framework with implications for designing engaging digital mental health interventions. Fifteen adolescent girls, aged 12–18 years, who met diagnostic criteria for a current NSSI disorder and were in contact with mental health services, participated in semi-structured interviews. Following a reflexive thematic analysis approach, this study identified two main themes: (1) Experiences of NSSI (depicts the needs of young people related to their everyday experiences of managing NSSI) and (2) App in Context (portrays preferences of young people about smartphone interventions and reflects adolescents’ views on how technology itself can improve or hinder engaging with these interventions). Adolescent patients expressed interest in using smartphone mental health interventions if they recognize them as helpful, relevant for their life situation and easy to use. The developed framework suggests that digital mental health interventions are embedded in three contexts (i.e., person using the intervention, mental health condition, and technology-related factors) which together need to inform the development of engaging digital resources. To achieve this, the cooperation among people with lived experience, mental health experts, and human computer interaction professionals is vital.


2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 24-31
Author(s):  
Kingsley Udeh ◽  
Candidus Nwakasi ◽  
John Fulton

The increasing incidence and prevalence of non-communicable diseases is a major global health concern. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) account for the highest percentage of deaths related to non-communicable diseases, and low and middle-income countries (LMIC) face the highest burden of CVDs. Understanding the knowledge and perception of CVDs and their risk factors in an LMIC such as Nigeria may play an important role in cardiovascular health promotion and improvement plans to reduce CVD-related deaths. A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews to gain an in-depth understanding of some personal and sociocultural views on CVDs and their risk factors. The participants were purposively sampled primary school teachers in South-Eastern Nigeria. Thematic analysis approach was used for data analysis. The study findings include knowledge of heart disease, perceived causes and risk factors of CVDs, spirituality, and the way forward. Overall, the knowledge of CVDs in the setting was found to be related to the psychosocial nature of the participants; the effectiveness of any intervention needs to take these factors into consideration. For example, health policies for CVD health education and awareness should be tailored to address some of the issues of belief, values, and religion, as mentioned in the study.


Author(s):  
Raymond D. Adams ◽  
Waldo E. Johnson

Conceptualized using critical race theory as a theoretical underpinning, this study analyzed the lived experiences of older, rural, African American male prostate cancer (hereafter referenced as PrCA) survivors’ faith and health promotion practices within Northeast Louisiana. Qualitative data from journaling, observations, and semi-structured interviews were obtained from ten older, African American male PrCA survivors residing in four rural parishes of Louisiana. The data analysis employed a two-stage approach known as Polkinghorne’s analysis of narratives and narrative analysis using an art-based methodological approach. Framed as composite character counterstories, survivors’ narratives revealed how survivors made sense of and gave meaning to their PrCA diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and survivorship. Specifically, their counterstories indicate that centering and honoring the unique and often taken-for-granted perspectives of older, rural, African American male PrCA survivors offered a deeper understanding of the multiple factors influencing their quality of life, as well as the sociostructural mechanisms impacting their survivorship care. Faith was examined as both a secular and sacred source of support that these men viewed as central to the acceptance of their diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and survivorship.


2015 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 459-474 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha Evans

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the interplay between the role of front line managers (FLMs) and their contribution to the reported gap between intended and actual human resource management (HRM). Design/methodology/approach – The findings draw on case study research using 51 semi-structured interviews with managers across two UK retail organisations between 2012 and 2013. Findings – This paper argues that FLMs are key agents in people management and play a critical role in the gap between intended and actual employee relations (ER) and HRM. The research found that these managers held a high level of responsibility for people management, but experienced a lack of institutional support, monitoring or incentives to implement according to central policy. This provided an opportunity for them to modify or resist intended policy and the tensions inherent in their role were a critical factor in this manipulation of their people management responsibilities. Research limitations/implications – The data were collected from only one industry and two organisations so the conclusions need to be considered within these limitations. Practical implications – Efforts to address the gap between intended and actual ER/HRM within organisations will need to consider the role tensions of both front line and middle managers. Originality/value – This research provides a more nuanced understanding of the interplay between FLMs and the gap between intended and actual HRM within organisations. It addresses the issue of FLMs receiving less attention in the HRM-line management literature and the call to research their role in the translation of policy into practice.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Noer Maulidatul Leily ◽  
Mukni’ah

Learning is an interaction process between learners and educators. At the covid '19 pandemic study activity is experiencing a lot of problems, students are struggling to understand the materials the teachers explain through an online system. Addressing the problem, the madrass sabielil muttaqien an open-ended learning approach to a learning activity that is carried out once a week with the system offline by keeping the health protocols recommended by the government. The research is intended to describe the steps of open-ended learning and action action at the madrasah ibtidaiyah sabileil muttaqien lesson year 2020-2021.The study a descriptive qualitative approach and the type of research is case study. Research subjects select using adhesive techniques. As for the data-gathering techniques in this essay using non-participant observations, semi-structured interviews, and documentation. Whereas data analysis the interactive data analysis model presented by miles and Huberman and the validity of the data using source and technical triangulation. The study concludes: 1) Preparation of an open-ended approach learning at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Sabilil Muttaqin is a teacher constructing a learning device that is Silabus and described in the form of an invasive learning plan (RPP) by listing the open-ended question in the application of the learning plan (RPP). 2) The performance of open-ended learning approach works effectively and passionate learners follow the learning process. Learning activities consist of introductory activities, core activities, final or concluding activities and evaluation activities. For the core activity of the delivery of materials with the six stages of activity carried out by the teacher. ABSTRAK Pembelajaran merupakan proses interaksi antara peserta didik dengan pendidik. Dimasa pandemi Covid’19 kegiatan pembelajaran banyak mengalami permasalahan, peserta didik susah memahami materi yang dijelaskan oleh guru dengan system online. Menanggulangi permasalahan tersebut Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Sabielil Muttaqien menggunakan Pendekatan Open-Ended Learning pada kegiatan pembelajaran yang dilaksanakan satu minggu sekali dengan system offline (tatap muka) dengan tetap menjaga protokol kesehatan yang dianjurkan oleh pemerintah. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan kegiatan pembelajaran dengan pendekatan Open-Ended Learning berjalan dengan efektif dan peserta didik semangat mengikuti proses pembelajaran. Untuk kegiatan inti berisi tentang penyampaian materi dengan enam tahap pendekatan Open-Ended Learning. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif deskriptif dan jenis penelitian adalah studi kasus. Penentuan subjek penelitian menggunakan teknik purposive. Adapun tehnik pengumpulan data dalam penelitian ini menggunakan observasi Non-Partisipan, wawancara semi terstruktur, dan dokumentasi. Sedangkan analisis data menggunakan model analisis data interaktif yang dikemukakan oleh Miles dan Huberman dan keabsahan datanya menggunakan triangulasi sumber dan triangulasi teknik. Penelitian ini memperoleh kesimpulan: 1) Persiapan Pendekatan Open-Ended Learning Pada Pembelajaran Tematik di Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Sabilil Muttaqin adalah guru menyusun sebuah perangkat pembelajaran yang berupa Silabus dan Rencana Pelaksanaan Pembelajaran (RPP). Dan membuat pertanyaan Open-Ended dalam isian Rencana Pelaksanaan Pembelajaran (RPP). 2) Pelaksanaan pembelajaran dengan pendekatan Open-Ended Learning berjalan dengan efektif dan peserta didik semangat mengikuti proses pembelajaran. Kegiatan pembelajaran terdiri dari kegiatan pendahuluan, kegiatan inti, kegiatan akhir atau penutup dan kegiatan evaluasi. Untuk kegiatan inti berisi tentang penyampaian materi dengan enam tahap kegiatan yang dilakukan oleh guru. Kata Kunci: pembelajaran, pandemi covid-19, pendekatan open-ended learning


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Oluseyi Adebowale ◽  
Fredrick Simpeh

Purpose The increase in enrolment into higher education and the inadequate student housing in educational institutions has led to the growth of off-campus private student housing in Nigeria. Studentification as a research area has received attention in most countries in the global North, whereas there is dearth of studies on studentification in Nigeria. Therefore, this paper aims to examine the effects of studentification on the residents of selected Nigerian communities. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted an exploratory research strategy. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather qualitative data from respondents, who were landlords and indigenous tenants of the host communities of two tertiary institutions. The data collected were analysed by means of the thematic analysis technique. Findings It became evident that studentification has some effects on the communities. Significant positive effects are business patronage and liveliness, while socio-economic-related factors, which include indecent clothing and theft, were noted as the most significant negative factors. Practical implications Implementing the outcomes of this study will contribute to promoting societal ethical values and economic prosperity of the communities. Originality/value The paper contributes to building the body of knowledge on the effect of studentification in the Nigerian context.


2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Dettori ◽  
Federica Caboni ◽  
Ernestina Giudici

Firms working in the third millennium have to face the challenge of being more sustainable. The complexity and the multidisciplinary nature of sustainability also requires new and specific knowledge. This means the necessity of a critical rethinking of the education system in the way to provide the cognitive tools and applications needed for new generations to address environmental, economic, and social challenges. In this perspective, the role of the school it is crucial, above all, to encourage attention to include sustainability as a theme on educational programs, focusing on the promotion of its multiple dimensions. Interdisciplinary sustainability programs are emerging globally, but little is known about the learning in these educational contexts.Therefore, the current research explores training modules used in the activities of a park to verify how students can receive a sustainable education from primary school; whether and in which way education can be a driver for the promotion of sustainable development; and whether it is effective to insert eco-activities such as eco-games, eco-campus, and eco-sports in the training modules from primary school onwards. For this purpose, the paper employed a single case study approach using the Emotions Park as a teaching plan. In particular, game and sports constantly accompany the training process by creating interdisciplinary links with different study subjects (e.g., civic education, environmental education, communication). Through the eco-activities, an innovative way to promote environmental and sustainability education was explored as a training model. Outdoor play, observation, and stimulation of the senses have proved powerful learning tools, and key to the acquisition of skills. Research data were collected observing the behavior of a sample of 22 participants and through face-to-face semi-structured interviews with educators, employee and students. The empirical observation suggests that inserting the sustainability principles as a topic in didactic programs provides the cognitive tools and applications needed for the new generations to address environmental, economic, and social challenges.


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