University of Cumbria Open Access Journals
Not a member yet
615 research outputs found
Sort by
A critical reflection on the role of success criteria in Peer Assessment to facilitate pupil learning and performance
Get PDFAccording to research, peer assessments in education can significantly contribute to the learning experience of pupils through establishing motivation, confidence and essentially dynamic higher order learning skills. This inquiry specifically focussed on exploring the role of success criteria within peer assessment as an effective learning tool for pupils. The research comprised of a group of 30, year 7 science pupils from an Ofsted rated “outstanding” school. Research findings support the use of success criteria as an effective learning tool, so long as it is used correctly. It suggests that the efficacy of success criteria is dependent on its transparency, rigidity and explicitness. The findings from the study reveal that pupils are more likely to connect with their cognitive and intellectual processes to reach suitable judgements in the absence of rigid, explicit success criteria – and that the use of broader guidelines is more appropriate, to enhance and guide the learning of pupils.  
An investigation into the impact/influence age has on the early specialisation of children in sport
Get PDFThe overall aim of this investigation was to examine the impact/influence of age in sport and early specialisation. Essentially, the objective was to see if there is a link between starting age in sport and the level of representation reached. The sample of subjects consisted of 126 pupils, 82 males and 44 females, aged 14-16 years old. The subjects attended three different grammar schools across Northern Ireland, from both rural and urban backgrounds.
Individual questionnaires were completed by each of the subjects in order to collect information regarding their involvement in sport. The data collection found that subjects participated in a wide variety of sporting activities, ranging in starting ages and level of representation reached. The study revealed that there is no strong evidence or pattern to suggest that early specialisation is directly linked with reaching elite level representation in sport and that late specialisation can also lead subjects to reach elite level representation in their sport
Attitudes Towards Sexual Offenders Returning to Live in the Community
Get PDFSexual offenders that can access a positive support network within their lives, have extremely lower levels of recidivism compared to those who do not receive support, or if negative support is given (Colorado Department of Public Safety, 2004). If an offender begins to feel isolated, hopeless or fearful then this might prohibit reintegration and trigger a relapse (Edwards & Hensley, 2001). This study investigated attitudes towards sexual offenders returning to live in the community. The specific aims of the study were to explore attitude differences using three variables; perpetrator gender, participant gender and parental status of participant. In total 643 participants (166 males, 477 females) were recruited. They completed one of two questionnaires based upon a fictional scenario featuring either a male or a female perpetrator of a sexual offence returning to live in the community. The findings of this study demonstrated that there were no significant differences in attitudes based upon the gender of the perpetrator. However, female participants were found to hold stronger punitive views compared to men; and parents were found to hold stronger punitive views compared to non-parents. Future research could build upon the current study to explore these differences. The findings obtained from this study have the potential to be used with professionals working with sexual offenders, to help the individual understand and prepare for reactions from the public when returning to society
Gender Differences in Attitudes towards Sexual Assault.
Get PDFGender differences in attitudes towards sexual assault has received significant research attention, yet little research has investigated non-college student sampling despite nearly 50% of rape or sexual assault victims being over the age of 25 (Kilpatrick, 2000). There is also a distinct lack of research conducted surrounding various sexual orientation vignettes (Duncan, 1990; Davies, Pollard & Archer, 2006). In this study, 280 participants took part in an online questionnaire to examine gender differences regarding various factors of a sexual assault scenario. The current study aimed to investigate gender differences within a range of sexual orientation vignettes. Results found no significant gender differences regarding victim blame although, between gender and vignette, it was found that there was a statistically significant interaction as women held higher victim blame of male victims. However, there were significant gender differences found within alcohol and consent and support and recovery with men holding more negative attitudes than women. Such results may help to support prior gender difference findings. It also may be useful for future research to use same-sex vignettes to allow for an exploration of gender differences of sexual assault within same-sex relationships
Is Initial Teacher Education (ITE) based on the Capabilities Approach likely to foster inclusion for autistic learners in the Further Education sector?
Get PDFThis discussion will argue that Initial Teacher Education (ITE) for students planning to teach in Further Education (FE), which includes schools, colleges and training providers for learners aged 14+, should be revised to encourage ITE students to view their own approach to inclusion through the framework of American philosopher Nussbaum’s Capability Approach (CA). Autistic people are more likely than their peers with more profound physical and cognitive disabilities to go to mainstream school. These learners are often misunderstood and excluded from school due to a lack of understanding amongst professional teaching staff and as a result are at an increased risk of exclusion from school. Exclusion from education leads to exclusion from society, impacting life chances, dignity, self-esteem and mental health. Grounded in human dignity, the CA will provide a framework for exploring inclusion of autistic learners within initial teacher education (ITE) and will be a preferable future for moving towards a more inclusive society
A curriculum enhancement proposal for Cache Level 1 Caring for Children Certificate
Get PDFEducation for sustainable development is essential in ensuring that the future generations of Early Years Practitioners are well equipped and prepared for employment within society. It is therefore vital that the courses that are being delivered are providing learners with the necessary knowledge and skills that they are then able to apply confidently and competently within the workplace. The purpose of this research was to critically evaluate the current linear curriculum model and its impact on the teaching and learning process of the Cache Level 1 Caring for Children Certificate and to suggest a proposal that will enhance the teaching and learning for post-16 learners. The key findings suggest that by following a spiral curriculum the learners will improve their skills by gaining and retaining a deeper understanding of knowledge
An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis Exploring the Concepts of Happiness as an Emotion, in a Millennial Generation, Using Photo Elicitation
Get PDFThe millennial generation, a generation marked as self-entitled; having to grow up surrounded by social media and still seek happiness on a day to day basis (Park et al., 2014). Social media in many ways makes happiness much more difficult to achieve for the younger generations (Bertoncini & Schmalz 2013). This research aims to explore millennials’ lived experience of happiness from their own perspective. Using photo elicitation, this study aimed to delve into what the modern definitions of happiness are and what makes a millennial happy. Using disposable cameras and semi-structured interviews, an Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was conducted to explore the lived experiences of happiness in a millennial generation. Themes were explored; the main ones being escapism, nostalgia, accessibility and acceptance in negativity. These themes were supported by current literature and show that millennials’ happiness is complex and unique to each individual. Even though the participants gain happiness from feeling connected, social media and growing up alongside technology can be overwhelming and the findings from this study suggest that there is a need for escape in order to feel happiness in a fast paced and technologically driven society
Expert by Experience: Approved Mental Health Professional study
Get PDFThe current paper presents auto-ethnographic reflection of my experience of teaching on the Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) programme. I begin by setting the context with some biographical information before going on to describe and reflect on my experiences teaching and assessing on this programme. I reflect on presenting myself to the students, and the process of developing trust with them. I further consider how my story seemed to impact on the students, but how being part of the process also impacted on me and my own experiences. Being mindful of the responsibility an AMHP carries, which can be life changing, is something all professionals will be aware of; the importance of Service Receivers being part of their training is critical so they can understand the impact their decisions can have on individual people
The Criminal Justice System and people on the Autism Spectrum: Perspectives on Awareness and Identification
Get PDFIndividuals with a diagnosis of autism are seven times more likely to be represented in criminal justice statistics compared to people without this diagnosis (Debbaunt, 2004). This signals the need for further investigation into the practices of professionals working in these areas; in particular, the extent of their awareness and understanding of autism. This paper reports on a qualitative study undertaken with 30 people working in probation, a community rehabilitation company, police, and liaison and diversion services in a county in the North of England. Interviews were conducted between July and September 2017. While a number of criminal justice professionals possessed some experience of autism in their personal or professional practice, several professionals struggled to accurately identify what autism is, and how it could impact on an individual’s communication style; which could represent a barrier to effective communication between providers and service users. These results add to the body of literature on the subject of criminal justice services and alleged offenders who are on the autism spectrum and aims to raise awareness and promote discussion on this important subject