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Educating about Islam and learning about self: an approach for our times
No full textThis article argues that the emergence of the era of terrorism, fuelled in part by a form of Wahhabist Islam, impels a religious education imperative of improving understanding about Islam, both in terms of the historical roots with Judaism and Christianity, as well as ongoing conflict between the three traditions. On this basis, this article proposes content for religious education that challenges Westerners, especially of Jewish or Christian heritage, to come to an enhanced understanding about their sibling relationship with Islam, but also considers growing counter-propositions that this same Western world is the mortal enemy of Islam. In the case of both the positive and negative interpretations of the relationship between Islam and its sibling religions, the educational challenge is to enhance understanding of the self through increasing knowledge of the other
Prevalence of and factors associated with midlife women taking medicines for psychological distress
No full textThe aim of this study was to explore the extent of and factors associated with the use of medicines for psychological distress among midlife Australian women. Data were gathered from a baseline sample of 13,961 women and a follow-up study using semi-structured telephone interviews in New South Wales, Australia, between August and December 1997. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with medicine use. Qualitative comments regarding women’s experiences of and attitudes to medicine use were analysed thematically. The respondents were 322 women aged 46-50 with low mental health scores who took part in the baseline survey of the Women’s Health Australia study. Thirty-six percent of women who reported a recent period of psychological distress used medicines to help them cope. Taking medicines for distress (either prescribed or non-prescribed) was significantly associated with a lower mental health score on the MHI-5 (OR=0.98, 95% CI 0.96-1.00) and an increasing number of negative life events (OR=1.14, 95% CI 1.05-1.24). Taking medicines prescribed by a general practitioner was associated with being dissatisfied with one’s family relationships (OR=0.52, 95% CI 0.30-0.91), or having gone through menopause in the past year (OR=1.68, 95% CI 1.00-2.81). Qualitative data (n=117) highlighted several concerns about use of prescribed psychotropic medicines, including a belief in natural remedies, unacceptable side-effects, fear of dependency, a belief that medicines cover up problems that need to be solved and that doctors prescribe too readily. While over one third of the midlife women took medicines to help them cope with a period of distress, many expressed negative views about the use of prescribed psychotropic drugs. Taking a partnership approach with women, exploring their attitudes to both the distress and the medications is essential if doctors are to achieve the objectives of quality use of medicines and patient satisfaction
Young children's developing theory of mind and shared storybook reading in the preschool setting
No full textHow we come to understand other people’s thoughts and feelings when we are young (our theory of mind) has been a question of interest to researchers for many years. However, there is little research that examines this development in settings and relationships important to young children beyond the home and family. This case study was situated in an early childhood (EC) preschool setting and explored the question of how might shared storybook reading (SSR) contribute to children’s developing theory of mind? 40 preschool children and 4 early childhood educators were observed as they engaged in their usual practice of shared storybook reading. The conversations that occurred during shared reading were recorded and analysed using a qualitative approach. Findings show the event of SSR to be a social practice where children are active contributors, and one that holds strong potential for children to enhance their knowledge about the social world. SSR can be a rich source of conversation involving multiple perspectives and reference to the thoughts and feelings of others. Individual children’s theory of mind knowledge will vary across the group situation and (EC) Educators use of causal questioning about the thoughts and feelings of storybook characters may provide a salient opportunity for children to exercise and enhance their theory of mind abilities. Possible implications for early childhood practice are discussed
On the form and function of reflexives in artificial languages
No full textThis paper explores issues in relation to the form and function of reflexive pronouns which a language designer should take into consideration in the construction of an artificial language grammar. The first main part of the paper deals with the rather complex and versatile nature of reflexive pronouns in natural languages, discussing reflexives in terms of syntactic and discourse function, morphemic structure, lexical specification for phi-features, subject orientation, etc. Typological and functional aspects of reflexive pronouns in a number of existing artificial languages are considered in the next part of the paper. The final part addresses the question of what would be the optimal reflexive pronoun from the perspective of artificial language construction. It is proposed that any component of an artificial language grammar, including the reflexive pronoun, would inevitably be a compromise between simplicity of form and function on the one hand, and clarity on the other. It is also suggested that, as artificial languages are by their very nature non-primary languages, designers of artificial languages should take into account essential properties of second language acquisition and use
Improving critical thinking using web based argument mapping exercises with automated feedback
No full textIn this paper we describe a simple software system that allows students to practise their critical thinking skills by constructing argument maps of natural language arguments. As the students construct their maps of an argument, the system provides automatic, real time feedback on their progress. We outline the background and theoretical framework that led to the development of the system and then give a detailed example of how a student would work through a particular argument mapping exercise using the software. We then describe how the system was used in a single semester undergraduate critical thinking course. We evaluated the course using a standardised critical thinking test and measured an improvement in critical thinking skills of 0.45 standard deviations from pre-test to post-test; a modest, but encouraging result for a single semester course. We compare these results to those obtained in a number of other critical thinking courses, incorporating a variety of teaching methods. We conclude the paper with some comments on the limitations of the system and ways in which it might be improved and extended
Domain general mechanisms of perceptual decision making in human cortex
No full textTo successfully interact with objects in the environment, sensory evidence must be continuously acquired, interpreted, and used to guide appropriate motor responses. For example, when driving, a red light should motivate a motor command to depress the brake pedal. Single-unit recording studies have established that simple sensorimotor transformations are mediated by the same neurons that ultimately guide the behavioral response. However, it is also possible that these sensorimotor regions are the recipients of a modality-independent decision signal that is computed elsewhere. Here, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging and human observers to show that the time course of activation in a subregion of the right insula is consistent with a role in accumulating sensory evidence independently from the required motor response modality (saccade vs manual). Furthermore, a combination of computational modeling and simulations of the blood oxygenation level-dependent response suggests that this region is not simply recruited by general arousal or by the tonic maintenance of attention during the decision process. Our data thus raise the possibility that a modality-independent representation of sensory evidence may guide activity in effector-specific cortical areas before the initiation of a behavioral response
Real choice in education: public interest, state control and private freedom
No full textIn Australian educational policy debate, advocacy of choice and diversity has come to be linked to support for educational markets and therefore with educational reform and restructuring associated with 'economic rationalism'. Choice and diversity are better conceived within a framework of democratic educational philosophy and policy and in Australian educational policy development this was the case until the arrival of economic rationalism. Critics of 'choice' in the economic rationalist market context are mistaken to oppose choice as such. The focus should be on the relationship between choice and basic educational values such as participation, experiment and quality of provision. For these values to be realised in a mutually enhancing way, education systems need to promote sets of real options for students and families. 'Choice' is a secondary, or derivative, concept that emerges within this ethical, political and professional context. Markets are one, and only one, method for achieving educational participation, diversity and quality, and are not to be simplistically conflated with advocacy of quality and equity, diversity and choice
Sulfur- and lead-isotope signatures of selected middle Silurian to Carboniferous mineral systems of the Lachlan Orogen, eastern New South Wales - implications for metallogenesis
No full textSulfur- and lead-isotope signatures for 64 deposits/systems located in the Central and Easternn Subprovinces of the Lachlan Orogen in eastern New South Wales were characterised in the present study. Here are presented four new ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar dates, 644 new sulfur- and 105 new leadisotope analyses, plus a collation of 386 unpublished and 277 published sulfur isotope and over 560 unpublished and published lead isotope analyses for middle Silurian to Early Carboniferous mineralisation. Measured δ³⁴S values for 22 VHMS deposits range between -7.4‰ to 38.3‰. S-isotope values for Currawang East, Lewis Ponds, Mount Bulga, Belara and Accost (Group 1) range from - 1.7‰ to 5.9‰ with the ore-forming fluids for this group of deposits likely to have been reducing and sulfur derived largely from magmatic sources. By contrast, S-isotope signatures for sulfides from Black Springs, Calula, Captains Flat, Commonwealth, Cordillera, Gurrundah, Kempfield, Peelwood mine, Sunny Corner, The Glen, Wet Lagoon and Woodlawn (Group 2) have average δ³⁴S values between 5.4‰ and 8.1‰. These deposits appear to have formed from ore fluids that were more oxidising than those for Group 1 deposits, representing a mixed
contribution of sulfur derived from partial reduction of seawater sulfate, in addition to sulfur from other sources. Four deposits, Elsinora, John Fardy, Mount Costigan and Stringers, have heavier average δ³⁴S signatures (10.1‰ to 13.2‰) than Group 2 deposits, suggesting that these deposits included a greater component of sulfur of seawater origin. The S-isotope data for barite from Black Springs, Commonwealth, Stringers, Gurrundah, Kempfield and Woodlawn range from 12.6‰ to 38.3‰. Over 80% of the δ³⁴S values are between 23.4‰ and 30.9‰, close to the previously published estimates for the composition of seawater sulfate during Late Silurian to earliest Devonian times, providing supporting evidence that these deposits formed concurrently with a Late Silurian volcanic event. New Pb isotope data for eleven VHMS deposits included in the present study support earlier Pb-isotope studies which indicate that lead was largely sourced from the host sequence. However, the data for Black Springs, Elsinora and Commonwealth indicate that some lead, included in these deposits, was sourced from units forming basement to
the Silurian troughs. Sulfur isotope values for thirteen orogenic gold systems range between -7.5‰ and 16.1‰ (excluding outliers). The Wyoming One–Myall United system has an average δ³⁴S value of -5.5‰ and a primitive mantle-derived lead isotope signature implying that sulfur and gold were sourced from a fractionated mantle-derived intrusion. The δ-isotope data for Adelong, Bodangora, Calarie, Hargraves, Hill End, London–Victoria, Sebastopol, Sofala–Wattle Flat and Stuart Town are all very similar with average δ³⁴S values close to 0‰ (range -2.8 to 3.4‰). Sulfur in these deposits was derived from reduced fluids, sources from magmatic reservoirs either as a direct input or through dissolution and recycling of rock sulfide. For deposits hosted by the northern HET it is suggested that sulfur and gold were sourced from mantle-derived units located beneath the HET rather than the siliclastic fill of the trough itself. Windeyer and
Napoleon Reefs have heavier S-isotope signatures suggesting a greater contribution of sulfur derived from reduced seawater sulfate reservoirs. Springfield, located adjacent to the northern HET, has the heaviest S-isotope signature (15.4 δ³⁴S‰) for orogenic gold deposits included in the present study. For this deposit it is suggested that HET-derived basinal fluids containing reduced seawater sulfate migrated along faults and leached gold from Ordovician mantle-derived units forming basement to that area. Seven sulfide-rich orogenic base metal deposits were included in the present study. Average δ³⁴S values for Currawang South, Frogmore, Montrose, Ruby Creek, Wallah Wallah vary between 3.5‰ and 6.0‰ (Group 1), with Kangiara, and Lucky Hit–Merrilla, having heavier average δ³⁴S values (10.0‰ and 8.2‰ respectively — Group 2). Group 1 deposits are small,
and S-isotope signatures suggest significant sulfur was sourced from magmatic reservoirs; whereas, Group 2 deposits are larger and δ³⁴S signatures indicate a larger component of sulfur was derived from reduced seawater sulfate reservoirs. The Pb-isotope data for these deposits suggest that the majority of the lead was derived from older Ordovician and Silurian crustal reservoirs. The data for Mount Werong and Merrilla support a Middle Devonian Pb-model age; whereas, those for Wallah Wallah point to an Early Carboniferous Pb-model age. Browns Reef, in the Central Subprovince, is now interpreted to be a syn-deformational orogenic base metal deposit, for which the S-isotope data are similar to Group 2 orogenic base metal deposits and
Pb-isotope data suggest lead was sourced from the fill of the Rast Trough. Five epithermal systems were included in the present study. Bauloora, Bowdens and those in the Yerranderie district are intermediate-sulfidation epithermal systems; whereas, Yalwal and
Pambula are low sulfidation epithermal systems. Yerranderie, Yalwal, Pambula and Bauloora have δ³⁴S values close to 0‰. Sulfur in these deposits was derived largely from a magmatic reservoir. The Yerranderie system is zoned with respect to S-isotope distribution and shows mineralogical zonation along the Yerranderie Fault. Yalwal is zoned with 0‰ S-isotope values correlating with sericitic alteration assemblages and heavier S-isotope values (up to 17.9 δ³⁴S‰)
correlating with assemblages that include minerals characteristic of argillic alteration. Sixteen middle Silurian to Early Devonian intrusion-related deposits were included in the present study. Collector, Dargues Reef, Mayfield, Ryans, Tallawang, Whipstick and Yambulla are located east of the I–S granite line, with Dargues Reef, Majors Creek, Mayfield, Whipstick and Yambulla hosted by or adjacent to their causative intrusion. These deposits have S-isotope
signatures close to 0‰ (range -3.6‰ to 3.0‰) similar to that for granites east of the I–S line (range -1.5‰ to 4.9‰). The Pb-isotope data for these deposits includes both crustal- and mantle-derived lead. Deposits distal to their causative intrusions (Collector and Ryans) have heavier S-isotope signatures (7.7‰ and 4.3‰ respectively) indicating that some sulfur was probably sourced from the host sequence. The majority of lead, for these deposits, was sourced from the host sequence and/or older reservoirs. The S-isotope data for Tallawang suggest that the sulfur was largely sourced from the host sequence. Eight deposits are located to the west of the I–S line. Nasdaq, Phoenix, Tara, Rye Park and Mineral Hill have heavier S-isotope signatures (range: 2.6‰ to 7.3‰) which overlap with the range of values typical of granites located to the west of the I–S line (1.9 to 9.6‰) supporting the interpretation that the majority of sulfur was derived from the causative intrusion. The Pb-isotope data for Nasdaq, Mineral Hill and Tara suggest that lead originated from the host sequence or from older lead reservoirs; whereas, at Rye Park and Phoenix lead was probably sourced from the causative intrusion.
Ardlethan and Browns Creek deposits have near 0‰ S-isotope signatures, lower than the range of δ³⁴S values for granites west of the I–S line which is accounted for by mantle-derived volatiles and a possible biogenic sulfur component. The Pb-isotope data for these two deposits are consistent with a lead sourced largely from the causative intrusion; although, some mantlederived lead is probably present. Red Hill has the highest S-isotope signature (13.7‰) indicating that the majority of sulfur was sourced from a seawater sulfate reservoir. ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar dating showed that intrusion-related mineralisation at Tara formed at 420 ± 2 Ma; VHMS-related mineralisation at The Glen (Glen E deposit) formed at 418.2 ± 2.2 Ma; and that the Yerranderie and Bauloora intermediate sulfidation epithermal systems formed at 372.1 ± 1.9 Ma and 371 ± 13 Ma (respectively). New dating plus a review of timing constraints to
Tabberabberan and Kanimblan cycle-related mineralisation highlighted metallogenic events at ~430 Ma (intrusion-related), ~420 Ma (intrusion- and VHMS-related) and a mid Devonian epithermal event. The timing of orogenic-related mineralisation is diachronous across the study area with the majority of orogenic gold systems in the west forming during the Middle Devonian Tabberabberan Orogeny; whereas, similar mineralisation in the northern HET formed during the Early Carboniferous Kanimblan Orogeny
Seasonal and interplanetary magnetic field dependence of the field-aligned currents for both Northern and Southern Hemispheres
No full textThe configuration of the Earth's magnetosphere under various Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) and solar wind conditions alters the global distribution of Field-Aligned Currents (FACs) at the high latitude ionospheres. We use magnetic field data obtained from the Iridium constellation to extend recent studies that infer the dependence of the global FAC configuration on IMF direction and magnitude, hemisphere and season. New results are a reduced IMF By influence on the FAC configuration for the winter hemisphere and a redistribution of FAC to the nightside for winter relative to the summer hemisphere. These effects are linked to the winter ionosphere conductance distribution being dominated by localised nightside enhancement associated with ionisation from energetic particle precipitation. A comparison of an estimated open-closed field line boundary (OCFLB) with the Region 1 FAC locations shows reasonable agreement for summer FAC configurations. However, the OCFLB location is decoupled from the Region 1 FACs in winter, especially for IMF Bz>0
Changing identities and performance of post-compulsory educational providers
No full textThis Special Issue of The Australian Educational Researcher explores how and why new cross-sectoral arrangements in post-compulsory education are reframing the performance and identities of further and higher education in Australia and internationally. This context poses new challenges for educational policymakers and for the practices of the participants and the next generation of students and teachers and lecturers as well as for us as educational researchers. It also provides new opportunities for better positioning educational institutions in what are ad hoc and illformed competitive markets after more than a decade of unparalleled and poorly focussed change. The question the papers in this Issue pose is whether these arrangements involve institutional shifts so that existing paradigms of delivery, pedagogy and assessment are altered in favour of better outcomes for students, staff and their communities. No unequivocal answers are possible yet, but these are key questions for our time