Northumbria Journals
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"The Big Seven": The Romantic "Peasant Poet"
Full text linkIt would be reasonable to suggest that John Clare has perhaps not attained rightful pride of place alongside his predecessors and contemporaries on the pantheon of Romantic poetry, despite being described as the English equivalent to Robert Burns, and by his biographer Jonathan Bate as the greatest labouring-class poet that the country has ever produced. This academic poster is a complement to the paper ‘A case for the ‘Big Seven’? The “intrinsic merit” of John Clare’s “showing and telling” in Poems Descriptive of a Rural Life and Scenery’. The paper itself is a critical re-introduction to Clare’s first published collection of poetry. Through highlighting specific examples from this first anthology, which was published in 1820 by John Taylor, it explores the inherent literary value of Clare’s verse, notwithstanding the Helpstone-born poet’s extraordinary background and remarkable life story. Moreover, it emphasises the symbolic significance and enduring relevance of Clare’s work for a modern readership and in a contemporary global context. This poster, meanwhile, summarises why it is that John Clare matters in a world which, unfortunately, remains blighted by crippling poverty, a precarious environmental situation, widespread language endangerment through dialect levelling and marginalisation of minority cultures, alongside multiple mental health crises. 
Perspectives on Performance: The Value of Introducing Two-Way Appraisals in Law Clinics to Create an Authentic Learning Experience
Full text linkIn the practice of law, appraisals are recognised as an important part of the performance management process. In this practice report, we discuss the introduction of a ‘two-way’ appraisal process in our clinical legal education (“CLE”) modules. This paper argues that an appraisal process can provide a valuable opportunity for tutors to offer students formative feedback, whilst also acting as a forum for tutors to receive invaluable feedback from students about their experience of working in a University Law Clinic. We argue that in addition to being a rich source of feedback for both students and supervisors, ‘two-way’ appraisals increase the authenticity of the student learning experience and can develop student employability. Drawing on the authors’ experience of introducing an appraisal process in Lancaster University’s Law Clinic, this practice report provides practical tips to introduce an appraisal process in CLE modules and a discussion of both the benefits and the limitations. The authors also reflect on the student view of participating in an appraisal by considering the results of a small-scale ethically approved survey with third year and postgraduate Law Clinic students
Reducing Coercion
Full text linkThis is a transcript of a talk by Graham Morgan MBE – Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland – to the Third UK and Ireland Mental Health and Diversity Law Conference, July 2023. Nottingham (England.)
Graham drew on the Report of the Scottish Review into Mental Health Legislation for this talk and for a better understanding of how he thinks coercion could be further reduced would especially recommend reading the chapters on Human Rights Enablement, Autonomous Decision Making Tests, Supported Decision Making and Economic Cultural and Social Rights
The effects of the conventional deadlift and Romanian deadlift on muscle activation and joint angles at a submaximal intensity
No full textIn strength and conditioning, exercise selection and intensity are pivotal for designing resistance training programmes. The conventional deadlift (CD) and Romanian deadlift (RDL) are exercises targeting the lower limbs. Despite being similar, differences exist and comparative studies between CD and RDL remain scarce. This study (i) assessed if the biceps femoris (BF) exhibited greater activation during the RDL, and (ii) determined if the vastus lateralis (VL) and BF showed increased activation during the CD. Fifteen active adults participated in the study, with EMG sensors placed on the VL and BF and markers for 2D motion analysis in the sagittal plane. Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) data were collected for both lifts at 70% of the RDL 1RM. Five repetitions at 50% of the RDL 1RM were tested for EMG and 2D motion analysis. Data were analysed using paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Results revealed higher VL activation in the CD (P < 0.05), with no significant difference in BF activation. No differences were observed in hip angles at mid-thigh and knee height (P > 0.343), but differences were noted at the bottom position. Knee angles differed significantly during ascent and descent at mid-thigh (P < 0.027), while ankle differences were evident at knee height and the bottom position (P < 0.12). Ranges of motion differed for all joints (P < 0.002). In conclusion, this study found no difference in BF activation but greater VL activation during the CD
Noah's Benches
Full text linkThis project features 12 out of 19 unique benches, each inspired by secret, real-life locations across Europe. These installations highlight the crucial need to preserve our natural beauty within the ever-evolving landscape of urban environments. In a fast-paced world, these peaceful spots invite us to pause and reflect, providing necessary moments of quiet amidst the hustle and bustle of city life.
Research suggests that spending time sitting in nature improves both mental and physical health (Hart, 2016). With the constant pressure our environment faces from urban pollution, spaces like these become essential for human well-being. I worry about the future of these locations and fear that they may one day fall victim to development, much like many others before them.
Although I can’t disclose the exact locations, I chose each site because they have served as places of peace at different points in my life. For this reason, I have deliberately released only four of the coordinates, as these specific sites are currently protected by local groups and landowners. By highlighting these select installations, I hope to raise awareness about the value of our natural spaces and advocate for their preservation for future generations. Embracing nature within our cities is vital, and we must strive to protect these little oases in our urban landscape. The illustration style I chose reflects how I perceive nature—structured and organized by straight lines with an underlying grid system.
Hart, J., 2016. Prescribing nature therapy for improved mental health. Alternative and Complementary Therapies, 22(4), pp.161-163.
Assessing the confidence of sociology students on using quantitative research methods through Technology Enhanced Learning
Full text linkThis research aims to investigate the ways Technology Enhanced Learning can facilitate the learning of quantitative research methods in social sciences degrees. Specifically, how sociologists tend to avoid statistical modules due to anxiety and inadequate teaching methods. Digital competency of sociologists is a crucial debate in the literature and technological developments provide a useful tool for learning, which however in not being exploited enough. This study explores how Computer Based Learning, Computer Assisted Learning and Computer Supported Collaborative learning sessions can address the increased statistics anxiety observed in students that study social sciences.
The analyses corroborated the main assumptions drawn in the relevant literature. Students in social sciences tend to present social anxiety and dissociate from quantitative methods, lacking a crucial tool for their future as social scientists. Technology enhanced learning methods were found to be effective in the acquisition of knowledge and understanding of quantitative methods. Participants highlighted the need of technology to be an integral part in learning, that extended communication between students and teachers is beneficial, that future technologies must be an ongoing part of curriculums and institutions should focus on equipping students with the ability to use digital tools for their future employment.
Consequently, further research is recommended on the ways institutions should respond to the digital transformation of the social sciences and education, on how to integrate new technologies without ignoring the beneficial contribution of current and established methods, and on what the future brings for contemporary social sciences in the dawn of artificial intelligence
Becoming a Digital Scholar: the impact of teaching digital literacies and open educational practices on an accredited Master’s programme
No full textDrawing on Weller’s (2011) notion of the digital scholar, this research uses phenomenography to explore higher education staff attitudes to digital literacies and open educational practices. Participants completed accredited modules in educational technologies, digital literacies and open practices and the research examined the impact of these modules on their understanding of the terms and their wider academic practices. The study concludes that staff digital literacies are often perceived through the lens of students as ‘digital natives’ (Prensky, 2001). There are four categories of experience in relation to staff digital literacies including some who lack confidence, some who stay in their comfort zone, those who are willing to develop their digital literacies and those who recognise it’s an ongoing process and goes beyond technical skills. Meanwhile most staff have a more limited understanding of open educational practices, some equate it with open access research, but others share the values of openness and find learning about this topic transformational. Limitations include the small sample size, and further research is recommended. The findings suggest that the accredited modules allowed staff to deepen their understanding of critical issues related to how higher education is engaging with digital technologies to support scholarship
Reimagining learning by playing with paradox and ambiguity
Full text linkHigher education depends upon binary articulations to explain its role, strategies and methods. This paper explores some of the paradoxes that result from this and the apparently contradictory and self-defeating nature that results in an impoverished pedagogy at a time when imaginative pedagogies are needed. (Barnett, 2012) The dependence of the sector on inflexible binary thinking and the dangers of pedagogic obfuscation and misdirection is first explored. Paradox and ambiguity are considered as potentially positive, informing and disruptive framings for reimagining higher education learning environments and practices.An analytical review of pedagogic innovations is presented as vignettes drawn from longitudinal research into the use of digital technologies, media-enhanced learning spaces, and multimodalities. With reference to ‘pedagogies of ambiguity’ associated with studio-based learning (Vaughan et al. 2008), the paper concludes by making the case for embracing paradox and valuing ambiguity as the basis for a contemporary conception of pedagogy in which individuals are instilled with greater agency
Thinking Outside the Disciplinary Box: Building Better Lawyers to Solve Wicked Problems
Full text linkThe paper aims to bridge a gap in the Australian law curriculum by presenting an interdisciplinary pedagogical approach designed to improve students’ transition to post-university life. Implemented within a university pro-bono health-justice legal clinic affiliated with the University of Canberra Medical and Counselling Centre, this experiential design has a dual purpose. It not only brings together lawyers, health professionals, and students to achieve optimal outcomes for patients and clients, but also focuses on enhancing students' competencies, confidence, and interprofessional collaborative skills through three key initiatives:
a. client interviews – engaging students in client-interview role-plays and actual client interviews to concentrate on developing essential lawyering skills; b. a well-being program – under the guidance of an in-house psychologist using a coaching and performance psychology framework to foster students' confidence and resilience by providing crucial support for their transition from academic to professional environments; and c. interprofessional teamwork immersion – providing opportunities for students to observe, reflect, and actively assist lawyers and health professionals in a real-world team environment.
This paper discusses the teaching methods used in an interdisciplinary law clinic to help students improve their competencies, confidence, and interprofessional collaborative skills. It also demonstrates that such an approach better equips students for professional environments, enhances their social justice awareness, and improves their capacity to deal with complex and wicked problems. This innovative methodology offers both professional and personal development opportunities which other law schools seeking to improve educational outcomes could easily replicate
The Acute effects of Home Advantage on English Professional Rugby Union
Full text linkThis study comprehensively explores the acute effects of Home Advantage (HA) in English professional Rugby Union, focusing on performance metrics that extend beyond winning percentages. The analysis was conducted on data collected from all 119 matches of the 2022-2023 season, aiming to investigate how HA influences specific match events. The results reveal that home teams won 69% of their matches, host a significantly higher scoring rate, particularly in terms of tries, and exhibiting superior ground gained per carry compared to away teams. In contrast, while away teams performed a slightly greater number of tackles, they also experienced a higher incidence of missed tackles, resulting in a lower overall tackle completion rate. Moreover, the findings indicate that away teams were more prone to injuries, particularly during the early part of the season, suggesting a potential link between travel fatigue and physical strain. Additionally, when attacking, away teams faced a higher frequency of penalties, complicating their ability to mount effective scoring opportunities. These findings suggest that HA not only influences match outcomes but also significantly impacts key in-game behaviours, such as try-scoring efficiency and defensive performance. This research provides valuable insights for coaches and players, emphasizing the need to adapt strategies for both home and away games to account for the unique advantages and disadvantages associated with HA. Future research should examine these effects across multiple seasons to deepen our understanding of the complexities surrounding Home Advantage in Rugby Union