scholarly journals Educator Perceptions of Early Learning Environments as Places for Privileging Social Justice in Rural and Remote Communities

2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 40
Author(s):  
Vicki Christopher ◽  
Michelle Turner ◽  
Nicole C. Green

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) in Australia has long been associated with the concept of social justice, however, a clear understanding of what it looks like across diverse services and communities is not available. This article reports the process of inquiry, as well as the outcomes, of a small-scale study designed to uncover the perceptions of ECEC educators working in rural and remote communities in the state of Queensland. Data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews with five educators from rural and remote settings identified as areas experiencing significant growth in population diversity. An initial thematic analysis of the data revealed three key themes. A secondary analysis using a place and space conceptual framework uncovered deeper, more sophisticated meanings of the educator experience of social justice. The research is important in bringing pedagogical conversations to the forefront regarding ECEC educator perceptions of their role in creating a socially just learning environment. In addition to identifying future research possibilities, implications from the findings indicate opportunities for re-examining and rethinking initial teacher education and ongoing professional learning.

2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Shnyrkova ◽  
Marina Predvoditeleva

Purpose The purpose of this study is to identify Halal hotel attributes demanded by the Russian Muslim travelers. Following this, the study aims to investigate whether gender and types of travelers influence the demand for Halal hotel attributes. Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured interviews were conducted to localize the list of Halal hotel attributes for the Russian business context. A self-administrated online questionnaire was designed, distributed and collected from 191 Russian Muslim customers, who have stayed at Halal hotels in the past 12 months. Data analysis includes a t-test and analysis of variance. Findings The study revealed a list of Halal attributes demanded by Russian Muslim customers. Also, the findings indicate that the list of the attributes demonstrated the differences in the requested attributes between gender and types of travelers. Research limitations/implications The study came across three main limitations. The first was that the respondents surveyed were leisure tourists. Second, the majority of the respondents have university degrees. Third, the research sample is limited to approximately 200 respondents. This research primarily contributes to tourism and hospitality management, and consumer behavior literature, as this is the first study yielding insights on a new demographic: Russian Muslim tourists. Practical implications The study provides a clear understanding of the Halal hotel attributes demanded by Russian Muslims that can help hotel managers to accommodate the needs of this group while, at the same time, meeting the requirements of guests of different religions. Social implications The study contributes to improving social relationships within the Russian Federation as it improves society’s understanding of the life principles of Muslims. Originality/value This is the first study investigating the demand for Halal attributes by Russian Muslim tourists. By partly covering the empty research field on this topic, the study provides meaningful direction to future research of the Russian hotels’ Halal services from both supply and demand perspectives.


Author(s):  
Blandine French ◽  
Elvira Perez-Vallejos ◽  
Kapil Sayal ◽  
David Daley

Abstract Background: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is underdiagnosed in many European countries and the process of accessing care and diagnosis is complex and variable. In many countries, general practitioners (GPs) refer on to secondary care where individuals receive an assessment and, if appropriate, a diagnosis and access to care. It is therefore essential that GPs have a clear understanding of the disorder and its care pathways. While previous studies have highlighted potential barriers in GPs’ ADHD awareness, this qualitative study aims to further explore individual stakeholders’ experiences. Methods: Semi-structured interviews explored the views of multiple stakeholders- GPs (n=5), healthcare specialists (n=5), patients (adults with ADHD n=5) and parents (n=5) with experience of the presentation and management of ADHD in primary care. These interviews were analysed using thematic analyses and following principles of grounded theory. Results: Stakeholders described ADHD assessment, diagnosis and treatment as an intricate process. Many factors affected this process such as complex pathways, lack of services, limited GP recognition and knowledge, and communicative difficulties between and within multiple stakeholders. Conclusion: This analysis underlines the significant impact that receiving (or not) a diagnosis can have, and further explores muddled ADHD care pathways, highlighting key issues around GP identification and the shortage of adult services. Implications for practice and future research are discussed, suggesting a strong need for more commissioned pathways and GP specific educational programs.


Author(s):  
Blandine French ◽  
Elvira Perez-Vallejos ◽  
Kapil Sayal ◽  
David Daley

Abstract Background Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is underdiagnosed in many European countries and the process of accessing care and diagnosis is complex and variable. In many countries, general practitioners (GPs) refer on to secondary care where individuals receive an assessment and, if appropriate, a diagnosis and access to care. It is therefore essential that GPs have a clear understanding of the disorder and its care pathways. While previous studies have highlighted potential barriers in GPs’ ADHD awareness, this qualitative study aims to further explore individual stakeholders’ experiences. Methods Semi-structured interviews explored the views of multiple stakeholders- GPs (n=5), healthcare specialists (n=5) and patients (adults with ADHD n=5), (parents n=5) and with experience of the presentation and management of ADHD in primary care. These interviews were analysed using thematic analyses and following principles of grounded theory. Results Stakeholders described ADHD assessment, diagnosis and treatment as an intricate process. Many factors affected this process such as complex pathways, lack of services, limited GP recognition and knowledge, and communicative difficulties between and within multiple stakeholders. Conclusion This analysis underlines the significant impact that receiving (or not) a diagnosis can have, and further explores muddled ADHD care pathways, highlighting key issues around GP identification and the shortage of adult services. Implications for practice and future research are discussed, suggesting a strong need for more commissioned pathways and GP specific educational programs.


Author(s):  
Kathleen Dalinghaus ◽  
Glenn Regehr ◽  
Laura Nimmon

Abstract Introduction Simulation as an educational tool is known to have benefits. Moreover, the use of simulation in continuing interprofessional development is vital in rural and remote communities with limited case volumes and resources. This study explored power dynamics between rural simulation participants and urban expert co-debriefers during a simulated operating room crisis and debriefing. The aim is to gain a rich understanding of rural/urban relational dynamics embedded within the constraints and affordances of videoconferencing technology. Methods In situ observations of a videoconference-enabled simulation and debriefing were conducted, followed by seven semi-structured interviews, in this qualitative case study. A sociomateriality lens with additional sensitizing concepts of power from critical theory was employed to explore human and nonhuman interactions between rural learners, urban co-debriefers, and videoconferencing technology. Results The interviews exposed subtle expressions of power dynamics at play that were curiously not observable in the enactment of the exercise. Rural learners appreciated the objectivity of the urban debriefers as well as the nurse/physician dyad. However, rural participants appeared to quietly dismiss feedback when it was incongruent with their context. Videoconference technology added both benefits and constraints to these relational dynamics. Discussion Awareness of power relationships, and insights into affordances and constraints of videoconferencing may enhance operationalization of interprofessional simulation-based education (SBE) in rural and remote contexts.


2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuen Sze Michelle Tan

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe a pilot learning study (LS) comprising of three biology pre-service teachers (PSTs) in British Columbia, which took place during an initial teacher education (ITE) course and school-based practicum. The study explored PSTs’ learning experiences, and identified conditions that supported and challenged their engagement with the LS discourse. Design/methodology/approach Drawing from a variety of methods including teacher semi-structured interviews and reflective entries, the PSTs’ experiences of teaching and reflection were described and themes were constructed; course assignments, classroom materials, meeting notes and fieldnotes served triangulation purposes. Variation theory framed the LS and analysis of this case study. Findings Findings highlight how the PSTs developed comfort with the tension of making mistakes that supported their interpretation of classroom pedagogy and refining of instructional strategies. As the study alluded to how LS is “hard,” the PSTs demonstrated how positive experiences in the course-based cycle sustained their pursuit of learning despite challenges faced in the school-based practicum. Research limitations/implications This small-scale study has limited generalizability. Practical implications Exposing PSTs to a variety of “mistakes” in ITE and to approach them not merely as ontological objects of pedagogical shortcomings are discussed together with factors that promoted teacher learning. Originality/value This study contributes to literature exploring the organization of LS within ITE, as situated in educational contexts where LS is unfamiliar and organizational structures are not readily in place to fully support its implementation.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Dwyer ◽  
Abílio de Almeida Neto ◽  
Dominique Estival ◽  
Weicong Li ◽  
Christa Lam-Cassettari ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND People living in rural and remote areas have poorer access to mental health services than those living in cities. They also are less likely to seek help because of self-stigma and entrenched stoic beliefs about help-seeking as a sign of weakness. OBJECTIVE E-mental health services have the potential to circumvent these barriers using technology. METHODS This review argues that text-based, real-time communication with a qualified therapist is an effective form of e-mental health service delivery that will be particularly attractive for those concerned with stigma and confidentiality. RESULTS Another advantage of text-based communications is that computational linguistic analyses of transcripts may help identify individuals at risk of serious mental health issues and suicide. CONCLUSIONS We recommend that future research should pursue this potentially fruitful hypothesis to develop policy and improve intervention accessibility for regional communities.


2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 49-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Bashouri ◽  
Glen William Duncan

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess the importance of knowledge and its management in the creative professional service firm (PSF). The other purpose is to explore the role of communities of practice (CoPs) in knowledge management (KM) strategies. Design/methodology/approach – A single-case study approach was adopted with five open-ended semi-structured interviews conducted with middle and senior management having mainly an architectural background. The data were complemented with participant observation and reflection on experience together with conversations with work colleagues. Findings – The findings suggest that having an appropriately balanced strategy of personalisation/codification of knowledge through CoPs contributes to the competitiveness of the firm. Research limitations/implications – The paper provides a useful exploration of KM in creative PSFs, but the results may lack generalizability because of the small scale and qualitative nature of the research. The research is limited to one firm in one country. Future research is needed to test the findings in other creative PSFs and in other countries. Practical implications – The paper provides guidance to managers in creative PSFs on the need for positioning CoPs at the heart of the firm’s KM strategies. Originality/value – The paper tests a theoretical framework on how to link strategy with KM strategy in creative PSFs.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 56
Author(s):  
Tino Herden

Purpose: Analytics research is increasingly divided by the domains Analytics is applied to. Literature offers little understanding whether aspects such as success factors, barriers and management of Analytics must be investigated domain-specific, while the execution of Analytics initiatives is similar across domains and similar issues occur. This article investigates characteristics of the execution of Analytics initiatives that are distinct in domains and can guide future research collaboration and focus. The research was conducted on the example of Logistics and Supply Chain Management and the respective domain-specific Analytics subfield of Supply Chain Analytics. The field of Logistics and Supply Chain Management has been recognized as early adopter of Analytics but has retracted to a midfield position comparing different domains.Design/methodology/approach: This research uses Grounded Theory based on 12 semi-structured Interviews creating a map of domain characteristics based of the paradigm scheme of Strauss and Corbin.Findings: A total of 34 characteristics of Analytics initiatives that distinguish domains in the execution of initiatives were identified, which are mapped and explained. As a blueprint for further research, the domain-specifics of Logistics and Supply Chain Management are presented and discussed.Originality/value: The results of this research stimulates cross domain research on Analytics issues and prompt research on the identified characteristics with broader understanding of the impact on Analytics initiatives. The also describe the status-quo of Analytics. Further, results help managers control the environment of initiatives and design more successful initiatives.


2021 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 472-483
Author(s):  
Ana Cristina Lindsay ◽  
Madelyne J. Valdez ◽  
Denisse Delgado ◽  
Emily Restrepo ◽  
Yessica M. Guzmán ◽  
...  

This descriptive qualitative study explored Latinx mothers’ acceptance of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for their adolescent children. Data were collected through individual, semi-structured interviews and analyzed using a hybrid method of thematic analysis that incorporated deductive and inductive approaches. Twenty-two ( n = 22), mostly foreign-born, Latinx mothers of male and female adolescents participated in the study. Three main themes and nine subthemes emerged from the analyses. Findings identified the need for increased efforts to raise awareness and knowledge among Latinx mothers of the direct benefits of the HPV vaccine for sons, including stressing prevention of HPV-associated cancers in males. Findings also underscore the need for improved health care providers’ communication and recommendation of the HPV vaccine for Latinx adolescent males. Future research should intervene upon the study’s findings to address barriers that remain and affect Latinx mothers’ acceptance and uptake of the HPV vaccine for their children, in particular their sons.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document