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Early childhood teachers’ perspectives of inclusive education in New Zealand
No full textRESEARCH QUESTIONS:
1. What does inclusive education means to New Zealand early childhood teachers?
2. What are the challenges faced by New Zealand early childhood teachers while providing inclusive education?
3. What are strategies used by New Zealand early childhood teachers for providing an inclusive environment?
ABSTRACT:
This research examined early childhood teachers’ perspectives of inclusive education in New Zealand from an internet survey of a small group of teachers. The research literature review focuses on the description of inclusive education in New Zealand in early childhood, following general description of policies supporting inclusion in early childhood. According to the literature review there are many challenges and strategies that have been encountered in providing an inclusive education. Consequently, it can be considered thought-provoking to determine and comprehend our knowledge of how early childhood teachers find inclusive education in practice. A interpretative qualitative approach methodology was employed for this research. The process included an internet survey questionnaire that had been sent out to early childhood teachers of one of the biggest early childhood organisations. Interview and focus group were excluded from the research due to sensitivity of the topic and the mobility and closeness of the early childhood sector, having in mind the connections and that everyone has been acquainted with one another. The findings indicated that there is not one common definition of inclusive education, respectively; different teachers have different understanding of it. Even though all the teachers were qualified, most of them still showed a great level of commitment with the goal to upgrade their knowledge to support inclusion. Teachers have mentioned the strategies they have already used and strategies they think can make inclusion more successful. Teachers have experienced numerous challenges and have tried different strategies to overcome the challenges; however, there are expectations and changes that they think will further support inclusive education. They have shown respect for children with special needs and their extended community and, hence, included the parents in supporting their children’s development delays. It can be concluded that the teachers have been working effectively in providing successful inclusive education. However, the quantitative survey approach was one of the limitations of this research that might have not provided an entirely realistic picture of teacher’s perceptions and feelings
Support Vector Machine (SVM) aggregation modelling for spatio-temporal air pollution analysis
No full textRESEARCH QUESTIONS:
1.
Dealing with long term historical data of spatio-temporal is always challenging. SVM ensemble and other methods are used to handle long term historical data, but these methods result in slow processing and low accuracy especially as the data size increases. Can the data be efficiently processed and the accuracy of the model be increased for large data compared to SVM ensemble method? Air pollution data are available in huge size which need to be stored and processed. The problem is compounded with processing long-term historical data. The meaning of the data can change over time based on events, and based on the locations from which the data were captured. Dealing with such long term spatio-temporal data are indeed a challenging assignment.
2.
Air pollution is a spatio-temporal problem and the data is distributed across multiple locations, which is difficult to manage for the SVM ensemble and other techniques. How the distributed nature of spatio-temporal air pollution data can be resolved efficiently and with better classification compared to SVM ensemble method? Air pollution data are physically distributed, decentralised and monitored across various monitoring stations. For example, in the Auckland region for air pollution monitoring there are 19 monitoring stations. One can design a computational system for analysing a single air pollution monitoring station’s data, but designing a system for processing distributed multiple data of all those stations is a complex task, since data are available in huge volumes. However, centralised data analysis will lead to processing and resource challenges.
3.
Air pollution data are often confronted with missing values and any analysis with such data will not give us the true picture of the fundamental problem. How accurate can be the analysis of air pollution data with missing values compared to SVM ensemble method? As air pollution varies regionally, it is comparatively easy to know and compute a single location of air pollution data, but it is difficult to have air pollution regional data based on the computation of various monitoring stations. Region specific information will be useful to formulate a data aggregation strategy.
4.
Can SVM aggregation and knowledge fusion over spatio-temporal dimensions be applied to conduct air pollution prediction accuracy better than SVM ensemble method? Analysis of the results of long-term historic spatio-temporal data are a tedious and time consuming task. Spatio-temporal dimensions fusion via the same SVM representation is achievable, but still remains a complex task so therefore warrants a specific research question. We envisage this question to be more focused on prediction, and any solutions to this research question will be significant.
This research addresses the spatio-temporal air pollution analysis problem. Existing air pollution studies often simplify the problem and fail to consider the fact that air pollution is a spatial and temporal problem. More specifically, previous approaches are optimal for temporarily rich data; however, environmental data is more likely to be collected over a large geographical area and at different periods of time. This research proposes an approach based on a decentralised computational technique named Scalable SVM Ensemble Learning Method (SSELM) for classifying air pollution data in Auckland in 2010 on an hourly basis. Special consideration is given to the distributed ensemble in order to resolve the spatio-temporal data collection problem. The proposed approach has been compared with SVM ensemble learning for air pollution analysis in the Auckland region. Experiments demonstrated that the proposed SSELM approach outperforms SVM ensemble learning in efficiency and accuracy
The relationship between thoracic spine mobility and shoulder problems in a sample of surfers : a cross-sectional design
No full textOBJECTIVES;
Chronic shoulder injuries are prevalent amongst surfers and one potential underlying cause may be a lack of mobility in the thoracic spine. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationship between shoulder pain and thoracic mobility in surfers.
METHODS:
Surfers were recruited using emailed invitations to an existing database of surfers, and notices posted to surfing related social media sites. Auckland based surfers participated in a 30-minute measuring session where thoracic mobility was assessed using an electrogoniometer. Participants identified their level of shoulder pain and disability using a modified version of the Sports/Performing Arts Module in the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire in addition to identifying descriptive details such as age, height, surfing skill (Hutt Scale), and surfing history.
RESULTS:
Forty-one participants were recruited (n=29 males, n=12 females; mean ± SD age = 38.7 ± 11.9y, range (19-68 years)). No correlation was found between thoracic mobility and DASH scores. Findings showed a positive relationship between age and shoulder pain (r=.324*(-0.008, 0.635) p=0.039); skill level of the surfer and frequency surfed during the previous summer were also found to be correlated (r =.490** (0.207, 0.775) , p=0.001). There was a positive relationship between height and seated mobility in the lumbar spine (r =.311* (-0.034, 0.573), p=0.048). Lower thoracic spine symmetry was positively correlated with upper thoracic seated mobility (r =.349* (-0.013, 0.612), p=0.025). Negative relationships included frequency of surf sessions and shoulder pain (r =-.374* (-0.653, -0.049), p=0.016), and age and upper thoracic seated mobility (r =-.355*(-0.603, -0.023), p=0.023). Upper and lower thoracic spine prone mobility was negatively correlated (r =.365* (-0.628, -0.051), p=-0.019), and this was the same for lumbar spine prone mobility and age (r =-.417**(-0.648, -0.137), p=0.007). Other relationships that correlated negatively were upper thoracic paddling symmetry and frequency surfed during the previous summer (r =-.311*(-0.561, -0.023), p=0.048), and lumbar spine and lower thoracic spine paddling symmetry (r =-.415** (-0.676, -0.133), p=0.007).
CONCLUSION:
The correlation between DASH scores and thoracic mobility in the seated or prone position in this sample of surfers was small. Further research, such as a prospective longitudinal study exploring risk factors for the development of shoulder symptoms associated with surfing would be beneficial
Dwindling attendance of classes by students
No full textLittle research exists about the relationship between student engagement and attendance in mandatory courses. The purpose of this study was to understand engagement and attendance by capturing perceptions from teaching staff and students’ nursing programmes that offer no electives. The study took place at Manukau Institute of Technology [MIT], a tertiary education provider in South Auckland. The mixed-method approach comprised of two focus groups and a questionnaire collecting both quantitative and qualitative data to determine if a link existed between engagement and attendance. A link does to exist with students missing classes where they felt the teaching style was inadequate. Belongingness is an important factor of engagement whilst technology use is not. The study demonstrates the importance of teachers’ in creating effective learning environments that enable engagement
Women in Fabrication : a platform for inclusive and diverse design
No full textIn New Zealand, over half of our architectural graduates are female but this number significantly drops within professional practice. The fact remains that industry is a male citadel whether in the realm of design or manufacture. This paper explores a new generation of women building their own coalitions and strategies that promise to bring about change within the architecture and the construction discipline with the formation of a collaborative group: Women in Fabrication. The purpose of forming a female fabrication group was to support learning through the process of making, creating a project based platform that created leadership opportunities and better accessibility to fabrication and mentorship. Students were given the challenge of designing and building a pre-fabricated exhibit at a prominent Building Expo in New Zealand. With a timeline of six weeks, students had to learn CAD/CAM technology and apply what they learnt to a real-life design making situation- providing a platform for learning and sharing ideas. Digital design processes allowed for the project to be morphed, tweaked and customized with new interchangeable parts to suit the different prescribed audiences and function. This educational model aims to provide everything from leadership opportunities and understanding fabrication to networking with industry suppliers, whilst also providing senior female role models to young designers at architecture institutions
Techno-economic potentials and market trends for power-to-hydrogen and hydrogen-to-x based on a collaborative and international review
No full textMotivation: Climate Targets
Power-to-X Pathways: Core Elements of Future Energy Systems
Task 38 of the IEA H2 TCP: Power-to-Hydrogen and Hydrogen-to-X
Task 38 of the IEA H2 TCP :
Power-to-Hydrogen and Hydrogen-to-X:
System Analysis of the techno-economic, legal and regulatory conditions
Literature Review: Approach
Selected Results of Review 1 to 5
Literature Review: Identified Target Markets
Literature review: Target Market -Transportation
Literature Review: Target Market – Synthetic Methane and H2 Feed-in
Literature Review: Target Market – Power-to-Power
Summary
Lessons Learned: Guideline for Author
Internal moderation of assessment in an ITP sector institution : translating policy into practice
No full textRESEARCH QUESTIONS:
1. What are the key expectations for moderation policy?
2. What is the practice of internal moderation from the perspectives of lecturers?
3. What are the challenges experienced by lecturers during the internal moderation process?
ABSTRACT:
The emergence of ‘quality’ as a key focus of educational leadership reflects current international trends in educational management that place policy emphasis on improvements to quality assurance and accountability. Moderation of assessment has come to embody this emerging policy focus and plays an increasingly important role within tertiary sector quality assurance systems.
This small scale qualitative study drew on a case study research framework to investigate the perceptions and experiences of lecturers and moderators who are implementing the internal moderation policy of an undergraduate programme at an ITP sector institution. This research investigated issues associated with the translation of moderation policy into practice, particularly the underlying practitioner values and the associated practice challenges and tensions. The research method utilised was semi-structured face to face interviews with six lecturers/moderators.
The research found evidence of a complex and distinct moderation culture among practitioners in the School that is supported by a range of values that underpin the approach. Strong support was found for moderation as an academic quality assurance process, along with resistance to a focus on compliance, and there was also found to be an aspiration for moderation to support and drive improvements to the student experience and learning outcomes. It was found that practitioners rated the skills, experience, knowledge and workload capacity of moderators to be the key factor in determining the effectiveness of moderation, with policy playing a less important, supporting role. A range of challenges to effective practice are outlined, including the identification of policy tensions related to the recognition and management of moderator workloads and professional development. This research highlights the complexities and challenges for educational leaders in the development and implementation of effective moderation policy, which needs to recognise and support the diversity of a positive moderation culture within an institute, while resolving the tensions that are inherent in achieving a balance between quality assurance and supporting teaching and learning
Threats to seabirds of northern Aotearoa New Zealand
No full textThis report aims to assess current and emerging threats to seabirds in Northern New Zealand, particularly the wider Hauraki Gulf region, and to identify knowledge gaps. In doing so, both research and conservation action can be prioritized to best mitigate threats to seabirds in the region.
1. What are current threats to seabirds in Northern New Zealand?
2. What are the knowledge gaps regarding seabird species in Northern New Zealand?
3. What are the knowledge gaps regarding threats to seabirds in Northern New Zealand?
This report has been prepared by Edin Whitehead (University of Auckland), with Nigel Adams (Unitec Institute of Technology), Karen Baird (Forest & Bird/BirdLife international, NNZST), Biz Bell (Wildlife Management International Ltd.), Stephanie Borrelle (NNZST, Ocean Conservancy/University of Toronto & University of Georgia), Brendon Dunphy (University of Auckland), Chris Gaskin (NNZST), Todd Landers (Auckland Council), Matt Rayner (Auckland Museum) & James Russell (University of Auckland
Sentiment analysis of student online interaction in a blended postgraduate programme
No full textRESEARCH QUESTIONS:
1. To what extent do students interact online?
2. What are the sentiments in student online interaction?
TML Blended Postgrad Programme
Online interaction on G+ Community
Sentiment analysis
Google Natural Language Processing
Research Methodology
Data Collection and Analysis
Overview of the collected data
Results - Number of Posts and Comments Each Category
Results - Monthly Posts and Comments
Results - Monthly Average of Score and Magnitude of Posts and Comments
Results - Box Plot for Sentiment Score in Each Category of G+ Community
Results - Box Plot for Sentiment Magnitude in Each Category of G+ Community
Discussion - What can we learn?
Conclusio
Spiritual reawakening : the sacred revival of water
No full textRESEARCH QUESTION:
How can a temple contribute to the cleanliness of the water in Bellandur Lake in India, create awareness around water issues and educate the public about water purification and its significance in the local context?
ABSTRACT:
Bangalore, a city that is constantly facing economic growth and development at a fast pace, is currently facing a water crisis that is growing at an equally fast rate. The city’s natural groundwater levels are depleting, however, these resources are not being replenished at the same rate as they are being extracted. Meanwhile other potential sources of water such as lakes are heavily polluted to the point where they are unsafe to come into contact with.One such lake – Bellandur lake – is the study area in this project. Due to the amount of toxic wastes and sewage content in the lake, the lake water caught fire, spreading hazardous fumes into the atmosphere. These chemicals have also resulted in a toxic foam that has infiltrated the streets in the Bellandur suburb as well as into the limited groundwater resources. This has created a negative attitude towards water bodies in the city wherein people do not go near them. Since these water bodies have been neglected, they are viewed as waste disposal pits. The aim of this project is to change this attitude and revive the connection between people and water.
With the water shortage crisis in the city and the polluted state of existing water resources, it is critical that these water bodies be cared for to provide water in the near future. One of the most influential factors in Indian culture is religion. The Indian society has been shaped over centuries of religious beliefs. Among many, Hinduism accounts for the majority of the population, specifically in Bangalore. With water being the foundation of purity in the religion, an intervention that combines the spiritual aspect of water through Hinduism with the science of purification to create awareness around the importance of water conservation could bring about a shift in attitude towards water bodies in the city, and encourage recycling and reusing water