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Showing papers by "Australian Catholic University published in 1995"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a grounded theory approach is used to study a group of first-year students undertaking a 3-year undergraduate nursing course, and the most significant finding was that, over time, reflective processes resulted in the emergence of the client as the central focus of care.
Abstract: Nurse education has long been plagued by a perceived disjuncture between theory and practice. This paper explores the use of reflection as a mechanism to enable students of nursing to overcome this problem. A grounded theory approach is used to study a group of first-year students undertaking a 3-year undergraduate nursing course. Results of the study indicate that the use of the reflective processes of clinical debriefing and journaling does impact on the environment, the process, and the focus of learning. Anxiety associated with the learning environment was reduced through peer support and cooperation. In addition, students moved from a passive to a more active mode of learning. The most significant finding was that, over time, reflective processes resulted in the emergence of the client as the central focus of care.

94 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The RET parenting program included four components: a) reducing emotional stress through disputing irrational beliefs, b) implementing rational discipline methods, c) rational problem solving skills and d) fostering rational thinking traits in their child.
Abstract: The effects of a rational-emotive parent education program were studied on forty-eight parents from a nonclinical population using a pre-test, post-test control group design. The RET parenting program included four components: a) reducing emotional stress through disputing irrational beliefs, b) implementing rational discipline methods, c) rational problem solving skills and d) fostering rational thinking traits in their child. Four dependent variables were studied: parent irrationality, parent emotionality, parent perceptions of child problems and the perception of participants' parenting by their spouses. Results showed that for experimental group subjects there was a statistically significant reduction in parent irrationality, parent guilt and parent anger. An exploratory ten month follow-up suggested maintenance of effects, a reduction in perceived child behavior problems, and changes in parental irrational beliefs regarding self worth.

47 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: There is the suggestion that the bereaved who attend church regularly have less anxiety and depression compared with the irregular or non-church attenders.
Abstract: There is an association between religion and health: those who are religious have healthier life-styles resulting in less physical illness and improved longevity. Some evidence shows that there may be a beneficial association between religion and psychological well-being. With bereavement, some may "turn to God" while others "turn away from God"; this occurrence may be reflected in their church attendance. In a prospective study, families who had experienced death from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, Neonatal Death, or Stillbirth were compared for anxiety, depression, and church attendance with control families who had not experienced such bereavement. A traditionally held belief that religion offers consolation for the grief of bereavement and that the bereaved "turn to God" as reflected in church attendance was not confirmed. There is the suggestion that the bereaved who attend church regularly have less anxiety and depression compared with the irregular or non-church attenders.

45 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The development of a personal and moral/ethical stance (in relation to euthanasia) was shown to be an evolving process embedded in a caring philosophy and emphasizing the contextual nature of providing appropriate care.
Abstract: A major impetus for this study was recent literature that assumed that nurses' definitions of euthanasia and consequent opinions on decision making are unproblematic. The purpose of this study was to identify nurses' definitions of and attitudes towards euthanasia. Ten semi-structured interviews were conducted with nurses working in a variety of clinical practice settings. The majority of nurses could distinguish between active and passive euthanasia, but it was only in terms of active euthanasia that the debate was seen as significant. It was considered that the term passive euthanasia, particularly in relation to withdrawal of treatment, has served to confuse the real debate centring around active euthanasia. Only two participants were in favour of active euthanasia, but emphasized the need for 'a community of shared responsibility' in decision making. The major finding of the study was the commitment of all participants to caring for and ensuring the comfort of the dying patient. The concepts of ordinary and extraordinary forms of treatment and heroic measures were seen as worthy of debate in the context of dying with dignity rather than of euthanasia. There was an associated aversion to inappropriate heroic measures, which were perceived as prolonging death and interfering with 'dying with dignity'. The development of a personal and moral/ethical stance (in relation to euthanasia) was shown to be an evolving process embedded in a caring philosophy and emphasizing the contextual nature of providing appropriate care.

33 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, it is argued that mathematics teaching often leads to abstract-apart ideas and abstract-general ideas are essential for the successful solution of problems which require links between levels of abstraction; these problems are relatively difficult.
Abstract: Everyday usage of the term “abstract” has been shown to lead to a conflict in which abstract mathematics is seen to be both easier and more difficult than concrete mathematics. A literature review undertaken to identify the source of this conflict has revealed that the term “abstraction” may be used to denote either a process or a product. Two meanings of “abstract” are also identified. The first meaning, calledabstract- apart, refers to ideas which are removed from reality; the second meaning, calledabstract- general, refers to ideas which are general to a wide variety of contexts. It is argued in this paper that, whereas mathematics isabstract- general, mathematics teaching often leads toabstract- apart ideas. The initial conflict has been resolved by noting that abstract-apart ideas are adequate when a mathematical problem can be solved within a single level of abstraction; such problems are relatively easy. On the other hand, abstract-general ideas are essential for the successful solution of problems which require links between levels of abstraction; these problems are relatively difficult. The concepts of abstract-general and abstract-apart have then been applied to re-interpret two research studies (on letters in algebra and rates of change). It is suggested that greater interest in abstraction as a process would be beneficial to both the theory and practice of mathematics education.

33 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The authors explored contemporary debates around the discovery of the new underclass and pointed out that "the discovery" of a new "juvenile underclass" draws on two long-standing discursive traditions which centre on "the adolescent" and "the poor".
Abstract: This article critically explores contemporary debates around the discovery of the 'new underclass'. Debates about poverty, employment and inequity, however, ought to raise a number of important questions. One question relates to the status of the observations made and apparent factual nature of the 'discovery' of 'the underclass' by empirical research. Another question underclass talk should raise, but rarely does, is the relationship between state power and those living in poverty, or what Foucault referred to as the 'diffusion of the agencies of governance'. This article suggests that 'the discovery' of a new 'juvenile underclass' draws on two long-standing discursive traditions which centre on 'the adolescent' and 'the poor'. Equally 'left' and 'right' deployments of the underclass theme suggest both a lack of reflexivity and a greater reliance on assumptions and interests characteristic of the left and right rather than any particular respect for what may actually be 'out there'. Theoretical reflexivi...

25 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a study of links between school environment and science classroom environment was described, which indicated weak relationships between school and classroom environments and reinforced the view that characteristics of the school environment are not transmitted automatically into science classrooms.
Abstract: This article describes a study of links between school environment and science classroom environment. Instruments to assess seven dimensions of school environment (viz., Empowerment, Student Support, Affiliation, Professional Interest, Mission Consensus, Resource Adequacy and Work Pressure) and seven dimensions of classroom environment (viz., Student Affiliation, Interactions, Cooperation, Task Orientation, Order & Organisation, Individualisati n and Teacher Control) in secondary school science classrooms were developed and validated. The study involved a sample of 1,318 students in 64 year 9 and year 12 science classes and 128 teachers of science in Australian secondary schools. Using the class mean as the unit of analysis for student data, associations between school and classroom environment were investigated using simple, multiple and canonical correlational analyses. In general, results indicated weak relationships between school and classroom environments and they reinforced the view that characteristics of the school environment are not transmitted automatically into science classrooms.

19 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the first three chapters focus upon a theoretical overview of the children's experience of bereavement and follows with application of this in providing a framework for assessment of a child who has undergone a bereavement, distinguishing between 'normal' and 'disabling' grief.
Abstract: This excellent book appears to have been neglected in the sparse reflects the reluctance of many adults literature of children and bereavement. Perhaps this, even professional workers, to deal with the issues of death and hence assist children to do so. Boyd Webb's book is useful for academics practitioners and parents and is written in a style that makes it meaningful for the different perspectives the reader may take. The book is so designed that the first three chapters focus upon a theoretical overview of the children's experience of bereavement and follows with application of this in providing a framework for assessment of a child who has undergone a bereavement, distinguishing between 'normal' and 'disabling' grief. The remaining two-thirds of the book, which is written by Boyd Webb and other contributors, provides a well balanced integration of theory, and illustrates this by case studies.

13 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Students reflected on the image of nurse as tour guide and discovered theory being lived out in practice, new ways of understanding the role of the nurse, appreciation for the individual approach in nursing, and a new confidence in sharing and creating.
Abstract: This article responds to the call by Heinrich (1992) to harness the power of metaphor to reenergize nursing classrooms. An overview of the power of metaphor is provided, as well as a description of a learning activity that prompted students to think metaphorically about a nursing experience. Students reflected on the image of nurse as tour guide and discovered theory being lived out in practice, new ways of understanding the role of the nurse, appreciation for the individual approach in nursing, and a new confidence in sharing and creating.

11 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The authors investigated individual differences in the construction of mental models of recursion in Logo programming and found that differences in individuals' cognitive profiles would be reflected in differences in their computer programming problem solving behavior.
Abstract: This article describes a study which investigated individual differences in the construction of mental models of recursion in Logo programming. It was hypothesized that differences in individuals' cognitive profiles would be reflected in differences in their computer programming problem solving behavior. The learning process was investigated from the perspective of Norman's mental models theory and employed diSessa's ontology regarding distributed, functional, and surrogate mental models. Analysis of the processes underlying mental model construction and of individual differences in these processes was based on the Luria model of brain function with particular regard to the relative contribution of simultaneous and successive cognitive processing abilities to conscious mental activity. Results generally confirmed predictions regarding the involvement of these abilities in the manifestation of individual differences in the stages of conscious mental activity contributing to the progressive development of m...

10 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explore some of the biological explanations of "juvenile anti-social behaviour" against a backdrop of increasing popular concern about teenage street "gangs", student violence in schools, high levels of youth joblessness and its perceived relationship to crime, substance abuse, suicide and homelessness.
Abstract: Against a backdrop of increasing popular concern about teenage street ‘gangs’, student violence in schools, high levels of youth joblessness and its perceived relationship to crime, substance abuse, suicide and homelessness, this article explores some of the biological explanations of ‘juvenile anti-social behaviour’. One of the many spheres in which eugenics has been influential is education, particularly in its application of psychology, intelligence testing and similar mechanisms for ensuring citizenship and the self-governance of young people. The article contextualises and critically analyses some of the current debates about education and young people within a critical historical analysis of eugenics.


01 Jan 1995
TL;DR: The aim of the study was to determine the perceptions of students entering nursing at the bachelors level, of their actual and desirable knowledge about computers and their applications relevant to nursing and health care.
Abstract: The aim of the study was to determine the perceptions of students entering nursing at the bachelors level, of their actual and desirable knowledge about computers and their applications relevant to nursing and health care. Within the health care system the use of computerized systems is increasing rapidly. In Australia, the NSW Health Department's Information Management Resource Consortium pilot project--to introduce the First Data Hospital Information System into NSW public hospitals--is a significant example of this trend. While the importance of computerized systems is fairly well recognized for the areas of management and research, they are becoming increasingly significant in the delivery of clinical care and quality assurance. It is important that nurses during their undergraduate education develop the computer literacy and awareness that will allow them access to the both the information and its management. To achieve this effectively it is essential to determine both the entry knowledge of students and what skills and knowledge are essential and desirable for their future roles as nurses. The research undertaken replicated an American study [2] and used their validated questionnaire. Both pre-registration(n=20) and post-registration (n=24) undergraduate students responded to a 21 item questionnaire. The issues addressed related to computer literacy, usage, and knowledge of clinical applications. Both groups desired more "hands on" experience and knowledge in the nurse's role in developing applications and using computers to help care for patients. These results were consistent with the Parks et. al. study. The significance of comparing actual and desirable levels of computer knowledge and awareness is in assisting educators to shape curriculum and course content to more effectively meet the educational needs of these groups in terms of Health Informatics.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the provenance of quinze homelies in Epistulam ad Philippenses (CPG 4432) de Jean Chrysostome is investigated.
Abstract: L'intention des deux auteurs est de rediscuter la question, deja largement debattue par les chercheurs, de la provenance des quinze homelies In Epistulam ad Philippenses (CPG 4432) de Jean Chrysostome. Ils presentent la problematique de cette serie et evaluent son homogeneite. Il semble qu'on ne puisse precisement savoir ou furent prononcees ces homelies (Antioche ou Constantinople?). On peut affirmer que les homelies 6 et 7 ont ete prononcees devant la meme audience et si la relation entre les homelies 1 et 9 peut etre etablie, on ne peut connaitre la localisation avec certitude, mais simplement conjecturer qu'elles appartiennent a la periode antiochenne

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, children aged between 4 years and 6 months and 11 years and 10 months were individually administered a series of spatial Tasks involving the conceptualisation and manipulation of an unfamiliar plane shape and an analysis of the children's performance revealed that both initial perception of a shape and approach to task solution strongly influence children's success at shape recognition.
Abstract: Children aged between 4 years and 6 months and 11 years and 10 months were individually administered a series of spatial Tasks involving the conceptualisation and manipulation of an unfamiliar plane shape. An analysis of the children's performance revealed that both initial perception of a shape and approach to task solution strongly influence children's success at shape recognition. The findings also suggest that both visual perception limitations, together with an unwillingness to experiment visually and physically, lead to shape recognition difficulties.

Book ChapterDOI
23 Mar 1995
TL;DR: The degree to which the ‘psychological’ dimension of the computer leads it to function as a’ social’ entity within the classroom participating at a number of levels, beyond the deliberate intentions of the teacher, in the social and cognitive relationships and interactions which mediate learning is examined.
Abstract: Computers play a multiplicity of roles in today’s classrooms. Some of these are rightly perceived as a matter of choice, relating clearly to prevailing educational aims and philosophies, to the intentions of the teacher and to the manner in which these can be realized through the resources available. Others, however, appear to be an inevitable consequence of certain characteristics of our broader conceptions and experiences of computing technology. This paper examines the degree to which the ‘psychological’ dimension of the computer leads it to function as a’ social’ entity within the classroom participating at a number of levels, beyond the deliberate intentions of the teacher, in the social and cognitive relationships and interactions which mediate learning. The contribution of the human/computer metaphors associated with traditional research in artificial intelligence is considered in combination with some of the implications of the use of language in human computer interfaces.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This paper showed that children acquire language as part of cultural activities, and when cultural activities are different language development is different, which is different from the way it is learnt in children with identical twins.
Abstract: Children acquire language as part of cultural activities. When cultural activities are different language development is different. One example of this is language development by twins, which is un...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A more comprehensive picture of that period and an account of the history of 'youth' needs to be inclusive of the experiences of young people in the 1960s and early 1970s associated with groups of sharpies, the mods, rockers and skinheads.
Abstract: Rockers were frequently observed 'hanging out' in a 'threatening manner' on the week-ends around the local picture theatres, milk bars, town halls and street corners. A more comprehensive picture of that period and an account of the history of 'youth' needs to be inclusive of the experiences of young people in the 1960s and early 1970s associated with groups of sharpies, the mods, rockers and skinheads. Young Australians with alternative social visions were attracted to the counter-culture. Social movements contest to establish identities that have a capacity for action in opposition to the dominant forms of identities - shaping forces. Touraine and Melucci see such collective energies as directed towards the creation of innovative cultural forms, ways of living and struggles over control in shaping public life and cultural patterns of meaning. The lives of many young people, particularly the males were regularly organised around group fights and public displays of bravado.



Journal ArticleDOI
01 Jan 1995
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors summarise teacher graduate feedback on the transfer of teacher training competencies and experiences to non-teaching career options, rating the competencies acquired during teacher training by their usefulness in obtaining alternate employment, communication, ability to work independently, and training of others.
Abstract: This paper summarises teacher graduate feedback on the transfer of teacher‐training competencies and experiences to non‐teaching career options. The responses of 62 graduates (23 primary, 39 secondary) on their career choice History indicated that while many entered teaching with only low or moderate commitment, this rose rapidly during the first year of their programme and it was maintained through to completion of their programme and after completion, despite a lack of employment opportunities. In rating the competencies acquired during teacher training by their usefulness in obtaining alternate employment, communication, ability to work independently, and training of others were ranked highest, while computer skills, LOTE, stress resistance and crisis management were ranked lowest. However, of the 22 competencies listed, 21 were rated as at least moderately useful. Career‐options‐information feedback strongly supported expanded career counselling and gave suggestions for forms which this might...


Journal Article
TL;DR: If there is a pattern to the search for meaning in life in Gwen Harwood's poetry, it is to be found in the life cycle of birth, growth, marriage, motherhood, ageing and death as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: If there is a pattern to the search for meaning in life in Gwen Harwood's poetry, it is to be found in the life cycle of birth, growth, marriage, motherhood, ageing and death - her response to such events in her own life pervade much of her work.