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Teaching Practices, Self-Efficacy and the Physical Activity Environment in Aotearoa, New Zealand Early Childhood Education Centres
No full textEarly Childhood Education (ECE) has potential to influence physical activity levels and participation among children. Factors include early childhood educator’s teaching practices, self-efficacy and quality of the movement environment. A cross-sectional study of early childhood teachers’ self-reported, self-efficacy using online Early Childhood Educator Confidence in Outdoor Movement, Physical Activity, Sedentary and Screen Behaviours (ECE-COMPASS) Questionnaire and ECE movement environment from Movement Environment Rating Scale (MOVERS) was assessed. Descriptive statistics were conducted to analyse data. Early childhood teachers (n = 42) rated (means [SD]) for task (7.2 ± 2.3) and barrier (7.0 ± 2.5) self-efficacy (out of 10). ECE (n = 6) movement environment quality (out of 7); 1 (4.0 ± 1.1), 2 (4.0 ± 0.4), 3 (3.8 ± 0.6), 4 (4.0 ± 0.6) and overall total score (4.0 ± 0.3). Early childhood teachers rate themselves as self-efficacious in delivering physical activity; however, quality of the movement environment was adequate
Chronotropic Incompetence Does Not Impede Attainment of High-Intensity Exercise During Non-contact Boxing in Parkinson’s Disease
No full textRecent evidence points to the effect of chronotropic incompetence (CI), which refers to a blunted heart rate (HR) response to exercise, influencing physiological outcomes in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). This study explores the effect of CI on physiological responses and examines whether a high-intensity training zone is attained during non-contact boxing training in people with PD. In total, 11 PD participants with CI (PDCI), 13 without CI (PD non-CI), and 14 age-matched controls performed two non-contact boxing sessions on different days. The primary outcomes were the maximum HR (HRmax), average HR (HRavg), percentage of the highest HR from cardiopulmonary exercise test (%HR-CPET) and predicted maximum HR (%MA-PHR), time exercising above 85%HRmax (HI-85%), and second ventilatory threshold (HI-VT2). PDCI participants displayed significantly lower HRavg and HRmax values during all rounds than PD non-CI participants and controls for both sessions (p ≤ 0.001). No significant differences were observed between PD non-CI participants and controls (p ≥ 0.05). Although all participants exercised at approximately 100% of %HR-CPET, PDCI participants showed a significantly lower %MA-PHR than PD non-CI participants and controls (p ≤ 0.001). HI-85% and HI-VT2 were not significantly different between PDCI and PD non-CI participants. Despite exhibiting a lower absolute HRmax and HRavg during boxing compared to PD non-CI participants and aged-match controls, PDCI participants exercise at a similar intensity within the high-intensity training zone when expressed as a percentage of the individualized HRmax
Koe Mata Ae Liaki Ako. The Face of Truancy.
No full textTruancy is a growing phenomenon in New Zealand. Māori and Pasifika whānau are overrepresented in the truancy data. This research listens to the voices of non-attending students to hear and understand their school journeys. Exploring the backgrounds and experiences of Māori and Pasifika students through talanoa may help us better understand the barriers that prevent them from attending school and reaching educational success. Increased understanding of school attendance, or lack of it, will assist in improving the paths to success for Māori and Pasifika students in the future.
Addressing our alarming truancy rates requires addressing the unique challenges and needs of our most disadvantaged Māori and Pasifika young people. The voices of these six truants might be understood to represent the impact of systemic failures and social neglect. Hearing first-hand accounts of their educational journey has provided a more holistic and empathetic understanding of these young people's challenges; hearing their voices has allowed a more profound understanding and justified interpretivism as a research methodology.
Many Māori and Pasifika young people fail to successfully navigate the New Zealand education system. The barriers to educational attendance and success are diverse. Through talanoa with the students, this research established the themes of absent parents; violence in the home; relationships with teachers; mental health issues; and drugs. The six absentee Māori and/or Pasifika young people revealed parents who were absent in their lives; they felt that their parents had abandoned them, they felt responsible for their siblings, and they were opting to distance themselves from their parents to protect themselves from constant disappointment regarding their parents.
The talanoa revealed violence in their homes and lives from a very young age. The talanoa highlighted that the young people's attitudes at school mirrored the attitudes at home, and the violence from home started to bleed into violence at school. Of interest, the talanoa exposed a dislike for mothers, but fathers were exonerated and held in high regard, even though they were the aggressors. The young people spoke in depth about their dislike and disrespect of their teachers, reciprocating the attitudes they felt they were receiving from their teachers. Mental health issues were prominent across four of the journeys recounted by the participants
Indigenising Heritage: Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland’s Architectural Heritage – Challenging a Monocultural Construct
No full textThe purpose of this work is to explore how indigenous heritage has been both under-represented and misrepresented in colonial and post-colonial architecture in Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland, the largest city in Aotearoa/New Zealand. This work combines case-studies with a review of conceptual material relating to multi-cultural perceptions of heritage, and their manifestations in a modern cityscape. Included in this approach is a consideration of indigenous perspectives on the built environment. What emerges from surveying this confluence of culture and heritage is that the popular portrayal of the city’s built past is confined to the colonial era and onwards, and that this has had the effect of associating Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland’s architectural heritage with its European history – so much so that even depictions of Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland’s Māori built heritage occur primarily in the context of European architecture
Thinking Outside the Screen
No full textBackground: Developing critical thinking in health professional education is essential to ensure safe, effective and timely client management (Carbogim et al., 2018). High-fidelity immersive reality has been used to supplement critical thinking development. However, it can be expensive, dependent on developers to create scenarios, and limited when offered to large cohorts (Abadia et al., 2024). Mobile immersive reality (mXR) offers affordances of being accessible, cost-effective, easy to use, engaging and providing scalable, authentic learning (Stretton et al., 2024). This study aimed to investigate how mXR facilitates critical thinking in a safe, authentic learning experience.
Method: A learning activity was co-developed by the subject coordinator and researchers for a cohort of second-year Doctor of Physiotherapy students (n=123, between 22- 26 years old). Strength and Conditioning for Life subject students self-assigned to a target exercise population and were provided with a set of 360-degree clinic-based images captured and uploaded to a web-based platform (www.seekbeak.com). Over six weeks, small groups co-designed a client audio biography and “clinical clue” hotspots within the virtual environment that would require critical consideration of viewers (student peers) to determine an optimal exercise for the client. Students also developed a templated exercise video for the optimal exercise and were encouraged to include “alternative exercises” that viewers would need to eliminate based on clues in the virtual environment. Development of critical thinking during the six weeks was measured pre- and post-learning activity using the Health Science Reasoning Test (HSRT-N). Demographic, usability (System Usability Scale) and peer feedback data were also collected.
Findings demonstrated an improvement in critical thinking with a small effect size for all HSRT-N domains, with statistical significance in improving the ability to analyse, interpret, and make inferences and deductions with unfamiliar information. Students reported that mXR was quick to learn and easy to use, that they were confident in the use of the virtual environment and would like to use it more frequently. They enjoyed being able to navigate new spaces virtually first, having a creative license to develop their scenario, and co-designing with peers. However, a few students identified some inconsistencies that made the mXR environment cumbersome to use and observed some symptoms of cybersickness. Peer feedback findings indicated that students found the virtual environments easy to navigate and provided more authentic learning compared to conventional modes of learning experiences.
This study has demonstrated that critical thinking can be facilitated using mXR- enhanced with pedagogical considerations that draw on collaborative, situated and self-determined learning.
The associated presentation will elaborate on some of the study findings, as well as provide a theoretical framework and design principles utilised to develop critical thinking, including the facilitation by mobile immersive reality. It will draw on the considerations of situated, scaffolded, and sense-ational learning while recognising the needs of generational learners in health professional education
Trust in News in Aotearoa New Zealand 2025
No full textThis is the sixth report about trust in news in Aotearoa New Zealand produced by the AUT research centre for Journalism, Media and Democracy (JMAD). The trust survey that informs the report was completed in collaboration with the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism. With permission from the Institute’s researchers, we used the same survey questions to investigate trust in news and a comparable sampling method to the one used in their annual Reuters Digital News Reports to measure news trust. This allows us international comparisons with Aotearoa New Zealand about levels of trust in the news. In 2024, the Reuters survey covered 47 countries. Similarly to the Reuters survey, in 2025 we asked New Zealanders about their news consumption, news sources, news avoidance, misinformation and paying for news. We added new questions to the survey to gain better understanding of New Zealanders news interests, news brand consumption and importance of certain aspects that make them trust/distrust specific news organisations. We also asked participants about their political leaning to enhance our understanding of links between news trust, political leaning and news consumption. We added a new question about New Zealanders’ views on news produced with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI). Our questions mirrored those in the Reuters study, allowing us international comparisons about these related issues. As in 2020-2024, survey data for our 2025 report was collected by New Zealand online market research company Horizon Research Ltd. In addition to survey findings, the report includes some key findings from two focus groups with New Zealanders, aged 18-34 and 55-64, held in May 2024.Centre for Journalism Media and Democrac
Dynamic Scheduling: Influential and Influenced Factors and Their Interrelationships in the New Zealand Construction Industry
No full textPurpose
The research aims to investigate and analyse various complex interrelationships of positive and negative factors that significantly impact dynamic scheduling (DS) in the New Zealand construction industry and rank them for improved project outcomes.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used a combination of research methods, including a systematic literature review using PRISMA guidelines and expert consultations. The analysis included pairwise comparison (with steps within the analytical hierarchy process) and degree of centrality calculation to rank the factors affecting DS in the New Zealand construction industry.
Findings
For the first time, this study identifies the five most prominent strategic and operational-level factors interacting with others. The study’s findings indicate that poor planning, incomplete drawings and specifications/project information, material unavailability/prefabricated product availability, inclement weather and lack of work permits are the primary negative factors that affect DS operationally. On the other hand, cultural heritage diversity, climate change mitigation and adaptation and cultural heritage management have a positive effect. Climate change and resource unavailability/instability are among the top five factors that negatively impact DS strategically. Poor planning is the most influential factor at the operational level, with six out of degrees. At the same time, material availability and incomplete drawings and specifications/incomplete project information were most influenced by three degrees each. Climate change mitigation and adaptation are the most influential factors at the strategic level, and diverse cultural heritage is the most influential factor. Additionally, this paper stands out for its clear distinction between the positive and negative 176 factors within 11 distinct categories, visual representation of 61 formerly identified interrelationships from SLR and 14 previously unidentified interactions from industry consultation that impact DS within the construction industry.
Research limitations/implications
The research centres around studying English language literature. Using specific databases such as Scopus, EBSCO and Science Direct and searching after 2017 may potentially narrow the scope of global viewpoints. We acknowledge that there are limitations in terms of New Zealand industry consultation. Further studies should encompass non-English sources and incorporate empirical approaches to confirm the detected correlations and implications for DS customised to a specific viewpoint or country.
Practical implications
This study provides insights for academics and industries by focusing on interrelationships and identifying top strategic and operation-level factors affecting DS. It aids project managers and industry professionals in creating tailored baseline scheduling, risk assessment and project controls. The study also benefits policymakers seeking to improve construction project efficiency, sustainability and dispute resolution through informed DS practices. The DS factors' polarity, interrelationships, CLD and ranking based on DC add to the body of knowledge.
Originality/value
Numerous literary works have explored the various factors that impact DS, each being analysed for its impact through expert evaluations and surveys. However, they have not considered that the factors act in conjunction with others and their interrelations have a significant impact. This paper takes a unique approach by examining the interrelationships, their network (displayed in the causal loop diagram) and the degree of centrality among these factors. The originality of this study is the distinct categorisation of positive and negative factors that impact DS in the construction industry. The paper’s novelty lies in the rankings based on the interrelations and degree of centrality between these factors. This is significant since the factors often work together instead of in isolation
Experiences of an Online Version of a Group Education Programme for the Management of Post-Stroke Fatigue: A Qualitative Descriptive Focus Group Study
No full textPost-stroke fatigue (PSF) is a common symptom after stroke, without proven effective treatment. The Fatigue After STroke Educational Recovery (FASTER) randomized control trial evaluated a group-based, educational Fatigue Management Group (FMG) intervention. The current study explored the experiences of stroke patients, informal caregivers, and therapists when the FMG was delivered online (due to the COVID-19 pandemic). Participants included newly recruited adults (n = 6) with clinically significant fatigue (3-24 months post-stroke), their informal caregivers (n = 6), who attended as observers, and three therapists from the FASTER main trial. Separate online focus groups were conducted with each group, recorded, and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Four key themes emerged: positive experiences of group membership, gaining understanding and strategies, navigating challenges in online setting, and future directions. Participants acknowledged the intervention for its educational value, normalization, cohesion, and emotional support, and appreciated new understanding of PSF. However, they also encountered challenges, including technological issues, difficulties concentrating, and therapists' struggles in addressing diverse participant needs and fatigue levels within time constraints. Suggested improvements to the intervention included extending its duration and including combinations of online and in-person sessions. Findings highlighted the importance of qualitatively examining intervention experiences in future trials for better optimization and effectiveness
Patterns and Experiences of Smoking, Electronic Cigarettes (Vapes) and Heated Tobacco Use Among People Who Smoke or Who Recently Quit
No full textAIM: The aim of this study is to understand patterns and experiences of smoking and electronic cigarette use, as well as related attitudes and behaviours among adults in Aotearoa New Zealand who smoke or recently stopped smoking. METHODS: We analysed data from the Evidence for Achieving Smokefree Aotearoa Equitably/International Tobacco Control New Zealand Survey (N=1,230), conducted between November 2020 and February 2021. RESULTS: Among people who smoked, 77.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 74.0-80.8%) reported regretting having started smoking, 73.6% (95% CI 69.5-77.4) intended to quit, 87.3% (95% CI 84.1-89.9) reported being addicted to smoking and 86.3% (95% CI 83.3-88.8) had tried to quit smoking in the past. Among people who smoked, 24.8% (95% CI 21.3-28.6) used electronic cigarettes (ECs) daily and 4.6% (95% CI 3.3-6.6) used heated tobacco products (HTPs) daily. Among people who had recently stopped smoking, 33.4% (95% CI 25.6-42.2) used ECs daily and less than 1% used HTPs daily. CONCLUSION: High levels of regret for starting smoking, addiction and intent to quit smoking highlight the importance of implementing effective and equitable smokefree measures to prevent people from starting to smoke and to support people to stop smoking
Computing Capstone Courses as Preparation for Practice: A Global Survey of Instructors
No full textMany institutions, like ours (a large metropolitan university of technology), run some form of undergraduate capstone computing course during the final year of study. As computing educators, we have all read research papers on running and designing such courses. These papers often present an ideal model for an ideal world. However, many of us face large cohorts, an industry or research context reluctant or unable to provide suitable capstone opportunities, and a general lack of resources. So, what do our courses really look like and what challenges are encountered in running a capstone project course? In trying to answer these questions, we discuss the results of an exploratory global survey of computing academics involved in the delivery of capstone projects which maps their experiences with, and the landscape of, contemporary computing capstone courses in practice. Key characteristics of courses are explored, including whether their capstone courses are a mandatory component of their degree, typical team size and formation, course duration, degree of industry involvement, student support mechanisms, and assessment approaches. Survey participants related several core challenges faced when delivering capstones, including student preparedness, the mismatch between industry and academic expectations, difficulty sourcing projects, and industry contribution and buy-in. These challenges influence the way in which capstones are delivered