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Literacy instruction from afar:evidence for the effectiveness of a remotely delivered language-rich reading programme
No full textThere is good evidence that high-quality instruction targeting reading-related skills in the classroom leads to gains in reading. However, considerably less is known about the possible efficacy of remote instruction. This study evaluated the efficacy of an interactive evidence-based language-rich literacy programme. 184 children were randomly allocated either to an 8-week remotely delivered language-rich literacy programme or to a wait-list control group. Children in the programme arm (n = 77 at analysis) completed 16-lessons remotely targeting vocabulary, phonemic awareness, reading, spelling, and narrative skills. Children in the wait-list arm (n = 58 at analysis) received business-as-usal from their schools. Children’s word reading accuracy and phonemic awareness was measured prior to and after the programme delivery period. Children receiving the literacy programme made significantly larger gains than the wait-list control group on reading accuracy (d = 0.32) and phonemic awareness (d = 0.63). This study demonstrates that a remotely-delivered literacy programme is effective. These findings have important implications for delivering specialist literacy instruction at scale
Exploring cultural dynamics of Black Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) women in addiction recovery:a comparison of three women from different ethnic backgrounds
No full textBackground: The existing recovery capital (RC) literature primarily focuses on white males. This study aims to fill this gap by exploring addiction recovery among three culturally diverse UK women, utilizing CHIME-D (Connectedness, Hope/Optimism, Identity, Meaning, Empowerment, and Difficulties) and RC frameworks. It seeks to compare their recovery paths, combining quantitative data with lived experiences, and barriers specific to women in recovery.Methods: The article will deploy a case study design involving a mixed methods approach to explore recovery pathways and resulting RC, based on in-depth interviews and recovery capital assessments with three women from white, black and Asian ethnic backgrounds. Results: While one of the three participants, reports very strong and positive RC on the REC-CAP, the other two are at a much earlier stage in their journey. In contrast to the white female participant, who lacks personal RC and has significant barriers around ongoing substance use, the Black and Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) participants report cultural challenges and difficulties engaging with mainstream services.Conclusion: Recovery is a personal and individualized journey, but one that is predicated on social support, belonging and access to cultural and community resources. For BAME participants, accessing and engaging with appropriate peer support is essential in building RC and fulfilling the requirements of CHIME
Voices from the margins:the value of online narratives of communication disorders
Get PDFThis chapter explores online narratives and comments by people who have post-stroke dysarthria, a communication difficulty. Our aim is to gather valuable insights into the experience of this group in terms of the isolation and social exclusion they face, and to show that their lived experiences may not be sufficiently ‘heard’ by health care professionals or understood by the wider community. We believe that our findings will provide additional evidence to increase the understanding of lived experience of people with dysarthria by researchers and healthcare professionals and that this will enhance inclusion in health settings and society. We also show the benefits of an online support platform for research and for those affected by communication difficulties more broadly
Navigating queer narratives:student teachers’ perspectives on LGBT+ picture books
No full textThis study employs a queer theoretical framework to explore three student teachers' interpretations and perceptions of two LGBT+ picture books, including their considerations on integrating these texts into classroom pedagogy. The participants are nearing completion of their initial teacher training at a university in the northern part of England. The picture books that are the focus of the study were purposefully selected owing to their exploration of varied queer themes. Discussion is anchored in metaphor of picture books functioning as either "window" or "mirror," depending on children's individual experiences or identities, therefore necessitating acknowledgment of children's potential future queerness. Through semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis, the study uncovers multifaceted perspectives. Participants respond positively to both texts and express interest in incorporating these into their teaching practices. However, they additionally demonstrate awareness of potential limitations and complexities, including negative reactions from stakeholders and promoting heteronormativity. Uncertainty is expressed around navigating these issues within existing curriculum and policy frameworks.The study concludes by advocating for enhanced exploration of these difficulties in initial teacher training and early career stages, if aiming to adequately support these emerging educators in effectively promoting LGBT+ inclusivity in their future classrooms
Flattening the curve? The role of the state in mediating cumulative extremism dynamics in Northern Ireland, 1969-1975
No full textThis article explores the nature of violence in Northern Ireland between 1969 and 1975 through the lens of ‘cumulative extremism’. We argue that an examination of this period provides crucial insights into the dynamic role of the state as both an accelerator and brake on cumulative extremism, which has been underexplored in the literature. We contend that in Northern Ireland the state usually acted as a brake on cumulative extremism, even where this wasn’t always apparent at first sight. And that even where the state seemed to facilitate violence this did not always result in its escalation in an inter-group (movement/countermovement) context
Unpacking the relationship between bias-based cyberbullying and internalizing symptoms amongst sexual minority youth:the mediating role of internalized homophobia and the moderating role of resilience
No full textResearch has evidenced how bias-based cyberbullying can have negative implications for the mental health of sexual minority youth. However, few studies have examined the psychological mechanisms which may help to explain these effects. Thus, this research draws upon the minority stress model to explore the mediating role of internalized homophobia on the relationship between bias-based cyberbullying and internalizing symptoms (i.e. anxiety and depression). We also tested whether resilience functioned as a protective factor within our proposed model. Cross-sectional survey data were collected from 24,334 sexual minority youth across 13 European countries (M age = 15.62, SD = 1.91), and data were analyzed using a multilevel moderated mediation model. Analysis revealed that internalized homophobia partially mediated the association between bias-based cyberbullying and internalizing symptoms. However, resilience did not moderate how bias-based cyberbullying associated with internalized homophobia, anxiety, or depression. Findings therefore suggest that internalized homophobia partially explains the relationship between bias-based cyberbullying and internalizing symptoms. As such, designing interventions that support sexual minority youth to overcome internalized homophobia may help to reduce the maladaptive implications of bias-based cyberbullying
The Brief Symptom Inventory-9 (BSI-9):psychometric properties among Irish college students
No full textIntroductionThe Brief Symptom Inventory-9 (BSI-9) is a recently developed short (9-item) self-report scale measuring distress. It has three Subscales measuring Anxiety, Depression, and Somatisation. The BSI-9 is based on longer scales (BSI-18, BSI-53, and SCL-90) and was developed as a brief screening tool.ObjectivesThe present study examined the generalisability of the original foundational research undertaken in Germany. The present study examined the psychometric properties of the BSI-9 among a sample of Irish college students.MethodsA sample of 763 Irish college students completed the BSI-9, and a further 18 students completed the BSI-9 on two occasions, separated by four weeks, as part of a more extensive study. Factor analyses and reliability analyses were carried out.ResultsThe BSI-9 scale and the three Subscales measuring Somatisation, Anxiety, and Depression were each found to have appropriate factor loadings, satisfactory levels of internal consistency, and satisfactory levels of temporal stability across four weeks. These findings are consistent with those reported in the original foundational research in Germany.ConclusionsAlthough the sample size was small and restricted to students only, the present study does provide evidence for the reliability of the BSI-9 among a sample of Irish college students. Future work is now required to extend this work to examine the convergent validity of the BSI-9 among other English-speaking samples
From surface to depth:resolving two problems in the grammar of belief
No full textIn Between Knowledge and Certainty, I argued that Wittgenstein’s distinction between knowledge and certainty is not just epistemological but grammatical (Ellis 2025). This paper revisits that claim in light of two potential challenges: first, that a statement can express certainty only if it expresses a true knowledge claim; second, that belief-in God’s existence depends on belief-that God exists. I argue these are not genuine epistemological problems, but grammatical misunderstandings resulting from a failure to distinguish surface from depth grammar
A difficult start for the UK Labour government, but time is still on their side
No full textThe newly elected Labour Government in the United Kingdom promised change. However, the first 10 months have been disappointing, characterized by misjudged announcements regarding the Winter Fuel Allowance and Employers' National Insurance contributions. Yet, there is still time to get back on track with welfare reform and create a new welfare state that other countries can replicate. To this end, this commentary argues for a shift from means-testing to universalism across welfare provision. It further contends that a basic income should be gradually introduced based on affordability and public support. Additionally, it proposes that these changes be funded through taxation on wealth, particularly targeting online billionaires profiting from automation. Welfare reform represents an opportunity for Labour to make a difference and regain public trust and support, as evidence indicates public backing for restoring our public services. With the election of a Labour Government in the United Kingdom, there is a once-in-a-generation chance to address welfare reform and establish a new welfare state that other countries can admire. So far, the Labour Government's rhetoric and actions have been aligned with dampening expectations. The new government has experienced a disappointing first 10 months, marked by controversy after controversy stemming from inexperience and incompetence. Moreover, they have begun using antiwelfare rhetoric, such as the threat to remove driving licenses from benefit fraudsters. Therefore, we argue that Labour needs to be reminded of its mission to restore public services